If you’ve created amazing content and built backlinks but your site still isn’t ranking well on Google — the problem could be technical SEO.
Technical SEO refers to the behind-the-scenes optimization that helps search engines crawl, index, and understand your website better. It forms the foundation of your entire SEO strategy.
In this guide from ZBS Digital, we’ll break down how to improve your Google rankings by fixing technical SEO issues — with real solutions that bring real results.
✅ What is Technical SEO?
Technical SEO is the process of optimizing your website’s infrastructure to help search engines discover, crawl, and index your content efficiently. It includes:
- Site speed and performance
- Mobile-friendliness
- XML sitemaps
- Crawl errors
- HTTPS security
- Schema markup
- URL structure
- Duplicate content fixes
- And much more
1. Optimize Website Loading Speed
Page speed is a Google ranking factor, and it also directly affects bounce rates and user experience.
✅ Tips to improve speed:
- Compress large images using tools like TinyPNG or WebP
- Minimize CSS, JavaScript, and HTML
- Use a CDN (Content Delivery Network)
- Enable lazy loading for images
- Choose fast, secure hosting
Tool to check: Google PageSpeed Insights
2. Ensure Mobile-Friendliness
Over 60% of all searches now come from mobile devices. Google uses mobile-first indexing, meaning your site’s mobile version is the primary version.
✅ Checklist:
- Use responsive design
- Avoid mobile pop-ups and interstitials
- Check layout for tap targets and readability
Tool to use: Google Mobile-Friendly Test
3. Fix Crawl Errors in Google Search Console
If Google can’t crawl your pages, they won’t rank.
✅ Action Steps:
- Open Google Search Console → Coverage Report
- Identify and fix errors like:
Tip: Always set up 301 redirects for deleted or moved pages.
4. Submit and Optimize Your XML Sitemap
Your XML sitemap helps Google understand which pages to crawl and index.
✅ Best practices:
- Only include indexable pages
- Keep it updated
- Submit it in Google Search Console
- Place a link in your robots.txt file
Use plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math to generate and manage sitemaps.
5. Use HTTPS for Security
Google gives ranking preference to secure websites. If your site is still on HTTP, you’re losing traffic and trust.
✅ Fix:
- Install an SSL certificate
- Redirect all HTTP pages to HTTPS
- Update internal links to the HTTPS version
Most modern hosts offer free SSL via Let’s Encrypt.
6. Implement Schema Markup (Structured Data)
Schema markup helps Google understand your content better and may result in rich snippets, which improve CTR.
✅ Examples of schema types:
- Article
- Product
- FAQ
- Review
- Local business
Use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper or Schema Pro plugin
7. Improve Site Architecture and Internal Linking
A clean site structure helps both users and search engines navigate your site.
✅ Best practices:
- Keep URLs short and keyword-rich
- Organize content with silo structure (category > sub-category > post)
- Use internal linking to connect related pages
- Avoid orphan pages (pages with no links)
Tip: Use breadcrumb navigation for better crawlability and UX.
8. Remove Duplicate Content
Duplicate pages confuse search engines and dilute ranking power.
✅ How to fix it:
- Use canonical tags (rel=canonical)
- Avoid thin or duplicate product descriptions
- Consolidate similar blog posts into one strong article
Use tools like Siteliner or Screaming Frog to find duplicates.
9. Optimize Robots.txt and Meta Robots Tags
Your robots.txt file controls what Googlebot can or cannot crawl.
✅ Tips:
- Don’t block important directories by mistake
- Use noindex on thank-you pages, admin pages, and test content
- Keep your robots.txt file clean and simple
10. Regular Technical SEO Audits
Technical SEO is not a one-time fix. Regular audits help you stay ahead of issues that could impact rankings.
✅ Recommended audit tools:
Conclusion
Technical SEO may not be as flashy as content or backlinks, but it’s absolutely essential for improving your Google rankings.
At ZBS Digital, we specialize in full-stack SEO — from technical audits to content strategy and off-page optimization. Whether you need a speed boost, structured data setup, or crawl error fix, our expert team is here to help.
🚀 Want better rankings and traffic?
📩 Contact ZBS Digital today for a free technical SEO audit!
