The Difference Between On-Page, Off-Page, and Technical SEO
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is not a single tactic, but a combination of strategies that help your website rank higher in search results. To succeed with SEO, it’s important to understand its three core pillars: on-page SEO, off-page SEO, and technical SEO. Each plays a unique role in improving visibility and driving traffic.
What is On-Page SEO?
On-page SEO refers to the elements you control directly on your website. These include content, keywords, titles, meta descriptions, and internal linking. Good on-page SEO ensures your pages are relevant, clear, and user-friendly.
- Using targeted keywords in headings and content
- Optimising meta titles and descriptions
- Structuring content with clear headings
- Improving readability and engagement
What is Off-Page SEO?
Off-page SEO involves actions taken outside your website to improve its authority and trust. The main factor here is link building, but it also includes brand signals and reputation management.
- Backlinks from trusted, relevant websites
- Mentions on social media and other platforms
- Online reviews and brand credibility
- Partnerships and guest blogging
What is Technical SEO?
Technical SEO focuses on the backend performance of your website to ensure it can be easily crawled and indexed by search engines. A technically sound site improves user experience and search visibility.
- Fast page loading speed
- Mobile-friendliness
- Proper use of schema markup
- Secure HTTPS setup
- Fixing crawl errors and broken links
How These Work Together
On-page, off-page, and technical SEO are interconnected. High-quality content (on-page) attracts links (off-page), while a strong technical foundation ensures everything runs smoothly. Ignoring one area can limit results.
For small businesses in South Africa, combining these three areas is essential to stand out in search results. By understanding and applying all aspects of SEO, you set your website up for long-term success.
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