Your Google Business Page listing has gained in importance. Do a search for your business. Look at the Google Business Listing on the right side of the page. Is the info accurate? Is the info complete with hours, website links, directions? Do you have recent photos? Do you have posts showing on the listing? If not, call today. Let’s get this done!
Google Partners With WordPress
Google has started partnering with WordPress. This gives all of us WordPress site owners a little lift in Google juice. Read the Article.
Why?
- WordPress now represents 59% of all content management software websites. That’s an estimated 1/3 of ALL websites.
- Google is focused on speed! They have made upload speed a priority and an algorithm factor. WordPress sites are speed friendly. You do have to be careful about the size of photos, PDFs or other uploads to your site. But the basic WordPress structure is speed-friendly. (If you’re concerned about the upload time for your site, let’s take a look and see what we can do. We have tools to shrink photo sizes, delete comments, improve the site.)
- Google is prioritizing mobile-friendly sites because so many searches are now done from mobile devices. WordPress and WordPress themes are responsive aka mobile-friendly. (If you have an old WP site, let’s make sure it’s responsive. This is urgent!)
If you aren’t using a WordPress site, let’s talk about your options. Every site needs to take advantage of every opportunity to be Google-friendly.
Website SEO
Many people ask me about doing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on their website. YCL does only basic SEO using a special plug-in called Yoast SEO. Real, in-depth SEO is done by full-time professionals who follow the trends and watch for algorithm changes daily. Minimum cost per month starts at $500. Those $99/month “specials” are a rip off! Don’t fall for them. Real SEO takes a lot of time and knowledge. This article describes some steps you can take to do some organic work yourself. It’s a worthwhile read to get a sense of what SEO actually entails and why it takes so much time. If you understand some of the basic steps, you’re better able to judge companies that are offering SEO services. YCL is always available to review proposals and give advice also. Often having someone available “who speaks the language” helps simplify the decision making. Regretfully, there are bad people out there who will try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge. Don’t be dazzled by impossible claims to fame!
Social Media or SEO?
This is seems to be a popular question for all of our small businesses. When you can’t have both which will you choose? Let’s take a look!
Social Media Benefits: Helps improve brand awareness, builds trust and loyalty, great for driving more engagement, and managing customer service.
SEO Benefits: Builds audience, easy to measure and quantify, targeted-high quality website traffic, and less competition.
Want to learn more about your SEO and social media options? Message Your Computer Lady today to get started!
What’s Better than Being First on Google?
Bet you didn’t know anything was better than first! That’s what clients talk to me about all the time. This video by Eric Spellmann explains that there is something better and he starts you down the road for get it for yourself.
Eric is great fun to watch! And he knows his business. Watch this video!
The Importance of New, Relevant Content on Your Web Site
I know ya’ll groan and roll your eyes when I get on my Content is King! soapbox. But read this article about Google’s new algorithm and you will join me on the soapbox. Not only are they judging relevant, they’re looking at what is most recent. For most of us, this isn’t a hourly or even daily issue. It could be if I’m a stock broker, head hunter or restaurant. Yet it stresses the importance of keeping your site up to date. It does matter.
HubSpot’s Introduction to Search Engine Optimization
PLEASE read this booklet! It truly breaks my heart to see companies building web sites that do them absolutely no good. Sure that FLASH is cool. The programmer had a great time creating it. Yes, that design is hip, modern, … free. But what is the web site doing for you? The attached booklet is from one of the leading online firms who specialize in SEO. (YCL does the basics but SEO is an art form so we refer clients to specialists when needed.) Their simple, clear explanation of SEO and how it works is well worth your time. You will look at your web site with new eyes!