The ability to garner information on SEO and Web design tactics from the internet is both a blessing and a curse. The sheer volume of data is often overwhelming. Distinguishing good information from the bad can be downright confusing.
Being both a Web designer and developer, my goal is to help you distill this information into key tactics that will increase traffic to your website and convert visits into sales.
Creating a website that is both well designed and SEO friendly may feel like an impossible task, but it is necessary for success. Too often, Web store owners invest in one or the other, not realizing that both aspects should be implemented equally. Greater promotion means increased traffic but not necessarily more sales. Conversely, a well designed site may encourage sales, but will not on its own impact traffic.
Much like a conventional brick and mortar store, Web stores must first promote themselves to generate customers. Whereas a brick and mortar store might list itself in the Yellow Pages, a Web store gains high rankings on search engines through SEO tactics. But getting customers to your store is just half the battle. Next, stores have to evoke confidence and credibility, which is accomplished through an aesthetically pleasing space.
Bad signage and lack-luster display windows don’t exactly help brick and mortar retailers close sales. The same is true for e-Commerce retailers. If you advertise your store but it’s hard to navigate, looks outdated, and links are broken, who would feel comfortable shopping there? Your website’s design must be professional, intuitive, and attractive.
Simply put, marrying great Web design with the accessibility of major search engines is like cooking with a crock pot—with a little bit of effort up front, it does most of the work for you, enabling you to sit back and enjoy the sweet smell of success.
