You may have heard of “on-page SEO” and “off-page SEO”, but it is important to know how to do it. What is the difference between them and why are both SEO strategies important?
In this blog, we will compare the details between on-page SEO and off-page SEO, and understand how SEO works.
What is SEO?
SEO or Search Engine Optimization is a long term process used to improve the ranking of websites in search engines like Google, Bing, etc. There are two major types of SEO:
- On-page SEO
- Off-page SEO
Both have different strategies but the goal is the same – to bring your website to the top of search results and show your website to as many users as possible.
What is on-page SEO?
On-page SEO refers to all the techniques you apply to your website, such as:
- Content optimization
- Keyword usage
- Meta tags (title, description)
- Header tags (H1, H2, etc.)
- Internal linking
- Image alt text
- URL structure
- Mobile-friendliness
- Page speed optimization
Example:
If you are writing a blog on the topic “How to create a Google My Business profile”, then you need to make sure that:
The keyword “How to create a Google My Business profile” is in the title, meta description, content, alt tag, and headings
On-page SEO benefits:
- Better content readability
- Higher search visibility
- User-friendly structure
- Faster loading speed
What is off-page SEO?
Off-page SEO refers to actions that are performed outside the website and on another website but have an impact on the ranking of the website. It mainly includes:
- Backlinks (link building)
- Social media management
- Brand mentions
- Guest blogging
- Influencer outreach
- Online reviews
Example:
If another website references your blog post or website or gives you a backlink, it signals to Google that your content is trustworthy.
Benefits of off-page SEO:
- Increases domain authority
- Increases trust and credibility
- Increases organic traffic
- Higher search rankings possible
On-Page vs Off-Page SEO: Main Differences
- On-page SEO: Things inside the website need to be optimized (like content, images, tags).
- Off-page SEO: Activities outside the website (like backlinks, social media sharing).
- On-page SEO: This is completely under your control.
- Off-page SEO: This relies on other people’s actions (like someone linking to your site).
- On-page SEO: Meta tags, keywords, heading tags (H1, H2), image alt text, URL structure.
- Off-page SEO: Building backlinks, guest posting, social media shares, online mentions.
- On-page SEO tools: Yoast SEO, Google PageSpeed Insights, Screaming Frog.
- Off-page SEO tools: Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz, BuzzSumo.
Which of the two is more important?
This question comes to every beginner’s mind:
“Should I do on-page SEO first or off-page SEO?”
The answer is: both are important. But on-page SEO is like a foundation. If your content is not optimized, backlinks won’t be as useful.
Ideal SEO Strategy:
- First do on-page SEO properly
- Create high-quality content
- Next apply off-page SEO techniques like guest posts and backlinks
On-page SEO best practices
- Write a unique meta title and description for each page
- Use primary keyword in first 100 words
- Use primary keyword in H1 > H2 > H3
- Compress images and add alt text
- Make the website mobile responsive and fast
Off-page SEO best practices
- Get backlinks from high-authority websites
- Collaborate with influencers in your niche
- Participate in forums like Quora and Reddit
- Promote content on social media
- Optimize Google business profile
Keyword Optimization Tips (for SEO friendly blog)
If you are writing a blog or article, keep these keyword optimization tips in mind:
- Primary keyword: “On-page vs. off-page SEO”
- Keyword density: around 2.5% – 3%
- Use keywords:
- In the title
- In the first paragraph
- In headings (H2/H3)
- In the image alt text
- In the URL and meta description
Conclusion: On-page and off-page SEO – both are needed
If you want your website to appear on the first page of Google, then it is necessary to do both on-page SEO and off-page SEO. Both of them play their own role and both are very important for ranking.
To-do List:
- First optimize your website through on-page SEO
- Write high-quality content that provides value
- Build backlinks and mentions for off-page SEO
- SEO is a long-term game. Be patient and consistent, you will definitely get results.
Helpful Blogs:
What is Digital Marketing? Types and Important
How to Rank Google My Business (GMB) for Local SEO
Keywords: SEO for beginners | On-Page SEO techniques | Off-Page SEO strategies | Difference between On-Page and Off-Page SEO | SEO guide 2025
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