8 Essential UX Principles for an SEO-friendly Website
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Results through UX for SEO
- The Overlapping Points of SEO and UX
- Present a Good User Experience for Every Device
- Reduce Your Page Load Times
- Utilize Search Data for your Website Architecture
- Build Only as Many Pages as Necessary
- Your Main Navigation is Your Shopfront
- Minimize Friction on Every Page
- Slider and Carousels are Ineffective
- Avoid Using Serif Fonts Online
- Conclusion
Introduction:
Welcome to this SEO and Content Marketing channel! My name is Alexander Rus, and SEO is my bread and butter. In this episode, we will be discussing the foundational principles of UX design for an SEO-friendly website. These are fundamental points that you may be missing out on, but once you understand and implement them, you will see significant improvements in your website's performance. So, let's dive in and learn how to effectively attract customers through your website.
Results through UX for SEO:
In this episode, we will focus on an online shop called Elbemetall and the crucial aspect of UX design and user experience we prioritized during its development. This video will cover various points that contributed to the success of this online shop and how these principles can be applied to your own website. With the combination of SEO and UX, we can create a user-centric website that not only drives traffic but also converts visitors into customers.
Whoosh! I can already sense your motivation and eagerness to learn. But before we begin, let's quickly discuss the mindset behind these points: less is more and data over intuition. Many websites are developed based on gut feelings and opinions without considering the data and user needs. It's time to change that approach and focus on creating a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
The Overlapping Points of SEO and UX:
SEO and UX intersect in various areas of website development. Firstly, the website architecture plays a vital role. It determines the overall structure and organization of your site, making it easier for users and search engines to navigate. Additionally, elements such as navigation menus, page titles (snippets), subheadings, and responsive design contribute to the synergy between SEO and UX.
Now, let's explore the key points in detail:
Present a Good User Experience for Every Device:
In today's mobile-dominated world, presenting a good user experience across all devices is crucial. The concept of "Mobile First" is often misinterpreted. It's not about solely focusing on mobile devices but rather ensuring that your website is responsive and optimized for all devices that are relevant to your target audience. To test the mobile experience, you can utilize tools like Google's Mobile-Friendly Test. However, keep in mind that Mobile First should not disregard the importance of desktop devices.
Pros:
- Improved user experience across devices.
- Better ranking potential for mobile searches.
Cons:
- Requires additional effort in designing and optimizing for multiple devices.
Reduce Your Page Load Times:
One of the key factors affecting user experience is the speed at which your web pages load. It has never been easier to assess and improve your website's performance. Tools like PageSpeed Insights provide valuable insights into your site's core web vitals and suggest optimizations to enhance its speed. While it's not necessary to aim for the fastest website in the world, it is crucial to ensure that your site is not slower than your competitors'. Faster loading times positively impact user satisfaction and can contribute to higher conversion rates.
Pros:
- Enhanced user experience.
- Potential ranking boost due to improved page speed.
Cons:
- Requires technical optimization and resource management.
- May require additional investment in hosting and infrastructure.
Utilize Search Data for your Website Architecture:
Google provides a wealth of information through tools like Google Ads and the Keyword Planner. These free or paid tools offer invaluable insights into how your target audience searches and what their search intentions are. When developing a website, it is essential to base your decisions on data rather than assumptions or personal preferences. By conducting thorough keyword research, you can better understand your audience's search behavior and structure your website accordingly. The input of an SEO specialist is vital in this process, as they possess the knowledge to identify relevant search terms and determine which pages should be created.
Pros:
- Optimized website structure based on user search behaviors.
- Higher relevance and visibility for target keywords.
Cons:
- Requires time and effort for comprehensive keyword research.
- Potential need for additional tools or resources.
Build Only as Many Pages as Necessary:
Less can often be more when it comes to website pages. The number of pages should be determined by the relevance and demand for specific content. Starting with a limited number of pages allows for better prioritization and quality control. For new websites, it is advisable to focus on a few core pages and gradually expand as necessary. However, for established brands or websites targeting highly competitive keywords, creating individual, high-quality pages can be beneficial. The goal is to strike a balance between comprehensiveness and relevance.
Pros:
- Improved focus and quality of content.
- Easier management and maintenance of the website.
Cons:
- Reduced visibility for niche or low-demand topics.
- Requires strategic planning and ongoing content production.
Your Main Navigation is Your Shopfront:
Think of your main navigation as the shopfront of your website. It is the first point of entry for users, and it should provide a clear and intuitive pathway to relevant content. The key here is simplicity. Limit your main navigation to a maximum of seven main points, making it easy for users to understand and navigate your website. The use of mega-menus can be an effective way to showcase additional subpages without cluttering the main navigation. Ensure that each main navigation point adds significant value to the user experience and supports the website's goals.
Pros:
- User-friendly navigation for easy content discovery.
- Better organization and hierarchy of website pages.
Cons:
- Limited number of main categories may require additional submenus.
- Requires careful consideration and planning of navigation structure.
Minimize Friction on Every Page:
To provide a seamless user experience, it is crucial to minimize friction on every page of your website. Put yourself in the user's shoes and think about how you can reduce frustration and make their journey as smooth as possible. One effective strategy is to provide an overview or table of contents at the beginning of longer content pieces. This allows users to quickly navigate to relevant sections and find the information they need. Additionally, break up text blocks with subheadings, images, videos, and other visual elements to make the content more digestible.
Pros:
- Improved user satisfaction and engagement.
- Easier content consumption and information retrieval.
Cons:
- Requires thoughtful content formatting and structuring.
- May require additional resources for visual elements.
Slider and Carousels are Ineffective:
Despite their popularity, studies have consistently shown that sliders and carousels are ineffective in conveying information and engaging users. Rather than prioritizing content, these elements often lead to banner blindness, where users ignore or overlook important messages. Instead of resorting to sliders, focus on prioritizing and highlighting your most important content directly. This ensures that users immediately see the relevant information without having to scroll or wait for carousel transitions.
Pros:
- Avoids user distractions and improves content visibility.
- Allows for better content prioritization and focus.
Cons:
- May require design adjustments and alternative content presentation.
- Requires careful consideration of content hierarchy.
Avoid Using Serif Fonts Online:
In the realm of web design, it is generally advised to avoid using serif fonts. While serif fonts may be suitable for print, they can hinder readability and accessibility online, especially for users with visual impairments. Serif fonts tend to be more difficult to read on screens, and using sans-serif fonts helps improve legibility. When building a new website, opt for clean and easily readable font styles to ensure a pleasant reading experience for all users.
Pros:
- Improved readability, especially for digital screens.
- Better accessibility for users with visual impairments.
Cons:
- Limitations in font choices and visual aesthetics.
- May require adjustments in brand guidelines or design preferences.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You've learned some essential UX principles for creating an SEO-friendly website. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance the user experience, increase website visibility, and ultimately drive conversions. However, this is just the beginning. In the next episode, we will delve into crucial technical aspects to lay a solid SEO foundation for your website. Stay tuned and thank you for watching!
Resources:
FAQ
Q: Should I focus more on mobile or desktop optimization for my website?
A: Both mobile and desktop optimization are important. "Mobile First" means prioritizing mobile user experience without neglecting desktop users. A responsive design that caters to all devices provides the best overall user experience.
Q: Is it necessary to invest in expensive tools for keyword research?
A: While paid tools like Google Ads Keyword Planner can provide more comprehensive data, there are also free alternatives available that can still offer valuable insights. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
Q: Are sliders and carousels completely ineffective?
A: Studies have indicated that sliders and carousels often lead to poor user engagement and low conversion rates. It is advisable to prioritize and highlight key content directly instead of relying on sliders. However, the effectiveness may vary depending on the context and specific use case.
Q: Can I use serif fonts for headings or decorative elements on my website?
A: While sans-serif fonts are generally recommended for body text and readability, serif fonts can be used selectively for headings or decorative elements. However, ensure that the primary text remains highly legible and accessible with a sans-serif font choice.
