Some websites consist of multiple versions intended for different geographic regions or languages. This makes the site accessible to people across the world. In the past, pages would have to tell Google what language to display using the hreflang attribute.

What Is the Hreflang Attribute?

The hreflang attribute is code that is added to a website to tell Google which language is being used on that page. It would look something like rel=”alternate” hreflang=”x” and would be placed in the HTTP header, on-page markup, or on the sitemap.

This function was introduced in 2011 to help search engines identify the relationships between pages that could be displayed in alternate languages. It allowed sites to offer a localized experience for different audiences. This tool didn’t influence search results ranking specifically, but was intended to ensure that each visitor sees content that is relevant to them.

Does the Hreflang Attribute Still Apply In 2018?

Search engines are getting smarter. Google webmaster trends analyst John Mueller was asked on Twitter on April 25^th, 2018 if hreflang tags are needed to display different languages. Mueller responded by stating that “If it’s in a different language, usually Google can figure that out without hreflang. Most queries are clearly in one language, so we can send users to that version of the page.”

It’s still important to include hreflang because Google doesn’t always choose the alternate page. However, some sites may no longer need this element to get the search engine to display the correct content. If you’re ready to learn more or build a fully-optimized, multi-language site, let us know. We’re available in Southeast Michigan to provide website building and SEO services that utilize current best practices all around the globe.

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The Americans with Disabilities Act was introduced in 1990 as a civil rights law to prohibit discrimination of citizens with disabilities. The evolution of this act now extends to the internet and for a good reason; accommodating your website for people with disabilities makes it easier to access and understand. Here are a few recommendations we have for updating your website around this idea.

What Is Web Accessibility?

Similar to how a wheelchair-bound individual finds it challenging to enter a building with stairs as the only means of entrance, websites can be difficult to interpret without specific components. Web accessibility is the general readability and interpretation quality for users with audible and visual impairments to be able to understand the information of the website. Government, Business, and Non-Profit organizations are all required by the ADA to maintain strict compliance across platforms, so what does this mean for your website?

Recommendations

Provide a text equivalent to important images and graphics. Screen readers can convey meaning without being obtrusive to the overall web experience. Documents should be made available in formats other than PDF. Although they look great, screen readers have a hard time deciphering PDF content; when uploading these documents – pair them with a plain-text version.

Check the font style and text color for readability. Low contrast against plain color and image backgrounds makes reading challenging and is unsightly in general. For multimedia, ensure captions and audio descriptions are made available for people with hearing problems. Descriptive audio also accommodates for users with low vision.

Use Descriptive HTML tags so online forms can be accurately used. This simple behind the scenes work makes a huge difference for people with disabilities. Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list, rather these are common items we have observed that can be easily updated.

Why Should I Update

ADA compliance should be taken seriously. Once it is mandated, your website will need to be made compliant. ADA compliance for websites is beginning for banks and other financial institutions and then will be moving to medical and other businesses. Contact OMA Comp to learn more.

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Competing in today’s markets requires an online presence. Design, construction and maintenance of websites takes more than effort but knowledge of the continuously changing industry. Currently, there has been changes implemented by the search engines on what they look for with your website for SEO (search engine optimization). The latest requirements in website design is mobile first.

Design Excellence

Your business’s website is a digital representation which often creates a first opinion for a potential consumer. An outdated, poorly designed website is now likened to a dismantled office façade. Our graphic design and web programming expertise helps us create a world-class online experience for restaurants, service providers, retail stores, engineering firms, medical practices, spas and more!

A beautiful website can help you win sales and reach new customers. If you pair your website with an online store, you will convert new visitors into paying customers much easier.

Speed and Reliability

OMA Comp builds incredibly fast websites that respond well across different browsers and devices. Page load time significantly effects how visitors and search engines interpret your website. Many people will even abandon a website if it loads too slowly. Our dedicated support provides excellent site up-time and will keep your e-mail functioning 24/7. By deploying advanced security measures, we ensure your critical information remains secure.

Cost Savings

Our website and e-mail hosting solutions are competitively priced. We are happy to explore a variety of term options to find the best partnership possible. Engaging a large audience online does not have to cost an arm and a leg. OMA Comp’s SEO techniques help place our websites high on search engines naturally.

If you need help with hosting, SEO or building your next professional website, give OMA Comp a call to learn how we help businesses achieve remarkable results.

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HAVE YOUR WEBSITE WORK FOR YOU AND STAND OUT FROM YOUR COMPETITION.

Through September 15th, 2016, mention this post and you will receive our INITIAL OPTIMIZATION PACKAGE for FREE ($1000 value)!

Package Includes:
+ Setting up business listings with search engines
+ Setting up individual pages
+ Setting up webmaster tools to  index website in real time with the ability to recapture optimization from your previous website (if appropriate)
+ Setting up reporting
+ Submitting map with keywords (manually and automatically)

CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER SPECIALS OR DISCOUNTS | 3 PAGE MINIMUM REQUIRED

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Le Shoppe Too requested an easy to navigate site to showcase their inventory and promote their events and online auctions. They also needed a platform that is easy to manage and update as their store items change frequently. Voila! OMA Comp delivered. Take a moment to check out Le Shoppe Too, Michigan’s largest mid century store. http://www.leshoppetoo.com/

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OMA Comp designed Dim Sum and Doughnuts new website, integrating social media directly into the blog, and adding opportunity for people and businesses to advertise.

View Dim Sum & Doughnuts website.

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OMA Comp created an original, unique website design to brand Julie Booksh image and promote the proper look for her niche market. Check it out.

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It was important when developing the website for Curushealth.com that our team was able to translate what they do, healthcare management and support to better navigate the healthcare system saving their customers valuable time and helping to eliminate frustration, into a website. We created the Curus website to provide their visitors in an organized manner, easy navigation to find what they need quickly depending on their relationship with Curus. Check out Curus.

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Golden Shoes is an inspirational movie about an 8 year old boy who through his love of soccer is able to find a way to handle bullying and intolerance.

Golden Shoes is available now for pre-purchase from Amazon.

OMA Comp’s team worked diligently on the website design and implementation and spent time on the movie set involved with production. We had the honor to interview actors; Eric Roberts, John Rhys-Davies, David DeLuise, Vivica A. Fox, Dina Meyer, Christian Koza and Aedin Mincks. View photo gallery.

Several years ago, the movie’s producer Norman Koza and I had the pleasure to meet and talk about the story he was developing. Congratulations to Norman Koza for investing the time, effort and resources to make his dream become a reality. After all his hard work it has paid off with the release of the Golden Shoes movie this year.

www.goldenshoesmovie.com

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Client: Zieben-Mare, Franklin, MI – visit website

Zieben-Mare is a lifestyle boutique located in the historical village Franklin, MI. At Zieben-Mare you can find “a little bit of everything” from men and women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, bags, antiques and other accessories and gift items. We have a unique selection of American, European, and Japanese designers – including Fiorentini & Baker, Henry Cuir, Jamin Puech, Mina Perhonen, Samantha Sung, Carolina, Genetic Denim, and Heather B. Moore. With us you can have a one stop shopping experience and find unique pieces that are truly special from around the world. Our website is merely a representation of the unique mix of items we carry.

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