If your website isn’t getting much traffic, your on-page SEO might be the reason. Fixing that doesn’t always require expensive tools or services. You can do a manual audit yourself—and it’s not as hard as it sounds.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to check your website step by step. Whether you’re running a small business or browsing options from the best on-page SEO providers in Chicago, this walkthrough gives you a solid foundation.
What Is a Manual On-Page SEO Audit?
A manual on-page SEO audit means checking each part of a web page yourself—without using automation tools. You’re looking at titles, headings, content, links, and structure to spot issues or missed opportunities.
This approach gives you more control. You get to see your site the way search engines and real people do.
Why It Matters for Local Businesses in Chicago
If your website serves a specific area like downtown Chicago, on-page SEO is even more important. Why? Because local searches are very targeted. People are searching for services nearby. A few smart changes can help your site show up first when someone types “On-Page SEO Chicago” or “SEO help near me.”
Step 1: Start With the Page Title and Meta Description
Use Key Phrases in the Right Places
Look at each page on your site. Does the title clearly say what the page is about? Does it include a phrase like “On-Page SEO Chicago” if that’s what you offer?
Your meta description (the short text that shows up under your link in Google) should also be clear and helpful. Keep it short. Include your main keyword naturally. Avoid clickbait or empty promises.
Example:
Bad: “We offer amazing services to boost your business!”
Good: “Affordable On-Page SEO in Downtown Chicago – Get better rankings.”
Step 2: Check All Headings (H1, H2, H3)
Use Synonyms and Keywords in Subheadings
Each page should have one H1 tag—that’s the main title of the page. It should include your main topic.
Then, use H2 and H3 subheadings to organize the rest of your content. This helps both search engines and people read more easily.
Don’t use the exact same keyword over and over. Mix in synonyms like:
- Local SEO audits
- Page structure checks
- SEO content tips
- SEO for Chicago businesses
Subheadings like “Tips from the Best On-Page SEO Providers in Chicago” or “Local SEO Checks for Small Businesses” work great.
Step 3: Review Your Content for Clarity and Focus
Speak to Real People First
Read your content out loud. Does it make sense? Is it easy to follow? Would your neighbor or a 6th grader understand it?
Search engines like helpful content. So do people. Every sentence should have a purpose. Cut anything that feels extra.
Use your keywords like “On-Page SEO Chicago” in a way that feels natural. For example:
“Many small business owners in the area look for local on-page SEO services in Chicago that actually deliver results.”
Keep the tone friendly and clear. Write the way you talk.
Step 4: Look at Internal and External Links
Are You Linking the Right Way?
Every page should link to other pages on your own website. This helps people find more content and keeps them on your site longer.
Also, link to a few trusted outside sources. Make sure those links open in a new tab so visitors don’t leave your site.
Example:
If you mention Google’s SEO Starter Guide, link to it. But also link to your own service pages or blog posts.
Step 5: Check Image Use and Alt Text
Images Should Help, Not Slow Things Down
Every image on your page should load quickly and make sense with the content. Use small file sizes, not huge high-res files.
Add a short description to each image using the “alt text” field. This helps search engines understand the image, and it helps people who use screen readers.
Example:
Alt text: “Screenshot of manual on-page SEO checklist”
If your service area is local, you can even include a phrase like “SEO audit for a Chicago business website” in the image description—just once, naturally.
Step 6: Make Sure URLs Are Clean and Simple
Your page URLs should be easy to read. Avoid messy strings of numbers or random letters.
Bad URL:
yourwebsite.com/page?id=12345678
Good URL:
yourwebsite.com/manual-on-page-seo-audit
If you’re targeting on-page SEO in downtown Chicago, your service page might look like:
yourwebsite.com/on-page-seo-downtown-chicago
Step 7: Check for Mobile-Friendliness
Most People Use Phones First
Go to your website on your phone. How does it look? Is the text easy to read? Do the buttons work?
Google checks this too. If your page isn’t mobile-friendly, it may not rank well—especially for local searches like “best on-page SEO providers in Chicago.”
Step 8: Page Speed Is a Big Deal
Slow pages lose visitors. Check how fast your site loads using free tools like PageSpeed Insights.
If your site is slow, compress images, remove extra scripts, and use fast hosting.
Most people leave if a page takes more than 3 seconds to load. That’s not a guess—it’s proven.
Step 9: Review Keyword Placement and Density
Don’t Overdo It
Use your main keyword (like On-Page SEO Chicago) in the title, intro, one or two subheadings, and a few times in the content.
Don’t force it. Don’t use it 20 times on one page. Google sees that as spam.
Also use related phrases:
- SEO help in Chicago
- Downtown Chicago SEO
- Local SEO for business owners
Step 10: Include a Strong Call to Action
Tell Readers What to Do Next
Every page should guide your visitors. Should they contact you? Fill out a form? Read your next blog post?
Make it simple and clear.
Example CTA:
“Looking for real results? Our local on-page SEO services in Chicago help your site rank higher and bring in more leads. Contact us today and get a free audit.”
Bonus Tip: Compare Against Competitors
Look up pages from your top 3 local competitors. What are they doing that you’re not? Are their pages more organized? Do they answer more questions?
Take notes. Improve your own content based on what’s working for them—but don’t copy. You want your site to be better, not just the same.
Final Thoughts: Small Fixes, Big Gains
Doing a manual audit doesn’t take a tech genius. It just takes focus. One page at a time, check titles, headings, content, links, and speed. Keep your audience in mind.
If you’re a local business owner, especially around downtown Chicago, these changes could push your site higher in local search results. That means more traffic, more clicks, and more business.
Ready to Rank Higher?
If you’re tired of guessing and want expert help, we’re here for you. As one of the best on-page SEO providers in Chicago, we know what works—and we keep it simple.
👉 Need help with a full on-page SEO audit? Get in touch now for a free consultation.
