Did you build an outstanding website and hire the best UX Designers? Are you offering high-quality services with increasing demand? Everything seems perfect. However, for some reason, there is barely any traffic on your website. Wondering what the problem is? More likely, you have designed an amazing website, but unfortunately, it is not adjusted to search engines requirements. In this article, we will get through the top 10 Drupal 8 SEO modules which will boost our online visibility.
1. XML sitemap
XML sitemap module automatically creates the website’s sitemap. It simplifies crawling and categorization of the subpages by the search engines bots. Usually, it is made through the analysis and indexation of the website, basing on its internal and external backlinks.
Simply speaking, XML sitemap transfers all the gathered information to the search engine and as a result, they can understand the website without obstacles. Such a sitemap will contain meta tags and other metadata like the website’s backlinks or info about last updates.
2. Pathauto
Pathauto is one of the most useful Drupal 8 SEO modules. Why is that? Because it automatizes URL optimization processes. All that you have to do is just the configuration of a few sets of rules.
Pathauto enables to define URLs that will be user- and search engine- friendly. Most often Drupal assigns to the subpages URLs like yourwebsite.com/node/12345. This type of web addresses means nothing either for the user or the search engine. With Pathauto module you can build URLs basing on categories and titles e.g. yourwebsite/design/logotype-design.com This kind of addresses are understandable for both – users that visit your website and the search engines that crawl and index it.
3. SEO Checklist
SEO checklist is the Drupal 8 SEO module that will not directly affect your search engine optimization, however, it will equip you with all the necessary skills and knowledge to apply pro SEO changes. The module generates a transparent report that points out what actions have to be done. What is more, it enables to track whether the task is completed or not. When the SEO checklist will be the most useful? Likely, in situations when many people manage the same website. The module is regularly updated to be standards-compliant. Moreover, it can be used on either Drupal 7 or 8.
4. Metatag
Some time ago, meta keywords were one of the most influential SEO aspects. Nowadays, Google puts a bigger strain on the website’s content and its backlinks. Meta titles and meta descriptions still constitute a vital part of SEO strategy, and no one should forget about them. Thanks to Metatag SEO module, you can automatically create tags and other structured metadata on Drupal-based website.
5. Site Verification
Before you carry on with the website search engine optimization, you have to verify its ownership. This Drupal 8 SEO module simplifies the whole process. It can be used to various types of verifications such as Google Webmaster Tools or Google Apps.
6. Search 404
This module, as the name indicates, is dedicated to helping you with managing 404 errors. How does it work? After the users typed the URL with 404 error, the module automatically searches for the keywords that are related to the address. Then, it will show the search results instead of 404 site itself. Why is it useful? 404 error may be a strongly discouraging sign for the visitors. When they do not find the desired content, they will leave the website without hesitation. As a result, the bounce rate goes up, which is alarming info for the search engines. Search 404 is dedicated to protecting you against such situations.
7. Content Optimizer
Content Optimizer plays two crucial roles. Firstly, it analyses your website. Secondly, it informs you how SEO-friendly your website is. Additionally, it gives you specific hints on how to boost your visibility in the search results.
8. Schedule
Wondering how is it possible to schedule a publication in Drupal? Implicitly, Drupal doesn’t possess such an option, that is why Schedule SEO module is really useful. Except for the basic functionality (scheduling publication on any date or even hour), the module allows depublishing any content at any time you want. As a result, you can set an exact period when the text should be available on the website.
9. HTML Purifier
The search engines analyse your HTML website content. That is why it is important to keep the code as transparent as possible. This Drupal 8 SEO module checks the code and makes it standards-compliant. Moreover, it helps to remove malicious code that may be used in the hacker attack.
10. RobotsTxt
Robot.txt file enables to set which sites should be indexable or non-indexable for the search engines. This module eases the generation of necessary files for this process.
Summary
Summing up, SEO is a vital part of every website. Without an effective and efficient optimization, your Drupal-based website may not ever fulfil its potential. You can change that by using recommended modules – we guarantee that your SEO will get an advantage of this.
