Website Design for Search Engine Optimization

To optimize website design for search engine results,

(1) Identify ranking factors that are currently important in search engine algorithms (e.g., see Search Metrics 2013 Rankings Report), and

(2) Test your website (or a competitor’s website) on various optimization testing sites; see How Your Site is Ranked on Search Engines.

With those results in hand, browse the recommendations listed below to ensure that your site is compliant in the following areas (a few tricks and tips that are sometimes hidden are provided below):

Site Development

• Keyword-optimize page titles
• Extend the period of your domain name registeration to 3 or 4 years

Social Media Integration

• Setup and link your Google + page; as of 2013, this is a key element in ranking results.
• Engage customers and clients, especially on Facebook (also a key element in 2013 ranking results)

Local Businesses

• Place location and phone number information visibly on the site (as text, not images)