Ultimate AI SEO
Checklist

Define Search Intent

Identify whether the query is informational, commercial, transactional, or navigational. Align the page precisely to that intent.

Identify Primary & Secondary Keywords

Choose keywords based on intent, search demand, and commercial relevance — not just volume.

Map to a Topic Cluster

Ensure this page connects to a broader content cluster (core page + supporting content).

Check Semantic Coverage

Include related concepts, subtopics, and natural variations to demonstrate depth — not repetition.

Validate Entity Focus

Clearly define what the page is about (product, concept, category) and keep that entity consistent throughout.

Optimize the Title Tag

Under 60 characters. Clear value. Primary keyword included naturally.

Write a Single H1

One H1 that clearly reinforces the page’s intent and core entity.

Write a Compelling Meta Description

Under 160 characters. Clear benefit. Encourages clicks.

Check URL Slug

Short, readable, hyphen-separated, and aligned to the primary keyword.

Align Title With Intent

Ensure the title matches what users actually expect to find — no baiting, no mismatch.

Open With a Clear Definition

In the first 100–150 words, directly answer the core question. Make it extraction-ready for AI summaries.

Add Target Keywords Naturally

Integrate keywords in a human way, especially in the intro, subheadings, and conclusion.

Demonstrate Information Gain

Add original insight, examples, data, or perspective that competitors don’t provide.

Review Content Quality

Ensure content is accurate, structured, useful, and updated regularly.

Show Experience & Expertise

Use examples, real-world context, and credible explanations to reinforce authority.

Use Structured Subheadings (H2–H4)

Organize content logically to improve readability and help search engines understand structure.

Improve Internal Linking

Link to relevant commercial and supporting pages to strengthen your site graph.

Add Contextual Commercial Bridges

Guide informational readers toward relevant products or services naturally.

Add Engaging Visual Content

Include images, video, or diagrams with descriptive alt text.

Apply Relevant Schema Markup

Use structured data (Article, Product, FAQ, Organization) where appropriate.

Confirm Page Is Indexed

Ensure the page is not blocked by robots.txt or accidental noindex tags.

Improve Page Speed

Optimize images, reduce unused scripts, and enable caching.

Ensure Mobile-Friendliness

Test responsive layout across devices.

Check Core Web Vitals

Monitor LCP, CLS, and INP for performance stability.

Avoid Duplicate or Cannibalized Content

Ensure this page has a clear purpose and doesn’t compete with another page targeting the same query.

Reinforce Brand Signals

Include clear brand mentions, About page links, and author attribution.

Add Author Bio

Demonstrate credibility and expertise.

Use Clear, Extractable Formatting

Short paragraphs, concise summaries, scannable answers.

Maintain Content Freshness

Add meaningful updates over time — not cosmetic edits.

Strengthen Topical Authority

Ensure this page contributes to a broader subject area you’re consistently building.

Optimize for Click-Through Rate (CTR)

Is the title emotionally differentiated from competing results?

Match SERP Format Expectations

Does the page format match what currently ranks (guide, list, comparison, product page)?

Reduce Pogo-Sticking

Does the page immediately confirm to the user they’re in the right place?

Pass the AI Summary Test

Would this page still rank if AI could perfectly summarize all competitors? If it can be replicated by merging the top 5 results, it’s weak.

Include Proprietary Data or Unique Angles

Add original research, brand perspective, or experience-based insights that competitors can’t replicate.

Demonstrate Information Gain

Go beyond what’s already available. Information gain is becoming survival.

Define a Clear Next Step

Every page should guide the user toward a logical next action.

Align CTAs With Intent

Are contextual calls-to-action aligned with what the user came to do?

Reinforce Commercial Relevance

Ensure commercial relevance is present without being intrusive. Traffic without progression is vanity.

Strengthen a Defined Subject Cluster

Does this page strengthen a specific topic area — or scatter your effort?

Build Depth Over Breadth

A weak domain with 20 scattered topics loses to a focused domain with 5 deeply developed ones.

Build Branded Search Volume

Are people searching for your brand in relation to this topic?

Associate Brand With Topic

Is your brand clearly associated with this subject across the site?

Reinforce With External Mentions

Do external mentions and citations reinforce this association?

Set a Refresh Schedule

Most pages decay quietly. Establish a cadence for reviewing and updating content.

Flag Declining Pages

Identify pages losing traffic and prioritize them for expansion or consolidation.

Merge Underperforming Pages

Consolidate weak pages rather than leaving them to rot. Entropy kills authority.