If you’re serious about ranking higher on Google, understanding the two major sides of search engine optimization is essential: SEO on-page and off-page. Each plays a critical role in how your website is discovered, indexed, and ranked. Whether you’re running a small business website, managing a blog, or pursuing a digital marketing career, mastering both approaches is key to your success.
In this guide, we’ll break down what on-page and off-page SEO are, how they work, and how to get started.
What Is On-Page SEO?
On-page SEO refers to all the actions you take directly on your website to improve its visibility. This includes optimizing:
- Page titles and meta descriptions
- Header tags (H1, H2, etc.)
- Keywords and content structure
- Internal links and anchor text
- Image alt text and file names
- Page load speed and mobile-friendliness
How to do on-page SEO? Start by identifying the right keywords using tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest. Then, create useful content that includes those keywords naturally. Make sure your pages load quickly, are mobile-responsive, and follow a logical structure with proper headings and links.
We covered on-page strategies in detail in our previous blog on improving your website’s user experience, a key part of on-page SEO success.
What Is Off-Page SEO?
Off-page SEO focuses on building authority and trust by improving how others interact with your website on the internet. The most common off-page strategies include:
- Earning backlinks from high-quality websites
- Social media shares and engagement
- Guest posting and public relations
- Brand mentions on third-party platforms
Is off-page SEO still effective for SEO? Yes, absolutely. Backlinks continue to be one of the top ranking factors in Google’s algorithm. The more credible sites that link to yours, the more search engines trust your content.
A strong backlink profile can significantly boost your rankings, especially when combined with optimized on-page content. For tips on outreach and guest posting, see our article on link-building strategies for SEO Specialist grads.
What Is the Difference Between On-Page, Off-Page, and Technical SEO?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. The difference between off-page and on-page SEO is pretty straightforward:
- On-page SEO happens on your website (content, formatting, keywords).
- Off-page SEO happens outside your website (backlinks, brand presence, shares).
Technical SEO, on the other hand, is about ensuring that search engines can crawl and index your website efficiently. This includes:
- Fixing broken links and redirects
- Optimizing site architecture and navigation
- Submitting XML sitemaps
- Adding schema markup (structured data)
- Securing your site with HTTPS
While on-page and off-page help you rank better, technical SEO helps search engines access your content in the first place.
How to Do On-Page and Off-Page SEO Together
The best SEO strategies integrate both. Start by identifying the right keywords using tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest. Then, create useful content that naturally includes those keywords. Make sure your pages load quickly, are mobile-responsive, and follow a logical structure.
Here’s how to approach them in harmony:
- Start with keyword research. Choose terms that are relevant, achievable, and aligned with your audience.
- Create high-quality content. Make sure each page offers real value and uses keywords naturally.
- Optimize your technical structure. Fix broken links, ensure mobile responsiveness, and speed up load times.
- Promote your content. Share it on social media, connect with industry influencers, and build backlinks through ethical outreach.
Ready to Learn More About SEO On-Page and Off-Page?
If you’re excited to apply the concepts of seo on-page and off-page hands-on, check out our SEO training in Vancouver. At Cumberland College, we teach you how to implement both on-page and off-page strategies that deliver real results, preparing you to succeed in freelance, agency, or in-house SEO roles.
Would you like to explore our SEO training in Vancouver?
Contact Cumberland College for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How to do on-page and off-page SEO together?
Answer: The best SEO strategies integrate both. Start by identifying the right keywords using tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest. Then, create useful content that naturally includes those keywords.
Question: Is off-page SEO still effective for SEO?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. Backlinks continue to be one of the top ranking factors in Google’s algorithm.
Question: What is the difference between on-page, off-page, and technical SEO?
Answer: The difference between off-page and on-page SEO is pretty straightforward: On-page SEO happens on your website (content, formatting, keywords). Off-page SEO happens outside your website (backlinks, brand presence, shares).
