On Page SEO Errors That Kill Rankings (Avoid These!)

Is your site buried on page two or three of Google, even though you’ve spent hours optimizing content? Have you followed SEO best practices but still can’t seem to climb the rankings? Or maybe your traffic has suddenly dropped—and you’re not sure why? These are signs you might be making common on page seo mistakes without even realizing it.

On page seo is more than just plugging in a few keywords or tweaking your titles. It’s about creating a strong foundation that helps search engines and users clearly understand your content. But when that foundation has cracks—like weak internal linking, poor mobile optimization, or outdated meta tags—your rankings take the hit.

This article is going to walk you through the most damaging on page seo errors that quietly sabotage your visibility. We’ll unpack what these mistakes look like, why they matter, and how to fix them. If you’re serious about getting your pages to rank—and stay there—you’ll want to avoid every single one of these pitfalls. Let’s dig in.

1. Ignoring Search Intent in Content Creation

One of the biggest killers of on page seo performance is not aligning your content with what users actually want. Even if your content is perfectly optimized from a technical standpoint, it won’t rank—or convert—if it doesn’t satisfy search intent.

Misunderstanding What Users Actually Want

It’s easy to get wrapped up in keyword tools and forget to ask the most important question: What is the user really looking for when they search this? Just because someone types in “best running shoes” doesn’t mean they want a blog post. They’re probably looking for a product roundup or comparison page. On the flip side, if someone searches “how to tie running shoes for long distance,” they’re clearly looking for step-by-step help—not a product page.

If your content misses the mark, Google knows. High bounce rates, short dwell time, and low click-through rates are all signs that your page doesn’t satisfy the intent behind the search. That’s why it’s critical to put yourself in the user’s shoes and reverse-engineer what kind of content would actually help them.

Creating Informational Content for Transactional Queries

This is one of the most common missteps I see, especially on business blogs. You’re targeting a keyword that has clear purchase intent, but instead of leading with a product page or sales-driven content, you publish an informational article. For example, targeting “buy ergonomic office chair” with a blog post titled “10 Benefits of Ergonomic Chairs” is a wasted opportunity.

Google prioritizes transactional pages for transactional queries. That means category pages, product listings, comparison charts, and reviews should take center stage. If your content doesn’t match the user’s goal—whether that’s to buy, learn, or compare—your rankings will struggle no matter how well-optimized the page is.

Failing to Update Pages as Intent Evolves Over Time

Search intent isn’t set in stone. It can shift as trends, user behaviors, or even Google’s algorithms change. For example, a keyword like “best marketing tools” might have shown list-style blog posts a few years ago, but now might prioritize comparison tables, video reviews, or interactive tools.

If you published a high-ranking page years ago and haven’t updated it, you could be slowly slipping in the rankings without realizing the intent behind that keyword has evolved. That’s why regular content audits are key. Revisit your top-performing pages, analyze what’s currently ranking, and ask yourself: Does this page still serve what the user is actually looking for right now?

Adapting your content to shifting intent keeps it competitive and ensures you’re not unintentionally losing rankings to newer, more relevant results.

2. Weak or Misused Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

Your title tag and meta description are the first impression your site makes in the search results. They don’t just influence clicks—they influence whether your page gets noticed at all. And yet, many sites either ignore them, duplicate them, or over-optimize them to the point of being ineffective.

If your titles and meta descriptions aren’t crafted with care, your on page seo will suffer, no matter how solid the content behind the scenes might be.

Using Duplicate or Generic Title Tags Across Pages

You’d be surprised how often I see the same title tag used across multiple pages. Or worse—titles that just say “Home,” “Blog,” or “Product Page.” It’s like naming every chapter in a book “Chapter One.”

Why it happens:

• CMS platforms generate default titles
• Pages are created in bulk without custom titles
• Teams overlook title tags when publishing content quickly

Why it’s a problem:

• Google sees duplicate titles as low-effort or spammy
• It becomes harder to differentiate pages in search
• You lose the chance to target unique keywords and user needs

How to fix it:

• Write unique title tags for every page, even similar ones
• Include the main keyword naturally, but don’t make it robotic
• Make each title reflect the unique value of the page

Example:

Instead of:

“Blog – Marketing Tips” (used on 5 pages)

Try:

“Proven B2B Marketing Tips to Grow Your Lead Pipeline”
“Top Email Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses”

Each title speaks directly to a different user goal and improves your click-through potential.

Keyword-Stuffing Instead of Writing for Clicks

It’s tempting to cram your focus keyword into the title three times because you think it will help your rankings. But Google’s smarter than that. And so are your readers.

What keyword-stuffed titles look like:

• “SEO Tips for SEO to Improve SEO on Your SEO Site”
• “Best Shoes Shoes Shoes for Men – Buy Shoes Now”

Why it backfires:

• Google can flag it as spammy or manipulative
• Users won’t click on titles that sound unnatural or desperate
• Your rankings might drop due to poor engagement metrics

What to do instead:

• Use the focus keyword once, near the beginning if possible
• Craft a compelling message around it—think benefits or outcomes
• Add emotional or curiosity-driven triggers if it fits your brand

Better example:

Instead of:
“SEO Tools SEO Tools Free SEO Tools”

Try:
“Top Free SEO Tools That Actually Deliver Results”

It’s clear, helpful, and still optimized.

Leaving Meta Descriptions Blank or Auto-Generated

Meta descriptions don’t directly affect rankings, but they absolutely affect clicks, which indirectly influence your on page seo. Ignoring them—or letting Google auto-fill them—means you’re missing out on a big opportunity to pitch your page.

Common issues:

• CMS doesn’t prompt for a meta description
• The default is whatever text shows up first on the page
• Teams forget to go back and optimize after publishing

What happens when you skip them:

• Google might show unrelated content as your preview
• Your page looks unfinished or unclear in search results
• You lose the chance to control the narrative

How to write better meta descriptions:

• Keep it under 160 characters so it doesn’t get cut off
• Include your focus keyword naturally
• Use action-driven language to entice clicks
• Summarize the benefit of clicking your page

Example:

“Struggling with low traffic? Discover actionable on page seo tips to boost visibility and bring in more visitors today.”

That tells users exactly what to expect—and why they should care.

3. Poor Internal Linking That Confuses Crawlers

Internal linking is one of the most underrated aspects of on page seo. When done well, it helps both search engines and users easily navigate your site. When done poorly, it creates confusion, weakens crawlability, and causes pages to get buried—or completely missed.

Let’s break down the three most common internal linking mistakes and how to fix them.

No Strategic Anchor Text or Link Structure

Here’s the thing—just dropping links into your content isn’t enough. Without a thoughtful structure and meaningful anchor text, those links lose their value.

What goes wrong:

• Using vague anchors like “click here” or “read more”
• Linking to unrelated pages that interrupt user flow
• Not using keyword-rich, relevant phrases for links

Why it hurts your SEO:

Google uses anchor text to understand the relationship between pages. If your links aren’t descriptive or relevant, it’s like giving directions without street names. You’re not helping search engines or users figure out where the page leads—or why it matters.

How to fix it:

• Choose anchor text that reflects the linked page’s topic naturally
• Use variations of your target keyword instead of exact-match every time
• Link from high-authority pages to newer or weaker content to pass equity

Example:

Instead of saying:
“Check out our article here,”
Say:
“Explore our in-depth guide on keyword research strategies.”

This gives Google and your reader a much clearer sense of what’s behind the link—and why they should care.

Orphan Pages That Don’t Link or Get Linked To

Orphan pages are standalone pages that have no internal links pointing to them—and often don’t link out either. Think of them as content islands, disconnected from your site’s ecosystem.

Why this happens:

• You published a landing page but didn’t add it to your nav or internal content
• Blog posts aren’t being linked from category or hub pages
• You created new content but never connected it to existing topics

Why it’s a problem:

• Crawlers struggle to find and index orphan pages
• These pages don’t get page authority passed from other content
• They rarely get traffic because no one can find them organically

How to identify and resolve orphan pages:

• Use SEO tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to crawl your site and spot orphan pages
• Regularly audit your sitemap and navigation structure
• Make sure every new page is linked to from at least one high-traffic or relevant page

Pro tip: Whenever you publish new content, ask yourself: Where does this fit in my site’s bigger story? Then go back and link to it from related articles. Don’t let your content get lost in the void.

Overloading Pages With Irrelevant Internal Links

While it’s tempting to sprinkle internal links everywhere, more isn’t always better—especially when those links feel forced or irrelevant.

What overlinking looks like:

• Linking multiple times to the same page in one article
• Inserting links that distract from the core topic
• Linking just for the sake of SEO, not the user experience

Why it backfires:

• Too many links can dilute SEO value and confuse users
• Google may see it as manipulative or spammy
• Readers are less likely to engage when links feel unnatural

How to stay balanced:

• Stick to 2–5 internal links per 1,000 words, based on content depth
• Prioritize quality over quantity—only link when it genuinely helps the reader
• Use links to guide readers through a logical journey on your site

What to aim for: Imagine your site is a choose-your-own-adventure story. Each internal link should lead the reader deeper, helping them learn more or take the next step—not distracting them with random detours.

4. Inconsistent Heading Structure and Hierarchy

Your headings aren’t just for visual appeal—they create a roadmap for search engines and users. If your headings are misused, disorganized, or inconsistent, it weakens your on page seo and creates a poor experience for both crawlers and readers.

Here’s where things tend to go wrong—and how to get it right.

Skipping H1 Tags or Using Multiple H1s

The H1 tag is like the title of a book. You only need one, and it should tell readers (and Google) exactly what the page is about.

Common mistakes:

• Using multiple H1 tags on a single page
• Styling text to look like a header without tagging it properly
• Leaving out an H1 tag altogether

Why it matters for SEO:

• Google relies on the H1 to understand page context
• Multiple H1s can confuse crawlers and dilute page focus
• Skipping the H1 makes it harder to rank for your main topic

How to fix it:

• Always use one clear, relevant H1 per page
• Make sure it includes your primary keyword naturally
• Avoid using H1s just for style—use CSS to style without misusing tags

Example: Correct H1: “The Ultimate Guide to On Page SEO in 2024”
Not-so-great H1s: “Home”, “Welcome”, or using several H1s for subtopics

Random or Unclear H2/H3 Usage That Hurts Readability

Think of your H2s and H3s as the chapters and subchapters of your page. They break content into digestible chunks and make it easier to scan.

Where things fall apart:

• Using H3s before H2s
• Skipping heading levels (e.g., jumping from H1 to H4)
• Mixing structural and styling purposes (e.g., bolding text instead of using headings)

Why it hurts your SEO and UX:

• Search engines struggle to understand your content hierarchy
• Readers get lost and leave before they find what they need
• Accessibility tools like screen readers rely on proper heading flow

How to keep it clean:

• Follow this basic structure: H1 → H2 → H3 (never out of order)
• Use H2s for major topics and H3s for details under each H2
• Keep headings concise and clear—treat them like signposts

Pro tip: Scan your own page like a reader. If you removed all visuals and just read the headings, would it still make sense?

Stuffing Keywords Into Headings Without Context

Yes, headings are a great place to include your focus keyword—but jamming it in everywhere without reason? That’s a fast track to weak content.

What keyword stuffing looks like:

• Every H2 includes “on page seo” even when it doesn’t make sense
• Awkward phrasing just to squeeze in a variation
• Prioritizing keywords over clarity or user intent

Why it kills your rankings:

• Google can detect unnatural keyword usage
• It disrupts the flow and hurts readability
• You’re writing for bots, not humans—which never ends well

How to strike the right balance:

• Use your keyword where it fits naturally
• Focus on clarity and helpfulness first—SEO second
• Add variations or related phrases if it improves meaning

Instead of this:
H2: On Page SEO for On Page SEO Success With On Page SEO Tips

Try this:
H2: Proven Ways to Boost Your On Page SEO Effectively

See the difference? One is robotic. The other is readable and optimized.

5. Over-Optimized Content That Feels Robotic

It’s easy to fall into the trap of over-optimizing your content. You want to make sure it ranks, so you start adding the keyword everywhere, calculating exact densities, and structuring every sentence like it was written for a machine.

But here’s the thing—on page seo works best when your content feels natural. When you write for people first and search engines second, your message becomes stronger, your bounce rate drops, and your rankings rise organically.

Let’s talk about what robotic content looks like and how to humanize it—without losing SEO value.

Repeating Focus Keywords Unnaturally

We’ve all read pages that sound like this:

“If you want to improve your on page seo, you need an on page seo strategy that covers all on page seo elements of on page seo.”

It’s repetitive, awkward, and kind of exhausting.

Why it happens:

• Writers follow outdated advice about keyword frequency
• SEO plugins suggest hitting a certain percentage
• There’s pressure to rank—so you overdo it

Why it fails:

• Google now penalizes keyword stuffing
• Readers bounce quickly when content sounds forced
• It dilutes your message and weakens trust

How to fix it:

• Use the primary keyword once every 100–150 words (naturally)
• Sprinkle in related terms or synonyms to support context
• Focus on solving the user’s problem—not repeating a phrase

Example:

Instead of:
“This on page seo guide will help your on page seo improve dramatically.”

Try:
“Want better rankings? This guide breaks down the most important elements that drive SEO success from the inside out.”

Same intent, but way more readable.

Sacrificing Readability for “Perfect” Keyword Density

There’s no magic density that guarantees rankings. Yet I still see people reworking perfectly good sentences just to hit a 2% keyword target. That mindset hurts your content far more than it helps.

Red flags that you’re doing this:

• Sentences that feel robotic or choppy
• Paragraphs that repeat the same phrase without variation
• Content that’s technically optimized but hard to read

Better approach:

• Write your content naturally first
• Add the keyword where it fits during your editing pass
• Aim for flow, clarity, and usefulness—not a number

Helpful tip: Read your content out loud. If it sounds weird or repetitive, your audience will feel the same way. That’s a clear sign you’ve gone too far with optimization.

Writing for Bots Instead of Real People

There’s a difference between optimized and over-engineered. When you’re writing for search engines, it’s easy to forget the human being behind the screen—the person who clicked on your link because they had a question, a need, or a goal.

What writing for bots looks like:

• Overuse of structured lists with no narrative flow
• Bullet points packed with keywords but no depth
• Lacking any personality, examples, or real voice

How to bring your content back to life:

• Speak to one person—like you’re helping a friend
• Share quick stories, analogies, or examples
• Focus on clarity, not complexity
• Don’t be afraid to use contractions, questions, or conversational phrasing

Let’s try this:

Instead of:
“Implementing on page seo techniques can improve SEO metrics, such as bounce rate, time on site, and organic traffic.”

Try:
“Want people to stick around on your site longer? With a few simple on page seo tweaks, you’ll start seeing real improvements in how users engage with your content.”

That shift alone makes your content more approachable and effective.

6. Missing or Misusing Alt Text on Images

Let’s be honest—alt text often gets ignored. It’s one of those things we know is important, but in the rush to publish, it slips through the cracks. The truth is, missing or misusing alt text can quietly hurt your on page seo, especially if your content is image-heavy or relies on visuals to tell the story.

Alt text (or “alternative text”) isn’t just about accessibility—it plays a meaningful role in helping search engines understand your visuals. When you miss the mark here, you’re missing out on visibility, especially in image search results.

Leaving Alt Tags Empty or Generic

This is probably the most common mistake I come across. You upload an image, skip the alt tag, and move on. Or worse, you use vague descriptions like “image123” or “photo1.” It’s easy to overlook, but those small details add up.

Why it’s a problem:

• Search engines rely on alt text to “see” images—they can’t interpret visuals on their own
• When alt text is blank or meaningless, your content becomes less accessible to screen readers
• You lose out on the chance to rank in Google Images, which drives tons of traffic in many niches

What you should do instead:

• Write alt text that clearly describes what’s in the image
• Be concise, specific, and helpful
• Make sure the alt text adds value, not just filler

Examples:

❌ Bad: alt=”image”
❌ Bad: alt=”screenshot”
✅ Good: alt=”screenshot of Google Analytics dashboard showing traffic growth”
✅ Good: alt=”woman working on laptop in a co-working space”

This small shift gives your images context and improves your SEO without extra effort.

Keyword-Stuffing in Alt Text With No Relevance

Now let’s swing to the other extreme—trying to cram your focus keyword into every single image alt tag, even if it doesn’t make sense. If you’re doing that, you’re not optimizing; you’re cluttering.

What this looks like:

• Repeating your target keyword in every image tag, even unrelated ones
• Adding irrelevant keywords just to hit a quota
• Using alt text that’s awkward or misleading

Why it backfires:

• Google may see this as spammy or manipulative
• It creates a poor experience for screen reader users
• It adds zero value to your content

What to do instead:

• Use your focus keyword if it genuinely describes the image
• Otherwise, describe the image naturally and accurately
• Mix in related terms or helpful context if relevant

Better practice:

If you’re writing about “on page seo” and showing a diagram of internal linking, an appropriate alt tag might be:
“internal linking structure diagram for SEO optimization”

That’s helpful, descriptive, and naturally supports your content.

Not Using Descriptive, Accessible Image Labels

Alt text is part of a bigger picture—accessibility. For people using screen readers or those with visual impairments, descriptive alt tags help them understand the content you’ve created. And for Google, it signals that your site is user-focused and high-quality.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Describe what the image shows and why it’s relevant
• Keep it short but meaningful (under 125 characters is a good rule)
• Don’t repeat text already nearby in captions or headers

Helpful guidelines:

• Decorative images (like dividers or icons) can use alt=”” to skip them
• Informational images should be described in a way that makes sense even if the user can’t see them
• Include data or labels if the image is a chart, graph, or table

Pro tip: Use tools like Google Lighthouse to check your site’s accessibility. They’ll flag missing or misused alt attributes so you can fix them quickly.

7. Slow Page Speed That Destroys UX and Rankings

We’ve all been there—click a link, wait a few seconds, then bounce when the page doesn’t load fast enough. Now imagine how Google feels. If your site loads slowly, it not only frustrates visitors—it sends ranking signals that your site isn’t offering a good experience.

Page speed is one of those silent killers in on page seo. You might not realize it’s hurting your performance until you check your bounce rate, crawl stats, or Google Search Console reports.

Let’s explore where things go wrong and how you can clean them up.

Not Compressing Images or Using Modern Formats

Large images are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to slow-loading pages. And the worst part? It’s totally preventable.

What slows you down:

• Uploading full-resolution images straight from your phone or design tool
• Using outdated file formats like BMP or TIFF
• Skipping compression tools and uploading 5MB+ images

Why this matters:

• Images often make up 50%+ of your total page weight
• Mobile users on slower connections are hit hardest
• Google uses page speed as a ranking factor

What you can do:

• Resize images to match their display size on the site
• Compress them using tools like EWWW.io, Optimole, or Smush
• Use modern formats like WebP or AVIF for better performance
• Lazy load images that aren’t immediately visible

Bloated Code and Third-Party Scripts

It’s not just images that slow down your site. Sometimes, the culprit is all the extra stuff running in the background—scripts, plugins, tracking codes, you name it.

Things that cause code bloat:

• Too many WordPress plugins
• Unused JavaScript or CSS files
• Outdated libraries and frameworks
• Third-party embeds (chat widgets, ad scripts, etc.)

Why it’s a problem:

• Increases load time and render-blocking
• Hurts Core Web Vitals like First Input Delay and Time to Interactive
• Makes your site harder for crawlers to index quickly

Solutions that help:

• Audit your plugins and remove ones you don’t need
• Use script managers to load scripts conditionally
• Minify CSS, JS, and HTML using tools like WP Rocket
• Bundle and defer non-critical scripts to load after the page content

The goal isn’t to have zero scripts—it’s to keep only what’s absolutely necessary.

Ignoring Core Web Vitals and Mobile Speed

Google’s Core Web Vitals are a set of metrics that measure real-world user experience. And yep, they’re now part of the ranking algorithm. So if you’re ignoring them, your rankings could be taking a hit—even if your content is solid.

What Core Web Vitals measure:

• Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): How long it takes for the main content to load
• First Input Delay (FID): How fast the page responds to interaction
• Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): How stable the page layout is while loading

What typically causes poor scores:

• Large hero images or videos loading slowly
• Too many fonts or heavy animations
• Layout changes caused by late-loading ads or embeds
• Slow server response times

How to improve Core Web Vitals:

• Use a fast, reliable hosting provider
• Preload key resources like fonts
• Avoid layout shifts with fixed-size containers for media and ads
• Optimize your main content to load first

And don’t forget mobile. Most of your traffic likely comes from mobile devices—and that’s where performance often suffers most.

Run these tools to see where you stand:

• Google PageSpeed Insights
• Lighthouse Audit in Chrome DevTools
• Web.dev’s Core Web Vitals Report
  

8. Unoptimized URL Structures That Confuse Google

Your URL might seem like a minor detail, but it’s a foundational piece of your on page seo. A messy, confusing, or overly long URL doesn’t just look unprofessional—it makes it harder for search engines (and people) to understand what the page is about.

Think of your URL like a street sign. If it’s vague, cluttered, or hard to read, no one—including Google—knows where it leads.

Let’s unpack the most common URL mistakes and how you can clean them up without overhauling your entire site.

Using Dynamic or Messy URLs With Parameters

We’ve all seen them—those URLs with long strings of letters, numbers, and random characters that make no sense to anyone.

Examples of what to avoid:

• www.example.com/page.php?id=12345&ref=abc987
• www.site.com/index.php?pageid=15&lang=en&sessionid=xyz

Why they’re a problem:

• They don’t tell users (or search engines) what the page is about
• Google has a harder time indexing and ranking them correctly
• They’re harder to share, remember, or trust at a glance
  

Why this happens:

• CMS platforms auto-generate URLs without customization
• Site developers rely on query strings for filtering and tracking
• Teams focus on function, not optimization

How to clean it up:

• Create static URLs with clear slugs (e.g., /seo-guide/internal-linking)
• Avoid unnecessary tracking parameters in permanent URLs
• Use canonical tags if dynamic pages must exist to consolidate authority

Pro tip: Tools like Rank Math (for WordPress) or custom rewrite rules in your server settings can help you simplify URLs without breaking existing pages.

URLs That Are Too Long or Stuffed With Keywords

Another common misstep? Trying to jam every keyword variation into the URL—thinking it’ll somehow impress Google. It won’t.

Examples of keyword-stuffed URLs:

• /best-seo-tools-seo-guide-top-seo-resources-free-seo-tools-2024
• /how-to-do-on-page-seo-for-seo-optimization-seo-checklist

Why this approach fails:

• Long URLs get cut off in search results and social previews
• Keyword repetition comes across as spammy
• Google prefers short, clear, and direct URLs that mirror intent

Better approach:

• Keep URLs under 60 characters
• Use only the primary keyword or key phrase
• Cut filler words like “and,” “the,” “a,” unless they’re part of a branded phrase

Examples of better URLs:

✅ /on-page-seo-tips
✅ /optimize-site-speed
✅ /ecommerce-product-page-checklist

These are easy to read, remember, and understand—exactly what both users and crawlers want.

Not Including a Clear Page Topic in the URL

This is a sneaky one. Sometimes, the URL might be “clean” but still unclear. If your URL doesn’t reflect what the page is actually about, you’re missing an easy on page seo win.

Examples of unclear URLs:

• /resources/12345
• /blog/post-5
• /products/item789

Why it matters:

• Google uses the URL as a ranking signal, especially when crawling new content
• Clear URLs help users trust what they’re clicking on
• It improves UX, which indirectly boosts SEO signals

Quick fixes:

• Use the main topic of the page in the slug (e.g., /internal-linking-tips)
• Make sure it matches the page’s H1 or main keyword focus
• Avoid numbers or vague slugs unless they’re meaningful (like /2024-guide)

Reminder: You don’t need to overthink it. A simple, relevant URL can do more for your rankings than a clever or complex one.

9. Thin or Duplicate Content That Lacks Value

Let’s talk content. Not all content is created equal—and in the eyes of Google, quality beats quantity every time. If your site is loaded with pages that are too short, too similar, or offer nothing new, it could drag down your entire domain’s authority.

Even if your technical SEO is strong, thin or duplicate content can quietly ruin your on page seo performance. Let’s walk through what this looks like and how to turn it around.

Publishing Pages With Less Than 300 Words of Value

Short content isn’t always bad—but when it’s short and shallow, that’s a problem.

Examples of thin content pages:

• Product pages with just a title and price
• Blog posts with a couple of paragraphs and no depth
• Location pages that simply repeat “We serve [city]” without unique info

Why this hurts your SEO:

• Google sees thin pages as low quality and may deindex them
• They don’t satisfy user intent or answer key questions
• They rarely earn backlinks or social shares

How to fix it:

• Aim for at least 300–500 words of meaningful content on any standalone page
• Add unique details, tips, comparisons, FAQs, or media
• Ask yourself: Would I find this page useful as a visitor?

Pro tip: Use tools like Surfer SEO or Clearscope to identify missing content elements compared to top-ranking competitors.

Copying Product Descriptions or Category Text

This one hits ecommerce sites hard. If you’re using manufacturer descriptions across your product pages—or copying category blurbs from other stores—Google notices.

What happens:

• Your content becomes indistinguishable from dozens of other sites
• Google may filter you out of rankings due to lack of originality
• You miss out on building topical authority

How to fix it:

• Rewrite product descriptions in your own voice, highlighting features your audience cares about
• Add customer reviews, usage tips, or comparisons to make the content unique
• For categories, write intros that describe the purpose, audience, and top products or services

Tip for busy store owners: Even rewriting the first few sentences of each description and adding a unique feature list can make a big difference.

Not Differentiating Between Similar Pages

If you’ve got a dozen pages targeting nearly the same keyword—or serving nearly the same intent—Google may struggle to choose which one to rank. That’s called keyword cannibalization, and it’s more common than you might think.

Where this happens:

• Multiple service pages for similar offerings
• Several blog posts covering the same topic with slight variations
• Category pages that only differ by color, size, or location

Why it confuses Google:

• It splits your ranking potential between multiple URLs
• Signals are diluted across pages rather than concentrated
• Sometimes, none of the pages end up ranking well

How to fix it:

• Consolidate similar content into a single, more valuable page
• Use canonical tags if you must keep similar pages live
• Differentiate pages with unique messaging, audience targeting, or deeper content

Quick audit tip: Search site:yourdomain.com keyword to see how many pages compete for the same term. If the list looks too similar, it’s time to clean things up.

10. Failing to Use Schema Markup Where It Matters

When it comes to on page seo, schema markup often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. And I get it—it sounds technical, it’s hidden in the code, and it doesn’t always show immediate results.

But here’s the truth: if you’re skipping schema markup, you’re leaving search visibility on the table. Schema helps search engines understand your content better, which can unlock rich snippets—those visual extras that make your result stand out in the SERPs.

Let’s walk through the most common schema mistakes and how to use it in a way that actually helps your site rank.

Missing Rich Snippets on Key Pages (e.g., Reviews, FAQs)

Rich snippets are the little things that grab attention in search results—star ratings, drop-down FAQs, pricing details, and more. And they don’t just look nice—they increase click-through rates, sometimes by 20% or more.

Where you should be using schema for rich snippets:

• Product pages: Add ratings, price, availability
• FAQ pages: Use FAQ schema to get collapsible questions/answers
• How-to guides: Use HowTo schema to show steps visually
• Review content: Highlight star ratings and reviewer details

What happens when you skip it:

• Your listings look plain compared to competitors
• Google has to “guess” the structure and importance of your content
• You miss out on enhanced search visibility

How to add it easily:

• Use plugins like Rank Math (for WordPress)
• Manually add JSON-LD script if you’re comfortable with code
• Validate it with Google’s Rich Results Test tool

Pro tip:  Don’t add schema for content that doesn’t actually exist. Google will flag you for misleading markup, which can hurt more than help.

Not Using Article or Product Schema Properly

Not all schema is created equal—and using the wrong type (or none at all) can mean your content never gets the spotlight it deserves.

Common mistakes:

• Using general schema like “WebPage” when “Article” or “BlogPosting” is more appropriate
• Forgetting to include publish date, author, or headline for articles
• Missing key fields like name, brand, and price on product schema

Why this matters for SEO:

• Specific schema types help Google categorize your content
• It increases the chance your page is featured in news results, shopping feeds, or featured snippets
• Structured data improves crawl efficiency and content clarity

What to do:

• For blogs, use Article or BlogPosting schema
• For products, use Product schema with price, availability, and reviews
• For tutorials or step-based guides, try HowTo schema

You don’t have to get every detail perfect—but including the core elements helps both crawlers and your audience.

Forgetting Local Schema for Location-Based Businesses

If you run a local business—whether it’s a coffee shop, digital agency, or dog grooming service—local schema can seriously boost your visibility in your target area.

What local schema can do:

• Help your business show up in Google’s local pack
• Improve map listings, opening hours, and review visibility
• Strengthen signals about your service area and industry

What to include in your local schema:

• Business name, address, and phone (NAP)
• Opening hours, geo coordinates, and area served
• URL, business type, and sameAs links (like your social profiles)

Best tools to help:

• Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper
  
• BrightLocal Schema Generator
  
• Merkle’s Schema Markup Generator
  

Reminder: Make sure your NAP info is consistent across your website, Google Business Profile, and directory listings. Inconsistency can hurt local rankings.

11. Broken Links and Redirect Loops That Hurt Crawlability

Broken links are like dead ends on your website. For users, they’re frustrating. For search engines, they’re a signal that your site isn’t being maintained—which can lower your credibility and waste crawl budget.

Fixing these issues is one of the simplest ways to strengthen your on page seo and keep both users and bots happy.

Internal 404 Errors Left Unfixed

Internal 404s happen when you link to a page that no longer exists. And while one or two won’t kill your rankings, a bunch of them signals neglect.

Common causes:

• Renaming or deleting old URLs without updating links
• Migrating to a new platform and forgetting to map everything
• Typos in internal links or navigation

Why it hurts your SEO:

• Google bots hit dead ends, which interrupts site indexing
• You waste crawl budget on non-existent pages
• Visitors hit a 404 page and bounce, hurting engagement

How to fix it:

• Run a crawl with Screaming Frog or Semrush
• Check Google Search Console for crawl errors
• Set up 301 redirects for important old pages
• Remove or update broken links when redirecting isn’t appropriate

Tip: Create a helpful custom 404 page with links back to your homepage or top content—just in case someone lands there.

Redirect Chains That Waste Crawl Budget

Redirects are sometimes necessary, but when you chain them together, it slows down both crawlers and users. A redirect chain is when Page A redirects to Page B, which then redirects to Page C… and so on.

Why this is a problem:

• It increases load times
• Crawlers might abandon the chain before reaching the final URL
• SEO authority (link juice) gets diluted with each hop

How to fix it:

• Audit your site for redirect chains using tools like Sitebulb
• Replace links that go to redirected URLs with direct links to the final destination
• Limit redirect chains to one hop whenever possible

Best practice:  After a site migration or URL update, go back and clean up old internal links to point directly to the current URLs—not through outdated redirects.

Linking Out to Dead or Irrelevant Pages

Outbound links can boost your SEO—if they point to valuable, live, and relevant resources. But if you’re linking to 404s or outdated info, that can send the wrong signals to both users and search engines.

Why external links matter:

• They show search engines what content your site trust
• They help users discover useful, related resources
• They contribute to topical relevance and authority

What hurts your SEO:

• Linking to pages that no longer exist
• Sending readers to low-quality or spammy sites
• Linking to sources that are off-topic or misleading

What to do instead:

• Regularly audit external links with tools like Broken Link Checker
• Update links to newer, more reputable resources
• Consider using tools like Ahrefs’ Outgoing Links Report to monitor quality

Quick win: If a high-traffic blog post links to a dead resource, replace it with a valuable internal page or a fresh, high-quality external link.

12. Ignoring Mobile Optimization and Responsive Design

We’ve officially reached the point where mobile isn’t just “important”—it’s everything. More than half of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices, and Google uses mobile-first indexing to decide how your site should rank.

So if your site doesn’t work well on smartphones and tablets, your on page seo is going to suffer—no matter how good your content is.

Let’s dig into the most common mobile optimization mistakes and how you can fix them without needing a complete website overhaul.

Using Non-Responsive Themes or Layouts

This might sound basic, but it’s still one of the biggest issues out there: websites that look great on desktop but fall apart on mobile.

Common signs your theme isn’t responsive:

• Text and images spill off the screen
• Menus and buttons don’t resize or reposition
• Users have to pinch and zoom to read anything

Why it hurts your SEO:

• Google penalizes sites that aren’t mobile-friendly
• Visitors bounce quickly if the layout is broken or hard to use
• It ruins the overall user experience, which affects engagement signals

How to check and fix it:

• Use Bing’s Mobile-Friendly Test to see how your pages perform
• Choose a responsive theme (if you’re on WordPress or Shopify)
• Use CSS media queries to make layouts adapt to different screen sizes
• Preview pages on multiple devices before publishing

Pro tip:  You don’t need a fancy custom design. Just make sure your layout scales well and feels intuitive on any device.

Overlapping Elements and Poor Mobile UX

Even with a responsive layout, it’s easy to overlook how certain design choices affect the mobile experience. Just because something works doesn’t mean it works well.

Things that ruin mobile UX:

• Pop-ups that are hard to close
• Buttons placed too close together
• Menus that take up the entire screen
• Forms that don’t resize or auto-fill correctly

Why this matters for SEO:

• Google’s algorithm considers usability as part of its ranking signals
• Poor mobile UX leads to higher bounce rates and shorter sessions
• Accessibility suffers, and so does conversion

Quick ways to improve mobile UX:

• Use clear, tappable buttons with enough spacing
• Limit pop-ups or use slide-ins that don’t block content
• Keep navigation simple and collapsible
• Optimize form fields for mobile input (like number pads for phone numbers)

Failing Mobile-Friendly Tests and Core Web Metrics

Mobile-friendliness isn’t just about looks. Google now uses Core Web Vitals—real-world performance metrics—as ranking signals. If your site doesn’t load fast or respond smoothly on mobile, your on page seo could take a hit.

Key mobile metrics to watch:

• Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): how fast your main content loads
• First Input Delay (FID): how quickly users can interact with the page
• Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): how stable the page layout is as it loads

Why these metrics matter:

• They reflect real user experience—not just code quality
• Google uses them in its ranking algorithm
• Fixing them improves both SEO and user satisfaction

How to stay on top of this:

• Run regular audits using PageSpeed Insights or Web.dev
• Optimize images for faster mobile loading
• Use lazy loading, defer non-critical scripts, and clean up code
• Choose fast, mobile-optimized hosting

Key reminder: A fast, responsive mobile experience isn’t optional anymore—it’s the baseline.

13. Not Updating Content to Stay Relevant

You can write the best blog post in the world, but if you leave it untouched for years, it’s probably going to lose ground in search results. Why? Because Google wants to serve fresh, accurate, and helpful content.

Keeping your content up to date is a key part of on page seo. It’s not just about fixing typos—it’s about making sure your pages continue to meet search intent, reflect current best practices, and stay competitive.

Let’s walk through how content decay happens and how to keep your pages fresh and relevant.

Outdated Stats, Links, and Best Practices

Even great content ages. Stats get old, links break, and what was “best practice” in 2021 might now be outdated or even harmful.

What to watch for:

• Blog posts citing stats from 2018 or earlier
• Links to tools, pages, or articles that no longer exist
• Tips or strategies that don’t align with current SEO standards

Why this hurts your SEO:

• Users lose trust when they spot outdated info
• Broken links create dead ends for crawlers
• Competitors with fresher, more accurate content will outrank you

How to stay current:

• Set a calendar to review key content every 6–12 months
• Replace old data with new research, case studies, or reports
• Update links and internal references to reflect your most recent conten
• Refresh your intro or meta description to reflect the current year or trends

Quick tip: Add an “Updated on” date to your articles to show readers (and Google) that your content is being maintained.

Missing Opportunities to Add Fresh Internal Links

As you publish new content, it’s easy to forget about your older posts. But those older posts are a goldmine of internal linking opportunities—and updating them can send strong signals to Google that they’re still relevant.

What often gets overlooked:

• Older blog posts that don’t link to newer content
• Pages that are no longer part of a logical content journey
• Evergreen content with no updated resources or related articles

Why this helps your SEO:

• Internal linking helps spread authority and boosts crawlability
• It proves user experience by guiding visitors to related content
• Updating internal links signals freshness to search engines

How to do it well:

• Review your top 20–30 pages for internal link updates
• Add links to newly published guides, tools, or case studies
• Make sure your anchor text is natural and relevant

Bonus tip: Use tools like Link Whisper (for WordPress) to spot internal linking gaps.

Letting Evergreen Pages Fall Behind Competitors

Just because a piece of content is evergreen doesn’t mean it’s untouchable. Even your best-performing articles need love if you want them to stay on top of search results.

What happens over time:

• Competitors publish longer, better-optimized content
• Google updates its algorithm and ranking factors
• Search intent shifts slightly—and your page no longer aligns

Signs your content is falling behind:

• Gradual drop in rankings or organic traffic
• Ler click-through rates in Search Console
• More high-performing competitors showing up in the SERPs

How to refresh an evergreen page:

• Analyze top-ranking competitors and spot what they’ve added
• Update your H2s, examples, and internal structure to match evolving intent
• Add multimedia (images, videos, charts) for better engagement
• Improve your meta title and description to boost CTR

Helpful mindset: Treat your best content like an asset. The more you invest in keeping it polished, the more it’ll keep performing for you.

14. Skipping Content Audits and Technical Checks

Here’s a tough truth most website owners face: even great content can fall flat if you never review, audit, or fix what’s under the hood. Regular audits—both content-focused and technical—are essential for long-term on page seo performance. If you’re not checking for crawl errors, duplicate pages, or keyword cannibalization, you might be holding your own content back.

Let’s explore the key areas most people skip—and how to turn those gaps into opportunities.

Never Reviewing Crawl Errors or Indexing Issues

Google needs to crawl and index your pages before they ever have a chance to rank. But if something’s broken behind the scenes, even your best-written content won’t show up in search results.

What you might be missing:

• Pages blocked by robots.txt
• Indexing errors in Google Search Console
• Broken internal links that lead to 404s
• Pages with “noindex” meta tags added unintentionally

Why this matters:

• If Google can’t crawl or index your pages, they won’t rank—perio
• Errors waste crawl budget and delay your content getting discovered
• Unchecked, they can affect your entire site’s SEO health

How to fix it:

• Log into Google Search Console and check the “Pages” report
• Look for Excluded URLs or coverage issues
• Use tools like Screaming Frog or Sitebulb to identify crawl blocks or dead links
• Make sure your sitemap is up-to-date and correctly submitted

Pro tip: Even small issues—like one broken redirect or a forgotten noindex—can cause big ranking problems if left unresolved.

Not Auditing for Cannibalization or Duplicate Pages

If you’ve published lots of content over time, there’s a good chance some of your pages are accidentally competing with each other. That’s called keyword cannibalization, and it’s surprisingly common.

How to spot it:

• Multiple blog posts targeting the same topic or search term
• Similar service or product pages with near-identical content
• Different URLs ranking for the same keyword, splitting clicks and authority

Why this is a problem:

• Google doesn’t know which page to rank
• Traffic and link equity are divided between competing pages
• None of the pages perform as well as they could

What to do:

• Use a tool like Ahrefs or SEMrush to identify overlapping keywords
• Merge similar content into a single, stronger page
• Use 301 redirects or canonical tags to consolidate authority
• Keep pages distinct by refining their topic focus and target intent

Failing to Track On-Page SEO Performance Over Time

Here’s something I learned the hard way: publishing content and walking away doesn’t work. If you’re not tracking how your on page seo is actually performing, you’re guessing—and that leads to missed opportunities.

What often goes untracked:

• Changes in keyword rankings
• Drop-offs in organic traffic
• Click-through rates from search results
• Dwell time and bounce rates

Why tracking matters:

• It shows you what’s working—and what’s not
• Helps you prioritize content updates and fixes
• Allows for smarter decision-making when creating new content

Simple tracking tools to use:

• Google Search Console – for keyword rankings, CTR, and indexing
• Google Analytics 4 – for traffic, engagement, and user behavior
• Ahrefs / SEMrush – for keyword and backlink data
• Google Looker Studio – to build easy-to-understand dashboards

Set a recurring schedule: Check your core content and technical SEO metrics monthly. It’s not about obsessing over numbers—it’s about staying informed so you can act with intention.

15. Overlooking User Engagement Signals That Matter

Here’s something a lot of people miss: Google doesn’t just rank content based on how well it’s optimized—it also pays attention to how people interact with your site. High bounce rates, short visits, or low click-through rates are signs that something isn’t clicking.

And yes—these user engagement signals can quietly impact your on page seo.

Let’s talk about what really matters here and how to improve it without reinventing your entire site.

High Bounce Rates From Unengaging Layouts

Bounce rate isn’t inherently bad—but when it’s high and paired with low session duration, that’s a red flag. Often, it comes down to design and clarity. If your page loads and the layout is cluttered, hard to read, or overwhelming, users leave.

Why layout affects bounce rate:

• If users can’t find what they’re looking for fast, they’re gone
• Walls of text without breaks can feel intimidating
• Poor mobile design (like we covered earlier) makes content hard to digest

How to improve your layout:

• Use clear H2 and H3 headings to break up content
• Add white space and bullet points for easier reading
• Keep your intro short and focused on the reader’s goal
• Include images, charts, or videos to support your points

Design isn’t just aesthetics—it’s communication. A clean layout keeps people engaged and shows them their time is well spent.

Not Using CTAs to Guide Visitors Deeper

Once someone reads your content, what do you want them to do next? If you don’t tell them, they’ll likely leave. A good call to action (CTA) doesn’t need to be pushy—it just needs to be helpful.

Examples of low-engagement pages:

• No links to related content
• No signup, download, or next step offered
• Ending with a vague “thanks for reading” and nothing else

Effective CTA options:

• Internal links to deeper resources (“Read next: How to Build Topic Clusters”)
• Lead magnets (“Download our on-page SEO checklist”)
• Contact or demo buttons (for service-based sites)
• Comment prompts or social share buttons

Best practices:

• Place CTAs at logical points (after solving a problem, not before)
• Match the CTA to the page type and intent
• Test different formats (buttons, text links, in-line prompts)

Small change, big impact: Even one clear CTA can cut bounce rate and boost engagement dramatically—especially when it naturally aligns with what the visitor came to do.

Ignoring Scroll Depth and Session Time Indicators

Metrics like scroll depth and time on page don’t just tell you how long someone stayed—they tell you how far they got into your content. If users only scroll 25% of the way down, your hook isn’t working—or you’ve lost them somewhere along the way.

Why these signals matter:

• They show how engaging your content actually is
• Search engines use them to infer content quality
• They highlight drop-off points where users get stuck or bored

How to increase scroll depth and time on page:

• Start with a strong, relevant opening that speaks to your reader’s needs
• Use subheadings and previews to build curiosity (like “Here’s how it works…”)
• Break long content into clear sections with consistent flow
• Add interactive elements (jump links, collapsible FAQs, etc.)

How to track it:

• Use Google Tag Manager to fire scroll depth tracking events
• Review engagement reports in GA4 for time and session data
• Use tools like Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity to watch real user behavior

Big insight: You don’t always need more content—you might just need better structure or more relatable storytelling.

Stop Sabotaging Your SEO—Fix These Errors Today

If you’ve made it this far, here’s what I want you to know: you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be aware—and take small, intentional steps to keep your site healthy, helpful, and accessible.

Let’s wrap up with a quick summary of what to tackle next:

✅ Audit your content for crawl errors, outdated info, and duplicate topics
✅ Fix internal SEO issues like keyword cannibalization and noindexed pages
✅ Monitor engagement metrics like bounce rate and scroll depth
✅ Use CTAs to guide readers and reduce bounce
✅ Improve layout and readability for better user experience
✅ Track performance over time, so your strategy evolves with your audience

On page seo isn’t just about optimizing keywords—it’s about creating an experience that search engines and humans love. When your site is well-structured, regularly reviewed, and engaging, everything else tends to follow.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just start with one fix. One audit. One content refresh. That’s how momentum builds—and how rankings rise.