Website Fundamentals
Creating a new website (or updating an existing one) can be an exciting (albeit daunting) task. And to celebrate the refresh of Shout + Co.’s own website, we thought we’d share with you the technical fundamentals that need to be in place in order for your website to be as effective and responsive as possible.
Here’s a rundown of key technical elements that every website should incorporate to enhance user experience, improve search engine visibility and boost overall effectiveness.
ALT TAGS
Alt tags, or alternative text, are crucial for accessibility and SEO. They describe images for search engines and assist visually impaired users who rely on screen readers. Every image on your site should have a descriptive alt tag that conveys its content and purpose. This not only improves SEO by providing context to search engines but also enhances user experience for those with disabilities.
When writing an alt tag, be descriptive but concise. Aim to clearly convey the content and function of the image in about 125 characters. Include relevant keywords naturally, but avoid keyword stuffing. For example, instead of saying “image of a cat,” you could write “tabby cat lounging in a sunbeam.” Remember, the goal is to provide context and meaning to the image!
SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION (SEO)
SEO is the backbone of online visibility. To ensure your website ranks well in search results, focus on:
Keyword Research: Identify and use relevant keywords throughout your content, including in titles, headings, and body text.
On-Page SEO: This includes optimising meta descriptions, title tags, and internal linking. Each page should target specific keywords while providing valuable information.
Quality Content: Regularly update your site with high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience.
PROPER USE OF H1 AND H2
Header tags (H1, H2, etc.) are essential for organising your content and improving SEO.
H1 Tags: Your H1 should clearly define the main topic of the page. Make it specific, engaging, and include relevant keywords. Keep it to one concise sentence, ideally under 70 characters, like “10 Tips for Effective Home Gardening.”
H2 Tags: Use H2s to break down your content into manageable sections. They should support the H1 by summarizing key points or subtopics. Aim for clarity and relevance; for example, “Choosing the Right Plants for Your Garden.” This structure not only improves readability but also enhances SEO by signaling to search engines how your content is organized.
MOBILE READY
With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly is crucial. A responsive design automatically adjusts your layout and content based on the device being used. Key features of a mobile-ready site include:
Fast Loading Times: Optimize your website for speed to reduce bounce rates.
Easy Navigation: Make menus and buttons large enough for touchscreens.
Readability: Ensure text is legible without needing to zoom.
EFFECTIVE USE OF WHITE SPACE
White space, or negative space, is the area around elements on your webpage. It plays a vital role in improving readability and user experience. By allowing your content room to breathe, you can:
Highlight Important Elements: Use white space to draw attention to calls-to-action (CTAs) or key information.
Reduce Clutter: A clean design with ample white space can make your site feel more organized and professional.
OPTIMISED IMAGES
Images enhance visual appeal but can slow down your website if not properly optimised (i.e. made web ready). To improve loading times and overall performance, consider the following:
File Formats: Use appropriate file formats like JPEG for photos and PNG for graphics with transparency.
Compression: Reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality using image compression tools. We recommend a maximum file size of 900kb.
PIXEL TRACKING
Ensure your Meta Pixel is up and running in the backend. Pixel tracking is an essential tool for monitoring user behaviour on your website. By placing tracking pixels (small snippets of code) on your site, you can gather data on how visitors interact with your content. This information can help you:
Refine Marketing Strategies: Understand which ads are performing well and adjust your campaigns accordingly.
Enhance User Experience: Analyse visitor behaviour to improve site navigation and content offerings.
Incorporating these essential elements into your website can significantly enhance its effectiveness and user experience. By prioritising these features, you’ll create a website that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well in today’s digital landscape. We have a web designer on our team, so if you’re needing help setting up your new website, get in touch:
