I recently joined a small web design company that creates great WordPress sites but lacks organization. I come from a medium-sized SEO agency and find it challenging to implement the order I was accustomed to. Additionally, some of the team's actions are counterproductive to my SEO efforts, and convincing them of certain concepts' importance is proving difficult. I am curious to hear from other SEO professionals who have faced similar challenges and how they handled them. Share your horror stories of SEO efforts being dismissed by your team or client.
It can be frustrating to try and get developers and designers to understand the importance of SEO, especially when their actions conflict with your efforts. Many developers and designers may be unaware of how important SEO is to a website’s overall success and may prioritize design and functionality over search engine visibility. This can lead to challenges in implementing SEO best practices, as they might focus on aesthetics or user experience without considering search engine optimization.
Here are some common challenges faced by SEO professionals and possible solutions:
- Lack of understanding of SEO concepts: Many developers and designers may not be familiar with SEO best practices. Providing clear, concise explanations of how SEO works and its impact on website performance can help bridge this gap. Using examples, case studies, and data to demonstrate the benefits of SEO can be effective.
- Prioritizing aesthetics over functionality: Developers and designers often prioritize the visual appeal and user experience of a website, which can sometimes lead to neglecting SEO best practices. Communicating the importance of balancing aesthetics with SEO considerations can help prioritize both user experience and search engine visibility.
- Lack of communication and collaboration: Clear communication and collaboration between SEO professionals and developers/designers are crucial. Establishing regular meetings or communication channels to discuss SEO recommendations and potential conflicts can prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is working towards the same goals.
It is important to approach these challenges with empathy and understanding, acknowledging that developers and designers may have their own priorities and perspectives. By fostering collaboration and clear communication, you can bridge the gap and create a website that is both visually appealing and optimized for search engines.