SEO starts with the build
Search engine optimisation isn't something you sprinkle on after launch. The factors that matter most are baked into the technical foundation and content strategy from the start.
Technical SEO
Site speed
Page speed is a confirmed ranking factor. Google rewards fast sites because they provide better user experiences. That means optimised images, efficient code, proper caching, and ideally a CDN-based delivery architecture.
Mobile-friendliness
Google uses mobile-first indexing. Your mobile experience isn't just important for mobile users. It's what Google evaluates for all search rankings.
Crawlability
Search engines need to find and understand your pages. That requires:
- A clean sitemap.xml listing all important pages.
- A robots.txt that doesn't accidentally block critical content.
- A logical internal linking structure.
- Pages that return proper HTTP status codes.
Structured data
Schema markup (JSON-LD) helps search engines understand your content. For eCommerce, product information appears directly in search results. For businesses, opening hours, reviews, and contact information are surfaced prominently.
HTTPS
SSL encryption is a baseline requirement. Google favours HTTPS sites, and modern browsers warn users about insecure connections.
On-page SEO
Title tags and meta descriptions
Every page needs a unique, descriptive title tag (under 60 characters) and meta description (under 160 characters). These are your search result listing. They need to be accurate, compelling, and include relevant keywords.
Heading structure
Use headings (H1, H2, H3) to create a logical content hierarchy. One H1 per page that clearly describes the content. Subheadings that break the content into scannable sections.
Image optimisation
Every image should have:
- Descriptive alt text for accessibility and SEO.
- Compressed file size for fast loading.
- Descriptive file names (not IMG_4523.jpg).
Internal linking
Link between related pages on your site. This helps search engines understand content relationships and distributes page authority. It also helps users discover relevant content.
URL structure
Clean, descriptive URLs perform better than cryptic ones. /journal/seo-fundamentals/ beats /p?id=4523. Keep URLs short, descriptive, and consistent.
Content strategy
Write for humans first
Google's algorithms reward content that genuinely helps users. Write naturally, answer real questions, and provide genuine value.
Target realistic keywords
Ranking for "shoes" is nearly impossible for most sites. Ranking for "sustainable leather work boots Melbourne" is achievable and more likely to attract the right customers.
Keep content fresh
Regularly updated content signals to search engines that your site is active and maintained. A blog is a practical way to publish relevant content on an ongoing basis.
Our SEO approach
At CodeDrips, SEO is built into our development process. Every site we build includes proper meta tags, structured data, sitemaps, performance optimisation, and mobile-responsive design. We give your content the best technical foundation for ranking well in the Australian market.
