Tips in Reducing Your Website’s Bounce Rate (Part 1)

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Bounce rate is the number of web visitors who enter your website, and then, leave instantly. In an ideal setting, you would want your web visitors stay a little longer and browse your website. The main goal is to keep the bounce rate low. Your website should be inviting for visitors to stay. That’s why I thought of sharing ways on to how convince your web visitor not to bounce away.

A Keyboard and Two Flat Screen Computer Monitors

  • Keep Your Blog Posts Short
    • Your bounce rates will most likely skyrocket if you continue to blabber nonsense. Your paragraphs should be direct to the point. There’s no point for you to add flowery words.
    • When explaining something, a list post really helps. It doesn’t seem too difficult to understand when things are shortened.
    • Cut the chase and stop wasting time in discussing certain things.
    • Usually, you can elaborate a specific point using 2 to 3 sentences.
    • However, if your list has like 3 or more points, then, you should add numbers to avoid confusion. For example, you should say, “This is the 2nd option.”or “This is the last factor to consider in web design.” You are web visitors with the pacing. They now know how many items to read in the succeeding paragraphs.
    • Lastly, when you are keeping your words short, you are accommodating the whitespace. Seeing whitespace will help readers to be calm. Thus, they won’t easily leave your site, and will read more blog posts instead.
    • Here are a few tips to make your content readable:
      • Arrange your posts. Use the different formatting options (h1, h2, h3, etc) for the title, the body, and other important subcategories.
      • Add horizontal lines to break into paragraphs into different sections.
      • 2 to 5 sentences should be long enough to create a paragraph. This is NOT a contest on who could write the longest.
      • Write using bullets or numbers. Adding a multilevel list will not overwhelm readers. (like this blog post!)
      • Bold or italicize terms when you want emphasize your point.
      • Lastly, add pictures, or any colorful visual. It breaks the monotony of texts.
    • Add Related Posts at the Bottom 
      • We are done with writing tips. This time, ask yourself, “What more can I offer my readers?”
      • Once they are at the bottom of the page, try recommending other posts to read. They’ve reached the bottom because they like what they are reading.
      • It’s useless not to list all related content after each post.
      • This is an effective way to convince people to stay. If they’ve completed one blog post, they probably be interested in reading another post.
      • Try adding widgets on your web page so your readers can easily look for new articles to read. This will help in lowering your bounce rates, and at the same, it will keep your readers entertained.
      • For WordPress users, you can use a plugin called WordPress Related Posts. This plugin will help choose similar posts, but you can freely choose what to display. There are options to like displaying the posts as a list or adding images. It really depends on your preference.

Trendy Modern Web Design Elements (Part 2)

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Previously, I have discussed importance of having a card base design, enormous product photos, and product videos. If you need to catch up, part 1 is here. Now, let’s continue discussing and I will share 5 more tips in achieving a ultramodern and extraordinary web design.

Unique Typography

  • One way to be distinct is to select a remarkable typography. There are now a lot of websites that sell unique typography so try browsing for something that catches your attention.
  • It’s now easier to express your own style and character. Through your preferred typography, your customers can easily pinpoint your brand.
    • It’s helpful when:
      • you want to be strikingly obvious.
      • you want to introduce a different side of you.
    • Whatever you choose to show, whether it’s happy, serious, friendly, make sure the typography is compatible with a wide array of browsers and devices. If not, the font won’t show properly.

Massive Hero Images

  • Hero images are enormous banners that are on the center of a web page. The picture below is an example of a static hero image. When the photos are changing, then, that’s what you call dynamic. You can combine both image and text to create huge hero banners.
    • It’s helpful when:
      • you want to promote in a creative way. Visually appealing images are more convincing than plain text.
      • you want to give emphasis on a new product, or you want to inform everyone about your bestselling product.

Macbook Pro Beside Mug

Background Videos

  • Another effective alternative aside from hero images is putting background videos. It’s intriguing and quite impossible for someone to just ignore a playing video. Plus, human brains are visual, meaning we remember things better when we are watching rather than reading it. When you are explaining through videos, the things are easier to understand, and information flows seamlessly.
    • It’s helpful when:
      • you want to give emphasis on a new product. this way, you can elaborate on its features.
      • you want to save space. A video can does everything; no need think on what image or text to include.

A flat design

  • When a web design element is not 3D is considered a flat design. A concrete example is when a photo has no shadow. Did you know that Apple applied a flat design back in 2013? It’s because pages to load instantly when the elements used are flat.
    • It’s helpful when:
      • you want to prioritize the speed of your website.
      • Because things are faster, your users can better understand what you are trying to point out.

Hamburger Menu

  • When you have a lot of buttons and menus, it tends to complicate things. To simplify things, you can just add one menu button called hamburger menu.
  • Nope, you won’t need an actual hamburger. Take a look at Google Chrome. They have removed the distractions and the only menu is on the right corner. Notice the 3 lines that are lined up and formed a hamburger-like shape.
    • It’s helpful when:
      • you want to make things easy for your users, and improve user experience.
      • you want to remove the clutter and delete options that causes confusion.

Trendy Modern Web Design Elements (Part 1)

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The web design elements 5 years ago may not be applicable now. Since it’s already 2019, it’s time to renovate your website. I will share with you 3 web design elements. More tips will be discussed on part 2. If you want to go there right away, click here.

Shall we start revamping your website into something in the mainstream and trendy? Let’s get it on!

Card Based Design

  • The card layout is becoming a stylish addition to websites.
  • Basically, the concept of this design is that the content is presented in a card. A variety of cards are presented on your screen, and it’s up to the users to choose what card (or featured image) they are going to click..
  • Pinterest is a popular example of this. Why is it popular though?
  • The card base design allows users to be a glimpse on the content without opening the link. In other words, it is convenient and saves time.
  • Web visitors won’t have to click on every link just to see if it’s something they like. A snippet is provided for people to read.
  • It’s helpful when:
    • you are displaying products on one page. Users can easily decide what products they like basing on the featured image. Shopping is made easy this way!
    • you are focusing on your mobile users. The card image is almost the size of a phone screen.

Enormous Product Images

  • Let the pictures do the talking. Words, sometimes, do not give justice to the product. To emphasize on your product, you need to highlight the features and show your customers the product images.
  • For example, look at Apple’s iPad. On its product page, there are only a few words, and more pictures. The vivid images speak for itself. Basing on the pictures provided, you can conclude that the device is slim, powerful, and it can do what a huge computer is capable.
  • It’s helpful when:
    • you want to show your customers visual proof that your product is exceptional.
    • you want your customers to have a better understanding about your products.
Two People Watching a Video Online.

Two People Watching a Video Online.

Product Videos

  • This is related to the product images. Videos are a popular alternative. Websites are adding a short clip of their product. With videos, you can combine both text and images. Thus, the product is explained more clearly. Customers can decide right away if the product suits them or not.
  • According to an article by Inc. Magazine, product videos are the best marketing weapon in B2B websites. Why? When B2B customers were asked, they openly shared that they look for product videos when researching online. Most of them mention using platforms like YouTube.
  • So, B2B companies should give thought to this study. There is clamor in creating product videos because 92% of B2B customers look for it.
  • It’s helpful when:
    • you want to demonstrate how to use the product.
    • you want to explain unique features of the product.

So, that ends part 1. If you want more, don’t worry because there will be more web design trends discussed on Trendy Modern Web Design Elements (Part 2)!

5 More Words That Will Help You Convince People

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I just recently published the five words that will help you convince your customers. This time around, I will share with you another set of five words. Read them below:

  • Or

    • The question is not whether your customer will buy your product or not. So, don’t tell people to check out your newest product. Instead, tell them the different features of the product. Plus, it is available in various colors and shapes.
    • Tell them, “Would you like the portable speaker in blue, black, white or red?” We have them in different colors.
    • You should keep in mind to give them a lot of options. Because if you provide a variety of options to choose, you exponentially increased your chances of getting a big “YES!” from your customers.

  • Imagine.

    • When you tell people to imagine, you ask them to create a mental image of something. The advantage of this strategy is that they are the main protagonist in their own perceived story.
    • Thus, “imagine” will help you convince people more easily that they need this product right now.
    • They can imagine themselves using your products and bringing comfort in their lives. As a seller, when your customers have pictured something in the mind, you just need to give them a little push, and they will surely click that “add to cart” right away.

White Paper With Be Yourself Everyone Else Is Already Taken Print

  • Senses.

    • It’s not the exact word you need to use per se. Instead, you need to use verbs that heighten the sensory experience of your customers.
    • Some examples include: see, watch, feel, listen, taste, hear, and a lot more.
      • For example, you can say something like…
      • Want to hear a preview of our newest song? Listen to our exclusive preview right here.
      • The words “hear” and “listen” stimulate people’s senses. You will be able to catch their immediate attention.
      • So, don’t forget to use sensory language as a way to get in touch with the 5 senses.

  • Power Words.

  • The English language is brimming with countless words that induce strong feelings of happiness, anger, encouragement, fear, joy, contentment, and disgust. Learn to apply these “big” words when you are thinking of headlines, blog posts titles, advertisements, and banners.
    • Here are some examples:
    • Foolproof
    • Greatest
    • Breathtaking
    • Annoying
    • Badass
    • Effortless
    • Extraordinary
    • Deceiving
    • Heavenly
    • Unbeatable

  • Because.

  • Ellen Langer, a distinguished professor at Harvard University, shared her thorough study on the word “because.”
  • She asked students if it would be okay for them when suddenly somebody decides to cut in.
    • Here are the sentences she used when she tried to break the long line.
      1. Excuse me, I have 5 pages. May I use the xerox machine?
      2. Excuse me, I have 5 pages. May I use the xerox machine, because I have to make copies?
      3. Excuse me, I have 5 pages. May I use the xerox machine, because I’m in a rush?
    • She was able to conclude that when she did not provide a reason for cutting the line, only 60% people agreed. However, when she said a particular reason (see sentence 2 & 3), more than 90% of the respondents allowed her to cut the line.
    • So, what do we get from this study? You should always include a reason behind your action.
      If ever you ask your customers to fill out a survey, always include a short explanation why you need such information. Share the purpose of the given data.

Words That Will Help You Convince People

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For me, web design isn’t just about art and colors. I believe an important part of it is also choosing the right words. Without words, you won’t be able to effectively communicate to your audience. If you choose to, you can use words as weapons to make a bold statement.

Using the right words at the right time.

Using the right words at the right time.

In this blog post, I will list down the most powerful words in the English language. The 5 words will help you transform mere web visitors to loyal customers. Make sure you choose the right words when formulating unique product descriptions, drafting blog posts, and writing marketing emails.

  • You

  • This is already expected because when you write using the second person, you are talking directly to your audience. You don’t talk about, “I did this, and I did that!” Your audience is always your concern.
    • For example, the dress best suits you because it is soft, homey, and comfy.
    • Remember that you are selling to your customers. So, it’s pointless to talk about yourself.
    • Instead, talk to your audience and share how your products will help them. Elaborate more on the benefits and safety features of your products.
    • If ever you get derailed, keep in mind the word “you,” and not “I.”

  • Do

  • “Do” makes you more authoritative and dependable. Your readers will be more confident in applying your advice. So, “do” is better choice than “try.”
    • For example, “try to get at least 6 hours of sleep in order to improve your health…” say, “to improve your health, do exercises in the morning and sleep for 6 hours straight…”

Related: Tips on Writing Compelling Product Descriptions

  • And

  • The word “but” implies a negative connotation. However, when you use word “and,” it offers a quick fix. “And” is a convenient solution when there are unfavorable statements or disputes.
  • “But” indicates that you are more likely to say something negative. “And” is a word that makes you seem to agree even if you don’t totally agree.
    • Take a look at these 2 examples:
    • “We went out, but we decided to eat at a Chinese takeout.”
    • “We went out, and we decided to eat at a Chinese takeout.”
    • The second sentence seems like they enjoyed the Chinese food, while the first sentence says otherwise. It’s as if they weren’t happy that they were eating stir fried noodles or dim sum. Indeed, a single word can make a huge difference.

  • Should we … ?

  • From time to time, ask your readers some questions. For example, should we produce a shirt in pink or blue?
  • Interrogative statements provide a break from the usual declarative sentences. Plus, it sounds very controlling of you if you constantly tell readers “you should check this out,” “you should apply this,” or “you should do that.”
  • Instead of using declarative sentences, try to switch to interrogative sentences. So, you will inspire your customers to be open-minded and receptive to ideas. Moreover, it reduces the chances of the conversation to take a wrong turn.

Related: How to Write Compelling Product Descriptions

Know Why Relevance Is Important to Email Marketing

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When you have a website, you know that reaching out to your email subscribers is an integral part of doing businesses. If you want to reach them in a productive manner, sending relevant emails is the sure way to go. Whatever your nature of business is, email is an important pillar of today’s business transactions.

According to a study conducted by Forrester Research, a marketing firm, they found out that the main reason why people unsubscribe from email list is because of irrelevant email. The respondents cited that they get too many pointless emails.

Almost 1/3 of the people surveyed shared that they despise receiving unnecessary emails. So, this is your number 1 hint to stop sending too many emails. Keep your emails at a minimal level. The best case scenario is that your email subscribers will ignore the messages, and only read those that catch their attention. However, the worst case scenario is permanently unsubscribing from your email list.

A Woman Organizing Her Email Messages.

A Woman Organizing Her Email Messages.

Let’s discuss first the word: relevance.

What is relevance? If may not be important to you, but it is definitely valuable to your audience. Email subscribers require businesses to send relevant marketing emails. If this requirement is not met, your email subscribers will surely decrease.

So, before you think of sending an email, ask yourself first these 3 questions.

  • How is this message relatable to my email subscribers?
  • What is the importance of this email to my email subscribers?
  • Lastly, will this email solve the problem(s) my subscribers have?
  • Is this just all a lame attempt to sell my products?

If these questions do not reveal a concrete answer, then, chances are that email message will deemed as utterly irrelevant. When you are trying to send an email, make sure it has an important message. For example, you are promoting a sitewide sale or you have a current promo where everything is 10% of off.

Related: 5 Ways to Get Your Emails Opened

If you think your subscribers won’t find it interesting, then don’t send it. Wait until you have something useful to share. Keep that in mind that your subscribers will only value your emails if you remember the word, relevance.

Why is relevance a crucial aspect?

As mentioned earlier, the survey by Forrester Research is a clear indication that people give importance to relevance. The number one reason why the leave mailing lists is due to irrelevance. If you want to keep a strong following of email subscribers, ask yourself, “What do I get from this?” If you get a clear answer right away, then, you have some essential information to share. Your subscribers can’t simply ignore this email.

If not, then, generate something interesting like updates on your current promotions, on your new products, on items that are almost out of stock, or even an information about some pretty good deal. Make your subscribers feel that you care a lot about them, and you are sharing something they actually want!

Related: 3 Ways to Make Money with Your Email List

How Content Marketing Helps You Boost Your Online Presence (Part 2)

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  • Invite Experts to Share.

  • Blogging is important part of your website. However, you are not the only one who knows a lot of things.
  • Other people also have name and they are highly regarded in their own field. If you are not sure of a certain issue, ask the help of the experts.
  • Invite experts to do a guest post and they can freely share their opinion on matters. You can even interview them.
    • Sharing is caring.
      • Your followers and the followers of your guest will surely check this newest collaboration of yours.
      • Same is true with your guest’s website. In their own blog, they will promote your website along with the post you did with them.
      • Basically, this is a way of helping each other. Their content is shared to your own fans while your content is shared to their fans.
    •  We are all connected.
      • By inviting other people, you are expanding your networking of friends. You are slowly building your authority in the business.
      • As you try to connect with other people, you extend your hand to renowned experts. It’s now easy to build long lasting friendships with these important people.
      • Besides that, when people see that you interviewed this person, you gain instant authority just because you were associated with a famous person.
  • Bottom line is this will help your followers to grow. You are also helping the other party to grow as well. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. A win-win for both parties involved!

man and woman holding hands between table

  • Always Create Something New.

    • Give it your 100%! Content is not something you can generate in an instant. Take time to strategize.
    • Spice it up by adding hours of research, interviews, graphics, and excellent writing. You readers can tell if you really gave it your all or if it’s something half-baked.
    • A well-thought of blog post will always be worth it in the end. A high-quality post will attract more readers.
    • So, go forth and research because your hard work will definitely pay off!

 

  • Customize Your Content.

    • When you customize, it does not mean that you should go full-on stalker mode. You don’t have to scare your audience that way!
    • You can personalize by grouping your audience. The tone of speaking is different from millennials, professionals, parents, and so on.
      • Of course, you won’t be talking about boy bands when you are talking to parents. They don’t care about that. They like to know about baby products.
      • So, write blog posts that are for a specific group. Customize content depending on what they want. Like I said, moms won’t be interested reading about BTS.
      • Be personal with your emails as well. You can put the names of your subscriber in the in the subject line.

With a solid online presence and authority, your business will slowly gain popularity. Remember the 5 tips: learn to proper way to write and send emails, make blogging a habit, invite experts, always think of ways to create new content, and personalize the content for you users. When you apply these tips, your web visitors will surely trust your authority. Eventually, sales will follow. Never lose hope, and keep on creating new things!

How Content Marketing Helps You Boost Your Online Presence

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If you want your businesses to grow, one way to improve your online presence is through content marketing. How to do it? As a business owner, you need to be posting content regularly and strategically.

As you build more content for your audience, your authority grows as well. Your readers will trust your words, and eventually, it will help them to engage more. Once they engage more, it’s easy for them to convert and be loyal to your brand.  In this post, I will share tips on how to expand your business through these 2 marketing trends listed below.

  • Learn the proper way to write and send emails.
    • Every website in the world asks for email address. Email marketing is a popular choice because websites have a direct line to their customers. They can immediate reach their entire audience through sending emails.
    • In 2017 alone, there are over 3 billion people with, at least, one working email. By 2022, it is project to increase up 4.3 billion people. In the country, it is estimated be at least 80% of the U.S. population check their email accounts on a daily basis. That’s an astonishing number of people using their email!
  • How do you email the right way?
    • Avoiding spamming people. It’s already a noisy; spamming your subscribers with countless emails won’t help. Every inbox is constantly beeping and it is begging for attention.
    • Sending too many emails is a huge NO. Please don’t try to promote your website too much.
    • When you have nothing important to promote, then, don’t add to the pile of unread emails.
    • If you continually send useless emails, people won’t find you helpful, and they immediately click on “delete” the moment they see your email on their inbox.
    • In 2017, there was a study that cited an average office employee gets around 121 emails each day and half of those are spam. If you calculate the emails received by the end of the year, which would be roughly 21,600 emails!
    • Think of what you are going to send first. Imagine, receiving that many emails will surely stress your customers. So, please don’t overwhelm them by bombarding their email inboxes.

Related: How to Sell Your Products via Email

Do more.

Do more.

  • Make blogging a habit.
    • Some businesses just blog. They blog to fill the space. That’s not the way to go!
    • Blogging is still a helpful tool up to this day. You can’t just disregard its benefits to your growing business.
    • You just to remember that you blog posts needs to:

    • be interesting.

      • Talk about timely and relevant topics. Shed some light to an already popular topic.
      • Give your unpopular opinion on a hot issue.

    • be helpful.

      • You are writing for your readers. It should have a point, and it should go somewhere.
      • Share some tips that you personally use. They might be very useful to someone in need.
    • Be original when you post. Don’t copy someone’s style. Invest time and money in formulating topics that may be interesting for your readers.
    • You also have to post regularly. Blogging is not something that you just put on the side. Put some time and effort to it because blogging really helps in terms of web traffic and leads.

Related: How to Start a Phenomenal Blog

 

4 Important Things to Check Before Updating a Website

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Updating a website is not easy as it seems. There are numerous factors to think about before you make the switch. If you hurriedly tackle the issue, your ranking might get affected. In this post, I will remind you of the several factors you need to check before you carelessly make changes on your website.

  • Your website architecture.

    • Architecture refers to how your web pages are arranged. After all, a website is a series of web pages that are all connected.
    • To avoid ruining this structure, make sure to maintain the same URLs and categories. If URLs are inconsistent, it will result to multiple broken links.
    • If you make changes, double check that the old URLs are replaced by new and working links, If not, there will be a missing link between your old links and your links. Make sure to fill this gap to avoid unnecessary problems in the future.

  • Your internal links.

    • Once there are broken links, it’s a sign that you made a major change and it did not work out. Perhaps, you forgot to link one page to another.
    • There are online tools you can use to test what links are working or what links are faulty. Some tools are paid while some are not.
    • One of the simple solutions you can use online is dead link checker. This website checker is very easy to use. You will just need to paste your website URL and it will identify the broken links on your website.
    • If you do not locate and fix these broken links, it will surely affect your SEO ranking. So, this is not something you should just shrug off.

Person Using Laptop Computer

  • Your Page Not Found

    • Of course, you will not be always there to constantly check your website for broken links. There are instances where you can’t avoid committing mistakes. It’s part of life!
    • So, when your web visitors encounter broken links, make sure they are provided with a helpful 404 error message.
    • For those who don’t know, a 404 message appears as a server response if a user has clicked a broken link.
    • Customize these error messages so you can still guide your web visitors to the right track. You are confident that if ever they get lost, they will find their way back because there’s a useful 404 message that will assist them anytime.
    • Try to view the current 404 responses and check if it’s helpful enough for you. If not, then, improve so you can ensure a better navigation for your users.

  • Your original site map.

    • Just because you are revamping your website does not mean you should ignore your original site map. Use your original map as a basis for checking your newly renovated website.
    • There are tools that are readily available like the Xenu Link Sleuth. What does it do?
    • It checks the website for you. From the images down to the scripts, it is a very convenient tool to locate what’s broken in a website. After the scan, Xenu Link Sleuth will show you a detailed report.

SEO Strategies to Use Right Now

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Since it’s already 2019, it’s time to create new habits. There are many bad SEO strategies out there. Well, maybe you are even using one without even knowing it’s already obselete. Now is the time to ditch the bad habits and focus on some new and fresh SEO habits.

Search Engine Optimization, Seo, Programmer, Man, Write

  • REALLY FOCUSING ON THE CONTEXT.
    • If you have been in the SEO world for a long time, it is easier to pay attention to the old schemes or small updates. To gain SEO success is having the context correctly and to concentrate on authority status for topics.
    • Now, if you are still into the old schemes, that is going to fight a difficult battle because the SEO world is constantly changing. You need to move and shift quickly. It is important to change into the context mindset.
  • BE ALWAYS BE TECHNICALLY SHARP.
    • Knowing context is great but make sure that you stay sharp or even sharper in technical SEO. It is feasible to put a lot of content, create more links guaranteeing to rank well but admittedly, technical SEO plays a humongous part.
    • Though you may be more of a content guy that has awesome creative mind, there are various parts of SEO that you can acquire and be good at. It seems like technical SEO is slowly dimming.
  • ATTRACT STAKEHOLDERS.
    • You cannot do your job by yourself unless your job calls for being alone like writers, encoders etc. Take other people to your game plan and your circle. Attract people you can rely on and get all the assistance you need. Your sales people, PR team, and actual customers will all help you absorb and develop your master plan.
    • Well, this does not mean that these people can control you or has a say on how SEO is being done. However, you can educate them. You can also learn awareness from them. Be aware of your customer’s every experience. Use these information to structure your plan.
  • MIX WITH THE OTHER MARKETING CHANNELS.
    • Know what works in other areas of advertising and marketing. It is effortless to link up with paid search and share keyword data.
    • Go out of your comfort zone and look for ways to add awareness from the conventional marketing, print, as well as offline transactions.
    • Help the other channels who can assist you when it comes to links, content, and other outside elements that usually effect to fuel your SEO.
  • MAKE A BALANCE FOCUS ACROSS SEO.
    • Everyone has strength in one area, but weak in another. But if you are good at everything, there are still some parts of SEO you are not familiar with. Anyway, you just have to have the habits that can balance your focus and produce good results.
    • Still, if you focus on just one then it could boomerang on you when a major algorithm update comes along. It could also be a rival that changed its focus.

In conclusion, try to center on every facet of SEO. List your top priorities first because SEO definitely has many components.  By building new habits, it is the only way to fill in the gaps and move forward. So, this 2019, may we never stop learning.

 

SOURCE: (1)