To ask the right questions of a prospective SEO company, you first need a baseline understanding of online advertising. Unfortunately, if you're a small, local business owner with little knowledge of online marketing strategies, then you probably don't quite know what to ask. That's why Kim Lachance Shandrow's article, "10 Questions to Ask When You're Hiring an SEO Consultant," is such a godsend. In the article, Shandrow lists some of the big questions you should ask when on the hunt … [Read more...] about Do You Know What to Ask When Hiring an SEO Company?
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?
Warning: Your Social Media Strategy Could Make or Break Your SEO
When it comes to SEO, how important is your social media strategy? It's an ongoing debate. In 2014, Google's Matt Cutts proclaimed that "social signals," like posts on Facebook and Twitter, have nothing to do with Google's search algorithm. This directly opposed what many industry specialists believed at the time. In fact, numerous SEO experts still argue that social media influences search rankings, even if "social signals" aren't really a thing. Jasmine Sandler, an experienced digital … [Read more...] about Warning: Your Social Media Strategy Could Make or Break Your SEO
Don't Be Afraid to Get Emotional in Local Search
At first thought, you might not believe emotions have anything to do with local searches for things like appliance repairs, junk removal services, or window installation. Indeed, these topics appear rather dry. However, as Ryan Shelley uncovers in his recent article on Search Engine Land, emotion is what powers every local search, and what ultimately leads to a purchasing decision—whether we're conscious of it or not. Pain and Pleasure as Motivation In his article, Shelley discusses the two … [Read more...] about Don't Be Afraid to Get Emotional in Local Search
Is Facebook Preparing to Take Over Google in Local Search?
We've lightly joked before that Facebook is the new Google. This is mainly because Facebook users are asking their social network for recommendations of local businesses rather than conducting their own searches on Google. However, as Wesley Young wrote in a recent article on Search Engine Land, Facebook has made several updates over the past couple of years that point to a greater focus on local businesses and places. In other words, it looks like Facebook is preparing to challenge Google's … [Read more...] about Is Facebook Preparing to Take Over Google in Local Search?
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
Your Website's Ranking Is Not Important
We repeat: Your website's ranking is not important. That probably goes against everything you previously thought about SEO. However, as Ryan Shelley points out in a recent article on Search Engine Land, there are much more accurate measures of success: The problem with putting too much emphasis on [ranking] is that the search results aren’t always consistent. Google’s results will vary based on a number of different criteria. More specifically, ranking only tells you how your site performs when … [Read more...] about Your Website's Ranking Is Not Important
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
How Blogs Help Your SEO More Than You Think
You already understand the fundamental purpose of blogs: to share information and ideas with your audience. But there's a more practical reason to blog, too. Evidence shows well maintained and updated blogs can actually strengthen your SEO and improve your rankings over time. Blogs, Keywords, and SEO Stephanie LeVonne explains the SEO benefits of a blog in her recent article on Search Engine Land, "Will My Organic Rankings Suffer If I Don't Have a Blog?" According to LeVonne, a blog is a useful … [Read more...] about How Blogs Help Your SEO More Than You Think
New Study Proves Why Your Business Needs Local Online Advertising
The Pew Research Center recently published the results of a survey conducted in 2016 regarding Internet trends in the U.S. The results aren't altogether surprising by themselves, but they do make the current state of the Internet undeniably clear: The vast majority of Americans are now interacting with the online world on a regular basis in various forms. Again, this isn't exactly news. However, the numbers solidify the fact that the digital world is almost on par with the real world in terms of … [Read more...] about New Study Proves Why Your Business Needs Local Online Advertising