UX & SEO: How To Rank Higher With This Combination

Today, search engine optimization is much more than keyword research and link building.

As Google’s algorithms evolve, they adopt a user-centric approach that values UX (user experience) as much as SEO.

Signs like dwell time on site, on-page clicks, and bounce rates let crawlers know if a site helps solve visitor problems while offering a pleasant experience.

Consequently, search engine optimizers follow a set of UX-SEO best practices to maximize visibility and, likewise, conversions.

How User Experience (UX) Affects SEO

Both UX and SEO aim to create a positive experience that meets user needs. As a result, search engine algorithms consider way more than technical, on-page, or off-site SEO factors.

Above all, the quality and quantity of interactions also play a significant role in evaluating the relevance and quality of the website itself.

That said, here are 4 core UX components that improve SEO and elevate rankings.

Fast Page Load Speed Improves Visibility And Engagement

We all experienced it: slow-loading pages are extremely frustrating. That’s why Google’s guidelines on Core Web Vitals include page speed as a key ranking factor.

It’s no wonder that web pages with a load time of 1 second have a 7% bounce rate, while those that take 5 seconds to load reach nearly 38%.

So, if you have a site that takes ages (i.e., 3+ seconds!) to load, you must do all you can to speed it up.

3 Ways To Increase Page Speed

1. Lazy Loading

This optimization technique delays the loading and rendering of unnecessary objects on the page until required by the user, i.e., until the user starts to scroll.

2. Minification

To help a page load faster, developers minify code elements such as CSS, JavaScript and HTML.

3. Optimize Images

There’s always a fine line between quality and slow-loading images. Reducing image size without losing clarity is a standard technique to speed up a page.

Mobile First Offers Smooth Experiences In All Screen Sizes

Is your mobile your best friend? Then you are probably in the 54% of internet users who browse on their phones.

Developers, on their part, adopt a mobile-first design. This is a user-oriented approach that, among other benefits, future-proofs a website for emerging technologies and new screen sizes.

3 Benefits Of Mobile First Design

1. Responsiveness

A website must look good on large computer monitors, tablets, and phones. In fact, it is easier to expand a mobile layout for bigger viewports than to narrow your desktop version.

As people and search engines expect a smooth experience on all devices, responsive design elevates your UX and SEO.

2. User-Friendly Interfaces

Simplicity and functionality are inherent in mobile-first design, making websites more intuitive and user-friendly.

Typing, for example, is hard on mobile phones. That’s why mobile-optimized sites leverage device functions like QR, biometric ID, GPS, etc., that minimize the need for strenuous interactions.

3. Mobile-First Indexing

In 2016, Google launched mobile-first crawling and indexing. As a result, to enjoy high rankings in mobile searches, you must leverage your UX and content for small screens.

Among other things, you need to consider your content and backend elements, such as alt tags, HTML code, and URLs, which must be identical for all devices.

Moreover, every element -text or visuals- must be placed in such a way that’s equally important in desktop and mobile versions.

Website Architecture, Navigation, Layout: Signaling The Way For Users & Bots

It’s not all about the looks, true. It’s also about the structure. Website architecture and aesthetics are crucial for UX and SEO and, for digital marketers, a top priority in their CRO checklist.

In essence, an SEO UX website facilitates users and bots to get where they want to go fast and easy.

However, user experience always comes first.

If done right, crawlers are also able to navigate through a set of webpages, comprehend their context, purpose, and the relationships among them.

4 Ways To Optimize Website Architecture For UX And SEO

1. Make sure your visitors know they are at the right place with just a glance.
2. Help them quickly find what they are looking for. Use intuitive navigation and well-functioning search features.
3. Clearly communicate additional options with related content links, for example.
4. Show them what they need to do next with CTAs, non-intrusive exit prompts, etc.

Once the architecture is settled, you can then work on a user-friendly layout and an attractive design. With 46% of website visitors considering whether a website is credible based on how it looks, it's worth putting in some extra effort.

Moreover, an appealing website increases time on page and SERP click-through rate and encourages return visitors. It also helps reduce bounces and exits.

This is another case where UX, SEO, and CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization) work together to maximize a website's potential.

Factors Influencing SEO UX Design

Clear Design, Visual Hierarchy, Adequate Whitespace

Such features help users skim through information easily.

Design Consistency

It creates a cohesive user experience across webpages and facilitates users to recognize visual signals quickly.

Accessibility Design

Features like adequate contrast, easy-to-read type, and decent font size make your content easy to read. Choose complementary color schemes that reduce eye strain.

Non-Intrusive Prompts

Communicate your marketing message without frustrating users. Elements like chatbots, special offers, or newsletter signup prompts should not cover your main content. They must also have clear close icons.

With your layout ready to go, it’s now time to fill it with engaging content.

Writing And Intent Elevate SEO And User Experience

Words can make or break a brand. Indeed, an immaculate user experience needs carefully crafted texts.

Include your SEO keywords in clear, easy-to-read copies and concise messages. Recent statistics reveal that 46% of users leave a page when the message is unclear. So, make sure your content resonates with your target audience and marketing goals.

In the vast ocean of online information, SEO and UX writing help you stand out from the crowd. Moreover, they create positive user experiences, shape brand perceptions, and ultimately increase conversions.

Tips For Effective UX Writing

Make It Simple

Use a concise and simple style that’s easy to grasp without compromising expertise.

Point It Out

Highlight important elements with H titles, color boxes, bold, etc.

Shrink It Up

Buttons, CTAs, instructions, and standard messages use succinct texts.

Speak It

Avoid jargon that confuses the average user.

Trim It

Write short sentences without sounding naive.

Crafting your texts for SEO and UX boosts trust and ease of use and helps website owners keep both bots and humans satisfied.

Implementing An Integrated Strategy For UX And SEO

In today’s competitive online environment, organizations must pay attention to every little detail that can make their website stand out.

Offering unparalleled user experiences is a critical factor for high rankings and increased conversions.

At Atropos Digital, we combine years of SEO experience with the latest UX standards. We make strategic decisions based on data monitoring and A/B testing to raise visibility, customer satisfaction, and conversions. Book a strategy call.