I was prompted to write this article following a conversation with a potential client about where SEO sits in the process of designing a new website at Dental Media. The initial question she asked was “how much extra is it to add SEO to the website build?” – at first I though that she was asking about the cost of ongoing monthly SEO support, but it soon became clear that she wasn’t. She was actually talking about on-site SEO i.e. setting up the website correctly to give it the best possible chance in Google on launch. To re-cap, this involves a keyword and competition analysis and then building the structure and content of the website accordingly. Several “on-page” factors need to be assessed and configured properly to make sure the website is set up optimally.<\/p>\n
I was surprised by the question because for me, ignoring the on-site SEO during the website build is somewhat remiss and I assumed that any professional website marketing agency<\/a> would incorporate this as a matter of course. So what prompted her question…..?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It appears that at least one other design company had quoted for a website build and then a significant chunk extra for completing the on-site SEO. So by ignoring the SEO, they actually offered an option to launch a website knowing full well that it would languish in Google; arguably selling a product that is not fit-for-purpose.<\/p>\n This prompted me to check several websites that had been launched by the same company. Unsurprisingly I found a number of sites sat way back on page 4 or 5 in Google with minimal or no on-site optimisation.<\/p>\n Unfortunately we have to conclude that the company in question is trying to make substantial extra money by charging more for key design elements that really should be incorporated as standard. Good on-site SEO<\/a> is a crucial part in determining how well a website will function with respect to Google searches and must to be in place from launch.<\/p>\n Where the clients refused to take the SEO “add-on” or were blissfully unaware of its importance, sites were launched un-optimised with obvious results. Presumably the motive here is that the client then has to have the SEO retrofitted, no doubt at excessive cost. That, or put up with an under-performing website.<\/p>\n Whilst retrofitting SEO is possible, its much easier and more effective to do it right in the first place i.e. during the planning, design and build of the website. It really shouldn’t come as an “extra” and at a premium.<\/p>\n The “missing SEO” trick is just one tactic to be wary of when evaluating quotations for a new website – I will cover more of these later. If you are considering a new website project, please check carefully to ensure that your web partner is providing comprehensive on-site SEO during the build and that it doesn’t come with a nasty hidden price tag.<\/p>\n If you would like to know more about SEO for your dental website, please call us on 01332 672548<\/strong> for free advice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The best SEO is built-in, not bolted-on…. I was prompted to write this article following a conversation with a potential client about where SEO sits in the process of designing a new website at Dental Media. The initial question she …<\/p>\nDubious sales tactics?<\/h3>\n
So what’s going on here?<\/h3>\n
Summary<\/h3>\n