How can the Web site designer and the SEO strategist work together peacefully?

[Obie]

The organization I work for has decided to re-design or re-develop the existing company Web site.  My part in this project is to come up with new features to add to the site, as well as making the site SEO-friendly (copywriting, link-building, keyword research, etc.).

I don’t know a thing about Web site design, coding, format, etc., and I guess I will have to work with a designer on this project.  How would I go about finding a Web site designer? Should they have some SEO knowledge?  How much designer, coding and site structure knowledge should I have?  And how do we not infringe on one another as we work together?  (Sorry so many questions.)

[RyanKent]

How can the Web site designer and the SEO strategist work together peacefully?

One word comes to mind, Respect.

The SEO needs to respect the web designer and their expertise. The web designer needs to be respectful of the SEO's knowledge and expertise.

One challenge is both web design and SEO have challenges where experts disagree with each other and there is a lack of common standards. Both industries also have people who feel they are "experts" who possess minimal and often incorrect knowledge.

Ultimately, the client is the boss. The SEO is the client's representative on matters related to SEO which involves most aspects of the site. The SEO / web-designer relationship needs to be outlined by the client. The SEO needs the ability to provide direction for the project. The site's design requirements should be offered by the SEO and implemented by the web designer. Ultimately, if a dispute arises, the client needs to make a decision. Both the web designer and SEO would need to plead their case to the client.

What will likely happen over time is you will work with some great web designers. If you find one who also is affordable you can refer future clients to the web designer with whom you have experience. It can be a win-win-win situation for all involved.

[EGOL]

To be a competent SEO you need to know a lot about code, because that is where the optimization is done.  So an important thing for you to do is learn enough about code to do the optimization work  and if you can learn more than that it would be even better.

In my opinion it is good that your company wants an in-house person to be involved with the site redesign.  Perhaps they would be willing to give you time away from other work to do reading and study to improve your skills.  Ask for it, get as  much as you can.

Getting the right designer is really important.  Some of them know a lot about SEO and are extremely competent at it.  Some of them know nothing about SEO and will become defensive if you stick your nose into the code.  Others think that they are the designer and will make you a site - AND YOU ARE GOING TO LIKE IT.

So, find the right designer.  One who really knows a lot about SEO and one who knows that you are the boss.   That will make all of the difference.  You don't want this job to be like pulling crocodile teeth.