Heuristics 101

A web site should always be designed for the customer (first) and then for search engines. A company should never create a site simply to rank number one in search results. Keeping the client in mind means that the web site needs to be user-friendly – none of them should have to know much about anything in order to navigate your site.

According to Search Engine Optimization Bible by Jerri L. Ledford, Jacob Nielson created a list of ten items that when included in web site design would make a site more usable for individuals. He coined this list heuristics. This term means the ability recognize a pattern and being able to solve a problem or come to a conclusion quickly and efficiently. You can do so by using what you already know about that particular pattern.

Using heuristics is not always the most accurate way to solve a problem. It is important in search engine optimization (SEO) because it permits variations in the way that users search for specific keywords and phrases.

The heuristics list is stated below:

System status – the user should always know what is going on through feedback from the system. It should be provided in a timely manner.

User control and freedom – provided the ability to undo and redo an action due to a mistake. It is best to have back and forward buttons in a web browser.

Error prevention – design your web site with the prevention of errors in mind.

Match between the system and the real world – all systems should speak the language of the user in mind. Do not get too technical when it comes to keywords and phrases.

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