Tips for Redesigning Site Template

What do I ask my template creator to make sure to have for SEO?

[kdollar]

I am currently redesigning my site template and think that my current site is very bloated and doesn't have very good internal linking. I was wondering what I should tell my designer and coder of the template to make sure I have so I have every chance to succeed in search engines rankings. I know content is king but I know that having a good template or site structure can't hurt.

[tedster]

I'd say you're thinking very clearly. The most important thing you should do BEFORE handing off a project to a desiger or coder is to work out your Information Architecture. The final step in that process will be deciding on your menu labels -- based on both usability and effective keyword use.

Only when you've got that all sorted should a designer be asked to dig in. Here are some threads about Information Architecture that may give you some help along the way:

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