What's Good for the User is Good for the Search Engines

By Susanne Svette, IdeaStar Search Engine Specialist

Many people think there are two choices when having a Web site built. One is to design for the user. The other is to design for placement in the search engines.

But you do not have to make a choice, simply because what's good for the user is good for the search engines too. For instance, most people couldn't be bothered with a long, drawn-out flash introduction on the home page. They just frustrate users, and search engines too! And, thoughtfully written content – written for the reader – will have just the right amount of keywords, so over-stuffing shouldn't be a problem. (Good content makes good search engine "spider" food.)

One way IdeaStar has found to ensure easy use of its Web sites is to follow the Section 508 requirements. The law requires that federal agencies must ensure information technology, including Web pages, is accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities. Although the law only applies to federal institutions, the guidelines are also helpful in the private sector.

There are a number of sites which discuss accessibility. Here are two: W3C and Usability.gov. You'd be surprised how much common sense is involved. Have your Web developer put these ideas to use, and not only will your users be happy, but the search engines will be too.

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