Web information architecture can be tricky and complex, which is why so many businesses outsource the duties to freelance experts most capable of delivering a top-notch end result. As a critical component of overall creative web design, web information architecture involves the organization and accurate labeling of all aspects of a company website, including message boards and social media links where the online communities reside, with special emphasis on search engine optimization (SEO).
This not only covers the initial creation of a website, but also its redesign. Here are a few useful tips that will help both freelance information architecture specialists and the companies employing them to map out an effective web redesign strategy.
Optimize Keywords
Know how to optimize your keywords. SEO should be at the heart of all website designs or redesigns, and it’s imperative for not only the Web information architecture specialist to be well versed in it, but also the company hiring them to do the work. This way, with both ends championing the critical importance of SEO, maximum return is ensured.
Keyword Placement
Revisit the website’s keyword strategy. Keyword placement is one of the key components of high search engine visibility. For this reason, the task of determining the most effective keywords and key phrases should not be left up to the freelance professional doing the creative website design, but should be handled by those who know the existing and prospective audience best: the company itself.
404 Signage Placement
Use proper 404 signage. Whenever a website redesign is performed, URLs change and visitors who may have saved a specific page on the old site as a favorite may be frustrated to discover their old links no longer work. Instead of allowing those people to be greeted with standard 404 error pages, a company and its redesign specialist should give site visitors something more to go on to cut back on the abandon rate. Consider colorful images, animations, links to the revamped homepage, and humorous or informative text messages that let the person accessing the 404 page know the website is still in operation and hasn’t just gone way forever. Going the extra mile here will increase the likelihood that a visitor will do the same by continuing on to the homepage and trying to find what they’re looking for there.
Companies seeking Web information architecture experts to help them in their site redesign can find world class freelance professionals by searching the profile listings at Artisan Talent. Likewise, Web designers can go here to connect with companies seeking their services. Visit www.artisantalent.com to learn more.
Vince F is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
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Artisan Talent is a Digital, Marketing and Creative Staffing Firm placing talent in jobs perfectly matched with their skills all over the US.
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