How can your business earn links?

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One of the most reliable ways to rank high in SEO is through link building. Links not only drive traffic but they remain one of the most important factors used by Google to determine a site’s rankings amidst their ever-changing algorithm updates. Links are also a great way to reach and bring in more people to your site. They are also essential for developing online authority. However, it must be noted that link building does not involve just any kind of links. As a business owner who wants users and search engines alike to trust your site, you must get high quality links. The right kind of links can determine your site’s success, so it is very important to pay extra attention to the types of links pointing back to your site. Below are some tips we have gathered to help you earn the right kind of links for your business’ online site:

Create a plan

Planning is probably one of the most overlooked tasks when trying to earn links. This is usually the pitfall for websites, which are associated with spammy links. If you want your site to be trusted and ranked higher, you must be conscious of the kind of links pointing to your site. And most definitely, the higher the links’ quality, the harder it is to get than others. So it is necessary that you should create a plan to go for those kinds of links. Also, you must take note that getting these links is very advantageous since these are the very ones your competitors are most likely too lazy to get. Getting the right quality links sets your business apart from the rest, which is good in the eyes of your customers and search engines. To do this, you have to:

  • Research the credibility of your link’s source
  • Determine the pages on your site you want the links
  • Decide the length of time it takes for you to complete the link-building

Get Associated with industry experts

Link building is a give and take relationship. And for people to actually want your links to their sites and vice versa, they must be able to trust you. One way you can close the gap and be associated with them is by getting to know them through researching those experts within the industry you belong. Then, invite these experts to engage with your blog through interviews. Interviews are a good way for these experts to establish their status, which can also reflect on your business’ quality. It is also important to note that these experts already have connections and established fan base and followers. So having your business associated with them through links can attract more people.

Hire an Expert

While doing things on your own may be cost-efficient, hiring an expert is still the best way to go. SEO experts know the ins and outs of link building. They are best equipped with the right knowledge to help boost your search ranking. Let’s admit it: SEO is a very tricky and daunting job. Hiring an expert, though costly can save up a lot of time and effort, which is very necessary if you want to earn results faster.

Here’s why local SEO is worth the money

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Every business owner looking for ways to expand their business should try using Local SEO strategies. It is particularly effective when you have an actual physical store. Don’t know what local SEO is? Don’t worry, we are about to change that. In this article, we’re going to tell you what Local SEO is all about and why it is worth investing in.

Local SEO is an effective marketing strategy to engage local buyers. It offers a more targeted approach since it promotes your products and services directly to customers who live in close proximity to your business. Local SEO puts your business in a position that is more visible online so potential local customers can easily see your site and store, and engage with them.

Statistically, 46% of Google searches are local in nature. People tend to favor businesses that are within or close to their area. That’s why using local SEO techniques can be so effective. It’s not optional anymore; it’s necessary. As of 2016, there are at least 40% of people who expect local businesses to be searchable online. And as a business owner, you must see to it that you seize this opportunity by putting up vital information about your business such as your products, services, their corresponding price, and contact information.

People have become more conscious about what they are buying. Almost 92% check online reviews before deciding to engage with a store. What’s more, 86% of people initially look at the location of the business before going there. With local SEO, you will be able to provide the necessary information your potential customers and buyers need and want to see. This proves to be very effective if you are not just looking for clicks but conversions as well.

But the question remains, “how does Local SEO promote your business and site?” The answer lies in the variety of targeted strategies used. It starts with getting your site ranked on search engines like Google and business directories such as Yelp, Superpages, Foursquare, Google My Business listing, Bing Places for Business etc. There are millions of customers who use local search every day to find top-rated businesses in their area. And one way they get the assurance is by seeing the business online in a high-ranking search position. In fact, if you aren’t on the first page, they probably won’t see your business at all.

Ultimately, using local SEO increases your chances of appearing in potential customers’ searches. As more people turn online for quality assurance through mobile and other devices, businesses should take advantage of local searches. Local search marketing is highly targeted which is a very effective way to promote your business to potential customers who actually buy your products and not just visitors or scanners. After all, you are not only looking for clicks but conversions as well. What’s more, there are so many Local SEO opportunities that are free online making it very cost-efficient and a great investment.

How to Perform a Local SEO Audit

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If you want to rank in local search results, you need to adopt a different strategy to mainstream SEO. This is due to the different algorithm that Google uses to generate local results. So it is understandable that some of the techniques used for the mainstream SEO won’t work for the Local SEO. One way to begin fully optimizing your website for local SEO is by first knowing where you stand through an audit. A local SEO audit ensures that the basics of your site are working and there are no penalties involved. It will help you create a much more effective local SEO strategy in the future. Not sure how to complete a local SEO audit?  Today’s your lucky day as we reveal all below.

Check on your Google My Business profile

Google My Business is the new version of the Google+ Business page. And if you don’t have one yet, we recommend that you start creating your own profile. This is where you put important information about your business such as the phone number, location, directions, and opening hours. It helps potential users and visitors track down your business. Google My Business makes a difference to local search results, so it is important to fill it out. It also lets you include some images and customer reviews which can attract users into visiting and trusting your website more.

If you already have one, make sure to check your business name reach as well as your NAP (name, address, and phone number), and whether they are updated and consistent. Also, study the city and geographical location of your business together with your business listing, website, or blog. Through these things, you can extract valuable data and information for further competitor analysis.

Check your keywords

One of the essential building blocks of local SEO audit is the use of keywords. Keywords have the power to determine the strength and value of your website, so it is vital that you use the right keywords. To know that your keywords are effective and not underperforming, you must conduct a keyword analysis. There are so many tools available online to help you do this.

Check your content

Another area that you must look at is your site’s content. Google’s new algorithm, Google Panda, can now easily throw away websites with thin and spammy content right at the bottom of search results. By conducting a content audit, you will be able to remove thin, spun, duplicated, and irrelevant content on your website. This will also enable you to avoid being penalized. Content should also be targeted towards specific areas that your business services. The more specific, the better.

Check your NAPs

Backlinks aren’t as important in local SEO, but the quality of your NAPs is vital. Use a service like Moz or YEXT to check the quality of your business’ listings on different directories. If your listing is inconsistent or you aren’t listed at all on the major directories you will need to rectify this immediately.

Avoid These Website Blunders

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woman searching online

When you have an online business, you have a social media account.

Form follows function.

Functional websites win the hearts of the customers, and they sure make a lot of profit.  But how can you make profit if your website is not organized, or it does not have a clear navigation panel? You would not want to drive away potential customers.

Definitely avoid these website mistakes as much as possible:

  • Dead Links
    Websites should avoid having dead or broken links.  If your website links do not redirect to the desired product, you will definitely lose a customer, and they will leave a negative review of your website. Most of us spend our time online and we constantly search for things we might like, and these links given by websites are important in helping us to find a product we want. If you want to check your website’s links, you can use this free link checker. A page not found error is big NO so better check your links before posting anything!
  • Small Font Sizes
    Product descriptions are extremely important because they will help the customer on which item to buy. How do you expect them to get anything if the text is not clear? Customers like to browse for new things to buy, they are interested on the latest fashion trend, or gadget so make sure that your website’s texts are clear and readable especially if they are links. Customers should be able to clearly see your CTA buttons like Shop Now, or Buy Now. The longer they are, the harder they are to read so break them into smaller paragraphs.
  • Vague “Contact Us” page
    As a veracious reader myself, I am very particular with the books that I buy. I have a prefer hardcovers over paperback editions, and prefer UK publishers over US one because books are sturdier. Rather than searching a stack of over a million books, I just contact the book seller, and have them search for the book. Some websites do not have a clear FAQ page, contact number, or email address.
  • No (or inactive) social media accounts
    This is related to the blunder above. Now, everyone has at least one social media account. According to a research, 85% of Twitter users said that it is important for businesses to provide customer support on Twitter.  Advertise your official social media pages because people tend to search for businesses online and most likely, inquire online too. Answering questions quickly means a superb customer service. You give a positive impression that you want to help your customers.
  • No search boxes
    It is good to provide your customers several options, but when there’s too much options, it confuses your customers. Trust that the customers know what they want so give them an easy access to the product they want. It does not matter if you have one million products, or only ten, it is always  ideal to provide a way to search your website and to refine the existing search results. Prevent Choice Paralysis.

Web Strategies to Gain More Sales

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business, charts, commerce

Things to do to gain more conversions.

A lot of businesses now have chosen to put up an online and the public have adapted the concept of e-commerce. You can now buy products from other countries without even visiting that country. As a business owner, you have to know that a good-looking website helps, but it is not everything. This guide can help you gain more customers and eventually, increase sales.

  • Avoid Choice Paralysis. Choice Paralysis happens when there are TOO many choices presented. When customers are given unlimited options, they will probably end up confused. In order to avoid Choice Paralysis, you must give suggestions on what to buy, provide buying guides, highlight the new items, and bestsellers. Take a look at Wordery. You will notice that not every book is listed. On the home page, they have a bestsellers list. If you don’t like that, you can scroll down a bit and see a new releases list. They also provide a book of the week list and a book for students list.
  • Give a Preview of the Product. Whether online stores or  physical stores, the customers always want to see what they are buying.  No one would want a tattered dress or a dented book. To erase doubts, you must show the product. Provide pictures of how it actually looks like, and if you can, allow the customers to zoom in on the photo. Let’s go back at our example, when you browse a book at Wordery, you will see the book cover, dimensions of the book, weight and other details that will be useful to the customer. If you are selling dresses, there should be photos of the dress in several colors, or sizes. Another thing to add is a sizing charts so that the customers can easily compare the different dress sizes.
  • Provide a Trial Version. If you have noticed whenever you are at Costco, the staff would give out a free sample of their products. Even online, it is also important to allow customers to try the product. Nowadays, several software companies give free versions of their apps. As a customer, you do not have to buy these products to be able to use them. If you like a particular product, you can choose to buy the paid version of the app.  As a business owner, it is an effective strategy because when your customers like your product and they find it useful, they will surely rely on it. When they depend on it, they will most likely upgrase and purchase the premium version of the app. Give your customers a glimpse of your product and do not just let them rely on their imagination. Instead, let them try the product, and the product itself will win customers.
  • Generate a Desire for the Product. You have to get the attention of your target audience. Once you have it, gain their interest by telling them how useful these products are. Then, you can give them a limited time offer like free shipping on the all orders placed within 24 hours, or an extra 10% off on books during Christmas.

Things To Do Before You Launch Your Website

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multiple computers

Checking a website in multiple computers.

A website looks so easy to make.

Behind the professional and stylish look of a website, there are many things to deal with. One little mistake can cause colossal consequences and things get blown out of proportion. It can truly be very stressful at times. Websites may differ in design and purpose, but usually, there are things you must check before launching your very own website.

  • Read every content. It is important to proofread every posted content. Check the grammar, the spelling, the alignment, the details given. Take your time in reading everything you see. Look closely at the company details: email, business address, social media accounts, every contact detail. Once you are done, read it again. Ask other people to read it because they might see errors you missed.
  • Check all the links posted. Verify all the links if they redirect to the correct product or page. Make sure all the links are distinct and site visitors can recognize them as links. Link descriptions should also coincide with the content. For example, the About Us page should look like …/about.php, and not have a link like …/xs1922.php. This link checker will help you to verify your website’s links.
  • Functionality Check.  It is extremely important to check the login form, registration form, comment section, payment details, and check out. The forms should work accordingly and the data submitted on the forms should be accurate and correct.
  • Cross-Browser Check. Your website should be functional in all browsers, and devices. Do not focus on desktop browsers because these days there are a lot of mobile users. Gradually, people are using their phones in shopping. Make sure that the texts are not too small for mobile users. Use this link to check how mobile friendly your site is.
  • Test the images and videos.  All the photos should be optimized, and have a relevant caption, alt text. Ensure that the file sizes are not too large. More huge images would mean longer loading time.
  • Website back up. It is important to back up your website in case of a cyber attack. You should have a copy of all the data.

More things to check…

There should be designated page that will help your website visitors in case an error occurs. If not, they will say that your website is unreliable.  Multiple 404 errors (page not found) will absolutely discourage website visitors. Inspect your third-party and e-commerce functionality are working properly especially if you are selling items.

Nine Useful Website Links (Part 3)

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Person Using Laptop Computer during DaytimeThis guide will help you in searching for images, checking your grammar, calculating different time zones, and many more. There is NO need to sign up and submit any personal information on the websites listed below.

Check out these useful sites:

  • Dot Epub –  This website will transform a web page to an ebook. If you are going to be traveling, this website is helpful when you are on the road and have no internet access. You can convert any page into an .epub or .mobi file.
  • Google Images – Searching an images using keywords is normal, but searching using an image is not usual. Yes, you can now search by uploading an image and Google Images will show you results regarding the uploaded photo.
  • Hundred Zeros – If you love books, this site is for you. The website made simplified Amazon books for you and made a list of free Kindle books. Browse through a vast selection of eBooks, and once click a particular book, you will be redirected to the book’s official Amazon page. There, you can download and send it to your eReader. This simple site is a gem if you are veracious reader.
  • Adobe Color – This tool is really helpful if you are an interior designer, or a web designer. You can experiment on color palettes or follow guides regarding complementary, analogous, triad color rules. There is no need to worry because you can mix and match colors without making a mess!
  • Copy/Paste Characters  – Do you need to type a document in Latin or Greek? This website provides you a variety of special characters. When you need to mathematical equations, you can also choose different arrows and symbols. You just have to copy the characters you need and paste them wherever you want. ☺ (Yes, there are emojis, too!)
  • Random.Org  – If you need to draw winners for giveaways, it’s time to say goodbye to the magical fishbowl. Random.org will save you time, and generate a random number for you. There is also an Integer Set Generator. If you don’t know where to travel next, Geographic Coordinate Generator will help. You can find various generators in Random.org like List Randomizer, Clock Time Generator, and so on.
  • Polish My Writing – This is a FREE grammar checker. Plus, it’s an easy to use website because you only need to paste your document on box and it will scan your writing. Spelling errors are the red ones, grammar corrections are colored blue, and style suggestions are green.
  • E.gg Timer  – Who said timers are only for bakers? If you need a ten-minute timer, a timer for doing 8 reps, or make your own timer, E.gg Timer has every timer you need.
  • Every Time Zone – As a telecommuter, remembering various time zone can be very hard to do. Calculating the time differences can be difficult for some people. If you need to schedule meetings with clients abroad, or you have a multi-city flight to memorize, Every Time Zone simplified everything about time zones.

Let’s recap!

Part one is about online image editors, sending notes, and private chat rooms. Part two is about internet security, file scanners, and web archives. Lastly, the third part is about numbers generators, timers, and eBooks.

Nine Useful Website Links (Part 2)

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screen, computer, device

These links will save your life!

Are you doubtful of an email attachment you just received? Do you want to send huge files without installing any software? Is this particular website you are about to visit safe?  There is a solution to every these questions. These websites will undeniably make your life easier and the best part is that there is NO need to fill out complicated registration forms. It will definitely save you time!

  • Box Oh! – This website is ideal if you love to shop online because it will simplify shipment tracking for you. When you are expecting multiple packages whether it is from USPS, UPS, DHL, or FedEx, Box Oh! can identify them all and track them all in one page.
  • Flight Stats – If Box Oh! is great for packages, but how about flights? No need to worry about that because Flight Stats will track it for you. Just provide the airline company and add the flight number.
  • Plus Transfer – You can send huge files without even installing anything and you do not have to register to the website as well. The maximum file limit is 5GB. The next time that you are worried on how to send a file, just remember Plus Transfer.
  • Jotti’s Malware Scan – No malware scanner on your computer? Time to scan all those questionable email attachments and files. Jotti’s Malware Scan is a free service and they use 18 scanners including BitDefender, K7, Ikarus, Kasperky, and other popular scanners. You can only upload 5 files at the same time, and there is a 100MB limit per file.
  • Norton’s  Safe Web– Avoid risky using sites using this site checker. You just need to  paste the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the website you are about to visit  and Norton will give you a report on its trustworthiness. Norton is a product of Symantec and the company created a website to provide a safe and secure environment for internet users.
  • Gmail –  If you have no exisiting Gmail account, you can still sign up to Gmail.  Just click on the link and you can create an account without a Gmail email address. You are free to give out any email address you have as long as it’s working. Then, Gmail will send a verification code to your email.
  • Archive.is – This website will save a particular web page. So, even if the original website gets deleted, you have a copy of the page. Just to clarify this does not alter the contents of the page. The website only captures what you see. This is ideal if you want to monitor changes, or save a derogatory online post.
  • Archive.Org  – This is your internet time machine. Archive.org goes hand in hand with Archive.is. You can use Archive.is to contribute to Archive.org. There are over 305 billion web pages stored in the website and you can view popular pages like CNN, Etsy, AOL, Buzzfeed, and more.
  • Who Is Hosting This? – You can discover who is hosting any website with Who Is Hosting This. Know details about the web host, name servers, and IP address. If you need a website, they also have a detailed review on the different hosting sites and you can even get promo codes, and hosting coupons.

Four Ways to Make a Functional Website

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laptop, website, browsing

Online shopping made easy.

People nowadays prefer online shopping than shopping at an actual store. Having a website is a great tool for your business to grow and with that, you can reach millions of people, and you can even cater to clients overseas. Everyone uses the internet to search and shop. They look for directions and contact numbers online before they actually decide to drive for miles just for a thing or two that they have been wanting to buy for a very long time. If you are business owner, this list will help you on how to achieve your website’s fullest potential especially in sales and marketing.

  1. Distinct Call-to-Action buttons.

    You might ask, what are CTA buttons? These are the buttons that will get your customers to browse your website. It could be a “Shop Now!“, “View the Latest Deals” buttons. These are the buttons that customers can click and they can learn more about your products and services. They can also be a “Call Us Now!” sign where you added your business’ phone number or any contact information. Give every important contact details and make the customers can easily access these. Make their browsing experience pleasant and do not make click several buttons just to get want they want.

  2. Sign up shouldn’t be mandatory.

    As much as possible, do not require sign ups. Websites now have an option to shop as guest. If you require a long buying process, your potential customers might change their minds. You will create a stumbling block if you require them to sign up. Help your customers to shop with ease and to buy an item with less textboxes to fill.

  3. Help your customers.

    Do not assume that everyone knows what they want to buy. You have to educate your customers about your products and provide them a buying guide especially if it is their first time to shop online. Help them to shop smoothly and to get a product that will find useful. For example, if you are selling beauty products, you can maybe provide make up tutorials, or create a video about essential must haves.  If you are selling dresses, you can provide style guides. Give out visual guides on outfits for various seasons, different body types, and age groups. Whatever your business might be, guide your customer because if they will like what they bought, they will surely comeback to buy more.

  4. Keep your website design simple.

    You don’t need a colorful design. Using two or three colors will do. There is nothing wrong with embracing the white space because this way your customers can see your products clearly. Give them better product photos and vibrant CTA buttons. Do not focus on the design; make them click that Buy Now instead.

Advertising Your Products Using Social Media

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Woman Shopping

Marketing a Product Online.

If there is one thing that is permanent, it is the internet.

People cannot live without the internet. Everyone has a constant need to update the world with what’s new in their lives. We search for anything and everything we need on the internet. Having a website is not enough when you decide to sell your products. Social media makes a huge impact in e-commerce. You can use the internet to advertise your products.

Follow these tips on how to market a product:

Social media accounts are important.

  • If you look closely at different websites, you would notice that they have different social media accounts because a website alone is not enough. They have to go where the people are.
  • Whether you choose Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat, your business should have a social media team tasked to create your brand’s online profile. Every little detail counts from the basic information like profile to the constant updates.
  • The team should also make creative visuals for your social media accounts . You do not need a paid software because there are a bunch of free photo editors like Pizap, Pixlr, Canva to edit your product photos, and create unique collages of your items.
  • Since Facebook is the top social media platform, experiment with its features. You can offer exclusive promotions on your wall or you can utilize the Facebook Ads to advertise your latest products.
  • Lastly, do not just rely on one social media account. The more, the better. You can view the different social media platforms here. Websites like Twitter and Instagram have a lot of users too. If you need help on Twitter, this guide will help you. Use social media not only to promote your business, but also to reach out to your target audience.

Boost your online visibility.

  • Yes, having different social media accounts play a huge role, but email is also one way to promote. Relying on social media alone is a huge no. You should always encourage your audience to sign up for email.
  • You can send out exclusive offers to your email subscribers. It will definitely help boost your business. and the great thing about emails is that: IT IS YOURS. You can create it the way to want and how you want it. When you are in Facebook, the space you occupy is owned by Facebook. When you are in Twitter, the same thing is true. For emails, no one owns it because it is 100% yours
  • You do not need to pay for ads. Just redirect your email subscribers to the latest deals on your website and they can shop right away.

Learn from other people.

  • You do not have to keep sending out information. You also have to take in information. Follow influential brands, and learn from what they post to their followers.
  • Be a follower yourself so you would know how your followers would feel. This way you can provide better ways to serve your customers. Watch what other people do and actively monitor for opportunities to learn new things.
  • Find ways to engage with the experts in your industry. You can attend conventions, or follow them online. Business people are usually on Twitter so start stalking them there.