How to Create the Perfect Page: 5 Simple Tips
You're reading this because you're interested in creating the perfect page on your site. I can't promise you the perfect page, but Cyrus Shepard shared five tips at SEMPDX that can help you get pretty darn close to crafting a "perfect page."
Before we dive in, I think it's important to share his definition of SEO: delivering exactly what the user wants at the exact moment they seek it. If you can nail this on the head when developing your pages, you've got gold!
Until then, start here.
1. Satisfy User Intent
Cyrus says good SEO answers intent, not the exact keyword search. If someone searches for the best restaurant in Portland, they probably aren't looking for the restaurant that dropped a fortune on bidding for that keyword phrase, especially if it isn't really the best restaurant in Portland. If the user is anything like you or me, they want to find a selection of the most popular, delicious restaurants in the city. Now take this concept, think about your industry/business and apply it to your page(s).
2. Answers Questions Beyond the Keyword(s)
More from Cyrus, you want to give the user zero excuses to hit the back button. This boils down to ensuring your page(s) answers all of a user's questions, including the ones they have yet to ask. If using the previous example, not only does the user want to learn of best restaurants in Portland, they're likely to want the phone number, address, hours of operation, menu, etc. Hence, you want to anticipate their questions and provide those answers.
3. Structure as a Strategy
Consider the layout of the page. Who wants to read text jumbled together, without spacing, line after line? Not me and probably not you or any other user. Headers, sub headers, and paragraph spacing are examples of how to structure text. Make the text easy to scan and easy to digest.
4. Unique Media and/or Interactions
All text and no pictures make for a dull page. People are drawn to pictures and videos. Give the people what they want. HubSpot says articles with images receive 94% more views. Visuals attract audiences. Period.
5. Pursue Engagement
Once you get a user to your site, give them every reason to stay. Often times, organic traffic increases and bounce rates decrease. That's a step in the right direction. The longer they're on your site, the more likely they'll take actions in favor of your goals.
With these simple, but effective tips, you should see the needle move in the right direction. Remember, these factors don't stand alone but they will definitely support your website SEO. Now, go back to your site, take a look, and make changes. Let us know if you have any tips or tricks of your own.