When properly configured, Joomla can offer great SEO performance. As an SEO Consultant specialized in Joomla CMS, I have worked for over 15 years on projects ranging from simple to complex. Below is an overview of onsite SEO setup for Joomla: if you're looking for an expert SEO consultant for Joomla, contact me.

Here some tips to start optimizing your Joomla for SEO

Create the XML sitemap for Joomla

• Install OSMap, one of the best sitemap components.
• Go to Components > OSMap and create a new sitemap.
• Publish the sitemap and submit it to Google Search Console:
  <https://www.yoursite.com/sitemap.xml>

Enable HTTPS in Joomla

1. Purchase and install an SSL certificate from your hosting provider.
2. In Joomla, go to System > Global Configuration > Server.
3. Set Force HTTPS to Entire Site.
4. Add this redirect rule in your .htaccess file:

  RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
  RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

The robots.txt file in Joomla

Here an example of a classic Joomla robots.txt file:

  User-agent: *
  Disallow: /administrator/
  Disallow: /cli/
  Disallow: /tmp/
  Allow: /images/
  Sitemap: https://www.yoursite.com/sitemap.xml

Enable friendly URLs in Joomla

5. Rename htaccess.txt to .htaccess in your site’s root directory.
6. Go to System > Global Configuration > Site.
7. Enable the following options:
   • SEF URLs: Yes
   • Use URL Rewriting: Yes
   • Add suffix to URL: No

Optimize meta tag title, description, and robots

• Title: include keywords, max 60 characters.
• Meta description: up to 155–160 characters, compelling.
• Meta robots: index, follow for important pages.

You can configure them in:

• Each article: under Publishing > Meta Information.
• Each menu item: under the Metadata tab.

Optimize menu items and logo for SEO

• Use short, descriptive names with keywords.
• Set SEO-friendly aliases, e.g., joomla-seo-optimization.
• Add alt tag to the logo:
  • Go to Template > Styles > Advanced Options.
  • Set a descriptive ALT tag like “Company logo for Joomla SEO expert”.

Speed optimization for Joomla

• Cache: enable from Global Configuration > System.
• Gzip compression: enable from Global Configuration > Server.
• CSS/JS minification:
  • With JCH Optimize.
  • Or using built-in features in advanced templates.

301 redirects in Joomla: how to manage them

To maintain ranking for old URLs or consolidate duplicate content, it’s essential to configure permanent 301 redirects. You have two options:

• Via .htaccess:

  
     Redirect 301 /old-url https://www.yoursite.com/new-url
  

• Using Joomla’s “Redirects” component:

  1. Enable the “System - Redirect” plugin.
  2. Go to Components > Redirects.
  3. Add the old URL and the new destination with 301 code.

Joomla SEO optimization summary table

FAQ

Is Joomla good for SEO?
Yes, if configured correctly. It offers native tools and plugins for solid SEO.

How to do 301 redirects in Joomla?
You can use the .htaccess file or Joomla’s Redirects component.

Is there an easy way to create a sitemap?
Yes, use OSMap, a free and effective extension.

How do I enable HTTPS in Joomla?
With an active SSL certificate and enabling “Force HTTPS” in Global Configuration.

Should I customize the robots.txt file?
Yes, to prevent Google from indexing unnecessary parts of your site.