The following are the 7 points to keep in mind to design a search engine friendly website:
Consistency in Keywords
Follow a consistency in using keywords. Rather than stuffing keywords in your content, try using them at regular intervals and in similar formats. Search engines have grown smart enough to figure out keyword stuffed content; they are now after relevant and new information on websites through a complex algorithm that makes search more targeted and relevant. Make this requirement clear while you are looking for website development services.
Clear Site Structure
Sometimes, in a bid to impress the user with flashy objects and eye catchy layouts, we overlook the fact that a simple site structure is the best way to attract both the users as well as the search engines. When you undertake website design or re-design, keep in mind that the content, navigation as well as headings should be very clear. Make it a rule to put navigation first on your page. Easy accessibility of the content will rank well with the users. Also, give a lot of importance to tags. Search engines love well defined codes. So:
1. Use heading tags for headings and subheadings
2. Use every semantic HTML tag that applies to your content
3. Use block quote while quoting someone
4. Use code tag for posting program code
HTML and JavaScript
Search engines do not usually read JavaScript; they read HTML. That means if you want them to read your text, you shouldn’t use JavaScript to insert text into your page. You can have only the text in HTML instead, and insert all the other parts of the page through JavaScript. Keep navigation links clear of JavaScript though, because you want the search engines to read them. A professional web development services firm will be well aware of this.
Use Meta Tags
Some web design services keep the same Meta tags for all pages of the website. This is a big mistake, as it will affect the ranking of your site. The meta tags of each page of the website need to be written keeping the keywords of that particular page in mind. Also, the Meta description tags are displayed when the website is listed on a search result. Users could be attracted or put off by the description they read below the search result, and hence the Meta tags are an integral part of the website design.
Use Alt Tags
If the website has graphics in it, instruct your web design company to use alt text for it. This is because search engines do not read graphics. If you do not use alt text, you will be turning search engines away.
Great Content
This may sound like a cliché, but great content is a must for good search ranking. Interesting and new content will not only attract users to your website, but will also encourage other websites to exchange links with you. The more number of sites that link to your website, the higher the search engines will rank your page.
Say no to Splash Pages
While it may be tempting to have a huge advertisement or logo of your company on a page of your website, refrain from it while undertaking website design for your company. Search engines do not like splash pages and you will lower your ranking if you indulge in them.
These points are vital for your website to be displayed in the search engine results. Keep in mind these 7 pointers for your website design or re-design, and the search engines are sure to love your website.
