Things You Should Ask Your Web Developer to Do to Ensure Your Website is SEO Optimised from the Start
When building a new website, it’s easy to focus on design and aesthetics, but if your site isn’t optimised for search engines from the beginning, you could be missing out on valuable traffic and leads. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) isn’t just something you tack on later; it should be integrated during the website development process.
Here’s a guide on the key things to ask your web developer to do to make sure your website is SEO-ready from day one.
1. Ensure Clean, Crawlable Code
Search engines rely on code to understand your website. A clean, organised structure makes it easier for search engines to index your pages. Ask your developer to:
Use semantic HTML tags (like
<header>,<main>,<footer>)Avoid excessive scripts or unnecessary code that slows down the site
Implement a logical URL structure
A well-coded website sets the foundation for good SEO performance.
2. Optimise Website Speed
Site speed is a critical ranking factor and affects user experience. Slow-loading websites frustrate visitors and increase bounce rates. Ensure your developer:
Compresses images and media files
Minimises the use of heavy scripts
Uses browser caching and content delivery networks (CDNs)
Chooses a fast, reliable hosting solution
Fast websites rank better and keep users engaged.
3. Make It Mobile-Friendly
With most traffic coming from mobile devices, Google prioritises mobile-friendly websites. Ask your developer to:
Use responsive design so your site adapts to different screen sizes
Ensure buttons, forms, and menus are touch-friendly
Test mobile page speed and layout
Mobile optimisation isn’t optional—it’s essential for SEO and user experience.
4. Implement Proper On-Page SEO
On-page SEO helps search engines understand the content of each page. During development, make sure your site includes:
Unique, keyword-optimised page titles and meta descriptions
Heading structure (H1, H2, H3) that reflects content hierarchy
Alt text for images
Internal linking between related pages
These elements make your website more discoverable and improve rankings.
5. Set Up an SEO-Friendly URL Structure
Clean URLs are easier for users and search engines to read. Ask your developer to:
Avoid long, confusing URLs with random numbers or characters
Use descriptive words that reflect the page content
Keep URLs short and consistent
For example, www.yourwebsite.com/services/seo is better than www.yourwebsite.com/page?id=12345.
6. Focus on Secure, HTTPS Hosting
Security is another ranking factor. Ensure your website:
Uses HTTPS with a valid SSL certificate
Avoids mixed content warnings or insecure elements
A secure website protects your users and improves search engine trust.
7. Plan for Scalability and Content Updates
SEO isn’t static—it grows with your website. Ask your developer to:
Build a CMS (Content Management System) that’s easy to update
Allow for additional pages, blog posts, or product listings
Make adding SEO elements like meta tags and alt text simple
Future-proofing your site makes ongoing optimisation easier and more effective.
Final Thoughts
Building an SEO-optimised website from the start saves time, money, and frustration later. By asking your web developer to focus on clean code, fast loading, mobile-friendliness, on-page SEO, analytics, and more, you set your site up for long-term search engine success.
SEO isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s a strategy for attracting visitors, generating leads, and growing your business online. Starting with a strong SEO foundation gives you the best chance to succeed from day one.