Google’s Ads Updates in Search Results

We manage a number of Google Ads campaigns for clients. We've definitely noticed an uptick in desktop CTR's since the updates (same as what happened with mobile last year). But a Google Ads campaign is only as good as the conversions it drives. If the quality tanks b/c of more junk clicks, ad spends will … Continue reading Google’s Ads Updates in Search Results →

Keyword Research Tips

Good overview of keyword research here. Too many people neglect the usefulness of thinking through important terms and keywords in their web site's content or blog posts. If you ask a Googler how to rank better in their search engine, they'll tell you to "write great content." That's true but deliberately thinking about your "main … Continue reading Keyword Research Tips →

What is Local SEO?

Here's a good read on the thinking behind "local SEO" and how to implement some of the strategies on your website. We do this for a number of clients when we build or revise their sites, particularly churches and nonprofits (and small businesses) who really depend on local search traffic in fundraising or awareness campaigns. … Continue reading What is Local SEO? →

“How can I get on the first page of a Google Result?”

SEO still matters as a part of your marketing mix. This helps, though... Google has introduced infinite scrolling to mobile search results pages. Where there used to be page numbers at the bottom of SERPs there is now a “more results” button. Tapping on the button will trigger more search results to load within the … Continue reading “How can I get on the first page of a Google Result?” →

Why Some Services Cost More Than Others (Education)

"Holistic local SEO campaigns are the best for providing long-term value because the results won’t disappear immediately if you stop working with the agency. They also offer an element of education that you could argue is the most valuable of all. While these services can seem a bit costly, they’re worth their price in every … Continue reading Why Some Services Cost More Than Others (Education) →

Card Cataloging and What Comes After Google

I was always in the 900's as a kid and teenager... 000 – General works, Computer science and Information 100 – Philosophy and psychology 200 – Religion 300 – Social sciences 400 – Language 500 – Pure Science 600 – Technology 700 – Arts & recreation 800 – Literature 900 – History & geography Then … Continue reading Card Cataloging and What Comes After Google →

Mobilegeddon for Websites

Honestly, most of the sites that are going to be adversely affected by Google's algorithm change to favor mobile-friendly sites don't rank well already. I see it everyday in my work with churches and non-profits whose sites date back to 2006 or 2007 and are mostly using static designs or a host that charges extra … Continue reading Mobilegeddon for Websites →

Google Starts Ranking Your Site Based on Mobile Friendliness

We've known for a few months that Google was going to start ranking websites based on their ability to be displayed on mobile devices such as phones and tablets as well as traditional laptops and desktops. Looks like April 21 is the big day to have made the switch to a mobile-friendly site: Big news … Continue reading Google Starts Ranking Your Site Based on Mobile Friendliness →

Google’s Hummingbird and the Importance of Social Signals

Google's new Hummingbird engine for search is finally starting to give us some clues as to what Google is prioritizing in its algorithms now (mainly mobile and contextual). Here are a couple of good sources and videos for you to ponder while you plan out your site's marketing strategy. Both links and social signals are … Continue reading Google’s Hummingbird and the Importance of Social Signals →

Yoast SEO Plugin and Modified Headers

I've used Yoast's SEO WordPress plugin a great deal in the past when I needed a "set it and tinker when necessary" on a client site or affiliate site we've developed. I decided to give it a go with the fresh WordPress install we're using for CostPerNews and discovered something that I've heard others … Continue reading Yoast SEO Plugin and Modified Headers →

Google Keyword Tool Replacements

Google has removed access for its Keyword Tool that was a part of its AdWords platform. So now what do you do? With Keyword Planner, we've combined the functionality of Keyword Tool and Traffic Estimator to make it easier to plan search campaigns. That's why Keyword Tool is no longer available. You can use Keyword … Continue reading Google Keyword Tool Replacements →

What Does Google’s New Personalized Search Mean for Marketers?

When working with our clients on search campaigns, one of the most common conversations I have is about the nature of Google searches and how, if you're signed in to your Google account, things aren't universal (despite the "universal search" term). To drive this home more, Google is now blending its (awesome) Google Now type … Continue reading What Does Google’s New Personalized Search Mean for Marketers? →

Be Careful With Your Clever Domains

Google's Matt Cutts with a clear warning about using clever domains ending in country codes such as .es, .io, .li etc: Another reason we like to stick with .com, .net or .co!

How Does Search Work?

Google has put together an amazing graphic guide to how they run their search engine in 2013: How Search Works: From Algorithms to Answers | Google We'll definitely be using this in client pitches in the near future. Worth your time to check out.

Affiliate Sites and Mobile Traffic

Mobify has a great post with a few informative links and stats about mobile traffic and its implications for marketing on the web in 2013… 13 Stats to Convince Your Boss to Invest in Mobile in 2013 | Mobify: "To help you pitch your boss and frame the situation from their perspective, we've prepared a … Continue reading Affiliate Sites and Mobile Traffic →

Google’s Matt Cutts on Link Building and Memorable Websites

Matt is right… create an experience and work towards the big picture rather than just make something for the moment... Link Building Is Not Illegal (or Inherently Bad) with Matt Cutts: "Their goal should really be to make a fantastic website that people love and tell their friends about and link to and want to … Continue reading Google’s Matt Cutts on Link Building and Memorable Websites →

“How Can I Get Free Advertising on Google?”

It's a question we hear all the time, and a very good one for small businesses looking to make the most of their budget. Fortunately, Google has done a lot of the heavy lifting for you already and offers a ton of resources on its "Think Insights" portal. For instance, here's a link to their … Continue reading “How Can I Get Free Advertising on Google?” →

Stock Images and Your Search Results

Google's Matt Cutts assures us that using stock images on our sites doesn't affect search results, but you should care about the type of images you're using nonetheless. Google's Matt Cutts: Stock Images Do Not Impact Search Engine Rankings: "Matt’s answer was very short, he said ‘no.’ There is no positive or negative impact on … Continue reading Stock Images and Your Search Results →