Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is a relatively new concept in the world of web design, but if you want a successful, profitable website, it’s something you cannot ignore. Competition for rankings on popular search engines like Google is fierce, and without SEO, your website is at a huge disadvantage. So when exactly, in the process of setting up your new website, should you seek an SEO specialist? The short answer: the sooner the better.
Ideally, you should consult with an SEO expert before you meet with your web designer, since your idea or vision of what you want in your website might not be SEO friendly at all. For example, a flashy site with lots of sound and graphics does nothing for improving your rankings on the search engines. Reviewing the basics with an SEO company early on can save you endless heartache and expense down the road.
The next step – when presenting your ideas to a designer, you should also include your SEO expert. If it is not feasible to all meet in person, a phone conference can easily be arranged. Some designers might try to convince you that they are SEO knowledgeable, but it is truly better to hire a separate company to handle SEO matters, as it is very unlikely that web designers have the time to stay up to date on the constantly changing details of the SEO world.
A good way to proceed with the design is to arrange in advance points at which your SEO expert will check back on the website’s progress. That way, you are ensuring that your site is SEO friendly at each stage of the game, and you avoid wasting time and money by having your designer re-design parts of your site later on.
Finally, make sure your SEO expert is involved in the final review process before you seal the deal. Corrections are often much more expensive when done after the site is launched.
By involving an SEO expert from the start of your web design, you are giving your site a huge advantage of being optimized from day one, which of course, exponentially increases your chances for profit and success.