Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization, commonly known as SEO, encompasses a broad set of techniques designed to improve a website’s visibility in search engine results, particularly on platforms such as Google and Bing.
When users search for information online, they typically explore only the first few results displayed. Consequently, websites that appear at the top of search engine results pages receive significantly more traffic. SEO is the strategic process aimed at helping a website (such as, your website) secure a higher ranking on these lists, thereby driving substantial traffic growth.
The visibility of a website on Google depends not only on the quality of its content but also on how effectively it follows established SEO best practices.
It is important to note: Content is king. Without high-quality content, even the best SEO practices cannot ensure a strong ranking. Conversely, even exceptional content may struggle to perform if SEO fundamentals are neglected.
Basic SEO Factors
Assuming your content is strong, attention must then turn to optimizing your site. Below is a brief overview of key elements that contribute to making a website search engine friendly.
Page Titles
Each page should have a unique title. Using the same title across multiple pages — such as repeating the global site title everywhere — is poor practice. A more effective approach is to follow a structure like:
Page Title – Site Title
For example:
Kids Dress – The Dress House
Here, Kids Dress is the page-specific title, while The Dress House is the overall site title.
Readable URLs
Page URLs should be descriptive and easy to understand. For larger websites, it is advisable to maintain a logical URL hierarchy. Avoid using non-descriptive identifiers, such as:
Poor Example:
https://www.example.com/pageId=21457
Instead, opt for human-readable URLs, which also aid search engines in indexing your site more effectively:
Better Example:
https://www.example.com/dress/kids-dress
Meta Descriptions
Meta descriptions are short summaries embedded in a web page’s HTML code. While not directly visible on the page, search engines use this information to understand the page’s content. Additionally, these descriptions often appear as text snippets beneath page titles in search results, influencing whether users click on your link.
Image ALT Tags
Similar to meta descriptions, ALT tags for images are essential for SEO. Although generally invisible to users, these tags help search engines interpret the content of images. Many web designers overlook this detail, leading to missed opportunities for improved search visibility.
Consistent Use of “www” or Non-“www” Versions
Websites that are accessible via both “www” and non-“www” URLs are considered two separate entities by search engines. This duplication can harm rankings, as Google may interpret it as duplicate content.
The solution is simple – stick with either www subdomain or without it, but not the both.
If you use www, the non-www domain must be redirected to the www subdomain using a 301 redirect, and vice versa. This ensures consistency and protects your site’s SEO standing.
Proper Hierarchy of Heading Tags
Well-structured heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) make it easier for search engines to understand the content hierarchy on a page.
There should be only one <h1> tag per page, representing the main topic, followed by <h2>, <h3>, and so forth, in a logical sequence. Improper nesting can confuse search engines and impair SEO performance.
Incorrect Example:
<h1>Page Title</h1>
<h2>Topic 1</h2>
<h2>Topic 2</h2>
<h4>Subtopic 2.1</h4>
<h3>Subtopic 2.1.1</h3>
Correct Example:
<h1>Page Title</h1>
<h2>Topic 1</h2>
<h2>Topic 2</h2>
<h3>Subtopic 2.1</h3>
<h4>Subtopic 2.1.1</h4>
Proper heading structure ensures clarity for both users and search engines.
Additional Considerations
There are numerous additional SEO strategies — including mobile optimization, site speed enhancements, and backlink building — that influence ranking but are beyond the scope of this introductory guide.
This article aims to provide a foundational understanding of SEO practices essential in website design and development.
How to Ensure Good SEO Practices on Your Website
Implementing effective SEO can be a time-consuming process, requiring significant effort over several days or even weeks.
An easier alternative is to entrust your website’s design and development to professionals. At Ojmi Creative BD, we ensure that all major SEO elements — including those discussed in this article — are implemented across every page of your site. Basic SEO optimization is already included in all our service packages, whether you choose an e-commerce solution, a WordPress site, or a static website.
Partner with Ojmi Creative BD to build a website that is not only visually stunning but also optimized for maximum search engine visibility.
