What we may fail to recognize, is that a website without traffic is like the Mona Lisa in a closet. If Shakespeare hadn't actually presented his plays to an audience, or published his sonnets, he would be just another anonymous rube of Renaissance England. The most beautifully crafted website would be just another unfulfilled promise if no one clicked on the site. So, although aesthetics rank high in the world of Web Design, having that design show up on page one of a search engine is even more imperative.
Search engine optimization is the step that brings buyers and their bank accounts to the site. It cannot be an afterthought to be dealt with once the important work is done. A successful design must integrate SEO from the word go. It requires a thorough understanding of the industry showcased by the site. It has its own magic spells. Key words should be used early and often. Content should be organic to the industry. The result should be like a Nakashima table: design drawn from the essence of the medium.
The marketplace on the World Wide Web is an interconnection of virtual communities. It helps to have a reputation because there are no secrets in cyberspace. There is no instant answer that can take the place of relationships built on positive interaction. You can, however, shine your web presence by doing a little pro bono work. The hour spent on an informational site which educates readers, also builds credibility and repays the worker many times over.
