PFA Graphics

Q. What is SEO and does SEO really work?

SEO stands for ‘Search Engine Optimisation’ and refers to the process of enhancing a website to enable it to be listed higher in the rankings by search engines (Google in particular). It is a fairly recent phenomenon as people have realised what an important part Google plays in promoting a business on the web. If your website listing consistently appears at the top of the rankings you are invariably first in the queue for customers' attention which can translate directly into new contacts and business.

Some website design companies/developers will make out that this is a service you can buy 'off-the-shelf' and once you buy it you'll shoot to number one on Google. It would be great if it was this straight-forward but this is the reality...

The Truth SEO Companies Don't Want You To Know

After having carried out extensive research and testing in Search Engine Optimisation, we can summarise two of the most important things you can do to enhance your position in the search engines.

1: Build a quality website that has easy-to-read, well structured XHTML valid code, with simple page titles and descriptions that mention your keywords, backed up by use in links and headings on your site.

2: Gain plenty of well-written links to your site from reputable and relevant websites which use your keywords.

So how can you go about getting these two things? The first can only be achieved when your website is originally designed as it is difficult to apply retrospectively. Therefore we recommend that you choose a designer who offers this service at the outset. At PFA Graphics, we design all our websites to be Strict XHTML Valid as standard at no extra cost. We believe in doing things properly from the beginning.

The second point can be done by anyone (either get the designer to do it or do it yourself) but it does require time to search the web for appropriate websites to submit your site to. Good web design companies are likely to have done this before and should know the right places to go. Either way it can take up to six months before results start showing.

Q. Why should I use a graphic designer for my logo? Can't I just do it myself with WordArt?

A logo or brand identity is the symbol by which your company becomes recognised. It is therefore important to ensure that a company logo is designed to correctly represent that company. This is often not as simple as it may seem and to achieve a professional result we strongly recommend the appointment of a graphic designer.

Q. What should I look for when hiring a graphic designer?

There are three key things to look at:

a) Their previous work is usually a good starting point - if you like the work they have previously done then it bodes well for what they can produce for you. Graphic design is a visual medium, so trust your eyes and your tastes. If you find a company that can create the style you are looking for this is an excellent start.

b) Recommendations from previous clients, as in any industry, are a great way of finding out how good a company is. Remember that working with a designer is a collaborative relationship and you want someone who will listen to what you truly need and is willing to do what is necessary to make sure you get it. Look for quality in any recommendation.

c) Finally, value for money, not price, is key. A low price may only result in a low quality product. We would advise that you ask yourself the following questions; How much are you going to get for your money? How much time and input are you going to get from your designer? How often will they go above and beyond the call of duty to deliver the final result? How open will they be to giving you useful advice? Will they request more money at the first sign of a problem or will they work it through?

Remember the lowest price may not mean best value.

Q. What's the difference between web designers and web programmers/developers?

In simple terms, web designers deal with the 'front end' (what you see when you look at a website) and web developers build the 'back end' (the code you don't see). Some companies offer both services but most fall into one category with the other service as an addition. Our recommendation is that you check the experience and qualifications of the company you propose to commission - not all companies that appear to offer both services are equally good.

This, in many respects, brings us to the important reason why the appointment of a good graphic designer is so important. Often the internet is now used by people to first investigate a company and, consequently, they are influenced by that first impression...