SEO Basics
Understanding Search Console and Traffic Reports (Basic Overview)
Search Console and analytics tools help administrators understand how residents find and use the website. While most content editors do not manage these tools directly, understanding the basics helps improve content decisions. What Is Search Console? ...
Optimizing Images for Search and Accessibility
Images help communicate information, but search engines and screen readers cannot “see” them the way people do. They rely on descriptive text and proper formatting. For government websites, optimizing images improves: Accessibility compliance Search ...
Avoiding Duplicate Content on Government Sites
Government Websites Duplicate content occurs when the same information appears on multiple pages. On government websites, this often happens unintentionally when: Departments copy the same notice Emergency updates are reposted Policies are duplicated ...
Internal Linking Best Practices
Internal linking means connecting one page of your website to another. For government websites, internal links: Improve navigation Help residents find related information Improve search engine understanding Reduce confusion Strengthen transparency ...
Creating Search-Friendly URLs (Slugs)
A URL is the web address of a page. The “slug” is the part that identifies the specific page. Example: yourcity.gov/building-permits In this example: Domain: yourcity.gov Slug: building-permits For government websites, clean and readable URLs improve ...
Using Headings Properly for Search and Accessibility
Headings organize content for both people and technology. On government websites, proper heading structure improves readability, accessibility compliance, and search visibility. This article explains how to use headings correctly and why they matter. ...
Writing Clear Page Titles and Meta Descriptions
Page titles and meta descriptions help residents find your website through search engines. They also shape what users see before clicking your link in search results. For government websites, clarity in titles and descriptions ensures the public can ...
What Is SEO and Why It Matters for Government Websites
What Is SEO and Why It Matters for Government Websites SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It refers to the process of helping search engines understand your website so residents can easily find public information. For government websites, SEO ...