UX & SEO: The Secret Sauce Behind Successful Websites
Notice how some websites just feel right when you visit them? You know what I mean – they’re easy to navigate, the design is pleasing to the eye, and making a purchase is just a click away. Plus, their pages load lightning-fast on your device.
Well, I’ve got the answer for you – it’s all about the UX!
That’s right, UX, or User Experience, plays a huge role in how we interact with websites.
So, let’s dive in and see why UX is so important for a website’s success.
What is UX?
UX, the fancy internet acronym of the digital era, has a lot to do with your site’s conversion (provided your SEO is working to get you those top rankings so your prospects can find your landing pages)
User Experience plays a crucial role in keeping your customers engaged with your website. It’s all about how a person feels when they interact with your site – from ease of use and navigation to the design, functionality, and accessibility.
In today’s digital world, having a well-designed website is key to customer satisfaction. You want your visitors to be able to find the information they need quickly and easily, and hopefully, take action whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or something else.
And, let’s not forget, search engines have been putting more emphasis on user experience, so having a website with quality UX can possibly rank better in search results.
Note the use of “can possibly rank better”.
I’ve seen top sites (and I’m sure you do too) where it’s either so darn hard to find information or the design is so unpleasant it’s ridiculous, but they still rank.
Because the SEO is THAT good….
The question is: will visitors convert?
The Father of SEO (don’t ask me who gave him that name as I do not know), Bruce Clay is a legend in the SEO world. I don’t pay much attention to the vast regurgitation of SEO tips out there. You really have to weed through them. But if Mr. Bruce says something, I pay attention.
I started my first company around the same time as his. It’s quite impressive to see the growth and success of his company over the years, from national to international recognition. Although I have never had the privilege of meeting him in person, his achievements speak for themselves.
I remembered one of Mr. Bruce’s saying that “You can’t make a pig fly”.
For my fellow Thais and lovely aliens out there, the saying “You can’t make a pig fly” is a metaphor that means you cannot change the fundamental nature of something, no matter how much you try to improve it.
In the context of SEO and UX, it means that even if you have good SEO and are able to bring people to your site, a bad user experience will turn them away and prevent them from engaging with your site.
It’s important to have both a good SEO strategy and a well-designed user experience in order to be successful.
A website with good UX provides an intuitive, coherent, and continuity experience to users which also improves the business’s return on investment.
In other words: if it’s taking you too long to find the information you need, it’s either the site has poor UX or you just do not know how to browse (I’m referring to my dear old dad).
A well-designed website with a good user experience is not a trivial matter.
Did you know? Visual hierarchy, user-friendly design, navigation, and layout can positively affect a website’s visibility and performance in search engine results pages (SERPS)?
Notice how you are trained to see links, move around a certain way on a website, or click on CTA (call-to-action) buttons? That’s UX in action.
So, what do websites with fantastic UX have in common?
- A navigation structure that’s easy to follow: You should be able to find what you’re looking for in a jiffy.
- A design that’s simple and uncluttered: Pages that look visually pleasing and won’t make you feel overwhelmed.
- Consistent branding and layout: The website should have a consistent look and feel on all pages.
- Responsive design: The website should display well and be optimized for all devices, including desktops, tablets, and especially mobiles.
- Quick load time: The website should load fast, even on slower internet connections.
- Accessible design: The website should be accessible to users with disabilities, including those using assistive technology.
- Search functionality: The website should have a search function that makes it easy to find information. This is more applicable to larger websites. If you’re a smaller, boutique site, this feature may be optional.
- Clear calls to action: You should be able to find the next step or button with ease and understand what will happen if you click it.
- Error handling: The website should handle errors smoothly and provide clear instructions on how to correct them. I’m talking about a 404 (Page Not Found) page here.
Oh, and by the way, M&M’s 404 page is pretty cute. Check it out: https://www.mms.com/en-gb/404
- High-quality content: Relevant, up-to-date content that’s easy to read and understand. Get a great copywriter for this one!”
Are you tired of people leaving your website without exploring what you have to offer?
Well, the answer might just lie in usability and design.
A well-designed website not only provides a pleasant user experience but also encourages users to stick around and explore more.
On the other hand, a poorly designed website can lead to user frustration, causing visitors to leave and never return.
And don’t forget, user engagement is one of Google’s ranking signals. If a majority of users visiting your site leave quickly, Google may determine that your site is not relevant and adjust its ranking in search results.
So, if you want to keep visitors on your site and boost your search rankings, invest in a top-notch website design that puts the user first!
UX and SEO go hand in hand when it comes to the success of a website.
While you may not be able to achieve all the elements of a great user experience, if you get the crucial ones right, you’re already ahead of the game.
Having a well-designed website can do wonders for your business. It can improve customer loyalty, enhance your credibility, and drive sales through repeat visits. Additionally, a top-notch UX can also positively impact your search rankings.
I previously mentioned 10 key elements of a great user experience. Your site or my site may not hit them all. But do not get discourage. Implement the ones you can, tweak, and work on the next ones.
Soon, you’ll be well on your way to creating a website that both your customers and search engines will love.
If you’re reading this, I bet you’re looking for ways to improve your website and take your online presence to the next level.
Well, you’re in luck! I have a fantastic offer for you.
Get a free site evaluation from me and my digital marketing team. I can help you identify areas for improvement and create a strategy that will drive results.
If you’re ready to take your website to the next level, let’s get started!