# SEO Checklist — Expanding Edge Marketing Site

This checklist ensures your site is optimized for search engines and ready for launch.

## ✓ On-Page SEO

- [x] All pages have unique, descriptive `<title>` tags (50-60 chars)
- [x] All pages have meta descriptions (150-160 chars)
- [x] H1 tags present on all pages
- [x] Logical heading hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3)
- [x] Semantic HTML5 structure
- [x] Internal linking between pages
- [x] Keyword-rich content without stuffing
- [x] Mobile-responsive design
- [x] Fast page load times (static HTML)
- [x] Readable font sizes and line-height

## ✓ Technical SEO

- [x] `robots.txt` file created
- [x] `sitemap.xml` file created
- [x] Canonical URLs in meta tags
- [x] Open Graph tags for social sharing
- [x] Structured data (JSON-LD) on home page
- [x] Mobile viewport meta tag
- [x] UTF-8 character encoding
- [x] SSL/HTTPS (via Vercel/Render)
- [x] Fast server response times
- [x] No duplicate content

## ✓ Content Optimization

- [x] Target keywords identified: "permaculture Alberta", "site design Edmonton", "regenerative design", "homestead planning"
- [x] Long-form content (400+ words on key pages)
- [x] CTAs clear and strategic
- [x] Content answers user intent
- [x] Use of keywords in headings and first paragraph
- [x] Related content linking

## TODO Before Launch

### Domain & DNS
- [ ] Point domain (expandingedge.ca) to Vercel or Render
- [ ] Set DNS records (CNAME or A records as appropriate)
- [ ] Verify domain control

### Search Console
- [ ] Claim site in Google Search Console
- [ ] Submit XML sitemap
- [ ] Check for index coverage issues
- [ ] Fix any crawl errors
- [ ] Monitor Search Console for new opportunities

### Bing
- [ ] Submit to Bing Webmaster Tools
- [ ] Verify domain

### Analytics
- [ ] Set up Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
- [ ] Add GA4 tag to site (or use GTM)
- [ ] Set up conversion goals (form submissions, design tool clicks)
- [ ] Add UTM parameters to external links

### Email & Forms
- [ ] Set up email notifications for form submissions
- [ ] Configure database for contact storage (if using Vercel/Render)
- [ ] Test contact form thoroughly
- [ ] Set up auto-reply emails

### Performance
- [ ] Test with Google PageSpeed Insights
- [ ] Check Core Web Vitals
- [ ] Optimize images (if adding any)
- [ ] Test on actual devices

### Brand & Legal
- [ ] Add privacy policy (if collecting contact data)
- [ ] Ensure business hours/availability accurate
- [ ] Verify all contact information
- [ ] Proof all copy for brand consistency

### Links & Promotion
- [ ] Add links from existing site/social media
- [ ] Reach out to relevant directories/listings
- [ ] Create backlink opportunities (blog posts, resource pages)
- [ ] Share on social media channels

## Keywords to Target

These are high-intent keywords that should appear naturally throughout:

**Primary:**
- permaculture design Alberta
- site design Edmonton
- regenerative agriculture design
- homestead design Alberta

**Secondary:**
- permaculture consultant
- site design tool
- water management systems
- farm planning Alberta
- resilient farming
- permaculture principles

**Long-tail:**
- how to design a permaculture homestead
- permaculture design for cold climate
- water harvesting systems Alberta
- polyculture food production

## Content Expansion Ideas

Consider adding these pages in the future:

1. **Blog/Resources** — Educational content on permaculture topics
2. **Case Studies** — Before/after property transformations
3. **FAQ Page** — Common questions and answers
4. **Service Packages** — Pricing and offerings
5. **Testimonials/Reviews** — Social proof

## Monitoring & Maintenance

After launch:

1. **Weekly:** Check Google Search Console for errors
2. **Monthly:** Review analytics, track keyword rankings
3. **Quarterly:** Update content, add new resources
4. **Annually:** Full SEO audit, competitor analysis

## Tools Recommended

- **Google Search Console** — Index monitoring, query analysis
- **Google Analytics 4** — Traffic, user behavior, conversions
- **Google PageSpeed Insights** — Performance monitoring
- **Bing Webmaster Tools** — Secondary search engine coverage
- **Semrush or Ahrefs** — Keyword research, competitor analysis (optional)
- **Lighthouse** — Built-in Chrome DevTools for audits

## Questions?

Contact: (780) 236-3630 | info@expandingedge.ca