How to build an accessible and SEO friendly website using semantic HTML tags

i. Introduction Semantic

HTML is an essential component of web development that can significantly improve a website's accessibility and search engine optimization (SEO). in this article, we'll discuss how to build an accessible and SEO-friendly website using HTML semantic tags.

ii. Understanding Semantic HTML Tags

Semantic HTML tags are those that convey the meaning of the content they enclose. By using these tags, we can create web pages that are easier to understand and navigate for both users and search engines.

iii. Some of the most commonly used Semantic HTML.

in this section, we'll cover some of the most used semantic HTML tags and how to effectively use them.

1. <header> and <footer> tags

   The <header> and <footer> tags define the top and bottom sections of a web page, including the page title, logo, navigation links, and copyright information. Using these tags improves accessibility and provides consistent navigation. Search engines give more weight to content within these tags, boosting SEO.

    <header>
       <nav>
          <ul>
             <li><a href="/">Home</a></li>
             <li><a href="/about">About</a></li>
             <li><a href="/contact">Contact</a></li>
          </ul>
       </nav>
    </header>
    <footer>
          <p>&copy; 2023 Example Website. All rights reserved.</p>
    </footer>
   

2. <main> tag

   The <main> tag indicates the main content of a web page and improves accessibility by providing a clear focus on unique content. Search engines such as Google and Bing prioritize content within this tag, boosting SEO.

    <main>
       <h2>Welcome to Your Website</h2>
       <p>Here is where you can find all of the information you need about our products and services.</p>
    </main>
   

3. The <article> tag is used to define an independent piece of content within a web page

    <article>
       <h2>10 Tips for Optimizing Your Website's SEO</h2>
       <p>Here are some tips for optimizing your website's SEO:</p>
       <ol>
          <li>Use descriptive title tags and meta descriptions</li>
          <li>Include relevant keywords in your content</li>
          <li>Use header tags to structure your content</li>
          <li>Optimize your images with alt tags</li>
          <li>Ensure your website is mobile-friendly</li>
          <li>Use internal and external links to relevant content</li>
          <li>Create quality, informative content</li>
          <li>Ensure your website is fast and reliable</li>
          <li>Submit your sitemap to search engines</li>
          <li>Track and analyze your website's performance</li>
       </ol>
    </article>
   

4. The <nav> tag is used to define a set of navigation links.

   By using the <nav> tag, you are helping screen readers to understand that these links are part of the site's navigation, which can help users to navigate your site more easily.

    <nav>
      <ul>
        <li><a href="#">Home</a></li>
        <li><a href="#">About</a></li>
        <li><a href="#">Contact</a></li>
      </ul>
    </nav>
   

5. <figure> and <figcaption> for images

   Images are essential for any website, but it is also important to provide text alternatives for users who are visually impaired or unable to see the images. This is where the <figure> and <figcaption> tags come in handy.

   The <figure> tag is used to group an image and its caption, while the <figcaption> tag is used to provide the caption for the image.

    <figure>
      <img src="example.jpg" alt="Example image">
      <figcaption>This is an example image</figcaption>
    </figure>
   

6. Using <table> for Tabular data

   When displaying data in a table, it is important to use the <table> tag to create a table structure.

    <table>
      <thead>
        <tr>
          <th>Month</th>
          <th>Savings</th>
        </tr>
      </thead>
      <tbody>
        <tr>
          <td>January</td>
          <td>$100</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
          <td>February</td>
          <td>$150</td>
        </tr>
      </tbody>
    </table>
   

   The <thead> tag is used to define the table header row, while the <tbody> tag is used to group the table rows. The <th> tag is used to define table headers, while the <td> tag is used to define table cells.

iv. Conclusion

n conclusion, using semantic HTML tags is crucial for creating accessible and SEO-friendly websites. By utilizing these tags, you can create clear and understandable content for users and search engines alike. Remember to use <header> and <footer> tags for consistent navigation and boosting SEO, <main> tag for focusing on unique content, <article> tag for independent pieces of content, <nav> tag for defining navigation links, <figure> and <figcaption> tags for images with text alternatives, and <table> tag for displaying data in a structured format.

Implementing these tags may take some extra effort, but the benefits in terms of accessibility and search engine optimization are well worth it. Your website will be easier to understand and navigate, and your content will rank higher in search engine results.

So, if you're in the process of building a website or want to improve an existing one, consider implementing semantic HTML tags to make it more accessible and SEO-friendly.

Remember, accessibility and inclusivity are crucial in today's digital landscape, and by creating accessible websites, you're helping to make the internet a more equitable place for all.