Within this Quick Guide, I aim to cover the basics of Web Usability and Search Engine Optimisation
(SEO) – what they are, how they are linked, how one leads to another and – most importantly of all –
how they can help to improve a website.

Since training with Webcredible in 2007 (on Web Usability, Usability Testing and Writing for the
Web) I have been interested in these areas and how website owners can use Web Usability techniques
to improve their websites, both in terms of usability and SEO, for very little outlay in time and
money.

Part 1 – What is Web Usability?

Web Usability refers to the ease-of-use and user-friendliness of a website, from the user’s point of view. Other factors also include effectiveness, efficiency and ‘learnability’ of the website.

This applies to all areas of a website, including:

  • Navigation – can a user find their way around the website easily?
  • Tasks – can a user perform a task such as buying a product easily?
  • Content – can the user read and understand the website content easily?
  • Standard Features – is there a useful Search function? are Links clearly defined?
  • Products – can the user find information on products? is enough product information available?
  • Company Information – is there an About Us link? can the user contact the Company easily?

The above is just a small subset of all the possible Web Usability factors of a website.

Web Usability & SEO Glossary

 

Part 2 – What is SEO?

*** If you would like help with your website’s Web Usability & SEO, please Contact Me

*** There is now a downloadable version of this content.