In 2020, the digital landscape saw a significant shift in how businesses approached SEO, especially in the realm of content structure and website page layout. With the increasing importance of user experience and search engine optimization, the way content is presented on a website became a critical factor in achieving high rankings. This article explores the best practices for website page layout in 2020, focusing on how to structure content for both user engagement and search engine visibility.
Core Page Layout for Website Sections
A core page on a website serves as an introduction to an entire section and is typically included in the main navigation. These pages are essential for users to understand the offerings or information available on the site. The layout of a core page should be designed to facilitate easy navigation and understanding, ensuring that users can quickly grasp the value of the content provided.
The hero area of a core page should clearly state what the page is about, why it is valuable to the user, and how the user can learn more or take action. This approach not only enhances user experience but also aligns with the metrics that search engines like Google track, such as engagement and conversion rates.
Supporting Information and Technical Details
When structuring a core page, it is important to include supporting information that adds value to the user. This can include technical details, statistics, user testimonials, ratings, and reviews. These elements help to build credibility and trust with the audience. Additionally, including at least two sections can provide a comprehensive overview of the topic at hand.
The use of H3 tags is recommended for structuring these sections, as they help in organizing the content in a logical manner. Lists can be employed to present information in a clear and concise format, making it easier for users to digest the content. Call-to-action buttons or "learn more" options can also be included, but it is important to use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user.
Technical SEO Considerations
In addition to content structure, technical SEO considerations are vital for the success of a website. Fast-loading websites that support caching and content delivery network (CDN) integration can significantly improve user experience and Core Web Vitals scores. These scores are essential for Google rankings, as they reflect how well a website performs in terms of speed and usability.
Website builders that offer advanced SEO tools, such as automatic sitemap generation, SEO audits, and canonical tags, can greatly enhance a website's performance. These tools allow for the modification of page titles and descriptions and the structuring of URLs in a way that search engines can easily understand. Furthermore, integrating with tools like Yoast SEO, Semrush, or Google Analytics provides valuable insights into SEO performance and allows for effective tracking and optimization of content.
Local SEO Strategies for Multiple Locations
For businesses operating in multiple locations, local SEO strategies are crucial for visibility in search results. Designing a logical hierarchical structure for local landing pages can help users navigate the website more effectively. Each state should have its own page, with links to individual city pages. This structure not only improves user experience but also helps search engines understand the geographical scope of the business.
If a business operates in the same state, individual pages for each city can be created, along with a "Locations" page that lists all cities served. This approach allows users to easily find the information relevant to their location while also enhancing the website's visibility in local search results.
Competitor Analysis and Local SEO Audits
To further enhance local SEO strategies, conducting competitor analysis is essential. By using tools like Ahrefs Webmaster Tools, businesses can gain insights into the traffic and backlinks of their competitors. This information can be used to identify trends and patterns in search traffic and conversions, allowing for adjustments to the local SEO strategy based on the data provided.
Additionally, running a comprehensive local SEO audit can uncover technical issues that may be preventing search spiders from crawling and indexing the website effectively. Addressing these issues can significantly improve the website's performance in local search results.
Conclusion
In summary, the year 2020 marked a pivotal shift in how businesses approached SEO, particularly in terms of website page layout and content structure. By focusing on user experience, technical SEO considerations, and local SEO strategies, businesses can enhance their visibility in search results and attract more visitors to their websites. The key takeaway is to prioritize a well-structured, user-friendly website that not only meets the needs of the audience but also aligns with the best practices recommended by the source material.