Class 13 – May 8

Today’s agenda

• SEO Basics
• Google Analytics
  (MOE TRACKING CODE – Please paste tracking code befor the close of </head> tag in the document) 

SEO Basics

1. Indicate page titles by using <title> tags
   • Page title contents are displayed in search results
   • Accurately describe the page’s content
   • Create unique <title> tags for each page
   • Create brief, but descriptive titles
2. Make use of the  “description” <meta> tag
   • A page’s description <meta> tag give search engines a summary of what the page is about
   • Descriptions <meta> tags are important because the search engine might use them as snippets or blurbs for your pages
   • Accurately summarize the page’s content
   • Use unique descriptions for each page
3. Improve the structure of your URLs
   • Simple -to-understand URLs will convey content information easily
   • URLs are displayed in search results
   • Create simple directory structure
4. Make your site easy to navigate
   • The navigation of a website is important in helping visitors quickly find the content they want. It can also help search engines understand what content the webmaster thinks is important.
   • Create a natural flowing hierarchy
   • Use mostly text for navigation
5. Write better anchor text
   • The anchor text is the clickable text that users will see as a result of a link, and is placed within the anchor tag
     <a href=”…”></a>
   • Choose descriptive text – the anchor you use for a link should provide at least the basic idea of what the page linked to is about
6. Optimize the use of images
   • Image-related information cab be provided by using the “alt” attribute
   • the content of the “alt” attribute provide information about the picture
   • Use brief text, but descriptive file names and “alt” text
7. Use heading tags to emphasis important text
   • Heading tags are used to present structure on the page to users.
   • The most important <h1>, and the least importnat <h6>

Example <meta>tags description, keyword and author

Read more Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide – Google

Google Analytics
www.google.com/analytics/

• Create an account
• Fill in the relevant information
• Click Get Tracking ID
• Copy the tracking code snippet
  It’s in a box with several lines of JavaScript in it

Example tracking code

• Paste your tracking code into every web page you want to track. Paste it immediately before the closing </head> tag.

If you need to access it the tracking code again:

• Sign in to your Google Analytics account, and select the Admin tab. From the ACCOUNT and PROPERTY columns, select the property you’re working with. Click Tracking Info > Tracking Code.

Assignment:

Write a list of keywords appropriate for site.
Implement analytic services on final portfolio site.

Export a google analytic reportas a PDF and put into your site folder for the final class.