Monday, 15 June 2009
Saturday, 13 June 2009
Should I use html keyword metatags?
Using the html keyword metatag used to be the accepted way to tell search engines what your website was about. It was solely for the robots and they used the information to accurately index your site.
Unfortunately, due the abuse by spammers, who just stuff them full of words completely unrelated to the content of the site, the keyword metatag has fallen out of favour, to the point that Google completely ignores the keyword tag. However, there is some evidence that Yahoo and Ask.com still use the metatag information to assist them in their indexing, even if they don't use it as a primary factor.
As SEO is a matter of tapping away at every little angle, it's probably still worth putting them in; even if they only make a little difference, that's still a little difference.
However, don't rely on them, and don't expect Google to make any decisions based on them.
Some tips for writing your keyword metatags:
- Don't use more than 40 on any given page
- Always use plurals
- Don't bother using capitals or non-plurals
- Make sure the keywords also appear in the body text of the webpage
Unfortunately, due the abuse by spammers, who just stuff them full of words completely unrelated to the content of the site, the keyword metatag has fallen out of favour, to the point that Google completely ignores the keyword tag. However, there is some evidence that Yahoo and Ask.com still use the metatag information to assist them in their indexing, even if they don't use it as a primary factor.
As SEO is a matter of tapping away at every little angle, it's probably still worth putting them in; even if they only make a little difference, that's still a little difference.
However, don't rely on them, and don't expect Google to make any decisions based on them.
Some tips for writing your keyword metatags:
- Don't use more than 40 on any given page
- Always use plurals
- Don't bother using capitals or non-plurals
- Make sure the keywords also appear in the body text of the webpage
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
How to keep your website up to date
One of the most common questions we are asked when chatting to new clients is how they'll be able to update their website. More and more people want full control - so they can keep their websites up to date, fresh, and useful for repeat visitors. A fine and noble goal!
It comes down to two choices, having your web developer make updates for you, which is all well and good if they have the time and the instructions are clear and followed. Or there is CMS, or a content management system, which gives the client access to the website to edit certain sections themselves.
There are merits to both methods, so we say, and a good web designer will offer both, to cover all the bases. That way if you just want a quick edit you can make the change on the spot see the result instantly, or if it's something a bit more fiddly or you simply don't have the time, you're not left out in the cold.
When getting a new website, make sure you find out from the designer what options you have for updates. If there is no CMS and they plan to make the updates for you, what sort of timescale will that be on? Within 24 hours? Within a week? Six months? Also, if it's more than a very minor change, will they show it to you in a development areas first to make sure they understood your instructions?
If they do offer CMS, ask to see it in action. You should be able to follow how it works intuitively. Some sites have complicated folder structures and procedures which can take weeks of hard graft to learn. If you end up with one of these, chances are you'll get frustrated and abandon it after tearing your hair out for a few months, leaving your website to go stagnant.
For more advice or to get in contact, visit our website.
It comes down to two choices, having your web developer make updates for you, which is all well and good if they have the time and the instructions are clear and followed. Or there is CMS, or a content management system, which gives the client access to the website to edit certain sections themselves.
There are merits to both methods, so we say, and a good web designer will offer both, to cover all the bases. That way if you just want a quick edit you can make the change on the spot see the result instantly, or if it's something a bit more fiddly or you simply don't have the time, you're not left out in the cold.
When getting a new website, make sure you find out from the designer what options you have for updates. If there is no CMS and they plan to make the updates for you, what sort of timescale will that be on? Within 24 hours? Within a week? Six months? Also, if it's more than a very minor change, will they show it to you in a development areas first to make sure they understood your instructions?
If they do offer CMS, ask to see it in action. You should be able to follow how it works intuitively. Some sites have complicated folder structures and procedures which can take weeks of hard graft to learn. If you end up with one of these, chances are you'll get frustrated and abandon it after tearing your hair out for a few months, leaving your website to go stagnant.
For more advice or to get in contact, visit our website.
Monday, 27 April 2009
Business Profile in Local Paper!
Kat from Simple Website Designs was invited to be interviewed by the Reading Evening Post for a full page Business profile. You can read it here: Reading Evening Post Business Profile
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Safety tips in Reading Chronicle
We've published an online safety guide in the Reading Chronicle for those who are worried about being cheated online by fraudsters. Check it out in the paper this week, or on our website here.
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Website Pitfalls - Beware...
* Of template sites, which often seem like a good, cheap option. Their limitations can be obstructive and people with little or no computing knowledge can soon find themselves tied up in knots
* Of graphic designers with no web design experience – print and web are very different animals, ensure you get a website designer with Internet experience and website knowledge
* Of homemade sites – you wouldn’t get your nephew to paint your van for you, so don’t get him to make your website
* Of graphic designers with no web design experience – print and web are very different animals, ensure you get a website designer with Internet experience and website knowledge
* Of homemade sites – you wouldn’t get your nephew to paint your van for you, so don’t get him to make your website
Top Website Tips
* Make sure it contains relevant keywords so that you show on Google and Yahoo
* Follow the ‘3 click rule’ visitors shouldn’t have to click more than three times to get to any information that want
* Make sure it looks professional – a poor quality, homemade looking website will give the impression that your products and services are also poor quality
* Don’t Flash people – flashy animated intros and automatically playing music are among the biggest turn offs for people in a hurry (and who isn’t), or checking out services while at work
* Bin the bells and whistles– blinking, flashing, spinning only serves to distract from your content and at worst irritate your visitor into clicking off
* Provide free information – provide something useful for visitors, you can explain the benefits of your service and product and give them some free tips – they will see you are an expert in your field
* Follow the ‘3 click rule’ visitors shouldn’t have to click more than three times to get to any information that want
* Make sure it looks professional – a poor quality, homemade looking website will give the impression that your products and services are also poor quality
* Don’t Flash people – flashy animated intros and automatically playing music are among the biggest turn offs for people in a hurry (and who isn’t), or checking out services while at work
* Bin the bells and whistles– blinking, flashing, spinning only serves to distract from your content and at worst irritate your visitor into clicking off
* Provide free information – provide something useful for visitors, you can explain the benefits of your service and product and give them some free tips – they will see you are an expert in your field
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