SEO can feel like a never-ending list of tasks: keywords, content, backlinks, metadata, alt text, domain authority… and the list goes on. At MORE Creative Agency, we get it. Our clients in Athens (and beyond) often ask, “What do I actually need to focus on?”
A great place to start is understanding the difference between on-page and off-page SEO because both matter, but in very different ways.
Let’s break it down.
On-Page SEO: Everything On Your Website
Think of on-page SEO as all the things you can control directly on your website. It’s the content, structure, and elements that help both users and search engines understand what your site is about.
Here’s what’s included in on-page SEO:
Keywords (Used Smartly)
Strategic use of relevant keywords in your page titles, headers, body text, and image alt text helps search engines match your content with what people are actually searching for.
Page Titles and Meta Descriptions
These are the snippets that show up in search results. They need to be clear, relevant, and enticing enough to earn the click.
Content Quality
Search engines (and your audience) love valuable, well-organized content that answers questions and solves problems. No keyword stuffing. Just helpful, well-written content.
URL Structure
Simple, readable URLs like /services/seo-athens-ga are better for both SEO and users than /page?id=3285.
Internal Linking
Linking between pages on your own site helps search engines crawl your site more efficiently and keeps users engaged longer.
Mobile-Friendliness
Google prioritizes mobile-first indexing, so a mobile-responsive design isn’t optional, it’s foundational.
Site Speed
If your site is slow, users bounce and Google notices. On-page optimization includes improving load time through image compression, caching, and smart code.
Accessibility & Alt Text
Search engines love content that everyone can access. That includes using alt text for images and ensuring proper HTML structure.
Off-Page SEO: Everything That Happens Outside Your Website
If on-page SEO is about what’s on your site, off-page SEO is about what others say about your site and how trustworthy and authoritative your site appears to search engines.
Here’s what’s involved in off-page SEO:
Backlinks (The Big One)
Backlinks are links to your site from other reputable websites. Think of them like votes of confidence. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the more authority your site gains in Google’s eyes.
Quality matters more than quantity. A single link from a respected site can be more valuable than dozens from low-authority sources.
Social Signals
While social media doesn’t directly impact SEO rankings, content that gets shared widely can increase visibility, attract links, and boost brand awareness.
To read more about how social media and SEO go hand-in-hand, check out our blog: “How Social Media and SEO Work Together”
Guest Blogging & PR
Publishing content on other platforms (or getting mentioned in the press) helps build your credibility and sends valuable SEO signals back to your site.
Local Listings & Citations
For local businesses in places like Athens, GA, having consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information on platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and local directories helps with local search rankings.
Why You Need Both
Here’s the deal: on-page SEO gets your site ready to rank, off-page SEO helps it rise through the ranks.
If you’re only focusing on one, you’re only doing half the job.
- You could have amazing content and perfect keywords, but without backlinks, Google might not trust your site enough to rank it.
- Or, you might earn a few high-quality backlinks, but if your site is slow, confusing, or outdated, users will bounce and rankings will drop.
SEO works best when both sides of the strategy are in play.
Our Approach to SEO in Athens, GA
At MORE Creative Agency, we help businesses across Athens and the surrounding area improve both on-page and off-page SEO. Whether you need a full content overhaul or backlink strategy, we’re here for it.
We’ll build a custom SEO strategy that fits your goals, your audience, and your brand. We’ll handle the technical pieces so you can stay focused on running your business.
Ready to Build an SEO Strategy That Actually Works?
Let’s make sure your site isn’t just live – it’s visible. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving your rankings, we’re here to help.
Explore our SEO services in Athens, GA or contact us to get started