How Good Web Design Relates to SEO

There is no secret weapon to winning the favor of the complex and perpetually changing algorithms that decide the rankings of websites in search results. But the fundamentals of strong web design do provide a good foundation for strong performance on Google. Here is how good web design relates to SEO.

Good Inbound Links: An Endorsement of Your Site

With the exception of content, inbound links are probably the strongest indicator to search engines that your website is reliable, authoritative and relevant. Volumes have been written about the dos and don’ts of links. Algorithm updates like Panda and Penguin were attempts to purge low-quality websites from Google’s coveted first page — and much of the changes had to do with the links found on websites. Natural, organic links from reputable websites are an endorsement of your site and can help your rankings. Spammy links purchased from link farms not only won’t help you, but will earn you a penalty and lower rankings.

Responsive Web Design: Google Likes Websites that Work on Multiple Devices

Responsive web design (RWD) is a technique that makes websites look good and perform well on both PCs and mobile devices. Prior to the arrival of RWD in 2012, the standard technique was to create one website for desktop and one for mobile. But RWD enables Google to index just one URL for each website, and it lets the search engine know that the site will be user friendly whether it is accessed on a tablet, a smartphone or a laptop. There is still a debate over the benefits of RWD vs. multiple websites, but Google absolutely prefers the former over the latter.

Sites that Are Easy to Navigate are Sites that Perform Well

Websites that are hard to navigate have high bounce rates, which means users hate them and leave shortly after they arrive. Google knows that searchers hate websites that are confusing, and it shows in their search results. Ease of navigation goes directly to user experience, which goes directly to good search rankings. Countless experts have published countless tips about good site navigation, but stick with the fundamentals.

Keep navigation menus short, generally under seven items. Keep all information within three clicks of the homepage. Make it easy to get back to the homepage from anywhere on the site — consider embedding your brand logo as a “home” button on every page. If you don’t have a strong logo, you can use an online logo maker to help you generate one. Finally, unless your site is so large that a drop-down menu is absolutely necessary to keep menus under seven items (Forbes.com, for example), don’t use drop-down menus. They can be annoying and frustrating to unsuspecting users.

Use — But Don’t Overuse — Social Sharing

Search engines like when websites are shared, liked and +1’d. Just like inbound links, they are an endorsement of your site. But users hate when social buttons are too big, too dominant or embedded too frequently. Give your readers the opportunity to share your page to social, but don’t oversell.

Although a website that is visually appealing by no means guarantees you a good spot in the search rankings, strong web design plays more and more of role in results with every algorithmic update. Stick to the fundamentals of web design. Your site must be mobile compatible, hopefully created with RWD. Allow visitors to share, but don’t try to force them and always make sure your site is easy to navigate.

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Joining Hearts President
Joining Hearts President
2023-07-14
Brady's professionalism and attention to detail exudes his beyond standards to ensure his clients are not only satisfied but exceeds in work. He totally revamped our website and made it more user friendly and provided supreme consultation to ensure the smooth transition and we were not down for any period of time when we launched. He is always available to assist when we have questions or need support. I highly recommend.
S Reaves
S Reaves
2023-07-14
I started a podcast in July of 2021. I reached out to Brady to help me make my website better, the person I originally hired lacked vision or listened to what I wanted. Brady listened to what I wanted for my website and took it to an entirely new level!! Not only did he take it to a new level, he showed me how to manage my website and make updates. Anytime I call Brady with a question or concern, he gets back to me right away....STILL in 2023. I love Brady, and I recommend him to everyone!
Caroline Karolinko
Caroline Karolinko
2023-07-12
I absolutely LOVE working with Brady. He is readily available and has so much knowledge. He also is detail oriented and has a great eye for design!
Justine Gesualdi
Justine Gesualdi
2023-07-11
Brady has worked with us for years and has been our web designer and up keep. He is a great guy and responds quickly!! We recommend him for businesses especially.
Cathy Beardsley
Cathy Beardsley
2023-07-11
We have worked with Brady for over two years. He helped us completely redesign our website and continues to support updates to the site as well as other technology projects we are working on. Although Brady is a consultant, he works like a team member and is available to help whenever we need him!
Heather Shields
Heather Shields
2023-07-11
To say that I love working with Brady Mills is a bit of an understatement. After all, when SEOs and Designers work together, it can go either way. Luckily, through a messenger-like service of recommendations, my company was introduced to the Brady Mills agency as simply "a super website designer resource." I myself work for a media agency that has no real connections for creative services that we offer our clients. Well, that has certainly changed. From the beginning of a website and branding redesign, as well as site migration, I've loved partnering with Brady and team because the communication (understanding vision, asking questions, timely responses, accessibility, talent of representing company marketing and sales and execs, etc.), passion, and creativity has been top-notch. They were able to craft a wonderfully digital experience for a client that was so impressive, I went on to share the work and proven lift in site usage and conversions with the rest of my agency. I recommend Brady Mills to every company seeking to enhance their website to solidify that B2B or B2C connection online. If I sound a bit overzealous it's because I am. In my couple decades' work in SEO, content, analytics, and consulting, I hadn't found a better site designer until early 2021. If I could give six stars, I would.
Debra Cates
Debra Cates
2023-07-11
If you need someone who is extremely knowledgeable of the industry, an efficient worker and easy to deal with when designing or updating your company's website, Brady Mills is the best choice. Five stars - all day, every day!
Sarah Martin
Sarah Martin
2016-07-11
I contracted Brady for a website for a political race. He was professional and courteous, and the product was beyond expectations, very user friendly. Definitely highly recommend!
Catherine Martucci
Catherine Martucci
2016-07-10
I've worked with Brady Mills on several projects including website redesign, web development, SEO, email marketing, and social media projects. He is a ROCK STAR! He knows all the latest technologies and best practices. And best of all -- he is both easy and fun to work with. I highly recommend you do business with Brady!

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