The topics of user experience (UX) and search engine optimization (SEO) are often thought of as two separate elements in the digital marketing industry. But the truth is that UX & SEO go hand-in-hand… if you want your website to have a strong SEO performance, then UX must be a priority.
So, in order to achieve the best results for your website and business, make sure that you are including both UX & SEO as part of your strategy. Here are a few things you need to know:
Google’s Algorithms are Constantly Evolving
Over the years, there is no question that the Google search algorithms have changed. In fact, adjustments are being made to these algorithms on a daily basis, which means that website owners must be diligent about keeping up with the current trends.
Google’s goal is to ensure that searchers are finding the most relevant information to their search queries. For this reason, Google has shifted algorithm to prioritize user-centric metrics. The way people respond when they land on your website will influence whether Google will prioritize your site in search results for more people.
How UX Design Affects SEO
Core web vitals play a role in your site’s performance. Learning how to improve user experience for SEO not only provides your website visitors with a better experience, but it also improves the likelihood of your site showing up in the search rankings. Make sure that you are prioritizing these things as part of your UX website design, because these factors all play a role in your website’s search engine optimization:
- Mobile-Friendly Website: Most website visitors will land on your site while browsing on a mobile device. It’s critical to ensure that you have a responsive website which will automatically adapt to different screen sizes. Regardless of the size of the screen a person is looking at, they need to be able to have easy access to all of the information.
- Page Speed: If website pages are loading slowly, then users will feel frustrated and leave your website quickly. Make sure that pages are loading fast to encourage a positive user experience, making it easy for people to explore your site without delays. Page speed is a direct factor in search engine rankings.
- Content Quality: Sharing quality content on your website shows that you are proactively addressing the topics searchers want to know about. Create content that answers people’s questions and keeps people engaged so they spend more time on your website.
- Website Navigation: Can people intuitively find what they are looking for on your website? Good navigation not only improves the person’s experience, but it also helps the search engines understand your website structure and page hierarchy.
- Dwell Time: If a person stays on your website for a long time, then it indicates to Google that you have engaging and relevant content on your website. Google looks at dwell time to determine how much value you are offering to your website visitors.
- Bounce Rate: Bounce rate is the measurement of how fast people leave your website. A high bounce rate means that users aren’t staying long… they land on your site and quickly leave. This can have a negative impact on search results. Make sure your website is meeting people’s needs so they are incentivized to stick around for more time.
- Conversion Rate: Good UX provides a positive experience that guides each person to take the desired action. For example, your goal might be for the website visitors to purchase something or sign-up for your email list. If you have higher conversion rates, then it can have a positive impact on SEO because it shows that your site is delivering value.
- Internal Linking: Not only do strategic links help people navigate your website more effectively, but it also helps the search engines crawl your site so that all pages can be indexed. The linking structure of your website plays a role in overall SEO.
- User Intent: Website design and content that is created to meet user intent aligns the site as a relevant source for search engine queries.
Benefits of Combining UX and SEO
UX & SEO are both equally important for your website and search engine ranking factors. In fact, a new term has been coined in the industry to combine these two elements: search experience optimization (SXO). Here are some of the benefits of combining both UX & SEO for your website:
- User Satisfaction and Engagement: User experience SEO improves user satisfaction and engagement on your website. Since website visitors are having a positive experience, they stay longer… which improves SEO and also increases conversion rates at the same time.
- Optimal Search Engine Rankings: When Google can see that website visitors are staying for longer times on your site (because of UX), then it’s likely that your site will be shown higher in the search rankings. In fact, you naturally improve SEO with UX because the elements that are prioritized in UX are factors that the search engines consider.
- Stronger Business Growth: UX results in higher conversion rates, which boosts your business profitability. At the same time, when UX factors are improving search engine rankings, you can start to see business growth that increases over time.
FAQ
What are some UX SEO best practices?
UX best practices for SEO include optimized page loading speed, choosing a mobile-friendly design, ensuring navigation is intuitive, and publishing content that is relevant and high-quality.
Will UX alone improve SEO rankings?
Many UX factors are elements that are considered in the search engine algorithms, which is why UX is a critical factor for SEO. But there are other determinants that will influence your rankings, such as backlinks, keyword placements, and more.
Schedule a Consultation with the Digital Marketing Experts
Do you want to improve both UX & SEO? Then it’s time to put together a digital marketing plan that will take your online business to the next level. Our team at ARYU Advertising is here to help with your customized plan. Contact us to book a complimentary consultation and discuss available services for your website.
