The Top Technical SEO Mistakes Nonprofits Make
When it comes to SEO, nonprofits often overlook simple technical fixes that can make a big difference. These are the low-hanging fruit—quick to address but essential for improving your site’s performance. Let’s dive into the top technical SEO mistakes nonprofits make and how to fix them.
1. Broken Links
Broken links frustrate users and harm your SEO. Search engines see them as signs of a poorly maintained site.
Fix it: Regularly scan your site and update or remove broken links. SEOSpace’s Basic scan flags broken links and ensures external ones open in a new window, keeping your SEO strong.
2. Missing or Poor Meta Descriptions
Meta descriptions help search engines understand your page and can influence click-through rates. Missing or weak descriptions are a missed opportunity.
Fix it: Write concise, keyword-rich meta descriptions for every page. SEOSpace flags missing or unoptimized meta descriptions and gives you clear steps to improve them.
3. Incorrect H1 Tags
Using multiple H1 tags or missing them entirely confuses search engines about your page’s structure.
Fix it: Ensure each page has only one H1, properly optimized. SEOSpace identifies any issues with your heading structure in its Basic scan.
4. No SSL Certificate
A secure site is a must for both user trust and SEO. Without SSL, your site may be flagged as "not secure," hurting both rankings and user engagement.
Fix it: Install an SSL certificate if you don’t have one. SEOSpace flags if your site lacks SSL, helping you act quickly.
5. Missing Alt Text for Images
Alt text helps search engines understand your images and improves accessibility. Missing alt text means you’re missing an opportunity for better rankings.
Fix it: Add descriptive alt text to all images. SEOSpace checks for missing or poorly optimized alt text and offers recommendations.
6. Oversized Images
Large image files slow down your site, which can hurt both user experience and SEO.
Fix it: Compress and resize images to ensure fast load times. SEOSpace flags oversized images, helping you optimize your site’s speed.
7. Non-Optimized URLs
Long, messy URLs can confuse search engines and hurt rankings.
Fix it: Clean up your URLs by making them simple, readable, and keyword-optimized. SEOSpace highlights URL issues and provides tips for improvement.
8. Not Connected to Google Search Console
Google Search Console helps you monitor SEO health, but many nonprofits don’t use it.
Fix it: Connect your site to Google Search Console to track performance. SEOSpace will alert you if your site isn’t connected.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes! Introducing SEOSpace.
SEOSpace simplifies technical SEO by scanning your Squarespace site for broken links, missing meta descriptions, SSL issues, alt text, and more. Its color-coded dashboard gives you clear, actionable steps, even if you’re not an SEO expert. With regular scans, you can stay on top of your site’s health and continually improve your rankings.
Bottom Line: Fix These Issues for Better SEO
Technical SEO mistakes are easy to fix, but they make a big difference in your site’s performance. By addressing broken links, optimizing meta descriptions, and ensuring mobile-friendliness, you’ll improve your visibility and impact.
If you need help optimizing your nonprofit’s website, I’m here to assist! At Web Differently, I build and optimize websites that serve your mission and perform well. Request your free consultation here.
