Where web design meets SEO
In the ever-evolving landscape of the internet, the crossover of web design and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) has become essential for online success. Navigating this dynamic duo is crucial for businesses aiming to establish a robust online presence and climb the ranks of search engine results. So, where exactly does SEO belong in your web design process, and how do these two elements dance together in the realm of the digital world?
Where does SEO belong in your web design process?
When we start a web design project, we think it’s easiest to consider SEO right from the outset. Incorporating SEO into the early stages of the design process sets the foundation for a website that not only looks appealing but also performs well in search engine rankings. Think of SEO as the architect’s blueprint; it guides the structure and layout of your website. With every site we build we include a base level of SEO.
Some of the SEO features we do on every site:
Keyword research
This is a pivotal starting point. Understanding the terms your target audience uses to search for products or services helps us shape the content and structure of your site. We aim to integrate these keywords seamlessly into the design. Let’s use Dog Groomers in Swansea as an example and we’ll show you how we do it in the following:
Page titles
We’ll use your top keyword and location as close to the start of the page title as possible.
Example
Dog Groomers Swansea | Professional Dog Grooming
Headings
Although it’s not always the easiest and sometimes it doesn’t necessarily read well, we use your keywords and location in your different headings and as many subheadings. For more information on H1-H6 headings, check out our other blog post.
Example
H1 – Professional Dog Groomers in Swansea
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H2 – Find out more about our Swansea Dog Grooming Services
Meta tags
This is where we can write a couple of short lines that describe the page and where we can insert the keywords.
Example
We are friendly and professional dog groomers in Swansea as grooming is an essential part of your pet’s health and well-being.
Image alt texts
Google can’t actually see what an image is so you have to describe it to them – you do this in the Alt Text.
Example
We do all of this foundational SEO in Swansea because it means the search engines can easily decipher and rank your content.
Mobile responsiveness
Nowadays, this is not just a design feature but a critical SEO factor. With an increasing number of users accessing websites via mobile devices, search engines prioritise mobile-friendly websites. So a responsive website design not only enhances user experience but also positively impacts your SEO rankings. Therefore when we start building a website we choose a layout that works best to effortlessly switch between desktop, tablet and mobile.
The relationship between web design in Swansea and SEO
Web design and SEO are like a dynamic duo working in tandem to achieve a common goal – creating a visually appealing and search engine-friendly website. The aesthetics and functionality of your site play a crucial role in engaging visitors, but SEO is the force that drives organic traffic to your digital doorstep. So in a way, you almost need the SEO before the web design because you can have the nicest website in the World but if nobody sees it then it might as well be the worst.
Keeping people on your site
A well-designed website with intuitive navigation and user-friendly interfaces keeps visitors on your site longer. This ‘dwell time’ is not only appreciated by users but is also recognised by search engines as an indicator of valuable content. The longer users stay, the higher the chances of conversion, and subsequently, improved search rankings.
Some of the ways we try to keep visitors looking:
Videos
We would keep them under a minute but a good quality video that shows a recent project, office set-up or run-through of your services etc works wonders for keeping people looking at your site. This is because they’ll want to watch to the end of the video… As long as it’s engaging!
Before & afters
These are great because customers can visualise your work. We will use a slider where they would have to drag it from side to side to see the before and after. This gets them interacting with your site then too.
Hover pop-ups
Similar to the before and afters. They would manually have to hover over an image for example and then a text box would pop up or vice versa.
Scrolling image carousels
Just like the videos, it can keep people staring at your pages for longer. This is because they might want to see all the images.
Site loading time
Load speed is another area where web design and SEO intersect. A slow-loading website not only frustrates users but also receives a thumbs-down from search engines. Optimising images, leveraging browser caching, and minimising unnecessary scripts are design strategies that contribute to faster load times. This then positively impacts SEO performance.
Do website designers do SEO?
The short answer is, it depends. Traditionally, web designers and SEO specialists were considered separate entities, each focusing on their respective domains. However, as the digital landscape evolves, the line between these roles is blurring.
Many modern website designers in Swansea are now well-versed in basic SEO principles. They understand the importance of creating websites that not only look appealing but also adhere to SEO best practices. This includes optimising images, creating SEO-friendly URLs, and ensuring mobile responsiveness.
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However, for a comprehensive SEO strategy, especially in highly competitive industries, involving a dedicated SEO professional is often beneficial. SEO specialists bring in-depth knowledge of algorithm changes, competitor analysis, and ongoing optimisation strategies that go beyond the scope of traditional web design. Fortunately, at Lead Fox, we can do both!
Conclusion
The meeting of Swansea web design and SEO is where the magic happens. It’s a symbiotic relationship where the aesthetics and functionality of your website marry the intricacies of search engine algorithms. Embracing this synergy from the beginning ensures your digital presence not only catches the eye but also climbs the ranks in the vast landscape of online search.
So in essence, web design shapes the user experience, and SEO ensures your masterpiece is discoverable by the right audience.
