Google's new slogan should be, "Helping Goliath pummel David." If you’ve been following this blog for a while, then you already know how we feel about Google and their reckless behavior towards the little guy. But for newcomers, here's a quick recap: Google’s motivation will always be to maximize profits for themselves. This runs in direct opposition to the best interests of small businesses that can't spend a fortune advertising themselves online. And it's getting worse. Now, with … [Read more...] about How Google’s Greed Is Slashing Your Website Traffic
How to Minimize Your Damage From Google’s New Platform
Have you noticed a new type of sponsored result on Google's search results pages? These ads are for Google's new platform, Local Services, which Google designed to promote local service providers like plumbers, electricians, handymen, cleaners, locksmiths, and the like. According to the official website, "Local Services ads help you connect with people who search on Google for the services you offer. Your ads will show up for customers in your area, so you can keep your calendar … [Read more...] about How to Minimize Your Damage From Google’s New Platform
Why Googling Yourself Won’t Tell You What You Need to Know
Finding out how you rank on Google should be pretty simple, right? It feels like a quick search for your business name is all you’d need to do. Unfortunately, Google makes this way more complicated than it has to be. Although it's perfectly logical for you to assume you can check your ranking just by googling yourself, that's not the reality. Keep reading to find out how googling your own company name doesn’t actually give you a clear picture of your site’s performance. We’ll also give you … [Read more...] about Why Googling Yourself Won’t Tell You What You Need to Know
What You Need to Know About Google AdWords Billing
If you're confused by the way Google bills you for AdWords, you're not alone. Not even a little. We have countless clients who feel like the Google AdWords billing system is overly complicated. We don't blame them. Why can't it just be a bill for the same amount on the same date every month—you know, the way practically every other company in existence does its billing? If we were conspiracy theorists, we'd be tempted to think Google confuses AdWords customers on purpose so they spend more … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About Google AdWords Billing
Is Your Mobile Site Ready to Carry the Team for You?
At an industry event this week in New York City, Google's Gary Illyes spoke about one of the search giant's latest endeavors: mobile-first indexing. Illyes said this project has begun to roll out, with an undisclosed number of websites already affected. The timeline for a complete roll-out also remains undisclosed. All of this "undisclosed" information makes the development sound more ominous than it is. We apologize for that. Information is scarce at this early stage, but don't panic. … [Read more...] about Is Your Mobile Site Ready to Carry the Team for You?
Could You Be Targeted Next by Google's Aggressive New Filter?
Raise your hand if you wish Google would stop making secret updates already! Just when you think you've mastered local search, Google launches a change that turns everything on its head. This time, it's the Hawk update. This latest update has serious, wide-reaching consequences for small, local businesses like yours. It's crucial you understand the impact this update could have on your business. That way you can take steps to protect yourself. Keep reading to find out everything you need to … [Read more...] about Could You Be Targeted Next by Google's Aggressive New Filter?
How Voice Search Is Changing the Way You Need to Write
Are you one of the millions of Americans who own a smartphone? Then you're probably aware of voice search. You hold down a button on your phone, ask a question out loud, and voilà! In a matter of seconds, your phone gives you an answer. The New Language of Voice Search However, Siri doesn't just magically have all the answers. Instead, your phone's virtual assistant transmits your question directly to a search engine (most likely Google or Bing, but we'll refer to Google from now on for … [Read more...] about How Voice Search Is Changing the Way You Need to Write
5 Examples of Google Not Caring About Your Best Interests
How many times have you heard Google claim its most recent update is designed to improve user experience? We hear this claim so frequently, it's fair to call it Google's M.O. However, when Google refers to users, is it really referring to advertisers? The truth is, for many users—particularly small business owners who seek local visibility on Google—their best interests often do not align with Google's. At the end of the day, it's a corporation, and its bottom line is all about revenue. You have … [Read more...] about 5 Examples of Google Not Caring About Your Best Interests
The Google My Business Updates You Didn't Hear About
If you follow our blog at all, then you know at least a little bit about the ever-changing nature of Google. The search giant is constantly updating its algorithm and the way it presents information to users. For major updates, Google typically makes a public announcement. However, for smaller changes, there's often no warning. Webmasters and marketers are left to detect and analyze updates on their own. This is where Internet marketing specialists really earn their stripes. It should come as no … [Read more...] about The Google My Business Updates You Didn't Hear About
Keep a Close Eye on Your Google Star Rating
Be on the lookout for any changes to your Google star rating! Seeking to provide a valuable user experience, Google has long highlighted customer reviews and star ratings on its business listings. However, Google has altogether changed the way it determines and displays a business's star rating. Of course, it's still based on customer reviews, but it now only requires a single review. Previously, Google wouldn't generate a star rating until a business had at least five customer reviews. This … [Read more...] about Keep a Close Eye on Your Google Star Rating
