On-page SEO boosts come from a combination of technical optimization and content quality. Start with title tags that include your primary keyword near the beginning and stay under 60 characters. Meta descriptions won't directly rank you higher, but a compelling 150–160 character summary improves click-through rates, which signals relevance to Google. Structure your content with a single H1 that mirrors search intent, then use H2 and H3 subheadings to break up sections logically. Content depth matters more than keyword density. Write 800–2,000 words for informational queries, covering subtopics and related questions users actually ask. Use your primary keyword naturally in the first 100 words, a few times in body copy, and in at least one subheading. Avoid forcing exact-match repetition—LSI keywords and synonyms work just as well and read better. Technical factors directly impact rankings. Page speed under 2.5 seconds for Largest Contentful Paint keeps you competitive. Compress images to WebP format, lazy-load below-the-fold media, and minimize render-blocking JavaScript. Mobile usability is non-negotiable since Google indexes mobile-first—test with actual devices, not just Chrome DevTools. Internal linking distributes authority and helps Google understand site hierarchy. Link from high-authority pages to newer content using descriptive anchor text, not generic "click here" phrases. Add schema markup for articles, FAQs, local business, or products to increase your chances of rich snippets. Ottawa SEO runs schema on 90% of client pages because it's low-effort, high-return. Image alt text serves accessibility and SEO—describe what's in the image and include keywords only when natural. URL structure should be short, readable, and include your target keyword when possible. Avoid dynamic parameters like "?id=12345". What doesn't boost on-page SEO: keyword stuffing, hidden text, duplicate content across pages, and thin pages under 300 words. Google's algorithms penalize manipulation and reward genuine usefulness. At Ottawa SEO, we audit on-page elements quarterly because algorithm updates shift what carries weight, but user-focused content always wins long-term.