Ultimate SEO Cheat Sheet Across Categories

Want to learn and master SEO?

Or maybe you know the basics of SEO and are looking to sharpen your skills across every area — from technical audits and content strategy to local optimization and link building.

Either way, you’re in the right place. 

I’ve been studying and applying SEO to grow my own businesses for over 10 years, and this SEO cheat sheet pulls together the best of what I’ve learned. 

From quick wins to long-term strategies, it’s all here in one place.

However, if you want to have an expert guide you through SEO, work with me, and I’ll figure out SEO for you.

Why Do You Need an SEO Cheat Sheet?

If you want to grow your business or establish your brand name in the industry, you need to know how SEO works. And if you’re new to SEO, a cheat sheet like this will be your handy reference guide that helps you stay focused on best practices without having to Google every little thing. 

Here’s why it’s useful:

• You won’t have to dig through long blog posts or Google’s documentation, as you’ll get the essentials right in front of you. 
• Even if you understand SEO, it’s common to forget one or two things. Having a cheat sheet helps you recall complex SEO elements, like title tag length, header tag structure, etc.
• A good cheat sheet will cover topics like on-page SEO, technical SEO, off-page SEO, tools, and metrics for your convenience.
• A cheat sheet will call out all the red flags to avoid, so you can easily avoid mistakes like indexing the wrong page, keyword stuffing, or not including mobile UX.

How to Create a Personalized SEO Cheat Sheet

Not all cheat sheets will meet your requirements, so it’s best to create a custom cheat sheet that you can refer to in times of need. A personalized sheet will match your goals, tools, and daily workflow. 

Here’s how you can do it:

Define Your SEO Goals

The first step is to decide what your cheat sheet will help you with, whether it’s content SEO, local rankings, technical health, or all of the above. 

You need to keep it aligned with your site type. For example, if it’s e-commerce, you need to focus more on technical SEO. Make it more action-focused so it becomes a daily tool, not just a reference.  

Choose Your Core SEO Categories

Break it down into sections that will match your workflow. You can have separate sections for high-impact topics like:

• On-page SEO (title, meta, headers)
• Technical SEO (site speed, indexing, mobile)
• Content strategy (keyword, formatting, internal links)
• Off-page SEO (backlinks, citations, reviews)
• Analytics & reporting (GA4, GSC, keyword tracking)

Add Quick Rules & Best Practices

Use short and scannable tips that you’ll actually follow. For example, you can add a section with a quick checklist:

• Title tag under 60 characters 
• Meta description under 155 characters 
• 1 H1 per page, including the target keyword
• Compress images before upload
• Check mobile usability after every site update

Include Your Go-To Tools

List all the tools you will need the most. Test them out and add the ones that work best for you.

Pro Tips: To give you a kickstart, Semrush or Ahrefs are great tools for keyword research

Customize with Personal Tips

You can also add some hacks that work for you. Like “run content through Hemingway before publishing,” or “revisit old blogs every 3 months to update keywords.” 

You have to make it yours, not just generic SEO advice. 

Pick a Format that Fits

Use what you’ll really open and update. 

Content on Google Docs is easy to edit, Notion is great for organized templates and PDFs, or Canva for content that looks appealing visually and is printable. 

Keep It Updated 

Check for any changes in Google’s algorithm, tools, or strategy on a regular basis. To make it easier, set a reminder for every month or quarter.

After checking the content, update broken links, outdated practices, and anything that’s no longer working. 

On-Page SEO Checklist for Fast Optimization

If you want to boost your rankings without overcomplicating things, on-page SEO is where you start. It’s all about making your page easy to read for the people and search engines. 

Here’s your quick and actionable checklist to get your pages optimized in no time:

Start with the Right Keywords

Before you start optimizing your content, you need to know what you’re optimizing for. 

• Tools like Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner are best for keyword research. (Learn how to use Google Keyword Planner for SEO)
• Look for terms your audience is searching for – not just some high-volume keywords.
• Don’t forget to add long-tail keywords.
• Add keywords naturally throughout your content, and remember not to stuff keywords.

Optimize Title Tags & Meta Descriptions

These are what show up in Google’s search results, so make them count. Think of this as your page’s or website’s first impression in the search results. 

• Keep title tags under 60 characters.
• Put your target keywords as close to the front as possible.
• Write meta descriptions that make people want to click.
• Avoid duplicating content, so every page should have unique titles and descriptions.

Use Header Tags (H1, H2, H3…) Properly

Headings give structure to your content, make it easier for people to read, and help search engines understand what’s important. But do not overdo it; keep the structure natural. 

• Use one H1 tag per page, which is usually your page title.
• Break up sections with H2s and sub-points with H3s.
• Work your keywords into headers where it makes sense.

Improve Your URL Structure

Your URL should be able to tell people and Google what your page is about. 

• Keep it short and simple (avoid crazy numbers or symbols).
• Include your primary keyword in the URL.
• Use hyphens to separate words (like this-example-URL).
• Make sure it is readable by humans. 

Write for Humans First, Search Engines Second 

A good SEO content will never feel robotic or as if the article is written solely based on SEO principles without any human touch. Google will notice your content if people are loving it. 

• You need to answer the audience’s questions clearly.
• Use natural language, and don’t force keywords.
• Break up long paragraphs into bullets or visuals.
• Add a clear call to action (CTA).

Master Internal Linking 

Link to other relevant and helpful content on your site. This will help with navigation, spread authority, and keep visitors around longer. Your internal links are like a pathway that guides users and bots through your site. 

• Use a descriptive anchor test (not just “click here”).
• Link to relevant blog posts, products, or resources.

Optimize Images for Speed & SEO

Images can slow your site down if you don’t use them properly, and they’re also a missed SEO opportunity if they’re not optimized. 

• Compress images before uploading for faster load times.
• Use descriptive filenames.
• Add alt text that describes the image.

Technical SEO Cheat Sheet for Better Crawlability

Technical SEO might sound intimidating, but it isn’t. It’s all about making sure search engines can easily crawl, index, and understand your site. 

Here’s an actionable checklist to help you spot issues and clean up the backend for better visibility:

Crawlability & Indexing 

Make sure that Google can access and understand what problem you’re trying to solve. 

• Submit your sitemap to the Google Search Console.
• Use a clean and up-to-date robots.txt file.
• Avoid blocking important pages accidentally.
• Check for any crawl errors and fix broken links (404s).
• Use canonical tags to avoid having duplicate content issues.

Site Structure & Navigation

Search engines love a well-organized site, and users do, too. Additionally, a solid structure helps both bots and humans navigate your site smoothly. 

• Use a clear, logical hierarchy with internal linking.
• Keep your site structure flat by not burying a page under five clicks. Make sure important pages are reachable within 2-3 clicks.
• Include breadcrumb navigation for better UX & SEO.
• Use clean and keyword-friendly URLs.

Mobile-Friendliness

A significant number of users access Google on their mobile devices, which indicates that your site needs to be optimized for mobile-friendliness. If your site doesn’t work on mobile, you will lose rankings and visitors. 

• Use a responsive design that works on all screen sizes.
• Avoid intrusive pop-ups that block content on mobile.
• Prioritize readable fonts and clickable buttons on small screens. 

Page Speed Optimization

A slow site speed will give out a bad user experience and worse rankings. If you have a site with a fast loading speed, it automatically decreases bounce rates and improves SEO. 

• Compress images and use modern formats.
• Optimize CSS, JavaScript, and HTML.
• Enable browser caching and lazy loading.
• Choose fast hosting and use a CDN for global delivery.
• Monitor speed using tools like PageSpeed Insights.

HTTPS & Site Security 

Having a secure site gives you credibility, and both Google and users prefer safe sites. 

• Install an SSL certificate (having HTTPS is a must).
• Redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS.
• Optimize SEO internal links and canonical tags to the secure version.
• Avoid mixed content, like having secure and non-secure elements on a single page. 

Structured Data (Schema Markup)

Schema Markup helps Google understand your content better, and it also helps it stand out with rich results. 

• Use Schema.org markup for reviews, FAQs, products, and articles.
• Test your schema with Google’s Rich Results Testing Tool.
• Add structured data to your homepage, content page, and blog posts.
• Prioritize key types like FAQ, Breadcrumb, and Local Business. 

XML Sitemap Optimization

Your sitemap acts like a roadmap for search engines. It’s a simple step, but it’s super important for crawl efficiency. 

• Include only indexable, high-value pages.
• Exclude redirects, 404s, and no-index pages.
• Keep it updated automatically with your CMS or plugin.
• Submit your sitemap in Google & Bing Webmaster tools.

Manage Redirects Properly 

When used correctly, redirects help preserve SEO value. However, too many redirects can cause slowdowns and lost link equity. 

• Use 301 redirects for permanent changes.
• Avoid redirect chains and loops.
• Fix broken redirects and update old ones.
• Keep internal links updated to point to the final URL.

Off-Page SEO Cheat Sheet to Build Authority

Off-page SEO is your chance to build credibility, trust, and authority that goes beyond your website. Google sees links as votes of confidence, so the more quality links you have, the more trustworthy you look.

Here’s how to grow your site’s authority in a smart way:

Backlink Building

Not all backlinks are created equal, so one quality backlink beats having multiple unnecessary ones. 

• Earn links by creating valuable, shareable content.
• Guest post is your weapon! Post relevant, high-authority blogs in your niche.
• Reach out for link placements and resource mentions.
• Reclaim lost or broken backlinks pointing to your site.

Pro Tip: Avoid shady tactics like buying links, as they can be very risky and won’t last. 

Social Signals & Sharing

While sharing socially is not a direct ranking factor, having a strong social presence gives you more visibility.

• Share blog posts across your social channels.
• Repurpose content into reels, carousels, or threads.
• Encourage followers to comment and reshare.

Competitor Backlink Research 

Learn what your rivals are doing and beat them in their SEO game. 

• Use backlink tools to uncover who’s linking to your competitors.
• Look for gaps, like sites linking to them but not you.
• Analyze domain authority and link quality to prioritize outreach targets.

Learn how to conduct an SEO competitor analysis using various tools. 

Disavow Toxic Links

You need to protect your domain authority from toxic links, or else your site might lose its credibility.

• Identify spammy or irrelevant backlinks dragging your site down.
• Compile them into a .txt file and upload them to Google’s disavow tool.
• Prioritize domains with poor trust scores or unrelated content.

Online Reviews

Having social proof enhances your authority among customers and Google. 

• Claim your profile on review platforms like Google, Yelp, etc.
• Encourage happy customers to leave honest reviews.
• Respond to reviews as much as possible and acknowledge bad ones as well.
• Use reviews to improve your service and uncover new content ideas.

Forum & Blog Commenting 

Be a part of the conversation (strategically) to maintain your expertise in the industry.

• Comment on niche forums and blogs with real insights.
• Build name recognition and subtle brand visibility.
• Occasionally, earn backlinks, but first and foremost, earn trust.

The Ultimate Local SEO Cheat Sheet

Local SEO is all about making sure people in your area can find your business when they need it. It can either be from Google Maps or online reviews; every detail you add to SEO will matter when you’re trying to stand out locally. 

Here’s a clear checklist to boost your local presence and drive real foot traffic:

Google My Business (GMB) Optimization

Your GMB profile should always be at the core of your local SEO strategy. An optimized listing helps customers find, trust, and choose your business in local search results and Google Maps.

• Claim & verify your listing to control your business info.
• Complete every section, including hours, services, and business description.
• Add high-quality photos of your location, team, and services.
• Collect reviews by encouraging happy customers to leave detailed feedback.
• Post regularly to share updates, offers, and news.

Local Keyword Research

Targeting the right local keywords is essential to show up in the searches your community is making. Focus on terms that match user intent and location-specific queries.

• Use location-based keywords like “plumber in Chicago.”
• Focus on long-tail keywords with specific, localized searches like “best vegan pizza in Brooklyn.”
• Analyze competitors to see which local keywords they rank for.

On-Page SEO for Local Pages

Optimizing individual pages for local relevance increases your chances of ranking higher in local search results. This includes using local keywords, proper formatting, and relevant content.

• Include local keywords naturally in title tags & meta descriptions.
• Ensure Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) consistency across all pages.
• Embed Google Maps on the contact page to show your exact location.
• Create local content such as blog posts about local events, news, and updates.

Local Citations & Directories

Citations are mentions of your business across the web. So, when your business gets listed on reputable directories, it helps build trust with search engines and boosts your local visibility.

• List your business in top directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and industry-specific directories.
• Keep NAP consistent across all platforms.
• Monitor and update listings regularly to correct any inconsistencies.

Online Reviews Management

Reviews play a huge role in local consumer decisions. Managing your reputation through active engagement and encouraging feedback improves your credibility and rankings.

• Claim your listings on review sites like Yelp, Google, and niche-specific platforms.
• Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative.
• Offer incentives like small discounts or free trials to encourage reviews.

Mobile Optimization

With most of the local searches happening on mobile, your website needs to perform flawlessly on all devices. Fast loading and mobile-friendly design are key to user experience and SEO. 

• Ensure your site has a responsive design that works well on mobile devices.
• Optimize images and reduce redirects to improve loading times.
• Include click-to-call buttons for easy contact by mobile users.

Local Link Building

Building a strong local backlink profile acts as your digital word-of-mouth. Building relationships within your community can earn you high-value links and drive more targeted traffic to your site. 

• Partner with local influencers to gain backlinks through collaborations.
• Sponsor local events to earn links from event pages and local news.
• Join local business organizations to leverage memberships for backlinks.

Social Media & Local SEO

If you’re using social media just for engagement, you’re missing out on a lot. It can become a great support for your local SEO. It can boost your visibility, build community presence, and drive localized traffic on your site.

• Tag your location in posts on Instagram, Facebook, etc.
• Use location-based hashtags to increase visibility.
• Engage with the local community by commenting on and sharing local business posts.

Top 5 Tools for Local SEO

With the right tools, you can save a lot of time and get deeper insights. 

The local SEO tools I’ve listed below will help you optimize listings, manage citations, track rankings, and streamline your overall strategy:

• BrightLocal: Comprehensive local SEO tool for reporting, citations, and reviews.
• Moz Local: Helps manage listings and monitor local search performance.
• SEMrush: Powerful for keyword research, competitor analysis, and local SEO tracking.
• Yext: Automates listings and ensures consistency across directories.
• Whitespark: Great for citation building and tracking local rankings.

Content SEO Cheat Sheet for Better Engagement 

Good content doesn’t just provide information; it has to be engaging, solve problems, and keep people coming back for more. 

Here’s how to make sure your content is doing its job:

Content Relevance & Intent

Create content that aligns exactly with what users are searching for. Making focused content ranks better and satisfies users. 

• Start with keyword research to understand search intent.
• Map keywords to the right content type (blog, product, landing page)
• Align your content with questions, pain points, or goals.
• Use SERP analysis to reverse engineer what Google wants.
• Make sure each piece targets a clear topic.

Readability & Structure

As I mentioned in the above sections, well-structured content is easier to scan, read, and understand.

• Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and headings.
• Write in a conversational, friendly tone.
• Include a clear intro, body, and takeaway or CTA.
• Use visuals like images, infographics, or videos.
• Break up long posts with subheadings and section dividers. 

Content Freshness

Publishing fresh content signals to Google that your site is active and up to date. Even making small updates can boost rankings and engagement.

• Regularly update old blog posts with new stats or tips.
• Add new sections if the topic has evolved.
• Keep publishing new content consistently.

Strategic Keyword Research 

Adding keywords is not only about gaining traffic. You need to justify the intent of your keywords in the content. 

• Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to find keywords with high intent.
• Focus on long-tail keywords to solve specific problems.
• Prioritize low-competition keywords if your site is still growing.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still have some queries about SEO? Here’s more information to help you further. 

How Often Should I Update My SEO Cheat Sheet?

One thing you must memorize about SEO is that it always keeps evolving. Google’s algorithm updates, new tools, and changing user behavior all impact what works. 

It’s a good idea to revisit your SEO cheat sheet every 3 to 6 months to make sure your strategies are still up to date.

Can Beginners Benefit from Using an SEO Cheat Sheet?

Without any doubt! A cheat sheet breaks things down into manageable steps and keeps you focused on what will actually work. 

Whether you’re just getting started or want a refresher, it helps you stay on track without getting overwhelmed.

Are There Different SEO Cheat Sheets for Local and Global SEO?

Thoughts

Whether you’re focusing on local SEO, content creation, technical tuning, or building off-page authority, each of these sections of SEO plays a role in helping your site show up, stand out, and succeed. 

The key is: consistency and strategy.

You don’t need to master everything overnight; just keep these SEO checklists handy, optimize what matters most, and build momentum from there. 

And hey, if you ever get stuck and want professional help, feel free to reach out for a free SEO audit and consult — I am happy to help!

Whenever you’re ready, here’s 3 ways I can help you:

1. My SEO Course: “The SEO System” teaches the exact daily, weekly, and monthly SEO processes I’ve used to scale multiple companies to 6, 7, & 8 figures in sales. Available for pre-sale now!

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3. Promote yourself to 90,000+ SEOs, marketers, & entrepreneurs by sponsoring this newsletter and my social channels. (Booked out 1 month). Email me for info.