6 Visual Optimization Mistakes

Make Your Visual Media Search Engine Friendly

Use JavaScript Wisely

Using JavaScript to display content can add great features to your website. However, in the long run, it can also make content harder to be reached by search engines. When using JavaScript do so wisely and keep the code clean.

Make Use of Image <alt> Attribute

Text only websites are typically dull and image based websites are unrecognizable to search engines. Find a good balance between related content and images, and always make use of the image <alt> attribute. However do not keyword stuff the <alt> attribute as this will hurt your rankings.

Provide Additional Content with Podcast and Videos

Podcast and videos are great for users as well as lowering your bounce rate. However, without any additional content, they are rendered as useless for search engines. I recommend providing a transcript or any additional content along with your podcast and videos.

Stay Away From Image Links

Search engines feed off of links and hyperlink text plays an important role in determining rankings. As search engines cannot read images, using them as links is typically a bad idea, especially if doing so within the main navigation. If you cannot get around using image links be sure to use an <alt> attribute within the image.

Do Not Use Frames

Frames are extremely bad for SEO and are also an extremely outdated method of layout, so use them only if absolutely needed. A good alternative method to frames is PHP and the ability to include files.

Do Not Use Flash

As of yet search engines are unable to index flash based websites, thus any content used within a flash based website is unknown to search engines. If you must, you may use flash elements within a website, however not for laying out any links or content. If using any flash provide alternative content as well.