Technical SEO Guide: Techniques, Checklist & Ranking Factors for Better Performance

You can’t clap with one hand, right? Similarly, your website won’t reach its full potential without the right SEO strategies, including technical SEO. While many focus on on-page and off-page SEO, few realize the importance of technical SEO.

So, what is technical SEO? It’s the backbone of your website’s performance, ensuring it’s primed for crawling, indexing, and ranking. By following a robust technical SEO checklist, you can address crucial technical SEO factors like page speed, mobile-friendliness, and structured data. Neglecting these could lead to a drop in rankings and visibility.

This guide explores why technical SEO is important, what comes under it, and actionable technical SEO tips to improve your site’s health. Whether you’re looking for a detailed technical SEO guide or a basic technical SEO specification, this article has you covered.

What is Technical SEO?

Technical SEO refers to the process of optimising your website’s infrastructure to ensure it is easy for search engines to crawl, index, and rank. Unlike on-page and off-page SEO, which focus on content and backlinks, technical SEO deals with the behind-the-scenes elements that make a website functional and accessible. But why is technical SEO important? Without it, even the best content and link-building efforts may fail to deliver results.

Key elements of technical SEO include:

• Improving site speed and performance.
• Implementing structured data for better search engine understanding.
• Fixing crawl errors and setting up robots.txt files.
• Ensuring mobile-friendliness and HTTPS security.

By addressing these technical SEO factors, you create a solid foundation that supports other SEO strategies. A strong technical foundation ensures search engines can effectively crawl and index your site, leading to better rankings and visibility.

Whether you’re curious about what a technical SEO specification involves or what comes under technical SEO, this area is vital for achieving long-term success in search engine optimisation.

Technical SEO Ranking Factors

Technical SEO ranking factors are the foundational elements that search engines evaluate to determine your website’s performance and relevance in search results. These factors directly influence how well your site is crawled, indexed, and ranked. Below are the critical technical SEO ranking factors:

• Crawlability: Search engines need to access and crawl your site efficiently. Issues like blocked pages or inaccessible URLs can hurt your rankings.
• Indexability: Pages must be indexed properly to appear in search results. Errors in your XML sitemap or Robots.txt file can impact indexability.
• Site Speed: Faster-loading sites are favoured by search engines as they provide a better user experience. Page load times directly impact rankings.
• Mobile-Friendliness: With mobile-first indexing, responsive and mobile-friendly websites rank higher than those optimised only for desktop.
• Secure HTTPS Protocol: Sites using HTTPS are prioritised over HTTP sites, as security is a critical factor for search engines and users.
• URL Structure: Clean, descriptive, and consistent URLs make it easier for search engines to understand your pages’ content and hierarchy.
• Structured Data: Schema markup helps search engines interpret your content, increasing the likelihood of appearing in rich snippets.
• Internal Linking: Strong internal linking structures enhance site navigation and distribute link equity effectively across pages.
• Canonicalisation: Canonical tags prevent duplicate content issues, ensuring search engines focus on the preferred version of a page.
• Server Response Time: A responsive server ensures that search engines can access your site quickly, contributing to better rankings.

Understanding these factors helps you identify areas for improvement, ensuring your website meets the criteria search engines consider for high rankings. Addressing these technical SEO ranking factors is a vital step toward achieving sustainable online visibility.

Technical SEO Techniques and Strategies

Here are the technical SEO techniques and strategies you must follow to improve your site’s performance and keep it healthy.

1. HTTPS or SSL Security

Security is non-negotiable for any website today. Using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) ensures encrypted communication between your website and its users. It safeguards sensitive information, providing privacy, authentication, and data integrity. But what comes under technical SEO regarding SSL? Installing SSL guarantees your site runs on HTTPS, which Google prioritizes over HTTP for better rankings.

An HTTPS-enabled site reassures users of its safety, a critical technical SEO ranking factor. SSL works by encrypting data, preventing unauthorized access, and boosting user trust. As a pro tip, always ensure your SSL certificate is active and regularly updated.

Without SSL, your site risks being flagged as “not secure,” which can harm your rankings and deter visitors. Make SSL implementation a priority in your technical SEO checklist to enhance your site’s security and ranking potential.

2. Mobile-Friendly Websites

With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly website isn’t optional—it’s essential. Google ranks sites based on their responsiveness, making mobile-friendliness a key technical SEO ranking factor. But what does technical SEO include in terms of mobile optimization?

A mobile-friendly site ensures pages load quickly, fonts and menus are easily accessible, and navigation is seamless. Use tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test or GTmetrix to evaluate your site’s performance and pinpoint areas for improvement.

Mobile-friendliness also ties into user experience, directly influencing dwell time and bounce rates. Ensuring your website caters to mobile users is one of the most practical technical SEO tips for better engagement and rankings.

3. Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP)

AMP, or Accelerated Mobile Pages, is a game-changer for mobile web performance. It uses a streamlined version of HTML, called AMP HTML, to ensure lightning-fast load times. So, what comes under technical SEO for AMP? Implementing AMP enhances user experience and is a critical factor in improving mobile traffic and click-through rates.

AMP pages not only load faster but also rank better, as Google gives preference to AMP-enabled content. Higher dwell times and increased backlinks often follow, making AMP an essential part of any technical SEO guide.

To check your AMP pages, use Google Search Console or AMP Validator. These tools help ensure your AMP implementation aligns with your broader technical SEO checklist, boosting your site’s visibility and engagement.

4. Structured Data

Structured data, also known as schema markup, is a vital component of technical SEO. It helps search engines understand your website’s content more effectively, which can increase your chances of appearing in rich snippets or featured results. But what does technical SEO include regarding structured data?

This behind-the-scenes code provides context to search engines, enhancing how your content is displayed in search results. Adding structured data can highlight essential elements like author names, dates, ratings, or prices. Tools like Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool or Rich Results Test make it easier to implement and validate schema markup.

Including structured data in your technical SEO specification is one of the most actionable technical SEO tips for improving visibility. Make it part of your strategy to rank higher and stand out in search results.

5. Setting the Preferred Domain Version

Setting a preferred domain version ensures search engines know which version of your website to display in search results. A domain can exist in multiple forms, such as http://example.com, https://example.com, http://www.example.com, and https://www.example.com. What is technical SEO without addressing potential duplication issues caused by these variations?

Defining a preferred version prevents duplicity, consolidates link equity, and enhances user experience. Google Search Console or your website’s CMS can be used to set the preferred domain. This step is critical in any technical SEO checklist as it directly impacts rankings and avoids penalties from duplicate content.

A consistent domain structure is among the technical SEO factors that streamline indexing and maintain the integrity of your site’s SEO efforts.

6. Page Speed

Page speed is a critical technical SEO ranking factor that directly influences user experience and search engine rankings. Faster-loading websites keep users engaged, reduce bounce rates, and are more likely to rank higher on Google. But why is technical SEO important in this context? A slow site can drive visitors away and hurt your SEO efforts.

To optimize page speed, focus on compressing images, using caching plugins, and minimizing the use of heavy themes or excessive plugins. Tools like PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, and Pingdom can help identify bottlenecks and provide actionable technical SEO tips to improve load times.

Regularly monitoring and optimizing your page speed should be a non-negotiable item on your technical SEO checklist, ensuring a seamless experience for users across devices.

7. XML Sitemaps

An XML sitemap is a roadmap for search engines, helping them crawl and index your website efficiently. It lists all the important pages and ensures no key content is missed during the crawling process. But what comes under technical SEO regarding sitemaps?

XML sitemaps highlight your site’s structure, making it easier for search engines to understand its content hierarchy. Use tools like Yoast or XML Sitemap Generator to create and manage sitemaps. Regularly updating your sitemap whenever you add or remove pages is crucial for maintaining an accurate index.

A well-maintained XML sitemap is an essential part of any technical SEO specification, ensuring that search engines prioritize your most important pages during indexing.

8. Robots.txt

The Robots.txt file is a powerful tool that gives search engines instructions on which pages to crawl and index. It’s a cornerstone of what is technical SEO and plays a key role in managing your site’s visibility in search results. So, what comes under technical SEO for Robots.txt?

This file allows you to block specific URLs or directories that you don’t want indexed, such as unfinished pages or duplicate content. A correctly configured Robots.txt ensures search engines focus on your priority pages, improving crawl efficiency. Use the basic format:

User-agent: [name of user-agent]

Disallow: [URL you don’t want crawled]

Always test your Robots.txt file using Google Search Console to ensure it doesn’t accidentally block critical content. Managing this file is a fundamental step in your technical SEO checklist, helping optimize your crawl budget.

9. Website Structure

A well-organized website structure is fundamental to both user experience and search engine optimization. It ensures that visitors and search engine crawlers can navigate your site effortlessly. But why is technical SEO important in this context? A confusing structure can lead to poor user engagement and missed indexing opportunities.

A good website structure includes clear navigation, logical menus, and internal linking that guides users through the site. Optimized URLs, consistent fonts, and intuitive design all contribute to better usability. Search engines reward sites that provide a seamless experience with improved rankings, making this a key technical SEO factor.

Consider user perspective when designing your site and focus on smart organization. This approach not only enhances usability but also aligns with best practices outlined in a comprehensive technical SEO guide.

10. Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are a crucial part of a well-structured website. They display the navigation path for a page, helping users and search engines understand its location within your site’s hierarchy. But what does technical SEO include regarding breadcrumbs?

These navigation aids improve user experience by making it easier to move between sections of your site. They also enhance crawl efficiency, as search engines use breadcrumbs to better understand the relationships between pages. This can positively impact your site’s rankings.

Implementing breadcrumbs on your site reduces bounce rates and increases dwell time, two essential technical SEO ranking factors. Tools and plugins, such as those available on WordPress, make it easy to set up breadcrumbs and ensure their functionality.

11. Content Optimization

Content optimization is the heart of any SEO strategy, ensuring your pages deliver value to both users and search engines. It involves creating unique, engaging content that aligns with SEO best practices. But what is technical SEO’s role in content optimization?

Technical aspects like optimized images with alt tags, proper use of heading tags, and internal linking are critical technical SEO factors. Content should be easy to read and free from grammatical errors, duplicity, or unnecessary fluff. Tools like Grammarly and SEO plugins can help refine your content and ensure it meets all requirements.

Optimized content improves readability, keeps users engaged, and enhances search engine understanding, making it a must-have in your technical SEO checklist. Properly structured content contributes to higher rankings and better user experience.

12. 301 Permanent Redirection

A 301 permanent redirection ensures that users and search engines are seamlessly redirected from an old URL to a new one. It’s a vital element of what comes under technical SEO, preventing issues like broken links and preserving link equity.

When a page is removed or relocated, implementing a 301 redirect helps maintain your site’s authority and ranking. Google recognises 301 redirects as a signal that the URL has permanently moved, ensuring the new page retains the ranking and traffic of the old one. This is why it’s a significant technical SEO ranking factor.

Use tools like Google Search Console or plugins for platforms like WordPress to identify and set up 301 redirects efficiently. Regularly audit your site for broken links and ensure proper redirections are in place, as this is a critical part of any technical SEO checklist.

13. 404 Error Code Redirection

A 404 error code appears when a requested page is unavailable, which can frustrate users and negatively impact your website’s rankings. Proper handling of 404 errors is an essential part of what comes under technical SEO.

Creating a customised 404 page with clear messaging and navigation options helps retain visitors and reduce bounce rates. You can also use 301 redirections to guide users to relevant content when a page is permanently removed. These steps ensure a smoother user experience and minimise the impact of broken links on your SEO.

Identifying and resolving 404 errors with tools like Google Search Console should be a priority in your technical SEO checklist. Addressing these errors promptly contributes to better rankings and overall site health.

14. Identifying Crawl Errors

Crawl errors occur when search engine bots fail to access specific web pages or your entire website. These errors can significantly impact your site’s visibility and ranking, making them a critical focus in any technical SEO guide. But why is technical SEO important for addressing crawl errors?

Google classifies crawl errors into two types:

• Site Errors: Issues like DNS errors, server problems, or Robots.txt misconfigurations that prevent bots from accessing your entire site.
• URL Errors: Problems with individual pages, such as AMP issues, malware, or broken links.

Using tools like Google Search Console, you can identify and fix these errors promptly. This process ensures efficient crawling and indexing, aligning with key technical SEO factors to maintain your rankings.

15. Fixing Broken Links

Broken links, also known as dead links, can harm your website’s user experience and SEO performance. They lead visitors to non-existent pages, which not only frustrates users but also signals poor site quality to search engines. So, what does technical SEO include when it comes to broken links?

Finding and fixing broken links is vital to maintaining your site’s authority and rankings. Use tools like Google Search Console or Broken Link Checker to identify dead links. Once detected, replace them with updated links or use 301 redirections to point users to relevant pages.

Addressing broken links should be a regular part of your technical SEO checklist, as it helps prevent a drop in rankings and ensures a seamless browsing experience for your audience.

16. Fixing Duplicate Meta Tags

Duplicate meta tags can confuse search engines and dilute your site’s SEO value, making it harder for your pages to rank. This is a key area of focus in what comes under technical SEO. Google expects each page to have unique meta titles and descriptions to effectively distinguish content.

Duplicate meta tags often occur due to multiple URL versions or similar content across pages. To fix this, use tools like Google Search Console to identify duplicates and update meta tags with unique, relevant information. You can also use canonical URLs to consolidate duplicate pages and direct link equity to the preferred version.

Ensuring your meta tags are unique and descriptive is a crucial step in your technical SEO checklist. It not only helps with better indexing but also improves click-through rates in search results.

17. Using Reporting Tools

Reporting tools are essential for monitoring and refining your SEO strategy. They provide valuable insights into your website’s performance, helping you make data-driven decisions. But what is a technical SEO specification when it comes to tools?

Tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and Google Tag Manager allow you to track key metrics, identify crawl errors, analyse traffic patterns, and monitor keyword rankings. These insights help you address issues quickly, optimise your strategy, and stay ahead in search rankings.

Including these tools in your technical SEO checklist ensures you’re always informed about your website’s health. Regular reporting and analysis are among the most effective technical SEO tips for achieving long-term success.

Technical SEO Checklist

A well-structured technical SEO checklist serves as a roadmap for optimising your website’s technical aspects, ensuring it’s primed for crawling, indexing, and ranking. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to keep your site in top shape:

Task	What do do	Tools to Use
Implement HTTPS	Secure your site with an SSL certificate to enhance security and rankings.	Google Search Console, SSL Labs
Optimise Page Speed	Improve load times by compressing images, enabling caching, and using lightweight themes.	PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, Pingdom
Ensure Mobile-Friendliness	Test and optimise your site for mobile responsiveness to improve user experience.	Google Mobile-Friendly Test, GTmetrix
Fix Crawl Errors	Identify and resolve site or URL errors that hinder search engine bots from crawling.	Google Search Console
Set Preferred Domain	Define the preferred version of your site to avoid duplication issues.	Google Search Console
Add Structured Data	Implement schema markup to improve search engines’ understanding of your content.	Structured Data Testing Tool, Yoast SEO
Generate XML Sitemaps	Create and submit sitemaps to guide search engine crawlers through your site.	XML Sitemap Generator, Yoast SEO
Configure Robots.txt	Control which pages search engines can or cannot crawl.	Google Search Console, Robots.txt Tester
Fix Broken Links	Redirect or update dead links to maintain SEO value and user experience.	Broken Link Checker, Google Search Console
Avoid Duplicate Meta Tags	Ensure all meta titles and descriptions are unique for each page.	Google Search Console, Screaming Frog
Optimise Content	Ensure keywords, alt tags, and structured headings improve readability and SEO.	Grammarly, SEMrush, Yoast SEO
Implement Breadcrumbs	Add breadcrumbs for better navigation and improved search engine understanding.	WordPress Plugins, Breadcrumbs Generator

Hire Freelance Technical SEO Experts from KonKer

Technical SEO can be complex, requiring expertise to tackle factors like crawl errors, structured data, and page speed optimization. If you’re looking for a seamless way to enhance your site’s performance, consider hiring freelance technical SEO experts from KonKer.

These professionals specialize in addressing what comes under technical SEO, offering services tailored to your needs. From creating a detailed technical SEO specification to implementing a comprehensive technical SEO checklist, they ensure your website is fully optimized for search engines.

Why choose freelancers from KonKer?

• Access to a pool of skilled experts with proven experience.
• Cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes.
• Flexibility to hire for short-term tasks or ongoing projects.
• Tailored strategies to meet your specific goals.

Don’t leave your SEO success to chance—partner with KonKer’s technical SEO experts today and unlock the full potential of your website.

Final Thoughts

Technical SEO is the foundation of a successful website, encompassing strategies that optimise your site for crawling, indexing, and ranking. But why is technical SEO important? Without it, even the best content and off-page efforts may not yield the desired results.

From addressing technical SEO factors like page speed and mobile-friendliness to implementing structured data and resolving crawl errors, every step contributes to your site’s performance. Following a detailed technical SEO guide and keeping up with a robust technical SEO checklist will help you stay competitive in search rankings.

Remember, SEO is a continuous process. Hard work and patience are key, but the results—a well-optimised website with sustainable rankings—are worth it. Implement these technical SEO tips, and you’ll see your website’s potential unlocked.