The SEO Myth
So yesterday a certain individual claimed in his blog that seo is ruining web design. Here's what he is missing.....
Hey, wouldn't it be great if every website was well designed and build on the best content management system and full of great content. Unfortunately that is just wishful thinking. So I completely agree that when designing a new site SEO should be a given and be based on the idea that the site design, content architecture and content will speak for themselves. Unfortunately not all website owners have the funds and resources to get a fresh start and a lovely brand new sparkling site. So website owners often have to work with what they have, and that could be a site that was created 5 years ago and is a little out of date when it comes to design and build. So what should they do?
When we start on an SEO project here at Base Creative we start with a detailed analysis. Once we have corrected any problems we can spot when it comes to architecture, error and general best practice recommendations, almost 100% of the time we say: "What you really need is more great content". Content is what all SEO is based on, and any respected SEO consultant or SEO in-house mouse (and believe me there are plenty of these around) will tell you this. Without good, unique content your website is not going to be interesting and relevant for the user, and therefore not rank well in search engines.
So yes David, you are right, content and a website that works for the genuine user is everything. However, respectable SEO knows this and works with website owners to make the best of their sites. Let's stop the misconception that SEO means spam and black hat tactics to trick google to show rubbish. SEO doesn't ruin website design, bad people do.
If you want to read more about this topic have a look at today's Smashing Magazine entry.