The Technical Bits of SEO (Explained Like You’re on a Motorsport Grid)

Right, you’ve been told SEO matters. You’ve even committed to writing a race report that doesn’t sound like a lap chart. But what about the mysterious extras? The terms that float around like pit crew jargon, meta what now? H tags? Are they tyres?

Welcome to your technical SEO glossary, but OTM-style. A bit punchy, a bit cheeky, and 100% useful.

Meta Title (AKA: The Grid Name Drop)

This is the name that appears in your browser tab and on Google’s search results. It should contain your main keyword and actually describe what’s on the page. Think of it as your “race entry list name”—if your blog was a driver, this is what’s printed in bold.

Example: Junior Rotax Race Report | Smith Racing at Whilton Mill

Keep it under 60 characters. Anything longer and Google throws it off the back of the pack.

Meta Description (AKA: The Chat You Overhear in the Paddock)

This is the little blurb Google shows under your title. It should tempt people to click. Like when someone says, “Did you see that move into turn 3?” and you suddenly want the full story.

Example: Catch all the action from Whilton Mill as Smith Racing’s Junior Rotax team battled for the podium in round three.

Keep it under 160 characters, and always include your keyword.

URL Slug (AKA: Your Digital Race Number)

This is the bit of the web address that comes after your domain. It should be short, relevant, and clean.

Bad: yourwebsite.com/blog/june-update-driver-thoughts-and-more-736294

Good: yourwebsite.com/junior-rotax-whilton-mill

Lowercase, hyphens between words, and no weird symbols. This is your chassis number online.

H1, H2, H3 (AKA: Your Team Radio Script)

These are heading tags. They tell Google (and humans) what each section of your blog is about. Think of them like your race engineer briefing you on what’s next:

• H1: The main title (only one per page)
• H2: Major sections (e.g. Qualifying, Heats, Finals)
• H3: Sub-sections (e.g. Driver-by-driver, lap-by-lap)

Use them in order, don’t skip steps, and never have multiple H1s. That’s like two people talking on the radio at once, confusing.

Alt Text (AKA: Your Spotter for Images)

Google can’t see images, so it needs a description. Alt text is what tells the algorithm, “Hey, this is a photo of Myles Burton defending P2 at Larkhall.”

If your image breaks or someone uses a screen reader, this is what they get instead. Keep it short, relevant, and specific.

Keyword Density (AKA: Don’t Overfuel It)

Yes, your focus keyword is important. But don’t use it like you’ve just been handed a box of sponsor stickers and a blank kart. Keyword stuffing is tacky.

1–2% of your total word count is the sweet spot. Write like a human. Google likes humans.

Internal Linking (AKA: Your Track Map)

Link to other pages on your site. This keeps readers moving, tells Google your content is connected, and helps everyone find what they need.

For example, if you’re writing about a race weekend, link back to your driver profile or previous race report.

External Linking (AKA: Giving Credit Where It’s Due)

Link to relevant, reputable sources, like race results on Alpha Timing or livestreams on Karting Live. It shows Google you’re legit and not just spouting hot air.

Readability Score (AKA: Don’t Talk Like a Rulebook)

If your sentences are longer than a kart straight at PFI, you’re doing it wrong. Use short sentences, simple words, and natural flow. Tools like Yoast or RankMath give you a readability score. Aim for green. If it’s red, it’s probably a snoozefest.

Final Lap

You don’t need to become an SEO engineer overnight, but knowing the parts under the bonnet helps you write race reports, blogs, and updates that actually work. These elements are what give your content grip in the corners and power on the straights.

Need help tuning it all? That’s what we do at OTM. Let’s make your content quick, clean, and podium-ready.