Digital Marketing

Is SEO Still Important in the Time of COVID-19?

COVID-19 has greatly impacted people’s lives and businesses in the last year. It has affected the way people interact and we have seen people shift to transact online. It has now become imperative for businesses particularly the small ones to shift the focus on their operations online. The growing need to maintain an online presence is the main reason why search engine optimization is essential in this COVID 19 period.

The lockdowns that were enacted by the government to restrict the movement of people caused the closure of shops, malls, and entertainment centers making people reliant on the use of the internet. In 2020, it was reported that internet traffic had grown significantly. To keep up with these changes, numerous businesses have also been developing websites and opening social media accounts so that they keep in touch with their customers. Interestingly, there has been an influx in web development in Las Vegas as casino owners and other entrepreneurs strive to automate their businesses. If you are a fan of poker, you can now play it with your friends online courtesy of web development.

During this pandemic, businesses must build h5 SEO for them to stand out by finding a SEO company that offers services about that.

The reason for this is so that they excel and beat their competition who have also taken their operations online. Here are four tips to ensure that you strengthen your SEO amidst COVID 19:

Develop content that builds trust

According to a survey by Forrester to assess the impact of COVID 19 on consumers, it was reported that numerous customers are skeptical about whether businesses will deliver what they want. For this reason, you want to develop content that reassures customers. While creating content for your marketing strategy you may also want to express hope given that many people have lost so much to the pandemic. The message you put across should foster integrity and encourage people so that they feel in control of their destiny. Additionally you have to think about reaching your audience abroad even if it means hiring translation services to translate the content in other languages as well.

Additionally, your content should also be educational for people to trust your brand. It is estimated that about 48% of consumers will buy from you if they can learn something from the content that you put on the blog. The best way to create cutting-edge content is to first analyze what your target people want to better understand their needs. If you feel like this is not part of your expertise, you can hire marketers to develop your overall marketing strategy that will establish a brand that your customers trust.

Get proactive in managing your web presence

During this pandemic, you need to take an active role in the management of your website. Some of the things that you could do include:
Keeping your website updated so that Google will show accurate information about your company. While at it, you should also update customers about events and new changes in your products and services. If you’re managing the website yourself, download a free task management software that will help you in executing the tasks at the right time and keep track of updates.
Ensure that your Google My Business page is showing the accurate working hours to keep your customers in the know.
Monitor closely Google Search Console to assess the web traffic emanating from organic searches. Having this information will help you know products and services that are in demand and what keywords you need to use to ensure that customers find your brand. Make sure to adjust your SEO strategy in line with the type of services you’re trying to promote. If you’re a dentist and you’re trying to rank for local directories to increase your online presence, make sure to implement an SEO for dentists strategy after consulting with a SEO Consultant .

Audit your content and campaign

Now that you have already created your content, it is good to assess how well it is performing lest it will fall on deaf ears. The content you create should show compassion and empathy to your customers. A good example of companies that have pulled down their campaigns following thorough auditing is KFC. They canceled their ‘Finger-Lickin’ Good’ campaign in an attempt to be sensitive to people during the pandemic. This means that SEO managers need to develop a content marketing strategy that shows an increased awareness of people’s sensitivities to avoid a backlash.

Promote web security

As more people make use of the internet, hackers have also flooded this platform intending to steal customer’s information. Therefore beware of malicious campaigns that may be started using your brand to protect your consumers. Among the things that you can do include:
Perform SEO log file analysis to find out how crawlers are infiltrating your website and correct that.
Implement Single Sign-On (SSO) so that each time your customers log in they use a set of different credentials.
Keep your plugins up to date so that hackers do not find a way to take advantage of your site’s vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Well, SEO is more important now than ever before. But, you need to ensure that you use the right SEO strategy to relate to your customers. When well-executed, these four strategies will ensure that you stay in business during this COVID 19 time.

Digital Marketing

Legal Issues You Need to Know About in the…

Legal Issues You Need to Know

In this article, we delve into crucial legal considerations that businesses should be aware of to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and protect their interests. Familiarize yourself with these important legal issues to navigate the business landscape with confidence.

Intellectual Property Protection:

Understand the significance of intellectual property (IP) and take steps to protect your trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Conduct thorough research to ensure your brand assets are not infringing on others’ rights, and consider registering your IP to establish legal ownership.

Privacy and Data Protection:

With the increasing focus on data privacy, ensure that your business adheres to applicable data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Safeguard customer data, obtain proper consent, and implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information.

Terms of Service and Privacy Policies:

Craft clear and comprehensive terms of service and privacy policies that outline the rights and responsibilities of both your business and your customers. Ensure that these policies are easily accessible on your website and regularly updated to reflect any legal or operational changes.

Contractual Agreements:

Enter into legally binding contracts with clients, suppliers, vendors, and partners to establish clear expectations, obligations, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Consult with legal professionals to draft and review contracts to protect your interests and minimize potential liabilities.

Employment and Labor Laws:

Understand and comply with employment and labor laws governing hiring practices, working conditions, employee benefits, and termination procedures. Stay informed about minimum wage requirements, overtime regulations, and anti-discrimination laws to maintain a fair and inclusive work environment.

Consumer Protection Laws:

Ensure that your business practices align with consumer protection laws. Avoid deceptive advertising, fraudulent practices, and unfair competition. Clearly communicate product or service warranties, return policies, and any other consumer rights and obligations.

Regulatory Compliance:

Stay updated on industry-specific regulations and licensing requirements that pertain to your business. Comply with regulations related to healthcare, finance, environmental standards, and any other applicable areas to avoid legal complications and penalties.

Remember, legal issues can vary based on jurisdiction and industry, so it is crucial to consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with the specific laws and regulations relevant to your business.

For expert guidance and tailored legal advice, consult our team of legal professionals who can help you navigate these legal issues and safeguard your business’s interests effectively.

Digital Marketing

Best Local SEO Services for Growing Companies

As of my last update in September 2021, I can provide you with some general guidelines on what to look for when searching for the best local SEO services for growing companies. However, please keep in mind that the landscape of SEO agencies and services may have evolved since then, so it’s essential to conduct further research based on the latest information.

Reputation and Reviews:

Look for an agency with a strong track record of delivering results for other local businesses. Check their online reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gauge their effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

Experience in Local SEO:

Ensure the company you choose has specific experience in local SEO. Local SEO requires a different approach, focusing on local citations, Google My Business optimization, localized content, and customer reviews.

Transparency and Communication:

Choose a company that maintains clear communication with clients and is transparent about their strategies and progress. You should know what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.

Customized Strategies:

Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches. The best local SEO services tailor their strategies to your business’s specific needs and goals.

Proven Techniques:

Make sure the company follows ethical SEO practices and does not engage in any black-hat techniques that could get your website penalized by search engines.

Keyword Research and On-Page Optimization:

The agency should conduct thorough keyword research to target relevant local keywords and optimize your website’s on-page elements accordingly.

Google My Business Optimization:

A crucial aspect of local SEO is optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) listing. This includes accurate NAP (name, address, phone number) information, category selection, and regular updates.

Local Citations and Directory Listings:

Ensure the company focuses on building consistent and accurate local citations on relevant directories to boost your local visibility.

Mobile Optimization:

With the increasing use of mobile devices, your website must be mobile-friendly to cater to mobile users effectively.

Content Marketing and Localized Content:

Content marketing plays a vital role in SEO. The agency should have a strategy to create valuable and localized content that resonates with your target audience.

Analytics and Reporting:

A reliable SEO service should provide regular reports detailing the progress of your local SEO campaign and key performance indicators.

Local Link Building:

Building quality local backlinks can significantly impact your local search rankings. Look for an agency that employs legitimate link-building strategies.

Before making a decision, consider obtaining quotes and proposals from multiple local SEO services to compare their offerings and prices. Ultimately, the best local SEO service for your growing company will be the one that aligns with your business goals and budget while delivering tangible results.

Digital Marketing

Three Best-Practices to Align Web Development With SEO

Aligning web development with SEO is crucial for ensuring that your website is search engine-friendly and ranks well in search results. To achieve this, consider implementing the following best practices during web development:

Mobile-First Approach:

With the majority of internet users accessing the web through mobile devices, adopting a mobile-first approach is essential. This means designing and developing your website with mobile devices in mind first, and then adapting it for larger screens. Google and other search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their rankings, so having a responsive design that provides an optimal user experience across various devices is crucial for SEO success.

Use responsive design techniques to ensure that your website adjusts smoothly to different screen sizes and resolutions.
Optimize images and other media for faster loading times on mobile devices.
Test your website thoroughly on various mobile devices to ensure its functionality and usability.

Optimize Site Speed:

Site speed is a critical factor for both user experience and search engine rankings. A faster-loading website improves user satisfaction, reduces bounce rates, and enhances your chances of ranking higher in search results. To optimize site speed:

Minimize HTTP requests by combining CSS and JavaScript files.
Optimize and compress images to reduce their file sizes without compromising quality.
Enable browser caching to store static resources, reducing load times for returning visitors.
Use a content delivery network (CDN) to distribute website content across various servers, reducing latency and improving loading times.

SEO-Friendly URL Structure:

Having a clean and SEO-friendly URL structure is essential for search engines to understand the content of your pages. It also makes your URLs more user-friendly and shareable. Follow these guidelines for creating SEO-friendly URLs:
- Use descriptive and relevant keywords in your URLs that reflect the content of the page.
- Separate words with hyphens (“-“) rather than underscores (“_”) to improve readability.
- Keep URLs concise and avoid using unnecessary parameters or special characters.
- Implement canonical URLs to prevent duplicate content issues and consolidate link equity.

By implementing these best practices during web development, you ensure that your website is well-optimized for search engines and provides an excellent user experience, leading to higher rankings and increased organic traffic. Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to continually monitor your website’s performance, make improvements, and stay updated with the latest SEO trends and best practices

Digital Marketing

Effect of Duplicate Content on SEO and Google Ranking

Duplicate content refers to identical or substantially similar content that appears on multiple web pages or websites. When it comes to SEO and Google ranking, duplicate content can have a negative impact if not handled properly. Here’s how duplicate content can affect SEO and search engine rankings:

Keyword Cannibalization:

When multiple pages on your website contain the same or similar content, they may end up competing against each other in search results for the same keywords. This can lead to keyword cannibalization, where search engines have difficulty determining which page to rank for a specific query. As a result, none of the pages may rank as high as they should, reducing overall visibility in search results.

Thin Content Penalty:

Search engines strive to provide users with diverse and valuable search results. When they detect multiple pages with identical or thin content, they may view it as an attempt to manipulate search rankings or provide a poor user experience. As a consequence, search engines may penalize the affected pages, leading to lower rankings or even removal from search results.

Lost Ranking Potential:

Duplicate content can dilute the ranking potential of a website. Instead of consolidating authority and relevance on a single page, duplicate content divides ranking signals among various duplicates, which can lead to reduced rankings for each page.

Indexing and Crawling Issues:

Search engines need to crawl and index web pages to understand their content and rank them appropriately. Duplicate content can confuse search engine bots, leading to inefficient crawling and indexing. As a result, some of your important pages may not be indexed, hurting your overall visibility in search results.

Backlink Distribution:

Backlinks are an essential factor in SEO, but duplicate content can lead to backlink dilution. When other websites link to various versions of your duplicate content, the link juice may be spread across those versions, rather than being concentrated on a single authoritative page.

To mitigate the negative effects of duplicate content and maintain strong SEO and Google rankings:

Consolidate Duplicate Content:

If you have duplicate content across multiple pages, consider consolidating it into a single, comprehensive page. Use canonical tags or 301 redirects to indicate the preferred version to search engines.

Create Unique and Valuable Content:

Focus on creating original and valuable content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. High-quality, unique content is more likely to rank well and attract organic backlinks.

Use Noindex and Nofollow Tags:

For certain duplicate content that you don’t want to be indexed, such as print-friendly versions, use “noindex” meta tags or “nofollow” attributes on links to prevent search engines from crawling and indexing them.

Monitor and Remove Scraped Content:

Regularly monitor your website’s content to ensure it’s not being scraped and published elsewhere without your permission. If you find instances of scraped content, report it to search engines to protect your website’s rankings and reputation.

By proactively managing duplicate content and focusing on delivering valuable and original content, you can safeguard your website’s SEO and Google ranking and improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.

Digital Marketing

What is the best time to post on social…

The best time to post on social media networks can vary depending on the platform and your target audience. Different social media platforms have peak usage times when users are most active and likely to engage with content. However, keep in mind that audience behavior can change over time, and it’s essential to monitor your specific audience’s activity for the most accurate timing.

Here are some general guidelines for the best times to post on popular social media platforms as of my last update in September 2021. However, I recommend using these as starting points and analyzing your social media analytics to determine the optimal posting times for your audience:

Facebook:

The best times to post on Facebook are generally on weekdays, during mid-morning (around 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) and mid-afternoon (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM). Avoid posting during early mornings and late evenings.

Instagram:

For Instagram, the best times to post are typically during weekdays, with peak times around mid-morning (10:00 AM to 11:00 AM) and early evening (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM). Additionally, consider posting on weekends, especially on Sundays.

Twitter:

Twitter users tend to be active during weekdays, with higher engagement during lunch breaks (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) and late afternoons (5:00 PM to 6:00 PM). Posting during these times can maximize visibility and interactions.

LinkedIn:

For LinkedIn, the best times to post are during work hours, particularly on weekdays. The peak times are usually in the morning (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) and during lunch breaks (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM).

Pinterest:

Pinterest users often engage with content in the evenings, with peak times between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM, especially on weekdays. Consider posting during these hours to reach a broader audience.

Remember that these times are general guidelines, and the ideal posting times for your brand may differ based on your target audience’s location, time zone, and industry. It’s crucial to use social media analytics and scheduling tools to analyze the performance of your posts and determine the most effective times for engagement.

Additionally, consider the nature of your content and the habits of your specific audience. Experimenting with different posting times and monitoring the results will help you find the optimal posting schedule to maximize reach and engagement on your social media platforms.

Announcements

Google Search Console Temporarily Drops Request Indexing Feature !

As of my last update in September 2021, I don’t have real-time access to current events or changes in services. However, as of that time, Google had indeed temporarily dropped the “Request Indexing” feature from the Google Search Console.

The “Request Indexing” feature allowed website owners and webmasters to submit URLs directly to Google for indexing, prompting Google to crawl and index the submitted pages faster than the regular crawling process. This feature was particularly useful when website owners wanted their new or updated content to be indexed quickly.

Google temporarily removed this feature in October 2020, stating that they needed to make some infrastructure changes. The decision to suspend the feature was also influenced by the increase in the number of requests, making it difficult for Google to handle the workload effectively.

During the period when the “Request Indexing” feature was unavailable, Google recommended that website owners focus on creating high-quality content and ensuring that their websites are crawlable and accessible to search engines. Google’s regular crawling process was still active, and it would automatically index new or updated content over time.

It’s essential to keep an eye on official announcements from Google or the Google Search Console for any updates or changes to features, as the availability of the “Request Indexing” feature may change in the future.

For the most current information on Google Search Console features and updates, I recommend visiting the official Google Webmaster Central blog or the Google Search Console Help Center.

Digital Marketing

Top 10 Free SEO Tools to improve your website…

Improving your website’s position in search engine rankings is crucial for attracting more organic traffic and increasing visibility. Here are the top 10 free SEO tools that can help you optimize your website and boost your search engine rankings

Google Search Console:

Google Search Console is a powerful tool that provides valuable insights into your website’s performance in Google search results. It offers data on search traffic, indexing status, and keyword performance. You can identify and fix technical issues, submit sitemaps, and monitor your website’s search presence.

Google Analytics:

Google Analytics allows you to track and analyze website traffic, user behavior, and engagement. It helps you understand which pages are performing well, where your traffic is coming from, and how users interact with your content.

Google Keyword Planner:

This tool, part of Google Ads, helps you find relevant keywords and their search volumes. It enables you to discover keyword ideas for your content and understand their competitiveness.

Ubersuggest:

Ubersuggest is a comprehensive keyword research tool that provides keyword suggestions, search volume data, and SEO difficulty scores. It also offers insights into competitor’s top-performing pages and backlinks.

Yoast SEO (WordPress Plugin):

If your website is on WordPress, Yoast SEO is a powerful plugin that helps optimize your content for SEO. It provides on-page optimization suggestions, such as keyword usage, meta tags, and readability analysis.

SEMrush (Limited Free Version):

SEMrush offers a limited free version that provides insights into organic search traffic, backlinks, and top-performing keywords. It also allows limited keyword research and competitive analysis.

Moz Link Explorer:

Moz offers a free version of its Link Explorer tool that provides backlink data, domain authority, and spam score. Analyzing your backlinks helps you understand your website’s authority and identify areas for improvement.

Screaming Frog SEO Spider:

This desktop-based tool crawls your website to identify technical SEO issues, such as broken links, duplicate content, and missing meta tags. The free version allows crawling up to 500 URLs.

Answer the Public:

This tool helps you discover content ideas and questions that people are searching for related to your target keywords. It can be useful for creating content that addresses users’ specific queries.

GTmetrix:

Website speed is crucial for SEO. GTmetrix analyzes your website’s loading speed and provides suggestions for optimization. It helps you identify areas where your site can be improved for better performance.

7. Reddit Keyword Research Tool

Here is one of my favorite little keyword research tools. Why? Because it can bring up words that I probably wouldn’t find with any other tool.

This tool rubs Reddit words and phrases that tend to crop up in particular subreddits.

8. Panguin Tool

Get to the base of a rankings drop. This tool compares your search traffic with known Google updates.

Why is this helpful?

Well, if you notice that your rankings dropped around the time of a big Google update, you can figure out what went wrong… and fix it.

9. Dare Boost

Investigate your site for speed, SEO, security, and more. Dareboost isn’t strictly an SEO tool.

But it does examine your site for things that indirectly influence SEO, like your site’s loading speed and security.

10. Detailed.com

Get intel on your rival(s). Detailed provides you a curated list of the several successful sites in your industry.

This way, you can size up your biggest competitors.

These free SEO tools can significantly improve your website’s position in search engine rankings by providing valuable insights, helping you optimize your content, and identifying areas for improvement. Remember to use a combination of tools for a comprehensive SEO strategy and continuously monitor your website’s performance to stay ahead in the competitive online landscape.

Digital Marketing

How to Build a Powerful Network Using LinkedIn ?

Building a powerful network on LinkedIn can open doors to new opportunities, expand your professional reach, and help you establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Here are some steps to build a strong and influential network on LinkedIn:

Optimize Your Profile:

Start by creating a compelling and professional LinkedIn profile. Use a high-quality profile picture, write a concise and engaging headline, and craft a well-written summary that highlights your expertise and goals. Include relevant keywords to make your profile more searchable.

Connect with Relevant People:

Connect with colleagues, current and former classmates, industry peers, and professionals you’ve met at events or conferences. When sending connection requests, personalize your message to make it more meaningful and increase the chances of acceptance.

Engage with Content:

Actively engage with content on your LinkedIn feed. Like, comment, and share posts that resonate with you and provide value to your network. This helps you stay visible and build rapport with others in your industry.

Post Valuable Content:

Share valuable content on your LinkedIn feed regularly. This can include articles, industry insights, tips, and updates related to your field of expertise. Position yourself as a knowledgeable and reliable source of information.

Join and Participate in Groups:

Find LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry or interests and join them. Participate in discussions, share insights, and help answer questions. Engaging in groups can expand your network and build relationships with like-minded professionals.

Send Personalized Messages:

When reaching out to new connections or engaging with existing ones, send personalized messages. Acknowledge their work or achievements, share valuable insights, and look for opportunities to provide support or collaborate.

Attend and Host Events:

Participate in LinkedIn events, such as webinars, workshops, and virtual conferences. Hosting your own events or webinars can also position you as an authority in your field and help you connect with a broader audience.

Request Recommendations:

Request recommendations from colleagues, clients, or supervisors who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. Positive recommendations enhance your profile’s credibility and showcase your expertise to potential connections.

Be Consistent:

Building a powerful network on LinkedIn takes time and consistency. Stay active on the platform, engage with others regularly, and continue to share valuable content to stay on the radar of your connections.

Leverage Advanced Search:

Utilize LinkedIn’s advanced search filters to find and connect with professionals who align with your goals and interests. You can search by industry, job title, location, and more to discover potential valuable connections.

Remember that building a powerful network on LinkedIn is about fostering genuine relationships and providing value to others. Focus on helping others, sharing insights, and being a supportive member of the LinkedIn community. As you contribute positively, your network will naturally grow and become a powerful asset in your professional journey.

Digital Marketing

How to optimize your LinkedIn profile ?

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is essential to make a strong impression on potential employers, clients, or collaborators. A well-optimized profile can help you stand out, showcase your skills, and increase your visibility on the platform. Here are some tips to optimize your LinkedIn profile:

Professional Profile Picture:

Use a high-quality, professional-looking profile picture. A clear headshot with a neutral background works best. Avoid using casual or group photos.

Engaging Headline:

Write a compelling headline that highlights your expertise and what you do. Use keywords related to your industry to improve discoverability in search results.

Custom URL:

Customize your LinkedIn profile URL to make it more professional and easier to share. Use your name or a variation of it, if available.

Informative Summary:

Craft a well-written and informative summary that showcases your skills, achievements, and career goals. Use this section to share your unique selling points and career highlights.

Work Experience:

Provide detailed information about your work experience, including job titles, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Use bullet points to make it easy to read.

Skills and Endorsements:

List relevant skills on your profile and encourage colleagues and connections to endorse them. Endorse others’ skills as well, as this can lead to reciprocation.

Recommendations:

Request recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, or clients who can vouch for your work. Positive recommendations enhance your profile’s credibility.

Education and Certifications:

Include information about your education, certifications, and relevant courses you’ve completed. This helps build trust and credibility.

Projects and Publications:

If applicable, showcase any significant projects or publications you’ve been involved in. This can demonstrate your expertise and accomplishments.

Engagement and Content:

Be active on LinkedIn by engaging with posts, commenting, and sharing valuable content. Regularly share your insights, articles, or industry-related news to position yourself as a thought leader.

Groups and Associations:

Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry or interests. Engage in discussions and share valuable insights to expand your network.

Languages and Volunteer Experience:

If you’re proficient in multiple languages or have volunteer experience, include these details in your profile. It adds depth to your profile and shows your diverse skills.

Contact Information:

Ensure your contact information is up-to-date and visible to the right connections. This makes it easier for potential employers or clients to reach out to you.

Privacy Settings:

Review your privacy settings to control who can see your activity and contact you. Strike a balance between visibility and privacy.

Regular Updates:

Regularly update your profile with new achievements, skills, or experiences. Keep your profile fresh and relevant.

Conclusion:

By following these tips and presenting a well-rounded and professional profile, you can optimize your LinkedIn presence and increase your chances of making valuable connections and opportunities in your professional network.

Category: <span>Digital Marketing</span>

Is SEO Still Important in the Time of COVID-19?

Develop content that builds trust

Get proactive in managing your web presence

Audit your content and campaign

Promote web security

Conclusion