Certain web design mistakes are guaranteed to lower a site’s search engine ranking. SEO best practices resolve this unacceptable outcome. SEO practices come in two flavors: “white hat” and “black hat.” Nefarious black hat methods worsen the outcome over time, if not devastating a ranking in the near term. Benevolent white hat tactics are the key to success.
Unique and gripping content is essential. Search algorithms use a technique known as latent semantic analysis (LSA). LSA detects duplicate content and overused keywords on a page. This detection lowers a site’s ranking. To avoid this, site content should grab attention by being well-written. Synonyms of keywords, as opposed to redundant keyword stuffing, in the content help also. Search spiders notice certain windows 8 attributes. The TITLE attribute can be used with many HTML elements. ALT loads text before graphics.
A site should be easy to navigate. Visitors must know what the site offers the instant they open the page. Abuse of automatically running flash intros, music playing without user initiation, excessive animation and flashing text distract visitors. They visit a site to find content relative to their interests. Flashes and noises divert their attention.
Content impacts a visitor more pleasantly when on the homepage than a flashy welcome intro. People must navigate through that page to get to the actual homepage they want. Fonts that are illegible, either due to font choice or tiny size, annoy visitors. Pop ups maintain a negative reputation, so are best avoided unless necessary. The same holds for window resizing without user consent.
The first cousin of navigation is searchability. Links to other content should be placed strategically for locating. This tip extends to URLs. Human readable URLs aid simpler navigation. The use of lists, headings and bullet points allow visitors easy access to the content they seek. Many people use ad and script blocking filters, so text navigation is good practice. Also, ads positioned between content detracts from a good experience and can turn some visitors away.
Page length also matters. People would rather not scroll far down a page to read a ton of text. Super long pages evoke a feeling akin to that of encountering run-on sentences. Structuring content succinctly is a more aesthetic approach.
Visitors tend to shy away from registration. If your site is appealing enough, or registration is a necessity, implement it. Just ensure it is an easy process with the fewest steps allowable.
It is entirely possible to avoid the pitfalls of poor web design. Keep the visitor experience in mind. Following SEO best practices can catapult a solidly designed site to the top tier in relatively short order. Tweak elements here and there, and establish a lead on the competition.