I saw a post tonight regarding websites and their designers. Demetria emphasised the importance of doing your research and making sure you not only get someone who can do your site but make sure they also include your meta tags (keywords and description) and make your site search engine friendly – otherwise no-one is going to find you!
Today I was at a planning coaching day and met a photographer who mentioned she was seeking more work but didn’t seem to have much happening with her website. I’d been talking about hits, Google Adwords and other things I do for my own sites and she asked if I’d have a look? I did and found a beautiful looking site that is image heavy (to be expected for a photographer) and absolutely no meta tags, except for the heading. How on earth are any search engines going to link to her site if there’s nothing (no wording) for them to make use of? I sent her an email listing a number of suggestions of things that could get done.
If you are planning a website it is most important you find out what the designer will do for you – not just in the design, but in ensuring that it is search engine friendly. Otherwise it becomes just another expensive ‘brochure’ online that will only be visited by those who know your web address. If they don’t know who you are, they won’t be able to look you up. A bit like the Yellow Pages versus the White Pages. The White Pages are used if you know the name of the person or business you’re looking for. The Yellow Pages are used when you are seeking a particular type of business but don’t know anyone in that field. People won’t find you unless you’re listed. You won’t get suitably listed if you don’t have the markers in place such as your meta tags. There is more to it but this is a simplified explanation and you need to ask and make sure it is done. If the web designer advises they don’t do this, then either find another designer or engage the services of an internet marketer to work with the designer. KMT
web designer, SEO, meta tags, websites, keywords
Tony says
Hi Kathy,
Great article, I currently work in hospital radio and am trying to open a new station and devise their identity on air and online. This is great food for thought. Meta tags are so simple but have such an impact if not included.
Take care
Tony