Adding SEO Web Site Design to Your List of Projects

by Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@graphicdesignschoolreview.com
Graphic Design School Review Columnist

SEO, or search engine optimization, is a byproduct of the creation of the Google search monster. And SEO web site designs are in high demand by businesses and organizations. Here's an overview of how SEO works as well as how you can cash in on this web site design project

The Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization defines SEO as a set of methods aimed at improving the ranking of a website in search engine listings. These methods take into consideration the rules established by Google and Yahoo search engines for page relevance. When a web site becomes search engine optimized, that is the key to receiving more visitors and making more sales. For graphic design pros, creating SEO web site designs is a lucrative niche in the industry. Businesses and organization pay top dollar for SEO adjustments to their web sites by a professional designer. Here's how those SEO adjustments work.

SEO Web Design: How does it Work?

• Pic Title. Believe it or not, the titles of the pics you include in your web site designs help determine the site's ranking.
• Copy and Keywords. If you provide copy services, you should include relevant keywords for higher SEO.
• Links. Active and relevant links are always a big plus when completing an SEO web site design project.

There are hundreds of specialty projects that you can do to increase your graphic design income. And if you are thinking about a career in the design business, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the graphic design field is seeing significant growth.

The Graphic Design Career Report

• Typical Projects. Graphic design pros create effective print and web marketing materials for businesses and organizations.
• Growing Field. Employment for graphic design professionals is expected to grow as fast as the national average through 2014.
• Web Media. The Internet has spawned a new breed of digital graphic designers who specialize in web media.

SEO web site design is a valuable graphic design skill to learn; it will have a profound effect on your annual web-based income.

Sources
Graphic Designers, U.S. Bureau of Statistics
Search Engine Marketing Professional Association

About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.