Setup Basics (4)

• Enable HTTPS + redirect to a single version (https, non-www or www).
• Permalinks = post name; short, human-readable slugs.
• SEO plugin installed (RankMath or Yoast) with sitemap + robots.txt basics.
• Verify in Google Search Console and submit your sitemap.

On-Page Essentials (6)

• Exactly one H1 that matches search intent; compelling title/meta.
• Answer the query in the first 120–160 words; then expand.
• Clear H2/H3 structure; one page per intent (no topic mixing).
• Descriptive internal anchor text; add 1–2 relevant outbound references.
• Images compressed, informative ALT text; hero uses explicit width/height.
• CTAs are visible but limited (one main action per screen).

Internal Linking (4)

• Pillar ↔ support posts are connected both ways.
• Support → money pages (e.g., reviews/comparisons) with clear anchors.
• Site-wide links to Start Guide and
  Tools.
• Fix orphan pages; ensure each post has ≥3 internal links.

Speed & UX (4)

• WebP/AVIF where possible; keep hero < 180KB if you can.
• Lazy-load below-the-fold images; defer non-critical scripts.
• Use system fonts or preload a single variable font weight set.
• Minify CSS/JS; avoid heavy page builders for core pages.

Schema (2)

• Article schema on posts; FAQ schema only when actual Q&As exist.
• Breadcrumbs enabled via theme/plugin for clearer SERPs.

Tracking (2 + 4-week loop)

• Privacy-friendly analytics with outbound click events + UTMs.
• Rank tracking (20–80 keywords). Watch positions 6–15 for quick wins.

Every 4 weeks: improve pages in 6–15, add 2 internal links to each, refresh intro and examples, resubmit in GSC.

FAQ

Do I need an SEO plugin for micro sites?

Yes—mainly for titles/meta, sitemaps, and simple schema. Keep settings lean.

How many pages should I start with?

3–5 core pages plus 2–3 intent posts are enough to launch and get data.

What drives results more: tools or keywords?

Keywords and intent fit. Tools help you execute faster, but topic selection wins.