Jun 2008
25 07:48am
Web designers and developers often take search engine optimization for granted thinking that it is something that can be done later. While that is true, I would still say that things will be a lot easier and better if search engine optimization is already incorporated into the architecture of a website before it is even created.
As a quick and easy to follow guide, here are a few things that web designers have to do when creating website.
- Don’t forget to put something descriptive in the Title Tag
- Use the H1 tag for the heading instead of just increasing the font size of your heading text. The content between the H1 tag is a huge factor in SEO. Remember though to use the H1 tag only once!
- Use H2 and H3 tags for subheadings. That’s what they’re meant for. Again, don’t just change font-sizes. Use the header tags accordingly. As opposed to the H1 tag, you can use H2 and H3 tags as often as you want.
- Make use of the “alt” attribute in images. The main purpose of the “alt” attribute in images is for usability. Some users just choose to browse with images turned off. The “alt” attribute gives them an idea of what the image is about. On the other hand, search engines also give credit to the value of the alt attribute so make good use of it.
- Avoid Javascript and Flash in navigation. Search engines like HTML and plain TEXT. That’s it. So if you rely on some fancy javascript or flash for your navigation then you’re doing it wrong. Use ordinary HTML links for navigation as much as possible. You can use CSS to achieve most of the fancy effects you want anyway.
- Don’t use images for paragraphs of text. I know this is absurd but I’ve seen many websites who use images to display paragraphs of text. While people can read it, the search engines can’t. Use plain text for text content… makes sense?
- Comply with the W3C standards. It’s not just for browser compliance. It’s also for the search engines. You can validate your HTML and CSS code at http://validator.w3.org/
I’m sure I missed a few things but the list above should you get started.
June 25th, 2008 at 7:50 am
[...] Here’s a quick guide to get you started: Web Design with Search Engine Optimization in Mind [...]
July 29th, 2009 at 5:40 am
Search Engine Optimization is really a tough job to do. Don’t you think so? But, Your blog contains good info on that. GOod work! Congrates! But, I take a little care for SEO about my websites. I do not want to spam this blog by discussing about my website. But for adding to your knowledge I would like to tell that I have made a wonderful tool for internet marketing. You do not need to SEO your website to get any traffic. You will get thousands of customers & referrals in few days only and this is GUARANTEED! and WITH NO EXTRA COST. You can see the proofs of INCOMES uploaded by the customers, there are many. NO SEO, Articles or anything is required. A TONS of reviews available with PROOFS! Again, Getting back to your blog, I would like to suggest something more, You have already done a great job. But, it would be more interesting if you add some more articles in it regarding sEO. What I like most in your blog and would appreciate from heart, is the simplicity of the language, Keep it up! Thanks for sharing such a great information. But would like to discuss one thing. How much do you think is the optimum cost of SEO? It does not matter you pay or not. But what it should be? Let this discussion going on. Waiting for your reply. – Thanks – Regards