Website Design, Types and Activities (Part 2)
In the first part of this article, we introduced the types of website design and some of its main activities. In this section, we will review other main activities in website design.
SEO
SEO or search engine optimization is a set of methods and activities that are performed to improve the ranking of a website in the results of Internet search engines. These activities include optimizing content, website structure, technical elements, and site speed. In the following, some of the main activities related to SEO in website design will be discussed:
1- Website keyword analysis
Keyword analysis means finding the words people use in search engines to find the website they are interested in. This activity uses various tools such as Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs. Once the right keywords are identified, they can be used in website content, page titles, meta descriptions, and other elements.
2- Improving the technical elements of the website
The website’s technical elements include loading speed, optimizing images, optimizing HTML code, creating a site map, and using search engine optimization methods such as robots.txt and sitemap.xml files and using appropriate meta tags. These activities improve the evaluation of the website by search engines and increase the website’s ranking in the search results.
3- Improving the structure of the website
The website’s structure includes categorizing and displaying the content for users. A proper website structure helps users access the content they want and search the website easily. In addition, website structure improves website ranking in search engine results. We should use methods such as creating a drop-down menu, properly structuring the website pages, and the correct naming for HTML tags. This way, we improve the website’s structure.
4- Improving the content of the website
The website’s content is very important and should be produced according to the needs of users and the best search engine optimization methods. Duplicate and worthless content lowers the website’s ranking in search results. The best way to improve content is to produce quality content and provide new and useful content for users. Also, using appropriate keywords in the content will improve the website’s ranking in search engine results.
5- Transplantation
Linking involves creating backlinks to the website, which improves the website’s ranking in search engine results. Inbound links increase website credibility for search engines. But it should be done carefully, and they should be entered from reliable sites with good content to improve the website’s ranking.
UI/UX design
UI/UX design means user interface and user experience design. This term includes two different aspects: user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).
User interface (UI) means designing a website, application, or any digital product with which users interact. A UI designer must carefully design the look and functionality of the user interface and then present it to a developer.
User experience (UX) means the quality of the user’s interaction with the website, application, or any digital product presented to him through the user interface. A UX designer must accurately design the user experience for users. So they will have a good user experience when interacting with the digital product.
In UI/UX design, the following should be considered:
1- User interface design (UI)
User interface design includes choosing colors, fonts, designs, and attractive decorations. It allows users to interact with the digital product easily. The user interface design represents the personality and identity of the brand. Thus, it should be created with an attractive, user-friendly appearance using beautiful and consistent design principles. One should consider UI design principles like balance, harmony, decay, etc.
2- User experience (UX)
User experience is related to the planning and designing of user interaction with the user interface. The main goal of UX design is that users can easily interact with the digital product and have a good user experience. The following should be considered in UX design:
Goal setting
UX designers must define a goal for the user experience. This goal can be to improve user experience, increase sales, reduce user abandonment rates, etc. To achieve this goal, UX designers should propose solutions by analyzing users’ needs and examining their behavior.
Interaction process design
To create a better user experience, the user interaction process with the digital product should be investigated. Designing the interaction process includes the steps and functions that the user uses in connection with the digital product. At this stage, attention should be paid to creating an interactive and conceptual process for users to interact with the digital product easily. For this, we should consider UX design principles. This includes more searchability, simple and understandable communication, quick and easy access, and ease of use.
Content design
It involves creating content that helps users easily interact with a digital product. Content can include images, videos, texts, etc. At this stage, attention should be paid to creating quality and conceptual content for users to interact with the digital product easily. For this, UX design principles such as simplicity, comprehensibility, user-friendliness, and accessibility should be considered.
Testing and optimization
After designing the user interface and user experience, they should be tested and optimized. The user experience should be checked at this stage using different tests, and its problems and shortcomings should be found. Then, by optimizing the user interface and user experience, you should improve the quality of user interaction with the digital product.
Protection and security in website design
Protection and security are important in website design and should be taken seriously. Website security can be provided from two physical and digital aspects. In the following, some of the main activities related to protection and security in website design will be discussed:
1- Using HTTPS secure protocol
Using the secure HTTPS protocol is very important to encrypt the information sent between the user and the website. This protocol prevents unauthorized people from infiltrating sensitive information and reduces security risks. To use this protocol, an SSL certificate must be purchased from a reputable provider and installed on the website.
2- Updating and maintaining the operating system and server-side software
Updating the operating system and server-side software is crucial to avoid security vulnerabilities and reduce security risks. Also, regular maintenance of the operating system and software on the server side is very important to prevent unauthorized people from entering the server.
3- Using encryption and digital signature
Encryption and digital signatures are crucial in securing users’ information from theft or unauthorized alterations. Encryption involves transforming information into a code that authorized parties can only read, making it difficult for cybercriminals to access and read sensitive data. Digital signatures, conversely, are used to authenticate the source of a message or document and ensure that it has not been tampered with. Encryption algorithms such as RSA and AES are commonly used in website security to create secure communication channels and protect sensitive information. By implementing encryption and digital signature techniques, website owners can help to ensure the privacy and security of their users’ information.
4- Using secure codes
Using secure codes and modifying vulnerable codes is critical to prevent unauthorized access to a server and protect against hacking attacks and data theft. By using secure programming practices, such as encryption and authentication, website owners can help prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to sensitive information and systems. Regularly updating and testing software and code can also help to identify and address any vulnerabilities that may exist, further enhancing the security of a website.
5- Using strong passwords
Strong passwords are very important to access the website admin panel and other management tools. The password should include uppercase and lowercase characters, numbers, and symbols, and weak passwords such as 123456 and password should be avoided.
6- Create data support
It is very important to back up website data to avoid data loss. Data backup is crucial to prevent sudden data loss due to cyber-attacks, human error, or system failures. For this, you can use methods such as creating data support on an external server, creating support on cloud sites, or using automatic backup software.
7- Using security tools
It is very important to use security tools such as firewalls, antivirus, and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to prevent unauthorized people from accessing the server. These tools identify the website’s weak points and security risks and help reduce security risks and prevent cyber attacks.
8- Limit access
Limiting access highlights the importance of controlling access to website management tools to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Giving access to these tools only to authorized individuals with a specified level of access helps to ensure that unauthorized users do not access confidential information. By limiting access to website management tools and implementing appropriate security measures, website owners can help to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access to their websites.
9- Training users
Educating users about security issues and observing security principles in using the website is very important. Users should be familiar with security principles and methods and be taught to use strong passwords, avoid deceptive emails and anonymous messages, and never enter personal information on unknown and unspecified websites.
10- Website Monitoring
Monitoring a website is crucial to detect and prevent potential security threats or cyber-attacks. Regular website monitoring helps to ensure that a website is functioning properly and securely and can help identify any potential vulnerabilities. By monitoring a website and promptly addressing any security issues, website owners can help to prevent cyber attacks and protect their websites and users from harm.
