Websites and SEO

Website SEO checklist: the settings that help you rank on Google

A practical website SEO checklist: page titles, meta descriptions, social images, canonical links, XML sitemap, redirects, schema markup and content.

By Oceanic Funnels TeamUpdated 8 min read
The short answer

The on-site SEO basics are: a unique title and meta description on every page, one clear H1, a social sharing image, canonical links to avoid duplicates, an XML sitemap submitted to Google Search Console, 301 redirects for old URLs, schema markup that describes your business, fast mobile pages, and helpful content that answers real questions. In Oceanic Funnels OS, page SEO lives under each page's Settings → SEO Meta Data, the sitemap and robots.txt under Settings → Domains, and redirects under Settings → URL Redirects.

1. Titles and meta descriptions

Every page needs a unique title (around 50 to 60 characters) with the main phrase people search, and a meta description (around 150 to 160 characters) that makes them want to click. In the page or funnel step editor, open Settings → SEO Meta Data.

2. One clear H1 and helpful headings

Use one H1 per page that matches the search intent, then H2s for each section. Write headings people would actually search, like "How much does a roof inspection cost?"

3. Social image

Add a Social Image (1200 × 630 pixels) in the same SEO Meta Data panel, so links shared on Facebook, LinkedIn and WhatsApp look professional.

5. XML sitemap and robots.txt

Generate your XML Sitemap and manage robots.txt under Settings → Domains, from the Manage menu next to your domain. Then submit the sitemap in Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.

6. Redirects

When you change a URL or move from an old website, add 301 redirects under Settings → URL Redirects so you keep the rankings and links the old pages earned.

7. Schema markup

Schema markup tells search engines and AI assistants exactly what your business is: name, address, services, reviews, FAQs. The website builder includes a Schema Markup option under SEO & AEO Optimization, with manual and AI-assisted modes.

8. Speed and mobile

  • Compress images before uploading.
  • Avoid heavy scripts and too many third-party widgets.
  • Check every page on a phone.

9. Content that answers questions

Settings get you eligible to rank; content is what ranks. Create a page for each service and location you serve, and a blog that answers your customers' questions. Answer the question in the first paragraph, which helps with Google's AI answers and assistants like ChatGPT.

10. Off-site signals

  • A complete Google Business Profile.
  • Consistent business details across directories (see business listings).
  • A steady flow of Google reviews.
  • Links from local partners, associations and press.
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FAQ

Questions, answered

How long does SEO take?

It varies, but new pages and new domains commonly take a few months to rank for competitive terms. Long, specific searches usually rank sooner.

Do I need to submit my sitemap?

Google can find pages on its own, but submitting your XML sitemap in Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools helps new pages get discovered faster.

What is AEO?

Answer engine optimisation means structuring content so AI assistants and Google's AI answers can quote it: direct answers, clear headings, FAQs and schema markup.