SEO gives two first impressions

There are two first impressions to make when implementing search engine optimisation (SEO), it has been claimed.

Rebecca Appleton writes for Search Marketing Standard of the different issues to consider when writing for a human audience or for search engine spiders.

She notes that certain elements contribute towards a favourable response from search engine spiders - such as keyword density and linking structure.

Other design features which could impact on SEO include the inclusion of alternative text for images, header tags and optimised anchor text, she adds.

Ms Appleton suggests that, while humans may scan a page's content in the same way as a search spider, they are more likely to demand that text is made to "sizzle off the page".

"The difficult part is marrying these technical considerations with the more complex and subjective needs of a potential client," she asserts.

Kevin Gold previously advised Search Marketing Standard readers that good-quality content is a crucial element of achieving inward links in order to boost SEO.