Almost all business owners with websites think the website and SEO is a one-time setup: develop and design the site and fix keywords then leave it alone. The website doesn’t need to be updated too often, but SEO is an ongoing project. With so many different algorithms Google uses the site always needs to be tweaked or fixed to meet ever-changing web standards. SEO must be managed on a regular basis.
This is the number one reason SEO experts specializing in web design charge a monthly fee. Usually this fee includes the services that need to be performed on a regular basis. These services can include keyword management, updating website code, tracking metrics or analyzing performance, checking competitor’s sites, and browser compliance. Sometimes complete redesigns are necessary, because the coding isn’t up-to-date or the site isn’t responsive.
Performing these tasks once in awhile will not give the results you’re wanting. Website updates and other tasks must be scheduled on a regular basis with attention to best practices in SEO web design. No matter who is doing your SEO they need to know the standards and best optimization practices for the best performance.
Developing an Update Procedure for Your Website
Having a list of things that should be done and the frequency of these tasks should be performed is a very useful resource for everyone involved. With a well-planned schedule, everyone can be included in the decision-making process about how to achieve the best SEO results possible. Developing a guide can help everyone understand the SEO goals and build towards those goals. Some of these things should include are:
1. File Naming – Naming conventions used for new web pages, image files, audio and video files and other content should be clearly defined and checked frequently. File names should describe what the content is and ideally includes specific keywords.
2. Redirects – Best SEO practices indicate that the ideal number for redirects is 301 redirects. Codes should always take into account your SEO strategy. Failure to consider this redirection planning could lead to poor results. Webmasters or SEO experts should also remove web pages that are no longer needed or no longer working.
3. Directory Structure – The structure of your website can make it easier or more difficult for search engine bots to find you. Most often the best choice is a well-defined silo structure, which uses top-level themes and builds downwards.
4. Linking – Identifying links and keywords should be written out so that everyone understands the exact process and procedure. Established guidelines for linking should be done before the linking begins.
5. New Web Pages – Several important questions that should be asked before building the pages. What keywords will we use for the new page? Is there a purpose or goal for the new page? What is the structure of the page? The page should be designed with these questions in mind.
Style guides can make ongoing website development and SEO a clear and straightforward process for new coders and programmers adapting to your needs for expansion. Make sure that everyone involved in your IT/Web team is clear on company objectives, technology requirements, and equally as important, search engine trends.
If you want more info about web development or design please fill out my contact form. I would love to hear from you about anything and everything. If you have a question about your site or just want me to look it over I’d be more than happy to help.