Will Google Limit The Number Of Top Listings For A Website?

Can I Still Get The Top 3 Rankings In A Google Search?

Is It Possible Do Dominate Search Engine Rankings?

SEO domination in the past suggested that it was possible to dominate a keyword search by obtaining the top three listings in the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). In fact this was entirely possible especially in small population geographic target areas, or for less competitive key terms. We’ve been able to achieve these results for several client websites in several niches. .

Our website for Vancouver WA SEO, continues to rank at the very top of Google SERPs both for Organic SEO and for Google Local Search, aka Maps Listings. Since the latest Google algorithm update, our site has increased in visibility, according to SEMRush:

Once again, Google has now changed the rules, by limiting the top tier results to two listings for a website. That includes all web pages and, perhaps, subdomains as well. We have more on this topic; from Search Metrics – here is information about the latest Google Algorithm update.

Site Diversity Update Analysis
Is Google Limiting Multiple Rankings?

With its Site Diversity Update, Google want to show a wider range of websites in its search results. From now on, domains
should no longer be able to occupy more than two ranking positions on a single SERP. In this post, we take a look at how
much diversity has really been created and we also analyze the connection between search intent and site diversity, as well
as examining the added relevance this update gives to SERP Features like images, videos and Featured Snippets.

Site Diversity Update announced on June 6, 2019

As is now commonplace, Google, via Danny Sullivan, used its Search Liaison twitter account to announce that a change
had been made to its search results.

How much impact has the Diversity Update had?

The concept of the Diversity Update is clear – to limit the number of domains appearing with multiple URLs in the SERPs. This raises the question of how widespread this before the update. How common was it to find the search results flooded with organic rankings from a single domain?

To provide an answer, we have compared the search results for a set of thousands of keywords from March 2019, a few months before the update, with June 2019, just after the Diversity Update was announced by Google. For each keyword, we can measure the diversity of the search results according to the maximum number of URLs in the top 10 that belong to a single domain.

The main developments are:

• Keywords returning more than 3 URLs from one domain in the top 10 are effectively zero, down from 1.8%
• Three URLs from one domain now appear for just 3.5% of keywords, a drop of almost half from 6.7%
• The proportion of keywords for which two URLs from a single domain are displayed, has risen slightly: from 43.6% before the update to 44.2% afterwards.
• The drop in keywords returning multiple URLs for one domain has meant that now just over half (52.3%, up from 47.9%) of searches return ten different domains in the top 10 rankings.

Read more: Google Site Diversity Update.

Our research for sites we manage indicates several #1 and #2 rankings for the identical keyword. We cannot locate any combination of keywords and geographical modifiers where our clients, or any other website, has three consecutive listings at the top of the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPS).

Here’s more information on Google’s web site diversity ranking algorithm in an article by Dr. Peter J. Meyers at MOZ.

Did Google’s Site Diversity Update Live Up to its Promise?

On June 6th, on the heels of a core update, Google announced that a site diversity update was also rolling out. This update offered a unique opportunity, because site diversity is something we can directly measure. Did Google deliver on their promise, or was this announcement mostly a PR play?

There are a lot of ways to measure site diversity, and we’re going to dive pretty deep into the data. If you can’t wait, here’s the short answer — while Google technically improved site diversity, the update was narrowly targeted and we had to dig to find evidence of improvement.

How did average diversity improve?

Using the 10,000-keyword MozCast set, we looked at the average diversity across page-one SERPs. Put simply, we measured how many unique sub-domains were represented within each results page. Since page one of Google can have less than ten organic results, this was expressed as a percentage — specifically, the ratio of unique sub-domains to total organic results on the page.

Read more at Google’s New Site Diversity Algorithm.

How Can You Help Me Get Top Rankings?

This may come as a bit of a surprise, but most of our clients get at one listing in the top 3 for their most important target key words. While other SEO companies struggle to get their client sites onto the first page, at Vancouver WA SEO, our goal is more likely to see how many spots we can get in the top 3 listings for target keywords. Very often we’ve been able to achieve a clean sweep of the #1, #2, and #3 rankings. If Google is going to limit us to the top 2 listings, well, we’ll take it!.

Find out how we can help you get the best visibility for your website, boost traffic to your site and get more people contacting your business and purchasing your products or services:
Schedule an Appointment for a free consultation.

More information about: Vancouver Wa SEO at the Local SEO Vancouver WA web page. When you need quality SEO and Internet Marketing, call us at (503)828-6268.

Original post here: Will Google Limit The Number Of Top Listings For A Website?

How Google Aids SEO Campaigns

Google News To Help Your SEO

Video Maker For GMB Listings Released

Google My Business released a new video maker during the week of Christmas, 2020. The setup process is remarkably simple. After feeding the software the name of your business, you will need to fill out a brief questionnaire. The video maker then pulls reviews and photos from your GMB account profile to create a video for you. You are allowed to review the video and make changes. Once you’re happy with what you’ve got, you can download it and do whatever you’d like with it, including upload it to YouTube or social media. Vancouver WA SEO can set up your GMB video and copy it to your YouTube account for greater visibility.

Google December 2020 Core Update Information

Sometimes it’s worth reminding people that Google uses millions of algorithms to determine which websites get presented in response to the searches users submit. When a core update rolls out, it’s not like a single formula has been tweaked. Trying to tease an overall goal out of such a convoluted mishmash of sophisticated brain work almost seems hopeless. That is nevertheless our exact intent. Google is now far more transparent than they were a few years ago. They will inform the public of updates to algorithms and the basic purpose for the update. In most cases, quality web pages are elevated in search results jumping in rankings over poor web pages.

For some background information, there have been core updates in the past that were so easy to reverse engineer that step-by-step guides explaining how to game the system were available a few weeks after the updates were released. With this core update, some sights rose while others fell, but industry watchers aren’t even close to a consensus on the logic that is driving the changes that have taken place.

This is not to say that no obvious trends exist. Ask anyone running an alternative medicine website if they’ve noticed any changes associated with the latest update. They’re getting killed. It’s just that, aside from a few niche industries that seem to have been singled out, the existence of a broader rationale has been remarkably difficult to ascertain this time around.

Interpreting Google’s Intentions

The only sense that we make of the seemingly unpredictable ways sites have reacted to the latest batch of algorithms is that Google has improved its ability to identify information that is perfectly applicable to the queries it receives. Search results have been reordered accordingly.

This is not actually surprising. Google has been pouring time and money into natural language processing over the past few years. It has been expanding the implementation of its BERT algorithm since 2018 and has more ambitious natural language algorithms on the horizon. Just listen to the type of things Google employees say when they discuss the future of search. They’ve been talking about building a Star Trek computer in public for over ten years.

Longer-term trends also seem to be in play. For every additional year that Google exists, the larger the data set it has to empirically determine the character of the links on a website and the strength of its content. As always, having relevant, high-quality information is the best thing any website can possess to get in Google’s good graces. What seems to be going on with this core update is that Google has improved its ability to determine which high-quality websites best align with searches that users are giving it, including Google My Business websites. You can click the following link to view the Vancouver WA SEO Google My Business .

Knowing How Google Search Works Improves Your Visibility

Despite all the angst and “Google watching” that goes on, we’ve been able to help businesses improve their online visibility by continuing to provide solid online marketing campaigns. For local businesses, our SEO techniques work with Google, not against it. We may not know exactly how Google works, but we do make every effort to comply with Google algorithmic rules and exceed the Google algorithms’ expectations.

If you need help with your online marketing, call us a (503)828-6268 so we can discuss your business and start mapping a solid SEO campaign for you right away.

Our Local Vancouver WA Map

Our local Vancouver Washington SEO company provides services throughout Clark County and Vancouver WA USA. This map shows locations for just a few of our clients.

Original post here: How Google Aids SEO Campaigns

Page Load Speed FAQ Vancouver WA SEO

Page Load Speed Is A Google Ranking Factor

We Can Help You Get Faster Page Load Speed

 

What Is Page Load Speed?

All web pages have a Page Load Speed, whether they are ever tested or not. Testing, however, shows us exactly how fast a page loads and most online tests give us plenty of information on how to improve the Page Load Speed for each page. Page Load Speed is now a ranking factor for the Google Search Engine both for mobile and desktop searches. Google has stated that they feel Page Load Speed directly impacts user experience and the Google search bots now test for Page Load Speed for every web page.

Does My Site Need A Page Load Speed Test?

We recommend a Page Load Speed Test for all web sites, especially the home page. If you feel like this technical analysis is not something you want to do, then contact Vancouver WA SEO. Arrange a time for us to to discuss your online marketing and web site concerns – Schedule a Complimentary Consultation so we can determine what services you require.

More About Page Load Speed

One of the most trusted authorities on testing and verifying the importance of Google ranking factors is Moz. Here is information from Moz that was published just as Google announced that Page Load Speed as a ranking factor.

About Page Load Speed from Moz:

Page Speed

Page speed is a measurement of how fast the content on your page loads.

What is Page Speed?

Page speed is often confused with “site speed,” which is actually the page speed for a sample of page views on a site. Page speed can be described in either “page load time” (the time it takes to fully display the content on a specific page) or “time to first byte” (how long it takes for your browser to receive the first byte of information from the web server).

You can evaluate your page speed with Google’s PageSpeed Insights. PageSpeed Insights Speed Score incorporates data from CrUX (Chrome User Experience Report) and reports on two important speed metrics: First Contentful Paint (FCP) and DOMContentLoaded (DCL).

SEO Best Practices

Google has indicated site speed (and as a result, page speed) is one of the signals used by its algorithm to rank pages. And research has shown that Google might be specifically measuring time to first byte as when it considers page speed. In addition, a slow page speed means that search engines can crawl fewer pages using their allocated crawl budget, and this could negatively affect your indexation.

Page speed is also important to user experience. Pages with a longer load time tend to have higher bounce rates and lower average time on page. Longer load times have also been shown to negatively affect conversions.

Reference: Learn About Page Speed

How Do You Test For Page Load Speed?

There are several free online sites where you can test a web page for Page Load Speed. We use Web Page Test Org because it tests individual areas within the page load to give us very thorough and accurate data. Overall, the Web Page Test is the most technical and also the most comprehensive. We test every web site we develop and for every online marketing campaign client site.

What Does A Page Load Speed Test Look Like?

Here is a test we completed for a web home page that we did NOT design and develop. The test shows that this web page has a very slow Page Load Speed.

The test for this home page indicates that the time for Page Load Speed is over 14 seconds. Google has stated, and it has been verified by testing, that 57% site visitors will abandon a web page that takes longer than 3 seconds to load. This is especially true for mobile users. This web page needs major editing before it will comply with Google Page Load Speed requirements.

Here is an example of another home page that loads very fast and meets all Google requirements for Page Load Speed.

 

Why Is The Page Load Speed So Different In The Two Examples?

There are several reasons why Page 1, developed by Company X, has a slower Page Load Speed than Page 2, which was designed and developed here at Vancouver WA SEO. Here are primary differences.

• Page 1 (the slow page) was designed and developed using a proprietary visual development tool. Page 2 was designed and developed using HTML5.
• Page 1 was not tested for Page Load Speed prior to being implemented by the client. Page 2 was tested prior to going live on the web – and we made corrections where necessary.
• Page 1 uses very very large images, some of which are not located on the client site. Page 2 uses images that were properly optimized before the site was finalized.

What To Do Next?

Start with a Page Load Speed Test for your website home page. If you feel like this technical analysis is not something you want to do, then contact Vancouver WA SEO. Arrange a time for us to to discuss your online marketing and web site concerns – Schedule a Complimentary Consultation.

Got Questions?

Here are just some of the questions, with answers, that we receive about Page Load Speed.

Q: My website developer says the WordPress theme makes the web pages load slowly. What should I do about this?
A: There are times when a WordPress theme is so slow that we replace the theme, then adjust for any Page Load Speed issues. For other WordPress sites, we can recode and make adjustments to improve page load time.

Q: What type of web page loads faster, an HTML5 static page or a WordPress page?
A: Overall, HTML5 pages load faster than WordPress pages. HTML5 web pages are considered “static” meaning the web page is fully coded and all code is implemented for the web page when it is loaded into a browser. HTML5 websites typically use a “template” so we can create pages without recreating a lot of code. WordPress themes usually contain a lot of unused code because they are designed to be used for many types of website development, which is why WordPress is considered “dynamic”. All web pages, whether developed using HTML5 template or WordPress theme will require speed adjustments before being implemented as a finished website.

Q: Can you explain what it means to “optimize” an image?
A: Images that contain a lot of colors often require compression to reduce the size of the image, without reducing clarity or image size. We routinely optimize web images to keep web page speed as fast as possible.

More on images: Images should be sized so they fit the “container” where they are located on the web page. For example, if you want to use an image in a space that is 200 pixels wide by 200 pixels high, use an image that is sized at 200 pixels by 200 pixels. If you use a very large image, in this example, 900 pixels by 900 pixels, the image must be resized in the browser (Chrome, Firefox, IE) and this takes time. Using large images that are not sized properly can slow down web page load time considerably.

Q: What is the best WordPress theme for fast web page load speed?
A: No WordPress theme is particularly fast without some editing. When we use WordPress for a website, we use the Divi or Avada theme. Because we have so much experience with these WordPress themes, we have the experience and skill to make page load improvements before we finalize the web site for our client.

Q: Do I need a Content Management System (CMS) for my web site? Will pages load faster?
A: The answer to those questions is “No” and “No.” CMS systems are designed for web page management and organization. WordPress is considered a Content Management System (CMS) because the web pages can all be created and edited within the WordPress administration editor. Content Management Systems do not improve web page speed. CMS systems are best utilized for large websites with hundreds of thousands of pages. WordPress is a popular CMS because it is easy to use and people with no technical skills can create a website.

Original post here: Page Load Speed FAQ Vancouver WA SEO

SEO For Google Mobile First Indexing By Vancouver WA SEO

SEO For Google Mobile Indexing

Google Search Is Now Mobile-First

It is not possible to opt out of the mobile-first indexing. John Mueller, one of Google’s top representatives, continues to inform us that eventually there will only be indexing based on mobile-first algorithms. Many site owners and SEO industry professionals are asking if they can opt out of the new Google Mobile First initiative for their algorithms. The answer is and will continue to be a strong “No.”

Develop Your Website For Mobile Viewing

Due to the Google algorithms, it is now absolutely critical that your website be tuned for mobile search. More than 50% of all online searches are using mobile devices. That means cell phones, like Android and iPhones, have taken over the market for search. Google is especially leading the charge for the demand to make consumers happy with their search results. Here’s more about John Mueller’s statement from Search Engine Land.

Google has no plans to allow publishers to opt into or out of mobile-first indexing, explained Webmaster Trends Analyst John Mueller on the latest edition of #AskGoogleWebmasters.

The question. “Is there any plan to eventually let webmasters tell Google they want to be included in the mobile-first index or at least considered for inclusion? Some non-responsive sites might believe their mobile site is more SEO-friendly than the desktop site,” user @DanielM35110466 asked via Twitter.

The answer. “With the longer-term goal of moving all sites over to mobile-first indexing, we don’t plan to provide an opt-in or opt-out for this kind of indexing,” Mueller responded.

Although mobile-first indexing was originally announced in November 2016, it has not made its way to all sites. Mueller touched upon this, explaining “At the moment, we’re algorithmically testing to see when sites are ready and switching them over once that’s the case. To determine when a site is ready, we compare the mobile and the desktop versions to make sure that we’re still able to find all of the content, including structured data and images.”

“Mobile-first indexing is separate from mobile friendliness,” he also clarified. “Even sites that don’t have a mobile version at all can be indexed fine with the mobile Googlebot. Our goal is to use the mobile-first indexing for all websites in our search results.”

From: Search Engine Land article, You Can’t Opt Into Or Out of Mobile First Indexing, August 21, 2019.

How We Ensure Mobile First Compliance

To make certain your website is a mobile first compliant site, we run tests on Google test site(s) and we use other analysis sites to find if your site is ready for all the Google standards. If your site is not Google mobile ready, we make corrections to each and every area requiring editing. We’ve been through this process many times in the last few years, so we know how to take care of the issues that non-compliant sites might present.

Do I Need A New Website That Is Mobile Ready

If your current website is so far from being Google mobile ready that it is simply not possible to make necessary edits in an affordable manner, we will inform you before we start the editing process. It may be more practical to redesign and develop a new website for you. Older websites, particularly those using HTML or non-standard development platforms are often difficult to edit affordably. What does “affordable” mean? If we find that a website edit will take longer than ten (10) hours, we recommend that you not pay for an edit process.

Why New Websites Cost More

Website Development Takes More Time

New websites are not inexpensive. For a basic 5 page website, our fee is $1797.00. For a business site that is built for 10 pages, our fee is $3097.00. Website development is much more complex than it was just a few years ago. Why? Website development requires more time due to the new Google rules. The new Mobile Ready algorithm dictate a more refined site structure.

Page Load Speed Considerations

Also, and almost as important as being Mobile ready, Google now uses Page Load Speed as a ranking factor. We must make every effort to develop your website to run quickly. It is not always possible to develop web pages that load in less than 1 second. WordPress websites rarely include web pages that load in less than 3 seconds. Since so many business websites now use WordPress, our goal is to create a website where the pages load in less than 3 seconds.

Schema Markup Included In Web Site Development

Schema markup is essential for any new website. Your website will not be visible on the first few pages of Google search engine results pages if it has no Schema Markup. What is Schema markup. Basically, it is code that tells search engines what you site is all about. The Schema Markup provides information about your business – not just your website. Google now wants to know what your business is all about prior to selecting where your website should be displayed.

Example Schema Markup For Google Indexing

What does the Schema Markup look like? There are a number of rules for Schema Markup and we’re not going to list all of them in this article; it’s a long complex and rather tedious list of “entities” that make up the full descriptions necessary for Schema Markup. The example Schema Markup below is used for demonstration purposes only.

Can You SEO My Site For Mobile Indexing?

Yes, we can help you with your Google Mobile indexing. You can email us using our Contact Us form or call (503)828-6268.

Resources for this article can be found at SEO Vancouver WA

Original post here: SEO For Google Mobile First Indexing By Vancouver WA SEO

SEO Qualifications For Google

Is There Any Certification For SEO?

Occasionally people ask us about qualifications and certifications for Internet Marketing (IM). The question of Google certifying Internet Marketing and SEO professionals is one that we hear most often.

QUESTION: Is there a Google SEO Certification for Internet Marketing professionals?  If so, do you have a Certification?

ANSWER: The answer is NO, there is no Google SEO Services Certification. Google does offer certifications for AdWords, and other Google properties that bring them money. Essentially, Google offers certifications only where they either own the program, like AdWords or Google Apps, or where there is a service for which Google does charge users, again, like AdWords.

 

Google Has Never OfferedCertification

This video from Google explains why.

SEO Professional Certification – Is It A Good Idea?

It’s always an excellent concept to have some way to measure performance standards. In the world of Organic (aka Free) Google Search rankings, where any website theoretically has an opportunity to move to the top, creating a true certification would simply be impossible. The primary reason for this is that Google changes it’s Algorithms, the rules by which websites obtain rankings, so frequently that an SEO certification would be outdated almost immediately.

Gary Illyes, February 11, 2016, confirms Google will not offer SEO Certification.

Continuing Education Is The Key To Quality SEO Services

So, if Google will not certify SEOs, how do they get the right training? Also, how do prospective clients know who to hire based on SEO practices? The best answer to that is “education” and lots of it. Since Google updates the Algorithms continuously and they often change their philosophy on what they require in assessing websites, the learning process for a true professional never ends.

Where do SEO professionals get their training? The best training comes in the form of paid online webinars provided by successful SEO professionals. The best webinar training programs are in-depth, based on continuous research, teach hands on techniques, and yes, depending on your point of view, they can be expensive.

To further answer the education question, the answer is YES we are constantly enrolled and active in continuing education. In fact, we spend many hours per week actively engaged in the training process. As a result, we do a lot of educating ourselves by offering free guest speaking services for business and civic organizations. Additionally, and more importantly, we take the time to explain our services to clients prior to beginning any services.

The Matter Of Ethical SEO

Another serious issue with Google Certification is this; any SEO could become certified, then simply go ahead and violate the Google rules by performing what we in the industry call “Black Hat” SEO. Essentially, Google says that anyone who violates their rules is “unethical” and therefore a “Black Hat.” This is a really delicate topic because Google is, after all, a company created to earn income. The vast percentage of Google’s income (which is in the billions of dollars) is derived from Google Ads and AdSense, which are not free and not organic SEO.

So, when an SEO professional does something that Google doesn’t like, for example, keyword stuffing, Google identifies this as unethical. In reality, the SEO pro is breaking the Google rules for their own benefit and/or their client. Using the word “unethical” in this instance is not necessarily accurate. This is especially true since many very ethical SEO professionals have seen their sites penalized in the past without knowing they had done something that Google didn’t like. Google rules change often, without warning, and without confirmation by Google, making it difficult to know exactly what the Google search engine is approving or not approving for website optimization.

How Can You Find The Best SEO?

The short answer is: Here! There are questions you can ask an SEO company prior to engaging their services and the following is a list of the most important questions.

• Q: Search Engine Optimization is based on results: How well are your clients ranking?
• Q: Do you guarantee rankings? Do you guarantee phone calls or clicks to my site?
• Q: Do you provide communications in terms of monthly reporting?
• Q: How do you determine your pricing?
• Q: Why should my business hire you?

Get The Answers You Need In A Conversation

The best way to get your questions answered is to fill out our Discovery Form, so we have important information about your Internet Marketing project, then we can schedule a time to have a conversation about the best approach to achieve your goals.

Short answers to the questions above:

• A: At the top of Google.
• A: No, no, and no because that would be unethical.
• A: Yes.
• A: We customize every client’s SEO and Internet Marketing campaign.
• A: We never give up; we have several years experience, and we have always been able to rank our clients very well.

What’s Next?

First fill out the Discovery Form, then we’ll contact you to start the process of helping you get the results you want from your website.

Original post here: SEO Qualifications For Google

Tumblr Links For SEO Power From Vancouver WA SEO Company

Tumblr Can Be Used For SEO

Tumblr SEO Links Improve Web Presence

What Is Tumblr?

Tumblr is a website that provides for information sharing. Items that can be shared include Tumblr Post text, quotes, links, photos, videos, and music. Content can be uploaded from a cell phone, desktop computer, web browser, and email. Tumblr has been described as a hybrid Web 2.0 website with components of both a blog and a social network site (like Twitter and Facebook). Tumblr is frequently characterized as a microblog, because users often post a small amount of text content and cell phone images. This is in contras to traditional blog sites that feature longer text entries.

How Tumblr Improves SEO

A link from Tumblr helps boost your website’s authority because Tumblr has a high authority and is well trusted. If the link to your website is placed in a Tumblr blog post that is relevant to your business, this will help improve your website relevance as well. The high authority and trust from Tumblr will also be passed to your website. When placing a post on Tumblr remember to write quality content, with no keyword spam. Make your article long enough to be considered as relevant; approximately 500 words minimum. Include content that helps answer questions about your industry, this improves how the search engines will interpret your blog article.

An Example Of A Tumblr Blog Article

Tumblr tends to be popular with a younger demographic for its users when compared to other social network sites. Tumblr does require that registered users must be thirteen years of age or older. Tumblr host over 200 million individual blogs and has over 400 million users. Tumblr was founded by David Karp in 2007, and in 2013 it was purchased by Yahoo! for $1.1 Billion. In 2019 Automattic, the owner of WordPress, purchased Tumblr for $3 Million.

Although Tumblr may not seem as popular as it once was, and is no longer a cutting edge blogger site, it continues to be a stable platform for bloggers. Tumblr is also considered one of the most “trusted” sites on the web according to the search engines, like Google. Internet marketers find that links from blogs on Tumblr are quite valuable for improving trust and authority for linked sites.

About Vancouver WA SEO

Vancouver WA SEO
Vancouver, WA 98683
(503)828-6268

Original post here: Tumblr Links For SEO Power From Vancouver WA SEO Company

Why Is My Brand Important For SEO? From Vancouver WA SEO

Do I Need A Brand Marketing Campaign For SEO?

We are receiving more questions about brand and branding for business. It is now a hot topic and will continue to be so for, well, forever. In past years, the search engines were not sophisticated enough to sift through all the data on the web. Now, however, the primary search engines, like Google and Bing (Yahoo! too) can determine which web business brands are being mentioned, followed, and are getting traffic to their websites. Social media, Web 2.0, and blog properties that carry your brand also contribute to your online success.

At Vancouver WA SEO, we not only rank your website on the search engines, we build your brand. In fact, brand building is a built in component of all our digital marketing campaigns! Contact us or call 503-828-6268 to schedule an appointment for a conversation (complimentary of course) about your online business.

Here’s some very compelling information from Kissmetrics.

Why Entrepreneurs Cannot Ignore Their Company’s Brand
“Branding”

“Our brand is strong”

“Brand equity”

“Our brand is admired around the world”

These words and phrases make most entrepreneurs and employees roll their eyes. They view brand as an overused term that means very little to the world outside the company.

But your brand may be the most valuable asset your company has. It’s also the most fragile.

Here’s why a brand is so important, what can happen when a brand is damaged, and how to create a great brand.

What is a Brand?
“Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.” – Jeff Bezos

A company brand is an intangible asset because it is not a physical object. This is opposed to a tangible asset, such as your company office and company equipment.

And while it is not a physical asset that you can look at or hold onto or assign value to, it is perhaps the most valuable and fragile piece your company owns. One mistake or PR blunder and your brand, and thus your company, will be damaged.

Read More

This video from our colleague Gary Vancerchuck discusses why branding is vital in today’s digital marketing.

It is very clear the search engines are making a concerted push to display business websites that have a serious branding campaign. We can help your business achieve excellent online branding. We use a variety of strategies and we’ll customize a program that works for you.

Resources: Reputation Management and Branding

Original post here: Why Is My Brand Important For SEO? From Vancouver WA SEO

Google Mobile Friendly Testing Tool

Google Announces And Goes Live With Mobile-Friendliness & Page Speed Tool

Now It Is Easier For Businesses To Measure Website Compliance

The new Google user friendly tool is now active; announced by Google on June 2, 2016, this new tool measures the Google Mobile Friendly results along with Page Speed for both Mobile and for Desktop versions or websites. For those of us who’ve been in the website marketing and SEO industry prior to Google’s rise to power, this marks a dramatic and welcomed improvement in Google’s relationship with website owners. More about this important topic below.

From Search Engine Land, June 2nd, 2016 . . .

Google announced on the Google Small Business blog that they have released a new landing page to test your website’s mobile-friendliness and page speed for desktop and mobile all in one place. This tool should make it easier for small businesses to test their sites, as opposed to going to the specific mobile-friendly testing tool and/or page speed testing tool.

The new tool, available now, will test this all at the same time. The unique aspects of this tool are:

(1) Get all three scores on one page.

(2) Google will email you a more comprehensive report for you to share with your webmaster team.

(3) Google will now give you a 0 out of a 100 score for how mobile-friendly your website is, as opposed to if it is mobile-friendly or not.

Here is what the scores say:

Mobile-friendliness: This is the quality of the experience customers have when they’re browsing your site on their phones. To be mobile-friendly, your site should have tappable buttons, be easy to navigate from a small screen and have the most important information up front and center.
Mobile speed: This is how long it takes your site to load on mobile devices. If customers are kept waiting for too long, they’ll move on to the next site.
Desktop speed: This is how long it takes your site to load on desktop computers. It’s not just the strength of your customers’ web connection that determines speed, but also the elements of your website.

Need help with your online marketing? Vancouver WA SEO is your expert SEO Vancouver WA company.

Why Is The Mobile Friendly Tool Important?

 

You Now Know For Certain The Good Or Bad News

There is no feeling of ambiguity here! With a ratings scale of 0 to 100 for each of the 3 areas measured, you will know instantly where you need to improve your site. The Google Friendly and Page Speed Tool (GFPS Tool) comes with an optional downloadable PDF report. Be prepared for some heavy duty technical bullet points for each area that needs improvement.

Get Improvement Insights

For website developers, like us, this is the best news possible, because for the first time we can actually get all the important metrics for a website along with recommendations on how to improve a website for Mobile Friendliness plus Mobile Page Speed and Desktop Page Speed. This is a long awaited feature from Google and offers quick methods for boosting a website usability.

We Can Do This For You

If you noticed the last sentence above that ends with “elements of your website”? This refers to your website architecture and some major ‘under the hood’ factors. Areas that are frequently cited as needing improvement are:

• Javascript
• CSS
• Calls to Server

When you need help with your online marketing, SEO, website development, send us a quick message using our Contact form or call Vancouver WA SEO at (503)828-6268.

Original post here: Google Mobile Friendly Testing Tool

Google Mobile Friendly Test Results

The Google Mobile Friendly Test

What Do The Mobile Friendly Test Results Mean?

Failing The Mobile Friendly Test Will Kill Your Web Traffic

If your website fails the Google Mobile Friendly test, is simply means your site does not look good on mobile devices, like smartphones. Google is now elevating sites that pass the mobile friendly test to higher position in the search engine results pages (SERPs). This means a site that is not mobile friendly will drop down in the listings. Additionally, Google AdWords will evaluate your site when you start a pay per click campaign. If your landing pages (target pages) are not mobile friendly, your web pages will be marked down in the page quality score. As a result, your AdWords will not be very effective.

Has your site failed the Google Mobile Friendly test? Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your website issues. We specialize in upgrading old, broken, and non Google compliant websites.

The issue of mobile friendliness and the user experience for websites on mobile devices is not only serious, it can be difficult to fix. With the increase in smartphone models, it becomes even more important to ensure your website passes the Google Mobile Friendly test. You can find out more about Mobile First here.

Your website must function properly on the enormous variety of smartphones that now exist. OpenSignal identified a very large number of 24K+ unique Android models accessing its site in 2015, but your site does not need to target all of those. Your site should look good on the top selling devices, however, because these are the mobile phones your potential customers will use. Concentrate on user experience when designing and developing your web pages for a number of devices to reduce bugs and web page issues across your entire web site. Any problems that do occur can greatly reduce web page conversion rates.

This is an image of the original Google Mobile Friendly test from 2015. It was very basic, however, it would let you know if your site passed or failed the test. It did provide information about why the website failed the test. It would inform you if the text was too small to read, if the viewport was not set, and if the content was wider than the screen.

The Google Mobile Friendly test is constantly evolving. This format has now been updated, with Google adding more information for users. The image from 2015 is no longer valid. Look at the image below to view the current Google Mobile Friendly test. Notice that it has a very simple interface, but does have links to other helpful resources.

The latest edition of the Google Mobile Friendly test has more features and gives more tips on why your website failed the test and what you can do to improve your website. Website theme and template developers are now creating only mobile friendly websites. If you are in the market to purchase a website WordPress theme, make certain it is “responsive” before you purchase the theme. Retrofitting a WordPress theme to make it mobile friendly, also known as mobile responsive, is a total waste of time. If your site is not responsive, return to the vendor site where you purchased your theme to see if it has been updated to responsive. Updating an existing theme with a new version is not a difficult process and this is the safest technique for upgrading.

UPDATE FOR 2019!

Google Mobile Page Speed Test Update 2019

Google reconstructed the site speed testing tool that first launched in 2016. “Test My Site” (which really can be used to test any site without the user being the verified owner) now features more details on a site’s mobile site speed.

The Google testing tool will provide information about:

• The potential impact of site speed on revenue and a detailed list of recommended fixes to increase speed on up to 5 pages on the site.
• The speed of both the entire site and of individual pages and whether the site or page speed is faster or slower compared to the prior month.
• A Fast, Average or Slow score for site speed or page speed and a benchmark report against competitor sites.
• A complete report that you can download.

 

 

Here’s an image that demonstrates a mobile friendly test failure with the new test features. The test itself has become more sophisticated with updated code resulting in more sites failing than with the previous test. The Google Mobile Friendly test is the first step to determine whether your website requires help from a structural point of view. Failing the Google Mobile Friendly test is a critical failure for your website.

According to the latest research, online buyers are 51% more likely to buy from businesses that have a fully optimized mobile-friendly website. It is very clear – to increase their conversions, website owners should update their websites for mobile optimization and Google mobile compliance to ensure good positioning in the search engine rankings and for the best user experience.

At Vancouver WA SEO, we fix websites that fail the Google Mobile Friendly test. Website themes and templates are an important consideration when designing your website. We can help you upgrade to a website that will not only pass the Google Mobile Friendly test, but will also run properly on all devices and web search engine browsers. Call us at 503-828-6268 or Email us to schedule a time to discuss your website situation.

Update February 2018

Google Is Moving More Sites To Mobile First Indexing

As Google increases its “Mobile First” initiative, it is adding more sites into the new algorithm. This means your site will be evaluated for its mobile responsiveness first, then it will be evaluated for it’s response on desktop computers.

Google spokesperson, Gary Illyes, made this announcement at the PubCon webmaster meeting. The impact of the information is this: If you your website has a mobile-friendly version, Google will first index the mobile friendly version, then it will index the desktop version. If your website has only one version and if that version is mobile friendly, there will be no negative effects.

What Happens If My Website Is Not Mobile Friendly?

If your website does not meet the Google mobile friendly test requirements, other sites that do pass the test will rank higher than your site. Your site is not penalized; the site that pass the test will be rewarded. This is how Google has always operated. What looks like a penalty is simply other sites being elevated.

There is more information on this topic at All About Google Mobile Friendly Index. According to this information, from November, 2016, here are threee of the important questions and answers about the Google Mobile Friendly initiative.

What If I Don’t Have A Separate Mobile Website?

Google doesn’t care if you do or don’t have a specific mobile site. Google will go ahead and crawl whatever type of site you have available.

Is There A Problem If My Mobile Site Contains Less Content Than My Desktop Version?

Yes, this may be an issue. Google will look at your mobile site, if two pages exist on both desktop and mobile, then Google will just look at the mobile version. Since Google is now giving precedence to mobile web pages, this could result in a negative impression.

Google recommends using “responsive” design for your web site, so each page has identical content for both mobile and desktop. A responsive website design will be mobile friendly and render properly on desktop as well.

Will Expandable Content Be OK On Mobile?

In the past, Google would not consider content within tabs, expandable boxes, and accordions on desktop web pages as highly as fully visible content. That has changed so both mobile and desktop ranking factors are consistent. According to Gary Illyes, Google spokesperson, content is “given full weight” when it helps user experience, no matter how it is displayed. Google is now giving full credence to content formerly considered somewhat “hidden.”

Source: Web Design and Development

Original post here: Google Mobile Friendly Test Results

Converting Leads To Customers – How To From Vancouver WA SEO

Why Don’t My Leads Convert Into Customers?

This is a question that can really disrupt your day and your sleep. Getting people to recognize and trust your brand is time consuming and can be elusive. Business owners ask us every day about how to convert prospects (aka leads) into paying customers. So we asked the question: What do you find to be the most frequent reason for your leads not to convert?

• A: They don’t trust your business
• B: You are not established as a market leader
• C: Your service is too expensive
• D: Time is not right

How To Get Leads To Convert Into Customers

Although there are many ways to approach this question, it seems that all the possibilities listed above can be correct. However, when people are surveyed about why they buy or don’t buy from a service provider, the same word keeps cropping up, “Trust.” So what can you do to gain prospective client’s trust?

Here are some ideas to gain trust rapidly.

1. Provide a Service for Free

Choose a service you provide that will have high perceived value but low cost to you to fulfill. An example for a plumber would be to “Winterize” hose spigots for home owners. People forget about their hose spigots, then find out in the spring that their hose spigots is cracked or broken from freezing. This is a perfect opportunity for you to volunteer to winterize outdoor hose spigots to prevent damage during the winter. Advertise on Facebook or, for less money, add a post about your free service, then use Facebook Post Boost to get more people to see your post. This is one of the fastest and most effective methods for getting brand recognition and converting leads to customers.

2. Offer Incredible Service

Post on your website that you will see any customer who calls during business hours, before the end of the business day. This can be difficult at first and you may be working some extra hours, but you will really make points with new customers and get rave reviews for your “rapid service.” Those top reviews, especially Google reviews will boost your brand rapidly and pass instant trust to prospective customers.

3. Be Honest

Often we don’t want to be the person who tells someone the “bad news.” However, as a service business owner, try to cushion the bad news with positive information. “If we replace your water heater today, you will have consistent hot water for years, and your gas/electric bill will be much less. Also, you’ll save on expensive repairs from either me or another plumber.” This example gives, first the news, then the good news. Tell your prospective client up front about their options and the consequences for their choices and they will appreciate your candor and honesty.

4. Follow Up With More Free Offers, Service, and Honesty

Sometimes those leads are just plain slow to commit. Don’t give up, continue to contact them with the same types of services your offered previously. Let them know that you are still in business and ready to serve. They may have misplaced your business card, forgot your phone number, or just become to busy with daily life. Part of your job as a business owner is to keep your brand active with continuous contact.

These tips are just one of many methods you can use to get creative and help “onboard” your leads by going from cold to warm to hot, turning them from prospects to paying customers.

When you need marketing advice, expertise, and professional Internet Marketing Services, call Vancouver WA SEO at (503)828-6268. We have over 20 years experience in Internet Marketing, SEO, Google local search optimization, and Social Media Marketing strategies.

Original post here: Converting Leads To Customers – How To From Vancouver WA SEO

Google My Business Images For SEO Vancouver WA

Google Likes Images!

Using Images To Improve Your GMB Listing

Google likes images and rewards site owners who upload images with data about the purpose of the image, location, and any associated description. We’ve included some images on this page that we uploaded to our Google My Business account. Read on to find out more about Google, GMB, and images.

What is EXIF?

EXIF data (also sometimes referred to as metadata) contains information such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focal length, camera model, date the photo was taken and much more. You can also include copyright information in your EXIF data when you register your camera through the manufacturer. For images in JPG format, can add or edit title, latitude and longitude, description, and add key terms.

Google And EXIF Data

Google strips data from images that are downloaded either inside a web page or directly from the Internet browser. However, we do not know if the EXIF data is separated from an image while it is stored in the Google database(s). We do know that by adding images to Google via the Google Application Programmer Interface (API) the EXIF data is not stripped immediately. It appears Google at least records the data in one of its databases. This can be highly beneficial for local Google My Business listings. We do see website listings move up in the Local Listings (rankings) when a number of images are added to a GMB account with correcct EXIF data.

Does Adding EXIF Data Help With SEO Rankings?

Yes, uploading images with proper EXIF data can help boost a website in the local Google Maps listings. By adding EXIF data relevant to the image and your business, Google can help better identify your business and this helps elevate your web presence. The Google company is rather circumspect when it comes to EXIF as an SEO tool, however, we do see good results when we include EXIF data with images.

Who Can Help Me With My GMB Images?

Vancouver WA SEO is highly experienced with Google My Business images. We know how to properly size images, add or keep EXIF data, and upload via the Google Programmer Interface to transfer information to Google. This is an advanced technique and not all SEO agencies can provide this service.

Original post here: Google My Business Images For SEO Vancouver WA

Using Strategic Marketing Tools With Google Assets

Using Strategic SEO Tools For Google Ranking

There are several methods for using Strategic Marketing tools for ranking websites and web properties.

The following techniques are adaptations from a large number of courses and MasterMinds. Because there are non-disclosure policies
in effect, I cannot divulge all the techniques and strategies.

Google My Business

1. Build out Google My Business account for your target city(ies) including a reasonable GMB website. Do this even if there is no
   Google Maps listings (3 Pack) for your market niche/category.
2. Create GMB Posts regularly (that means daily)
3. Share the GMB Posts on Facebook and Twitter.
4. Send Google Viper Traffic to:
   1. Google My Business Website
   2. GMB Posts

Examples of high quality GMB Posts at Gravity Fitness And Tennis:
Martial Arts Classes
Gym At Fitness Center

Google Sites (G Sites)

Google sites have high authority because Google loves itself. I recommend building out 5 G Sites per Google Account that link
directly to you money site.

Use more than one Google account if you need to create more than 5 G Sites for your money (aka target) website.

For each Google site add:

• GMB Map embed.
• Youtube videos.
• Google Sheet with Strategic Marketing Network Embeds or other link building sites.
• Google Doc with links similar to Step 2.
• Other Google assets like Slides, Calendar, PDFs, Images.

Text for your Google Sites can be SpinTax/Spun text.
You can also keyword stuff these sites and send keyword links to your money site.

Here is an example of a Google Site using Spun text.
Gym In Hailey Idaho

You can cut and paste JavaScript code from Quackit JavaScript Code.

Notice there is 45 second delay in the Javascript, written as 45000 milliseconds. This gives Google a reasonable “time on site” calculation, rather than an immediate
redirect, which could be a red flag for Google.

This web page redirects to the Google: Google Site For Gravity Fitness And Tennis.

Placing Redirect code on the G Sites

The first targeted G site will redirect to another G site until the Target Money Site page is opened.

How to place Redirect code in a Google site page. Install a Redirect Gadget in the G Site code:

• Open the G Site in edit mode.
• Click on Insert on the menu.
• Click on More gadgets
• Key in: URL Redirector Modified (This is the Embed gadget you need for entering the Javascript redirect code).
• Enter the URL you want to redirect TO:
• Click OK to save the URL Redirect Modifier gadget.
• Save the Google Site page.

Here’s an image of the URL Redirector Modified embed gadget:

Repeat this process until you get to the final G Site. On the final G Site in the Cascade, use the URL Redirector Modified code to open the page you want to promote.
This creates cascading Redirects that pull Google authority from one site to another. These sites will never be penalized because they are Google sites!

Important Notes

A G Site Cascade can be started on a page within the target (money) site. It probably doesn’t matter, however, we recommend using a web page from a site that is
not on the target site.

The Google Traffic Viper does a good job of recording the start time for the initial web page, however, it tends to stop recording for the remainder of the Cascade.
Therefore, I cannot be entirely certain the Cascade does complete properly. It always completes manually, however, the Google Traffic Viper may stop the progress
after a certain amount of time. I will test to see if setting the Javascript timer to zero makes any difference in the Google Traffic Viper.

Does All This Work?

Yes, these techniques work very well. Our client sites all rank in the top 3 in GMB Maps listings and Google Organic search

Find out more about: the best SEO Vancouver Washington.

Original post here: Using Strategic Marketing Tools With Google Assets

Reputation Management What Is It? From Vancouver WA SEO

Positive Reviews Protect Your Reputation

Strategies You Need To Learn To Keep Your Reputation At Its Best

Consumers trust their friends and family to give them good information when it comes to products and service s. Research shows that 91 percent of people regularly or occasionally read online reviews, and 84 percent trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation. When a client interacts with your business, the review they leave behind can have an enormous impact on your company’s public reputation. With this in mind, what can you do to ensure that your business maintains high marks (besides providing your best service)?

Brand reputation management is one of the things Vancouver WA SEO helps businesses with on a daily basis, so they can experience the benefits of a positive online perception. We manage social media and track and report online activity that affects your business. Our friendly team members are available to discuss our services in detail at 1-503-828-6268.

One of the best ways to keep your online footprint positive is to start with the one portion of digital real estate you have complete control over: your website. SEO is a great way to boost positive coverage of your business, as detailed here, in MOZ:

8 Can’t-Miss Off-Page SEO Strategies to Build Your Online

What is off-page SEO?

Off-page SEO is the act of optimizing your brand’s online and offline footprint through the use of content, relationships, and links to create an optimal experience for prospects and search engine crawl bots. It typically leads to gradual increases in positive brand mentions, search rankings, traffic to your site, and conversions.

Sounds fairly straightforward, right?

Well, for the attorney seated in front of me in my kid’s elementary school lunchroom, I might as well have just told him the earth is flat.

Read more

SEO is a simple concept in theory, but it can be complex in its implementation. It’s important to work with someone who understands the industry and business you’re in so you can achieve the best results tailored for your company.

Follow This Reputation Marketing Tactics To Manage And Protect Your Brand

Marketing Sherpa

At the most fundamental level, marketing has changed through digital and social marketing channels. Your customers have more control than ever before, in terms of interacting with your company. Instead of a monolithic “brand” sending messages to a nameless, faceless “customer,” marketing is now more about engaging in a conversation with individuals.

Of course, there is a downside to an empowered customer base. Because essentially anyone can attack your brand, legitimately or not, it is now more important than ever to monitor and manage your reputation.

Read more

Video: Small Business Essentials – Protecting Your Social Reputation

This video provides tips on protecting your reputation online by monitoring your online presence on social media and how to professionally respond to customer feedback.

How To Turn Bad Reviews Into Positive Interaction

At some point, every business will receive a less-than-stellar review for a number of reasons. As noted in the video above, this doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Learning how to be strategic in your response can say even more about you as a company than the initial review. You can build deep respect and loyalty and display how well you respond to customer service complaints.  Take the information from CINTAS listed below to see how you can improve your review response techniques.

Bad Customer Reviews Don’t Have to Hurt Your Brand

Explore five ways to handle negative customer reviews on social media to protect your brand’s reputation and open communication with your customers.

Negative customer reviews only used to travel in one-on-one conversations and letters to the editor in days gone by. Today, bad reviews can turn into viral social media sensations, garnering thousands — or even millions — of views within days or hours.

Nine out of 10 U.S. consumers say their buying decisions are influenced by online reviews, according to a Zendesk report. The report also notes that 58 percent of consumers say they are more likely to tell other people about their customer service experiences now than they were just five years ago, and 45 percent share bad customer service experiences on social media.

Read more

Sources: Contact Us about Business Branding Reputation Services

Finding a Partner for Reputation Management

You don’t have tackle reputation management on your own. With so much content and activity on the Internet, it helps to have a supportive team that you can trust. We specialize in online reviews and managing response to comments and social media posts. We help businesses like yours present the best customer service and equip them with tools so they’re not caught off guard by client feedback. Vancouver WA SEO provides full-service digital content services to guide you in dealing with the public. If you’re interested in improving your reputation, call 1-503-828-6268 to speak with a professional from our team. We help businesses define goals and attain them with one-on-one service that’s affordable and direct.

Original post here: Reputation Management What Is It? From Vancouver WA SEO

Using Google To Boost SEO Call (503)828-6268 For Information

Why Are Google Properties So Important For High Rankings?

Overview Of Local Business Marketing

Google My Business (GMB)

Google My Business is a free service from Google that allows you to set up a very basic website, upload images, and create posts. Google’s primary purpose is to help businesses improve their brand recognition. However, the real power of GMB comes from Google’s “local Maps listings.” Google will display the top 3 local businesses for a search at the top of the search results page. The page that displays after a search on Google is called a Search Engine Results Page, more commonly known as a SERP.

The Google local maps search is also called the “3 Pack” and, more recently, “the holy grail” of search listings. Being in the Google 3 pack is the target for every local search engine marketing campaign. Google has stated that their newest algorithms attempt to locate listings that are geographically close to the searcher for business services, like plumbers and HVAC companies and businesses with locations, such as restaurants.

What Does Google Want In A Web Page?

Google judges each web page based on Authority, Relevance, and Trust, aka “ART.” If Google considers a web page to have high authority, relevance, and trust, it will be positioned in a high ranking spot in the Google SERPs.

How Do GMB Posts And Images Help Promote A Business?

Here’s a link to a GMB Post For Gravity Fitness And Tennis located in Hailey, Idaho. Google gives any Google entity, like a Google My Business account, GMB website, GMB posts, and GMB images – the highest authority, relevance, and trust ratings. Links from any Google entity are receive Google’s highest rating for “link power.” That is why we use Google properties, like Google My Business to leverage excellent linking which, in turn, boosts the site receiving links to a higher Google 3 Pack listing.

Creating many GMB posts is very helpful for improving visibility, branding, and trust with Google. Adding geo-optimized images to a GMB account will also elevate the business credibility with Google.

What Should I Place In My GMB Posts?

GMB Posts are mini ads that you can use to inform prospective customers about your service, your business, specials, and events. Basically you can put anything into a GMB Post. To be effective a GMB Post should include the service or product name, which represents “key words”, a description and why this is interesting. It should also include an image that is relevant to the topic of the Post. Finally, and this is often overlooked, insert links to the page on your website that discusses the “key words”. Finally, place links to other important business properties, like your GMB website, Google Sites, Google Maps, and Google Drive.

Google limits the size of a GMB Post to 1500 characters. You can place a great deal of Authority, Trust, and Relevance into just one post by laser targeting the topic, then adding interesting content.

How Can I Leverage Google Posts?

Share your GMB Posts on Facebook and Twitter to get maximum power from your GMB post. This creates a link back to your GMB Post, which improves the power of any links included within the post.

What Is Social Media and Why Is It Important?

Social media are interactive computer-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation or sharing of information, ideas, interests, and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks. Google My Business is not considered a Social Media entity since is is 100% business oriented and does not include sharing of ideas. YouTube, another Google owned property, is considered a Social Media entity. Other major Social Media outlets are Facebook, Twitter, LindedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, Quora. To improve visibility and positioning in the local search listings, a business should utilize YouTube videos, Facebook, and Twitter to maximize visibility. Other Social Media can be helpful, but the big three bring the best results for local businesses.

Social Media can be beneficial for online marketing in two ways. It can increase user interaction and, in some cases, direct sales or inquiries for a business. Social Media also helps by providing very powerful links back to a business’ web pages. These links are helpful in improving a business online authority, trust and relevance – and ultimately moving the business’ web pages up in the Google SERPs. Once again, leveraging GMB via Social Media is a very powerful tool.

How Can Using Other Google Properties Help?

Leveraging other Google properties also improves the business’ trust and authority with Google. Those properties include Google Sites, Google Drive, Google Sheets, Google Docs, Google PDFs, Google SlideShare, and Google Images. Knowing how to use these properties correctly will greatly improve a business’ online presence.

How do Web 2.0 sites help a business site?

Web 2.0 sites are websites that allow anyone to create and share online information or material they have created. For promoting a business online, Web 2.0 sites are an excellent place to enter content relevant to the business along with links to the business’ web pages. Prominent Web 2.0 sites are WordPress.com, Blogger, Tumblr, Gravatar, Bitly, OneNote, and Medium. Using Web 2.0 properties wisely can improve linking, trust, relevance and authority; all these contribute to elevating web pages in Google listings. The Web 2.0 sites that have highest value to a business are ones where you can create your own account within the larger Web 2.0, then enter your content and linking.

What Are Online Assets?

Any web page that a business can control is considered an asset. Here’s a brief list of web entities that can be used as online business assets:

• Business Website
• Google My Business (GMB) Account
• Google My Business (GMB) Website
• Facebook Account
• Twitter Account
• Linkedin Account
• Pinterest Account
• Instagram Account
• GMB Posts
• GMB Images
• Google Business Reviews
• Google Classic Sites
• Google New Sites
• Google Drive
• Google Sheets
• Google Docs
• Google PDFs
• Google SlideShare
• Google Images
• Google Map
• Google My Maps
• Business Location Site
• WordPress
• Blogger
• Tumblr
• Gravatar
• Bitly
• OneNote
• Medium
• Instapaper
• AboutMe

How Do I Use Assets To Maximize Linking?

Where should I “point” my links? If you control a number of web assets of high authority, send links directly to web pages you want to promote. Another strategy that creates what we call “safe links” is to create several Google assets that link to your web pages. To boost the link power, send links to those Google assets that you create. Why? Google gives itself and its properties the highest authority and they trust links from those properties. A link from a Google New Sites has much more authority than a link from an obscure website.

Summary – Why GMB Is Critical To Business Online Marketing

Google My Business is a major factor in a business’ online success. Ignoring any aspect of GMB can be costly. Statistics show that the top 3 listings in the Google 3 Pack receive a huge percentage of clicks for a given search. According to Advanced Web Ranking, the world’s longest standard rank tracking tool, the third, second, and first results receive 9.5 percent, 13.81 percent, and 24.81 percent of clicks respectively, for a combined total of 47.79 percent of clicks. In terms of market share, the Google 3 Pack is now the most important online target for a business.

For more information about us, go to the SEO Vancouver Washington web page.

Original post here: Using Google To Boost SEO Call (503)828-6268 For Information

Local Search Important For Maximum SEO

Google My Business Now #1 Factor In Local Search

Understanding Google My Business

Google My Business (GMB) became an active service in the Google suite of products in June, 2014. At that time, however, it was a very small and not particularly significant factor for online business growth. Since then, Google has increased the importance of GMB, adding features and using it on mobile devices to directly connect searchers with local businesses. This can have a very positive impact for local businesses who use GMB as a marketing tool to attract more customers.

We see GMB as an absolutely vital component of any serious local online marketing campaign. We specialize in Google My Business management and marketing. We know how to get the most from Google My Business for your business. Call us at (503)828-6268 for a complimentary consultation. Remember, Vancouver WA SEO is your SEO company in Vancouver WA. We specialize in all SEO and Internet Marketing related services.

Google Maps Listing = Google 3 Pack

The image below displays the Google Maps listing, also known as the “Google 3 Pack.” Notice that our company, Vancouver WA SEO ranks #1. On desktop computers the Google Maps listing will display the top 3 results for a keyword search. Other businesses are listed, however, a searcher must click on the button at the bottom of the Google Maps listing to fully view all businesses. Notice that on both desktop and mobile devices Google places advertisements above the Google Maps listings.

Google Maps Listing And Google My Business

Your Google Maps listing (3 Pack ranking) is closely tied to your Google My Business account. The more you improve your GMB account the better opportunity you have to place your business listing in the top 3 of the Google Maps listing. IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not SEO; a GMB Visibility campaign is all about the quality of your business as it appears to Google. The Google Maps listing for local business visibility depend on Authority, Relevance, and Trust for your over business entity. We work with Google Maps listings every day so we know how to help your business get the visibility you need.

This Image Demonstrates Importance Of Local Search

 

Local Search Visually

When you need the best in Online Marketing, Digital Marketing, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO), contact your SEO in Vancouver WA, Vancouver WA SEO at (503) 828-6268 to discuss your business goals and how we can help you achieve those goals.

Original post here: Local Search Important For Maximum SEO

SEO Voice Search From Vancouver WA SEO

SEO Voice Search Critical Factors To Address Now

SEO For Voice Search Improves User Experience

You need to Pay Attention to SEO Voice requests or you will be missing out. SEO or Search Engine Optimization is essential for every business. If you are wondering what effective SEO can do to increase your business and sales. For help with Voice Search or web marketing issues Email Us or phone us at 503-828-6268 so we can help you on the right path, right away.

The written word is now only part of an essential SEO campaign. There are several critical factors to improving your SEO campaigns. However, one of the most urgent issues is addressing SEO Voice Searches. Check out Wordstream for some effective techniques for setting up your basic SEO.

OK, Google: How Do I Optimize My Site for Voice Search?

How To Optimize Your Site for Voice Search

. . . by now you might be wondering how to go about making your site friendlier to voice searches. The good news is that if you’re utilizing current SEO best practices, there’s very little you need to do differently. The bad news is that if you aren’t utilizing current SEO best practices, you’ve got tons of work to do.

User Intent and Voice Search

If you’ve ever performed a voice search on your mobile device, the chances are pretty good that you were looking for a very specific piece of information: the address or opening hours of a store, the price of a specific product, whether a business offers a specific type of service etc.
Read more

Just think of the questions that you would usually ask, “What’s the closest Mexican restaurant?”, “How much is a new Play Station?” Your specific thoughts are translated into specific speech. But there are significant differences between the written word and the spoken word. And that is the essential difference with SEO voice searches.

One factor that stays constant with SEO trends is that they never stay the same. This is clear with from Search Engine Land examination of several factors that everyone is carefully watching. However, it is important to note that the following is only a partial list. As such, it only addresses some of the very relevant and real issues that everyone concerned with SEO Voice will need to be paying attention to in the coming year.

8 game-changing SEO trends that will dominate 2018

It looks like 2018 will be an exciting year for SEO. Let’s explore what’s on the horizon for SEOs in the coming year.

With over 200 factors in Google’s algorithm, SEO is a complex science. But it’s not how much you need to know that makes it really challenging — it’s the ever-changing nature of the rules of the game.

As search engines strive to improve the quality of search results, some ranking factors shift shapes, others fall into oblivion, and completely new ones arise out of nowhere. To help you stay ahead of the game in 2018, here’s a list of the most prominent trends that are gaining momentum, with tips on how you can prepare for each.

5. Voice search is the real deal

Still skeptical about voice search? Consider this: Google reports that 55 percent of teens and 40 percent of adults use voice search daily; and, according to Google’s Behshad Behzadi, the ratio of voice search is growing faster than type search. Voice search calls for a whole new keyword research routine: Voice searchers use normal, conversational sentences instead of the odd-sounding query lingo.

What can you do about it?

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Think about how you talk and how you type. There might be similarities, but just think about how linguists have highly specialized fields of study of spoken and written language.

What people say and how they say it in their searches is what we are talking about when we want to address your SEO Voice concerns for your business.
View the following video to better understand why and how SEO voice searches are becoming and will become a more critical part of the SEO landscape.

Conclusions continuously form and Vancouver WA SEO wants help you stay informed and help you seamlessly adjust accordingly. In order to do this, we believe the shifting SEO landscape requires attention to detail and flexibility. And we are not alone – Here is more interesting material from Search Engine Land.

Study: 11 voice search ranking factors analyzed

Some of the findings confirm and some upend conventional wisdom.
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Give credit to where credit is due. Schema is a component of numerous searches, but we also need to reflect on what components are most efficient and effective. And currently there is a correlation to similar results obtained with standard text searches and voice searches. However, it is also important to note that voice requests often provide results which are especially accurate.

Vancouver WA SEO Optimizes For Voice Search

Vancouver WA SEO does its due diligence. With voice searches being one of the latest components of SEO, optimization for Google Voice Search compatibility depends on exacting measures to ensure quality control. We manually configure each page through our revision process to ensure the highest quality standards are met.
Let us help you today. Email us to request a follow-up or Contact us at 503-828-6268 to schedule an appointment to ensure you receive the maximum effects for your business from your website and your online marketing.

Sources:
Local SEO Information
Google
Digital Trends

Original post here: SEO Voice Search From Vancouver WA SEO