All posts tagged seo philippines

A Guide to Making Effective Articles for SEO Use

Posted by on June 22, 2015

www.textboss.com

Content is the crux of every marketer’s business website, it is what gets the product noticed and herds in potential customers and clients. It also gets the word out about your business. As marketers, content creation is a large part of what we do and writing well-optimized content that is not only rich in information but effective as well is imperative. With so many competitors online and with SEO Philippines progressively getting better, it can be quite difficult to be a top SEO Company, which is why great content is necessary to stay at the top of the SEO chain.

Creating content that is search engine optimized is essential as it helps Google and other search engines rank it on search engine results pages. Failing to do so would result to a diminished visibility, which in turn will cause a negative impact on the ability of potential customers and clients to find you.  Fact is, poorly written less optimized content can render you invisible on the web. Writing articles in no easy task, but writing articles for SEO use is even more difficult. Among the new terms you will often hear when it comes to web content, SEO is probably the most common. Understanding it is the first step but putting it into practice is an entirely different story. However, you do not need to be an expert in SEO in order to create SEO-optimized content. All that you have to keep in mind is that you are writing for people and not robots.

Furthermore, it is important to consider that writing content for people means that your writing should deliver the things your potential customers and clients and prospects are looking for. It should not just be a whole block of words with keyword stuffed content that reads more like a random jumble of terms than a cohesive content. No, it should be a riveting read that is rich in information. Balance is key. Search engines want to serve quality search results that highlight fresh, informative and authentic content. They want to deliver answers that fit the context of what it is that searchers are trying to seek. Use this to your advantage.

Here are 6 tips you can try for writing effective SEO content.

 

I.  Use captivating titles that capture your readers attention

Much like how the cover of a book gives its readers its first impression of the contents inside, your title should be able to convey what your article is about at a glance. Take note, your title is a brief summary of your entire piece. Though titles should be able to capture your readers’ attention, avoid being gimmicky. You may attract readers initially but if they see you are being deceitful as a strategy to grab their attention, you will lose readers in the long run.

 

II. Utilize attractive visuals and images to give life to your content

Images and visuals are the spice of every content; they give your article a personal touch and a bit of life. They give your otherwise boring looking article colour so your readers would not be staring at a plain block of words while reading your content. Add pictures, slide shows, artwork and infographic to your written pieces. This will not only break the text portion of your article but make your article more visually appealing as well.

It is ideal to use visuals that are your own creations but if this is not possible, make sure you get permission to use them from the original owners of the graphics and give credit where it’s due.

 

III.  Strategic placement of keywords

More than ever, quality content is really the core of getting your webpage noticed which is why you should know how to utilize your keywords. Do keyword research and know what people are searching for in relation to your content then use that information to guide the creation of key content areas. Don’t use too many keywords or repeat the same ones over and over because this would compromise your content and will make it difficult for search engines as well.

 

IV.  Lists are your friend

Giving your article a brief description then elaborating the finer points through the form a list will make your content not only easily readable but scannable (meaning it makes it easier for search engines to find). It will also draw in readers as they are easy to comprehend and the thoughts you convey are presented in a direct and concise manner. Lists will tailor your content to be succinct, your thoughts neat and organized. Blog posts are not meant to be long-winded essays; so keeping your ideas short and direct keep your post on point so that you can focus solely on one topic (and keywords) without going off tangent.

 

List would also entice your readers to finish perusing your article entirely as lists are relatively short and easy to comprehend, appealing to both readers and search engines.

 

V.  Content should be easily shareable

One of the main goals of writing articles and posts for SEO is to garner traffic onto your website. You may have written the most information rich post, the most entertaining and dazzling piece that’s perfectly optimized for search engines yet all this would be rendered useless if the post is not being shared defeating the purpose of writing the article in the first place.

It is important to make sure your site has push buttons for social media sharing for all the social media platforms. If you are working on a piece for press release, include links so people can conveniently access images and more information.

 

VI.  Storytelling is a creative way to craft articles

Mix it up once in a while, do a content that is not only creative and a riveting read but a different one as well. Tell a story; captivate your readers. No matter the topic, it is always best to start your piece with a short but otherwise creative story to engage your readers and keep them reading. After all, nothing beats quality content that is well written and houses interesting and relevant information.

It is always possible to go back and tweak your content to optimize it for search results. But as the core of garnering website traffic, one should not compromise compelling and entertaining content for optimization. Even when you harness all the optimization techniques in the world, if your content is not read, shared and discussed, it would be not much help. So in sum, write quality content not only for SEO use but for your readers as well. Remember you are writing for people, not machines.

 

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Venturing SEO: Reasons for Millennials to Become A Better Entrepreneur

Posted by on October 16, 2014

Every one of us wants to achieve that momentum in our lives where we can be as successful as we wanted to be. It may be in the field of technology, such as creating a start up link building services firm, or music such as building up a career in it. There are in fact lots of ways to do it, but some of us, especially the Millennials who needed more push and motivation to make this a real thing, should have clearer views on why you should chase the dream.

How do you define success?

As the saying from Tony Robbins goes, “Success is doing what you want, when you want, where you want, with whom you want as much as you want,” there is that itch that comes right out from your gut that makes you agree on it. After all, I guess we are on the same page, right?

To us (or many of us), to be successful is just how Mr. Robbins grabbed the whole idea into a one-sentence streak of epiphany. And by doing so, we should be getting closer to making that move and realizing that dream.

Below are some reasons why being a Millennial entrepreneur is a much more exciting feat than any other 9-5 hour pay job you should have:

You have the passion and the reason to do things.

Yes, all of us might have that. But for a Millennial who wants to pursue entrepreneurship at a whole new level, first and foremost, should know that passion is what should drive you. In addition to that, for the passion to be fuelled and to make it stronger than ever, you should believe in yourself that you have the correct reasons why you wanted to pursue this in the first place.

Success from doing what you want is one reason for you to go on, but that should not be the end goal. Knowingly, success becomes the fruit of doing what you love, out of passion. And by having that in place, you are so far doing it right. Just have the heart and mind to push for it.

You are an expert at something.

This means you have the knowledge to make things better. Being an expert should be something you want to be proud about, but you can be proud about it as much as you want as long as you have put that expertise to good use. People acknowledging your work, I guess, is something one can truly say that his or her existence is as better as not being able to let the world know.

Being expert at something is just the same as saying that you have a creative knowledge and idea to make things go further—better. With this, it aims to be more innovative and to push for others to also learn from you.

 It drives you crazy when you think you can do better.

It is not about being conceited but oftentimes, the righteous selves within us wants to be unleashed because we know something that others do not know— one key you can use in order to lead. As an entrepreneur, you should always find ways in order to be better and be able to help out in the society, in one way or another. By making this as a mantra, you will surely make way to that path of success.

You have the resources. 

Others may have, but not everyone will. If you think you are one of the ‘others’ who has the resources to pursue such endeavour—lucky you. Not everyone who wants to start right away (given with the ideas they have in mind) can’t immediately do so because there are hindrances that can’t be disregarded, but hey, this should not be a reason for you to slack off.

Having enough resources like funding, savings and other forms is a gem for an aspiring entrepreneur because money is a need for you to push through. However, despite not having enough funds, it is a sure ball that there are still other ways you can bargain with.

You want to earn (of course).

Simply put, you want to earn cash. And not just cash, but hard-earned cash! It would not make sense if you want to be an entrepreneur if you don’t have profit. Yet, this thought should not eat you up after reaching that certain kind of success everyone dreams of.

There are others who want to earn enough cash to pay the bills, have a decent meal everyday, a roof under the head and perhaps some wheels for your transfers in meeting clients. And some would want to go places, visit different countries, see the world and still make things happen.

You want to have your own flexible time.

Sure you want to own your time, do what you want, whenever you want to. Having a flexible work schedule is something one would be chasing to have. Aside from that, it also helps to adapt this kind of working lifestyle because it will also be healthy for you, at some point.

And mind you, this is the ultimate dream.

You want to change the course of the world.

Change is something everyone is and will always be dealing with on a daily basis. As an entrepreneur, it is safe to say that you have the world in your hands. You are presented by a lot of opportunities and possibilities and it is your goal how you could ace the game in the industry you are in.

Let us say for example, you wanted to put up an SEO company that normally does link building services among clients’ websites and rankings. It is a very usual feat to do for such nature of company. But in order for you to change the ‘course of the world’, you need to be innovative. You need to come up with more new ways and approaches that will serve what the world needs.

Goals are important, and as far as making ambitions, dreaming big is always welcome. As long as again, you strive hard to make it work and turn it into a realisation. In the end, the world will thank you for doing so.  This is to motivate that anyone with the dream can naturally pursue one as long as you have, again, the reason and passion to make things happen, one step at a time.

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A Look Into Google’s Domain Registration Service

Posted by on August 22, 2014

google domains registrationGoogle started to test its own domain registration service back in June 2014. Across devices, the websites remain to be the go-to places when searching for information. Unfortunately, 55% of small businesses don’t have a website yet. That’s according to Google. If we are going to track the path towards doing SEO Philippines, we will always go back to where everything starts – a website. Websites start with domain names.

With Google Domains, digital marketers especially the small business owners can search, find and purchase a domain name for their business. The service also allows the transfer of the best domain regardless of the domain extension. Google disclaims that the service still lacks the necessary features.

How Google Domains work

Pick a name

Google encourages users to pick a domain name that truly reflects the business. Meaningful addresses can make any business standout on the web. The domain name will include a branded email (you@your_company.com) and management tools. Google allows website owners to choose unique and fancy domains including .photography or .guru.

Build a site

Google partners with website building services like Wix and Squarespace so domain name owners can easily create their own website. Additional cost applies for other features like customizable templates, reliable hosting and mobile site management, among others. Coding won’t be necessary.

Talk to Google

Google will give you an invitation code which means you can now buy a new or transfer your current domain name. Google only wants business owners who can take an active role in improving the service. Google welcomes inputs, suggestions, feedbacks and questions.

What are the features

Google also outlined a few features of the Google Domains service. These are:

  • Branded emails
  • Uncomplicated domain forwarding
  • Private registration at no additional cost
  • Customizable sub-domains
  • Domain management tools
  • Integration with top website builders
  • New domain endings
  • Support
  • Access to Google Internet infrastructure

Google saw an opportunity and seized it

google domain registrationPerhaps, we should take note here that Google allows businesses to purchase a domain from one of its partners. Through this, the business may use the services of Google. Google, nonetheless, mentions that the process will have no impact whatsoever on your ranking on the results pages.

While on beta testing, Google still partners with eNom and GoDaddy which means that the newly-created account will be outside Google unlike when it is created and registered with Google’s newest service. There is no need to visit the account though as long as the website owner is using Google services. Confusing, really!

When you purchase from a partner, the website owner is provided with easy mail setup, custom service addresses, auto-renewal, full DNS control, full domain management and domain locking minus the extra cost. Not bad for a search engine giant!

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) introduced about 1,400 new generic top-level domains. Before that, there are only 22 top-level domains, the most popular of which are .com, .org and .net. Aside from .guru and .photography, other new names include .reviews, .clubs and .rentals.

ICANN actually listed Google as one of its accredited registrar specifically for the most popular top-level domains like .com, .org, .net, .pro, .name and .info. Well, not all of us knows that Google is already an accredited registrar even before the beta testing begun. In fact, it started registering top-level domains in 2005.

In the last two years, nevertheless, Google continuously rolled out its program in getting businesses online; small businesses in particular. Google also launched ‘Google My Business’ which is an online portal for local businesses.

The impact of the move

We can only assume how the new service will impact its partners. The service, when it finally launched as a full-featured service, will represent competition to its roster of partners. At present, GoDaddy is considered as the largest domain registrar worldwide with more than 57 million domain names. GoDaddy has an email service starting from $4.99 per month and domain privacy protection service from $7.99 per month.

Google is not very adamant about prices although it hinted that registration price for a year could be $12. Certainly, this is a direct hit to GoDadddy’s discounted registration for top-level domain .com that retails at $8 per year. Not to mention, GoDaddy charges $20.98 for registration and privacy. A direct hit because we are talking about Google here. The Google that we all know.

As of the moment, Google is not offering website building tools, apps or services. However, what will happen if the beta test proved to be successful? Will it venture into becoming a website builder and compete with its current partners Wix, Weebly, Squarespace and Shopify?

Anyhow, Google introduces more benefits including the transfer of the domain name. The most profound benefit, nonetheless, is the possibility of creating 100 customized sub-domains and 100 email addresses on the domain. There are no extra charges for private registration. This is perhaps Google Domains main selling point since other registrars charge as high as the cost of domain registration itself.

Further, since Google know how important speed is as a ranking factor, Google will use its own servers. Visitors of any of these sites will get snappy responses when they land on your site. The new venture is very ideal from both website owners and users point of view.

From its quiet launch up to these days, Google remains to be secretive as to what and how the beta testing is progressing. The same goes with the vagueness regarding the total number of top-level domains that its domain service is currently supporting. One thing is for sure though, and that is .edu will not be included in Google’s top level domains.

The difficulty of the scenario

What we all can do right now is wait until Google is ready to give more details. We can observe a domain registration war between Google and GoDaddy and the partnership turning sour in the coming months or maybe not. The service seemed to be a full-pledge domain registration service no matter how Google claims that its aim is for private registration alone. Are you buying?

For now, we can contemplate on Google’s promise that it ‘working to provide you with as many options as possible so you can find the most relevant and meaningful names as you get started online.’ Let’s give it to Google and trust that it knows what it is doing.

Source: Google Plus | Google Domains | PC World | Marketing Land | Search Engine Watch

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How Barnacle SEO Works for Smal Businesses

Posted by on August 15, 2014

Let me start by saying whether you are doing SEO in Manila or Cebu, the web is a jungle! The Internet aims to level the playing field in terms of promoting the brand and building a customer list. At times, you’d think that it is not made for small businesses no matter how much it tried to treat all natures, scopes and sizes of businesses equally.

Small business owners usually find difficulties navigating their way to the top, at least online, as they compete with attention. These businesses typically work with a very limited budget. Gaining real traction in both organic and paid results can be daunting. Unlike those giants which seemed to dominate the search engine results pages (SERPs).

If you are a small business owner, what will you do? Don’t lose hope. Ever heard of barnacle SEO? Well, the idea behind such is easy to understand. Let’s take a look at what barnacle SEO is and what it can do to your business.

What is barnacle SEO

Barnacle SEO is not in its infancy. Will Scott coined the term in 2008 to replace a somewhat derogatory term ‘parasite SEO.’ Fundamentally, the concept relies with digital landscape reality wherein larger websites can rank high and obtain traffic while smaller sites often lag behind, getting lost on the sea of results.

Barnacle SEO, while most websites define it as a process, for yours truly, it is an opportunity to attach the smaller website to a larger website. We refer to Yelp, Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, Yellow Pages, Google+, Trip Advisor, etc. as larger websites. Smaller websites can use these sites as a necessary vehicle so they get noticed and included in the top spots of SERPs.

If someone will search for ‘SEO packages in Cebu,’ an independent site may not necessarily appear in the first page. However, a listing in Yellow Pages may make it on the first page. The independent site attaches itself to a large site thus improving the odds of being found.

Why become a barnacle

Barnacle SEO is mostly applicable to small businesses operating locally. It involves profile or business page optimization on well-trusted and high-ranking sites. This means small business owners like you just need a website – your own website – to make the strategy work for you. There is thereby the strategic fit with your limited digital marketing budget.

Barnacle SEO must be a staple of your local campaign. According to Search Engine Land, Google Hummingbird seemed to favor Yelp and other business directories. In another study, Yelp is a prominent result among mobile search queries wherein 37.3% of clicks go to the profile page in Yelp while 51.8% go to Yelp profile and category.

Sites like Yelp builds brand equity. The sites are well-known and oftentimes, only real businesses are listed on them. They also provide better answers. Consider this, users are looking for information about your business and these might be buried deep into the site (i.e. the Contact Us page). Unlike content listings that straightforwardly include operating hours, menus, amenities, etc.

Perhaps, this is also the reason Google ranks these sites high on SERPs as they provide better answers to queries. Business listings and directories are the big ships online, so you should barnacle on them.

How to become a barnacle

Before you can become a successful barnacle, you must know which sites you should be attaching yourself to. As you may know by now, not all sites are created equal and so are the larger sites. Some sites rank higher in specific industries.

Find the most applicable sites to attach yourself to. Start by doing a keyword search. Choose those sites with the most consistent results. Attach your site to these sites. Prioritize those sites that appear higher on SERPs when you search for a particular keyword.

Next, create a business profile on your chosen sites. Claim the profile as if it is the only business on your category or niche. Treat the profiles as an extension of your business. Rule of thumb: make sure that the information on all your profiles is accurate and consistent specifically the contact details. This is critical since a slight difference in the business address, for instance, can confuse Google and other search engines.

Take the time to upload images especially your company logo and others that show off the business like maps, galleries or menus. Some sites allow customization of the profile page. Make your profile appear like your own website. Think about visual branding. These are the major conversion points for your prospects.

Optimizing your profile to maximize the results is necessary. First, you need to submit your information in Google Places. A brief yet compelling description of the business must be apparent including a list of your product and service offerings. Include the basic info and the links to your website. Make sure that the links are working. Test them.

When creating business description copies, the SEO world is divided whether to optimize the description including keywords or not. Basically, small business opts for barnacle SEO because it cannot pay for high-competitive keywords. You may put your primary keywords on the description without being too blatant about it. Simply, integrate the keywords as organic as possible.

Majority of the sites welcome customer feedback. Encourage your customers to provide reviews and testimonials on the site. The review profile leverages your online presence and visibility especially on the results pages.

Barnacle SEO is processual which means results are not immediate. It will take a few weeks or even months before you can observe changes. However, the results are always worth the time, effort and (minimal) money that you have invested in it. Getting noticed may be hard at first. Barnacle SEO presents itself as a high-ROI strategy for small business. Leveling a playing field indeed!

To become a barnacle or not? This is the most pressing issue here. Anyhow, creating with the help of web companies in the Philippines is easier. Your concern should be providing real answers to your prospects when ranking high on search engines is difficult at the moment.

Caveat: There are SEO consultancy firms that can help you decide whether barnacle SEO is appropriate for your business or not. These firms can also provide you with options of strategies so your rank higher on SERPs on the price specifically created for small businesses.

Sources: Search Engine Journal | Search Engine Land | Moz

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The Most Beneficial Paid Search Developments in 2014

Posted by on August 5, 2014

So far, 2014 has been a great year for Google, with all the updates it made at digital marketers’ disposal. Google updates are evident on paid and organic search. Some changes even require online marketers to undergo further SEO training in the Philippines or elsewhere for that matter. Let’s take a look at the major changes in paid search to date.

Google Shopping

Google Shopping is a service provided by the search giant allowing users to search for products and compare the prices of such from different vendors.

Google launches enhanced campaigns as Google Shopping became a paid service. In its wide-ranging efforts to compete aggressively with eBay and Amazon, Google made Product Listing Ads (PLAs) available globally. The search giant would be able to acquire more merchants to participate on the platform and thereby acquire more consumers.

Shopping Campaigns, as what Google calls it, is the new campaign format made specifically for PLAs. The format is much easier to setup and manage compared to the original version. The original format will be abolished come end of August.

Shopping Campaigns signal the opportunities that Google is seeing on the new format other than Google Shopping in general. PLAs drove up to 29% of the clicks among online shoppers in Q1 2014. This figure can be expected to rise for those online merchants using Google Shopping.

A side note: Facebook also entered the paid search this year through the launch of Multi-Product Ads.

Knowledge Graph

google knowledge graphKnowledge Graph is a system that understands the connection and facts among people, places and objects. Knowledge Graph helps in improving search relevancy.

This year, Google tested various ad types and in different formats one of which is the Knowledge Graph panel. Knowledge Graph presents opportunities to reach target markets beyond borders. However, even before the digital marketers can determine how to appear in Knowledge Graph, Google had introduced yet another big change for them to contemplate with.

Google tested ads from car dealership to movies to books. It even showed ads from Google Play on the panel and carousel interface. We can only assume that Google is attempting to strike a balance between paid and organic search although there remains the intention to inject ads on the results pages.

There is the possibility of scaring the users away. The truth is, the Knowledge Graph is already taking traffic away from the organic results. Oppositely, since the Knowledge Graph points to Wikipedia and other reputable sources, the users may perceive the credibility of the advertiser that he or she is not familiar with.

Step Inside AdWords

AdWords is Google’s advertising service. Google displays advertising copies in list format on the results pages upon entering a particular search query.

Google provided app marketers with more features and tools on AdWords such as new ad formats, enterprise tools, report features and offline conversion. Some provisions are bulk actions for all campaigns, automated bidding, multi-dimensional reporting and ad testing lab. The change highlights the growth of mobile advertising specifically app marketing. The changes enhanced capabilities for all online marketers especially the app marketers.

A side note: Google faces tough competition with Facebook with FBX and Twitter with Mopub, the app advertising units of each. The same goes with other networks and search engines that launch their own app advertising units.

Rangespan Acquisition

Rangespan develops backend supply chain management (SCM) software for ecommerce players. Amazon veterans founded Rangespan. Google acquired Rangespan just this May.

While the acquisition has no immediate changes for online marketers, it has strong implications for Google Shopping’s future. The software gives merchants the opportunities of identifying and sourcing best-selling items while also offering cross-sell suggestions on the basis of real-time dynamics. Aside from that, the software generates price competitiveness reports.

Selling optimization will be great for the commercial dealers. They can decide which items to discard and which need replenishment.

Not Provided

Not Provided means that the digital marketers would not be able to view referrer data. This also means that Google will not show the keyword string or the keywords a user searched for. They will be shown on reports though.

Google brought not provided, recognizing the discrepancy between search queries and organic clicks while on the referrer string. Google claimed that there will be no more passing queries on paid clicks. However, search queries will be available in AdWords. Matched Search Queries continue to populate Google Analytics.

AdWords Editor

AdWords Editor is a downloadable application provided by Google. It is used in managing ad campaigns more efficiently. Marketers can simply download the campaign, make the necessary changes and upload these changes to AdWords.

Google AdWords Editor is lagging behind the web user interface. Google introduced a new editor version in April, which included viewable impressing bidding, automated bidding process and engagement ads, among others.

The best part is providing more ad image sizes wherein mobile advertisers can manipulate to make their ads viewable on mobile devices.

Consumer Ratings Annotations

Consumer ratings annotations refer to a Google service that allow showcasing of industry-specific ratings. The ratings are viewable so users can inspect the ratings in detail.

Google began populating results pages with ads with ratings feedback. The change was launched as the result of a consumer survey conducted for brands through its consumer surveys platform. Google thinks that ecommerce operators will generate more business if critical information are presented to the shoppers.

The change marks another ongoing effort on Google’s part to incorporate reviews, feedbacks and ratings into the advertisements without having them manipulated by the marketers themselves. For the users, this means viewing products with legit testimonials and reviews.

Remarketing Lists

google remarketing listsGoogle added a new feature to build remarketing lists. Through this, online merchants can build retarget goals based on demographics and behaviors. The sellers are allowed to import the existing segments.  Remarketing lists built on Analytics can now be used for remarketing display ads. At present, these are powered by Google Merchant Center.

Further, Google introduced Smart Lists in Analytics. The feature automates processes on how to build retargeting lists. Aside from facilitating automation, Google is also planning to integrate data captured on the analytics. With this, it will be easier for the digital advertisers to identify and (re)target those users who are likely to convert.

Google made other changes including adding Keyword Planner, bolstering location extensions, applying conversion settings on transactions and goals and separating brand and non-brand traffic. All of these happened in the first half, which means we might be seeing more changes in the coming months.

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