There a few things to keep in mind when writing a good webpage. Originally this post was entitled ‘Tips for creating a Search Engine Friendly Webpage’ but I scraped that because I think sometimes common sense rules are disregarded in favour of out-dated SEO techniques. Instead I decided to concentrate on a set of more general rules, some that apply to search engines and some that don’t.
Many small businesses use a Content Management System and create webpage themselves. Often they do not consider SEO or try to over else compensate making their webpages difficult to read.
It is important to strike a balance by writing for humans first and then considering the search engines. Here are some general rules (in no particular order) to follow:
1. Use a unique page title
The page title is what appears in the top left corner of the browser window. Assign a unique page title for each page you create. if you are unable to assign page titles via your CMS either install a plugin or talk to your web developer.
2. Use your primary keyword phase in your page title
When you create a page title include your primary keyword phrase for the page you are creating. Try to include a variation of this phrase also separating the two with a comma and keeping it below 66 characters.
3. Use a H1 tag for your main page heading
For the main heading on your page use a H1 tag. If you are using a Content Management System this should happen automatically when you create a webpage. Sometimes a H2 tag is used instead which is also OK but not ideal.
4. Use short sentances and paragraphs
Remember that people generally scan webpages so long sentances and paragraphs will tend to put them off.
5. Include a variation of your primary keyword phrase in your H1 tag
Make sure your main page heading differs from your Page Title by using a variation of your main keyword phrase. It is important that these are not identical as it makes the webpage seem contrived.
6. Break up your text using sub-headings
Sub headings make your content easier to digest and scan for users and search engines.
7. Use h2/h3 tags for these sub headings
Naturally you should use your secondary heading tags for your secondary headings using the correct hierarchy.
8. Include your secondary keyword phrases in you sub-headings
>Not your primary keyword phrase as this is alreadyin your main heading. Overdo it and it will look like your are spamming.
9. Break up the text using bulleted or numbered lists where relevant
This is really only important for users but it is important to keep the text digestible if you want to keep peoples attention.
10. Use images
Images will brighten up your content so don’t be afraid to use them.
11. Use descriptive alt tags on images
You should include images and you should use alt tags. Alt tags are basically descriptions that let search engines know what is in the picture.
12. Include keywords in your alt tags
Use your keywords in your alt tags but don’t overdo it. Try to keep them relevant to the content of the picture.
13. Use your primary keyword phrase once in the first paragraph
Just once is enough, once again don’t overdo it.
14. Do not try to stuff your keywords into the text
Write the text to be clear and easily understandable. Do not try to include keyword phrases where they don’t belong.
15. Only use bold and italic where necessary
Sometimes you see keywords appear in either bold or italic text. This is fine if you want to highlight the phrase in the context of the rest of the text. If it is done soley for search engines however I think it looks spammy and has little impact on page ranking.
16. Leave the styling to the web designer
Too often I see webpage where the editor has tried to create or recreate styles using the visual editor in the Content Management System. All styles should be predefined in a seperate stylesheet and should not be added through the visual editor.
17. Write for people not robots!
Create a webpage that people want to read whether it be informative, educational or entertaining. Only then should you even think about search engines.
Please contact us for more information on On-Page SEO or else visit our SEO Services page for more details.
Photo under Creative Commons licence taken by Lewis W. Hine (1874-1940)
