SEO and Accessibility

by: Martin Espericueta

There is much talk lately about SEO tips ( Search Engine Optimization tips) and how to land higher results in a SE's (Search Engine) SERPS (Search Engine Results Position). But little is talked about how properly used "White Hat" SEO techniques will inadvertently assist in website accessibility.

Much the time it's very true, that marketing a websites and accessifying a site will butt heads. Accessibility says that content rules, and end-user usability/accessibility must prevail before any marketing hype - and specifically any "black hat" usage. Search Engine Optimization has stated in the past that alls fair in love and SERPS! Accessibility has not been considered, sometimes not even a option.

Well, fast forward into the ever evolving world of Search Engine Optimization. Content has always been a prime SEO consideration, but never more so than now. As a matter of fact, content - and more importantly for our discussion here today - accessible content stands as the foundation for all SEO techniques.

Next to the high priority of obtaining Incoming Back links (IBL) from that high PR (PageRank) website that drive so many SEO professionals crazy, there is, "The Copy" (The Content). Keyword rich web content is important, yes, but now it seems more than ever, that the actual layout, or HTML markup of a website – needs to be rich. Rich in usability/accessibility. If you think about it, when a user has problems accessing a site, whether it be due to inaccessible navigation, or content way below the fold - while advertisements about Viagra are at the top of the page, what do you think a search engine's searchbot will think (can they think)?

Search engines are becoming much more capable in their algorthymns of a page or site that is targeting real customers, or just trying to make an AdSense buck. So this change has been for the greater good of accessibility!

When a person wants a website built for their small business store, what I like to ask them is a very simple question (among many other questions of course), "Do you have an older friend that has a sight impairment, or do you know of anyone who suffers from any other impairment?" Statistics show us that they do know of a loved one who fits that category. I then launch into my "Accessibility Statement". As I evangelize the accessibility movement, I most likely will get the reply of, "that sounds great, but will that help my website be on MSN's top ten in one month?"

I'm sad to say, but unless you're linked from search engines themselves, along with 5 other PR10 sites, you're gonna be sandboxed for awhile! But – and this is a big but - accessifying your website will most definitely help your SERPS in the long run!