SEO Checklist for Nigerian Businesses

On-Page SEO

Each page has a unique, descriptive title tag (50-60 characters)

Meta descriptions are present and compelling (150-160 characters)

URLs are clean, descriptive, and include keywords

H1 tag is used once per page and includes main keyword

H2, H3 tags are used to structure content logically

All images have descriptive alt text

Internal linking structure is logical and helpful

Content is original, valuable, and keyword-optimized (naturally)

Keywords are used naturally throughout content

Page load speed is under 3 seconds

Local SEO (Critical for Nigerian Businesses)

Google Business Profile is created and verified

Business name, address, phone (NAP) is consistent across all platforms

Location keywords are included in content (e.g., "restaurant in Awka")

Google Maps is embedded on contact page

Local business schema markup is implemented

Listed in Nigerian business directories

Customer reviews are encouraged and responded to

Service area is clearly defined on website

Technical SEO

SSL certificate is installed (HTTPS enabled)

Sitemap.xml is created and submitted to Google

Robots.txt file is configured correctly

Website is mobile-responsive

No broken links (404 errors)

Canonical tags are set up correctly

Structured data (Schema.org) is implemented

Website works in all major browsers

Images are optimized and compressed

CSS and JavaScript are minified

Content SEO

Content is original and not duplicated

Content is regularly updated

Blog or resources section is maintained

FAQ section answers common questions

Content includes relevant keywords naturally

Content is written for users, not just search engines

Long-form content (1000+ words) for important pages

Mobile SEO

Website is fully responsive (mobile-friendly)

Mobile page speed is optimized (under 3 seconds)

Touch targets are large enough (44x44 pixels minimum)

Text is readable without zooming

No horizontal scrolling required

Phone numbers are clickable on mobile

Analytics & Monitoring

Google Analytics is installed and configured

Google Search Console is set up

Conversion goals are set up in Analytics

Regular monitoring of search rankings

Tracking of organic traffic and conversions

Nigerian-Specific SEO

Nigerian phone number format (+234) is used

Prices are displayed in Nigerian Naira (₦)

Local payment methods are mentioned (Paystack, Flutterwave)

WhatsApp contact is prominently displayed

Content uses Nigerian English appropriately

Local references and landmarks are included