Google, Partners Aim to Accelerate Mobile Web
First, Google updated its algorithm so that mobile-friendly Web pages ranked higher on searches made from a mobile device. Now the tech giant is collaborating with content producers to speed up the time it takes their pages to load on smartphones and tablets. Try a demo version by visiting http://g.co/ampdemo from your mobile device. Here’s a demo video the company released during the announcement: The project, dubbed Accelerated Mobile Pages—or AMP—was announced Oct. 7 as a way to “dramatically improve the performance of the mobile web.” On its blog, Google said the goal is for pages with rich media content to load instantly. Readers often give up when complex pages load too slowly, the company said. Pages optimized with AMP should load in less than a second, versus a typical time of about six seconds. The initiative already has signed on almost 30 news publishers worldwide, as well as tech companies … Continued
Will Google’s Local Pack Changes Affect My Business? #FAQuesday
That tremor felt throughout the SEO world in early August may not have been as earth-shaking as Google’s spring Mobilegeddon update, but the latest change in local search results still set the industry abuzz. The Google “local pack” that used to show the top seven results was downsized to display only three, even when the search is conducted on a desktop computer. In addition to showing fewer business listings, the new local pack — dubbed a “snack pack” by some observers — was also redesigned to resemble the mobile interface, which makes sense considering that mobile search surpassed desktop earlier this year. So what does that mean for companies in the fourth through seventh positions that dropped out of the featured box? Don’t panic yet. What Will Happen to My Ranking? Although it may seem like a lost opportunity, Google assures us that the top three local-pack positions already were getting the vast majority of clicks from users, … Continued
How to Add Your Website to Google Search Console
In case you’re not familiar, Google Search Console is a free service that assists in monitoring and maintaining a website’s presence in Google’s search results. Formerly known as Webmaster Tools, its name changed to Search Console back in May, and if you’re anything like me you are still getting used to it. Why Use Google Search Console? Before adding your website to Search Console, it’s important to know a few basic reasons why most digital marketing agencies use the tool and why you should too. Ensure Google can easily access the content on your website. Submit new content to be crawled. See which search queries caused your website to appear in the search results. See what sites are linking to your website. Identify crawl errors to be fixed. Click here to see more reasons and other information about Search Console. Now let’s get started. Step 1: Verification Log into your Google account. … Continued
Why Do I Need to Keep Updating My Website? #FAQuesday
Anyone who has been through a business website launch knows it can feel like pulling off a minor miracle. Even with experts like The Web Guys handling the programming, content creation, and design, it takes a village — and months of hard work — to build a site that attracts visitors and turns them into customers. So it’s understandable that many companies aren’t eager to start making changes after crossing the finish line. But as we tell our clients, that natural inclination to take it easy could be a big mistake when it comes to search engine optimization.That’s because industry giant Google’s search algorithms tend to reward sites that have fresh, high-quality content, ranking them higher in search results. Ironically, it’s not a recent development; freshness has been a ranking factor since 2007, when Google began using its “Query Deserves Freshness” model to boost new content tied to “hot” topics. … Continued
What’s New With The Web Guys?
One of the themes that ties The Web Guys together is that we’re always working to push ourselves to the next level — both in our personal and professional lives. As the summer draws to a close, we thought we’d offer a snapshot of what’s going on in the lives of your favorite digital marketing team. Here’s a brief look at some recent highlights:
Should I Buy More Domain Names and Forward Them to My Website? #FAQuesday
One of the questions we periodically hear from clients goes something like this – “If they’re available, should I buy more domain names that include keywords people might use when searching for the services my business provides?” Let me first explain the question better with an example … Company Name: Distant Landscaping Company, LLC Location: Distant, PA Website: www.DistantLandscapingCompanyLLC.com This company provides landscaping services in Distant, PA, and wants to be found in the SERPs for searches like “landscapers in distant pa.” The question is whether they should purchase exact-match domain names (EMDs) like the following and forward them to their website. www.LandscapersinDistantPA.com, www.DistantPALandscapers.com, www.LandscapersDistantPennsylvania.com, etc. The short answer is no. Purchasing a domain name that doesn’t have and hasn’t had an actual website associated with it, and then forwarding it to your website will not benefit your website in the SERPs. You will simply incur the expense of domain … Continued
New Google Platform Boosts Home-Service Providers
Attention all plumbers, landscapers, and contractors — and anyone who runs a home-service business. Google is now testing a new paid search product. The advertising platform, called home service ads, connects new customers to qualified home-service providers through Google Search. What Are Home Service Ads? The idea behind home service ads is that users who perform searches for certain services on Google can browse ad units of trusted and experienced home-service providers in the targeted area. For example, say you are searching for an emergency plumber. You arrive at the search results page, and at the top you see home-service professionals. Google compiles the business basics so that you can quickly browse through a reputable company’s profile, services offered, contact information, areas served, hours of operation, and customer reviews — all in one place. How Do Providers Qualify? A big feature Google seems to target for the new product is … Continued
Why Do Websites Need So Much Content? #FAQuesday
Our clients run small businesses — car rental agencies, landscaping companies, maid services, you name it. Most of them are happy to hand The Web Guys the keys to their digital marketing machines and let us do the driving. We’re the experts, after all. But many still have questions about the process, and the most common one I hear as chief word nerd is related to those pesky things you’re reading right now. Q: Why Does My Website Need So Many Words? A: The simple answer is that words are the best way to tell the story of your business, products, and services — and to demonstrate the often subtle distinctions between you and your competitors. Sure, it’s great to have photos of the new travel trailers in your RV fleet, but will they make the phone ring as frequently as the list of camping must-haves included with every rental? … Continued
A Breakdown of Google My Business
The switch from Google+ and Google Places to Google My Business has arrived. Here is what businesses need to know about the upgrade. WHAT IS THE SAME +1 clicks Posts (#hashtags, tagging people or businesses) Page tabs (About, Photos, YouTube, Reviews) Google Analytics Insights (will still connect and analyze content of accounts) WHAT IS DIFFERENT Manage reviews, Google Analytics, AdWords and YouTube from one page Dashboard can be viewed and managed from one menu Ability to edit local search information Ability to edit Google Maps address(es) Ability to respond to reviews Formal, provided business listings No custom categories No payment options or additional details will be listed Company reviews and +1’s combined into one search-powered page Local pages that accept upgrade automatically converted to storefront or service area pages THE BENEFIT OF PROVIDED BUSINESS CATEGORIES One of the most effective changes of the “My Business” upgrade is the business listing. … Continued
Why Is It Important For Me to Have a Mobile Website?
By the end of 2014, more people will be accessing the Web using their mobile device than they do using a computer. The way consumers are searching for local businesses has dramatically changed in the last few years, and this fact should have you rethinking your marketing plan. You have a professional website that is helping to grow your business, but you would be gaining even more customers (and outdoing your competitors) if you invested in a mobile-friendly site. Mobile devices have become a prevalent source of constant and readily available information for your customers. According to Google, 89% of respondents in “The Mobile Movement” study use their smartphones several times throughout the day to access the Internet. Having a user-friendly mobile website keeps customers engaged on your pages, reflects positively on your business, and delivers the message that you care about your customers. According to Google, users are 61% … Continued
