SEO vs Web Design

At first glance, comparing web design and SEO might seem like comparing apples to oranges. However, based on our experience with clients, we’ve noticed that web designers frequently bundle their SEO services as part of the web design package. While it’s true that there’s a crossover, these are two distinct skill sets demanding unique tools and knowledge. It’s entirely feasible to have web design without SEO, but it’s impossible to have SEO without web design.

Web design’s core is, unsurprisingly, design. This means that clients desire their website to not only look attractive but also function flawlessly for its intended purpose. This is where design comes into play and SEO considerations often get sidelined. Skilled web developers can turn a client’s vision into reality. At Cardinal SEO, we appreciate the talents of web designers, even though they can sometimes be a source of frustration.

One common issue with web design that affects SEO is the excessive use of heading tags. The function of a <h1> tag is the same for both SEO and web design. H1 tags are designed to stand out and highlight a significant section on a page where users can find valuable information about the topic within the tag. Web designers often use this as a design element, resulting in multiple, sometimes dozens of <h1> tags on a single page, as an easy way to format text.

In the realm of SEO, these heading tags h1-h6 are utilized to prioritize information on a page. The goal is to alert search engines to the important content on the page. It’s a technique for targeting keywords. If a computer repair company wants to attract local customers but their headings read “get a free estimate” and “the best in the biz,” they’re overlooking crucial SEO elements. Including targeted keywords in the title, like city computer repair, helps inform search engines about the page’s content and what’s most important for indexing.

• Web design and SEO are different skill sets that require different tools and knowledge. It is possible to have web design without SEO, but not possible to have SEO without web design.
• Web design focuses on the aesthetics and functionality of a website while SEO is about improving a website’s visibility on search engines. A common issue with web design that impacts SEO is the overuse of heading tags, which are used in SEO to give priority to information.
• Generally, the design aspect of a website comes before SEO but implementing good SEO practices during the build can save time and money. If a site is already live, then the design obviously comes first.
• Most SEO campaigns start after a site has been launched. However, in some cases, SEO can start “in reverse” where outreach/link development is done while the site is in the development stage.
• Websites need to be updated regularly with fresh content to be successful. As businesses evolve to add or remove services and products, it can change the design and thus the SEO. It’s important to consult with an SEO manager during these changes to ensure they don’t negatively impact SEO efforts.
• There are many factors that affect SEO and web design. Some of these factors may not be addressable in your website’s hosting or CMS, and the vision you have for your website might make SEO harder or simpler.
• The state of your website determines where you’ll start with web design or SEO. If you’re happy with your current site but not with your rankings, then start with SEO. SEO is not an overnight solution and it takes time to see measurable and valuable results.

In terms of organization, the site’s design should be prioritized before SEO. However, embedding solid SEO practices during the creation process can save both time and money. If the website is already functioning, then, of course, the design takes precedence. When collaborating with a web developer, ensure they utilize the appropriate SEO tools to pinpoint the right keywords for your website. At the bare minimum, having these keywords applied on the pertinent pages can provide an advantage in search rankings.

Typically, SEO campaigns are initiated after a website has been launched, rather than at the start. However, there are exceptions to this norm. Occasionally, the SEO process can be “reversed”. In this unique approach, outreach or link development begins while the website is still in the development stage. After the site goes live, on-page factors are then adjusted. This strategy is particularly suitable for website rebuilds. However, Cardinal SEO only considers this method upon a client’s request. Convincing potential partners for an outreach campaign can be challenging, especially when the “target” can’t review a live site.

Websites are akin to ever-changing digital entities in the realm of marketing. It might sound a tad theatrical, but it’s a fact. For a website to excel, it needs regular updates with fresh content. Businesses often evolve, adding or removing products and services. This evolution can alter the website design, impacting the SEO in the process. Therefore, it’s crucial to liaise with your SEO manager to ensure that these modifications don’t adversely affect your SEO initiatives.

There’s a lot more to SEO and Web Design than what has been discussed in this blog. Around 200 known ranking factors are utilized by Google. However, not all of these factors are influenced by website design. Some of these factors may not be manageable within your website’s hosting or CMS. Your vision for your website could either simplify or complicate SEO. Ultimately, a competent SEO expert should establish realistic expectations regarding your SEO campaign outcomes, with your website playing a significant role.

Your current website status will influence your starting point concerning web design or SEO. Discussions with a web developer often lead to discussions about a redesign. Hence, we suggest initiating the dialogue with SEO. An optimization expert has the capability to review your site and advise if it requires an upgrade or a platform switch. If the SEO is not an experienced developer but suggests a reconstruction, incorporate them into your conversation with your developer during the construction phase. If you’re satisfied with your existing site but not your rankings, it’s time to delve into SEO immediately. Remember, SEO is not a quick fix; it requires patience to witness significant and beneficial results.