Search Engine Optimisation
SEO is one of the most important parts of building a website, because even the most beautiful site won’t matter if nobody can find it. When building a website, SEO should be considered from the ground up, not as an afterthought.
Technical SEO (the foundation)
- Mobile-friendly design: Most searches come from phones, so Google ranks mobile-first.
- Fast loading speed: A slow site loses visitors and ranks lower. Optimize images, code, and hosting.
- Clean URL structure: Example: yoursite.com/services/web-design instead of yoursite.com/page?id=123.
- SSL (HTTPS): Google prioritizes secure websites.
- Proper indexing: Make sure Google can crawl and index your pages through a sitemap and robots.txt.
On-Page SEO (content & structure)
- Keyword placement: Use the right phrases in titles, headings, meta descriptions, and content.
- Headings (H1, H2, H3): Organize content for readers and search engines.
- Content quality: Each page should solve a user’s problem or answer their question.
- Internal linking: Connect related pages to guide visitors and boost SEO authority.
Off-Page SEO (credibility)
- Backlinks: Other reputable sites linking to yours signals trust to Google.
- Local SEO signals: Reviews, business listings, and consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) info.
- Social sharing: While not a direct ranking factor, social buzz can bring traffic and links.
User Experience (Google’s hidden priority)
- Clear navigation: People (and search engines) should find things easily.
- Low bounce rate: If visitors leave immediately, Google thinks your site isn’t relevant.
- Engagement: Good design, fast load times, and useful content keep people browsing longer.
Why SEO Matters at the Building Stage
- It saves money — retrofitting SEO later is harder and more expensive.
- It gives your website a better chance of ranking from day one.
- It ensures your site is designed for both humans and search engines