SEO Basics and Accessibility Tips for Your Website

SEO Basics for Websites: Why They Matter

I’m about to get a little nerdy, but I promise it’s worth it. When it comes to SEO basics for websites, understanding how search engines read and rank your site is essential. A few weeks ago, I was at a concert with my dad and brother, and Weird Al was performing one of his classics, White & Nerdy. Between the nostalgia and the ridiculous lyrics, I couldn’t help but think about something I say to my clients all the time:

“This might be too nerdy for you, but I want you to understand all the foundation SEO pieces that went into building your website.”

These SEO basics for websites really matter. They help your site build trust with search engines over time, get discovered by more of the people you want to work with, and make sure everyone can explore and enjoy your site. I love seeing my clients light up when I share this with them, and I hope it lights you up too.

What Does it Really Mean?

SEO, or search engine optimization, is that whole “show up on Google and other search engines so people can actually find you” thing. It’s also important for AI because smart tools are reading and analyzing your site to understand what it’s about and suggest it to the right people (that’s for another day).

Here’s what I want you to know. SEO is a long-haul game, but it is worth playing. It is not instant gratification. It is one of the best investments you can make, but it’s worth noting that SEO only really works toward growing your business when your website is something people actually want to explore. SEO for SEO’s sake turns it into just another shiny object, and if visitors leave right away, it doesn’t help your rankings or your income goals. A site that engages people is just as important as the optimization itself.

The SEO Essentials I Cover for Every Site

There are a lot of things you can do for SEO, but here are some of the basic elements I focus on with every client. When I work with them, I make sure all the on-site essentials are covered, the must-have pieces to build trust with search engines.

1. Page Titles and Meta Descriptions

Those little blurbs you see next to a Google result, like when you are searching “Concert tickets for Weird Al Yankovic in Madison, WI.” They may seem small, but they let people searching know this is exactly what they are looking for and encourage them to click. And each page of your website needs them.

2. Text Tags

These are basically invisible labels that tell search engines, “This is the most important thing for understanding this page. This is the second most important. And so on.” Text tags help search engines understand the hierarchy of information on your site. Before working with clients, this is one of the most common SEO red flags I find because these tags are often applied incorrectly, especially if they are done automatically by your website platform.

3. Image Titles and Descriptions

Image titles and descriptions are invisible-to-the-eye text elements that describe what an image shows. It’s similar to why we have sign language interpreters or captions on TV. They help people who cannot hear fully enjoy the show. On your website, these elements act like an invisible tour guide, pointing out important details that visitors would otherwise miss.

Screen readers are used by people who are blind or have low vision, those with reading or learning differences, anyone who has trouble using a mouse or keyboard, and even some folks who just prefer listening to content instead of reading it. Properly written titles and descriptions make your site easier to explore and ensure it can be enjoyed for everyone. They also help search engines understand your content, which can boost your SEO.

4. Layers

Layers might sound like a small detail, but they are actually a big deal for accessibility. It’s not hard but it’s time consuming. Think of them as the behind-the-scenes order of your content. If the layering of elements on your website is off, a screen reader will read your page out of order, which can make your content confusing for someone who relies on it.

This is something I see skipped even by experienced designers. By carefully layering elements on the back end to match the visual order on your site, we make sure everyone, including people using screen readers or other assistive technologies, can experience your content the way it was intended.

When I do website assessments, these layers are often a little wonky. But when they are done right, it makes a huge difference.

Bonus SEO Basics: Blogging

One of the most overlooked SEO boosters, and it’s free, is regular blogging, or even somewhat regular blogging. I’ve been blogging for years, but my consistency definitely ebbs and flows with my capacity. Last year, I was basically a 24-hour caretaker for our ill elderly cat, so blogging took a back seat. That is okay though, because I had plenty of older posts still working hard for me, bringing traffic and even clients to my site while I focused on giving Eddy the best of care.

If the idea of blogging makes your head spin, I walk my clients through the basics so they can post with confidence. Blogging consistently tells Google “I talk about these topics regularly,” which builds trust with search engines and leads potential clients to your site.

Why These SEO Basics for Websites Matter

So yes, this might be a little nerdy. But it is the kind of nerdy that helps your website work harder for you and makes the web a kinder, more accessible place.

If you are wondering whether your site is SEO-friendly and accessible, book a free website assessment here, and I’ll share personalized tips on tweaks you can make on your own website.