The difference between on-page vs. off-page search engine optimization (SEO) is pretty much as it sounds: on-page focuses on SEO elements actually occurring on a page, while off-page focuses on impacting SEO elements outside of a page. While the differences between on-page vs. off-page search engine optimization are rather straightforward, I have simplified their explanation for clarity. Thus, let us delve a little farther into what they each mean, as well as how we can leverage them to optimize local SEO efforts.
Understanding On-Page SEO:
On-page SEO involves all of the on-site techniques one would use to ensure a high search engine ranking of their site. This type of SEO is a combination of content and technical skills to improve the overall quality of the page. In short, the more on-page search engine optimization you do, you’ll likely get more traffic to your site and improve your search engine results page (SERP) that displays and ranks your page when users enter search queries into search engines. This topic may sound foreign, but if you are at all familiar with SEO, then all on-page SEO refers to is the application of common day practices of SEO, such as content creation, link-building, keyword research, and much more. If you are not familiar with the aforementioned terms, I’d recommend taking the time to read the following blog as it will solidify your understanding of SEO in general and help you better understand the application of on-page and off-page SEO.
When would we want to emphasize the practice of on-page SEO? On-page SEO aims to increase the overall health of your webpage to improve online traffic and visibility; thus, similar to the overall goal of SEO in general, similarly, on-page optimization is utilized as a means to improve the online presence of and engagement with a web page. Now, how does this all relate to local SEO in specific? Well, just as on-page optimization improves the general SEO of a webpage, on-page optimization can have the same effect on local SEO. By tailoring on-page elements of SEO to a specific geographic location, one will attract users and customers within that geographic circumference and improve their local business. Moreover, think about on-page optimization for local SEO as an additional step past “general” SEO. This is because elements on the page, such as content, links, page titles, meta descriptions, and more need to be tailored to the specific locality of said business.
Understanding Off-Page SEO:
Next up, off-page SEO. Off-page SEO is anything you do outside of your website in an effort to improve search engine rankings. A main element of off-page SEO that will be referenced to a few times in this blog is link-building. In short, link-building is the process of acquiring links from other websites that link back to your own. Link-building is a way of increasing your site’s reach by exposing it to a wider audience. Furthemore, the more places one can access your website from, the greater the likelihood of visibility. Also, Google will view such links like endorsements, as if each one is a vote of confidence from a potential customer, which directly leads to higher rankings in search and therefore greater exposure and presence. In addition, off-page SEO helps to establish website authority via reputable backlinks as this signals to search engines that the website is trustworthy. A trustworthy website will rank much higher in search engine results than an untrustworthy website. This has positive and far reaching impacts for local businesses by helping them appear more often and at a higher level on search results.
In the case of off-page optimization, local SEO can actually be used as a strategy in improving off-page optimization that is also beneficial to your business’s overall local SEO. By adding your business site to local listings and internet directories, such as Yelp, Google My Business, and so on, your site is more likely to appear in local search results because of the backlinks attached to such listings and directories. An important note to make when link-building and backlinking, make sure that your business information (name, address, phone number, hours of operation) are consistent across all platforms in an effort to develop consistency and trust among users.
Concluding Insights: On-Page vs. Off-Page SEO
An additional note I’d like to make about the differences between the two is that of control. While both types of SEO serve their own purpose and are equally beneficial, on-page optimization allows for a lot more control as you are the one in charge of optimizing and modifying your webpage. Off-page optimization, on the other hand, lacks a sense of control because to a certain extent you are at the whim of others deciding to link-build with you. Do not get me wrong, there are most definitely ways to improve and even secure a certain level of off-page optimization, but not to the same degree as on-page optimization. I’d say that may be the starkest contrast between the two. In addition, please make note that while each type of SEO serves their own purpose at differing times, a combination of both on-page and off-page SEO are essential to a comprehensive and successful search engine optimization strategy.
Arielle recently joined the Zulu Shack Team and plays a pivotal role in SEO, as well as overall project management. With a double BA degree in Sustainability and Government, Arielle brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the Zulu Shack Team. Her background in Sustainability and Government equips her with a deep understanding of complex systems and strategic planning, which she seamlessly applies to her role in SEO. Among family and friends, she’s known to be a phenomenal event planner, bringing her keen sense of style to personalize important events and celebrations. Whether engaged in her professional endeavors or pursuing her interests, Arielle’s boundless enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to growth positively impacts those around her.