Responsive SEO - Redesign

[dhidalgo1]

My team is in the process of redesigning our main website.

In order to balance Conversion Rate Optimization and SEO we are considering adding some features to the new site – HOWEVER we are wondering whether or not this will make any significant to our SERP’s. All together I am looking for your opinion – on two distinct areas.

NOTE: Our site is built in plain HTML- No CMS.

First (HOME PAGE) Content Slider above the fold. Our current site does a good job of utilizing this prime space with a balanced use of H1 and Text. However – it is not optimized for conversions. We feel a slider will kill both birds with one stone. Have you have any experience with this? What are your thoughts? Do SE’s like this?

SECOND (NAVIGATION) We are adding a submenu to the site. Besides our Horizontal top menu and additional menu in a Column format is being discussed. We are thinking that the left placement will work better with conversions – however what do search engines like most – left or right navigations?

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Daniel

[GeorgeAndrews]

Speaking from experience, go with a CMS. New content can be created faster and easier. Old content can be updated faster and easier. And, depending on the CMS, site updates can be completed faster and easier (install a new theme, update the CSS, add a new plugin).

Next, a lot of sites perform well by using a slide-show above the fold. I would focus on what makes a better user experience. If users can make decisions more quickly (and then convert), I say do it.

Finally, I think that as long as you make it apparent that your navigation menus are for navigation, search engines don't care which side your navigation on. Crawlers look at your site with a totally different perspective so it's no longer about "which side", but about whether your navigation can be easily identified as navigation.

I also suggest looking around the SEOmoz beginner's guide for more information. Start here.

[dhidalgo1]

Thanks George! Do you recommend a specific CMS for Cold Fusion?

[GeorgeAndrews]

I've never worked with ColdFusion, but from what I can see Mura CMS seems to be close to the top and it's open source. Take some time to peruse their support forum to see if it's right for you.