SEO BLOG

Get strategic about search, ranking factors, and digital marketing initiatives that put organic first.

SEO INSIDER

Monthly knowledge drop - what you need to know about Google updates and more.

august algo update

2 min read

August Algo Update: Indented Results Drop

In the days leading up to the August Core Update announcement, MozCast, a Google algorithm tracking tool, recorded unprecedented volatility in Google's search algorithm. What's intriguing is that this surge in ranking fluctuations occurred just...

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domain registrars and web hosting providers

3 min read

Exploring the Distinct Roles of Domain Registrars and Web Hosting Providers

The internet undergoes constant evolution, shaped by the ever-changing demands of a connected world, profoundly altering our modes of communication,...

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trophy seo

1 min read

New Study Reveals: 85% of Top 5 Google SERPs Titles Feature Keywords

A recent survey conducted by BrightEdge (shared to the internet by SEL) has unveiled a compelling statistic: a staggering 85% of titles within the...

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local pack

1 min read

Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) Removes Local Pack Results

When Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) was introduced, it included local results from Google Business Profiles in a format known as the...

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universal analytics

2 min read

Universal Analytics Continues Data Processing Two Months Past 'Sunset'

As of September 1, 2023, Universal Analytics (UA) is still actively processing data, despite Google's earlier announcement that it would be phased...

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toxic

2 min read

Toxic Links and Disavows in SEO

Are you grappling with the intricacies of toxic links and whether you should employ the disavow tool to combat low-quality, spammy links? Here are...

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301 and 404

2 min read

Choosing Between 301 Redirects and 404 Error Pages

A common question that often arises pertains to the choice between utilizing millions of 404 error pages or employing 301 redirects. Google's very...

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technical seo

1 min read

Is Technical SEO Still Relevant? Google's John Mueller Weighs In

In SEO, one question has been a topic of debate among professionals: Is technical SEO losing its significance? Well, Google's John Mueller's X...

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sitemap

2 min read

How to Build and Submit a Sitemap

If you own a website, you probably want it to be easily discoverable by search engines like Google. One crucial step in achieving this is by creating...

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googlebot cubism style

1 min read

Mueller's Latest: Changes in HowTo and FAQ Rich Results

Google is implementing modifications to the presentation of certain rich result types within Google's search results. Specifically, they are...

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faq schema

4 min read

Beginner's Guide to FAQ Schema: Enhance Your Google Search Presence

Unlock the benefits of structured data with our comprehensive guide to starting with FAQ schema. Elevate your website's visibility on Google and...

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scheduler.yield trial

8 min read

Scheduler.Yield Origin Trial

Web performance has long grappled with the challenge of creating responsive websites, and the Chrome Team has been committed to aiding web developers...

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chatgpt and technical seo

2 min read

Utilizing ChatGPT to Advance Your Technical SEO Strategy

Enhance your technical SEO endeavors with the assistance of ChatGPT, streamlining tasks such as schema creation, meta descriptions, .htaccess rewrite...

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rendering

3 min read

Rendering in SEO: Let's Talk Technical

"I've been rendered mute by that striking revelation." Nope, not that kind. Understanding the core mechanics behind rendering is essential for...

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martin splitt from google

2 min read

Google's Approach to Handling AI-Generated Content, Explained by Martin Splitt

In a recent discussion, Martin Splitt from Google provided valuable insights into how Googlebot manages the surge in AI-generated content, shedding...

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expired domain visual representation cubism style

2 min read

Expired Domains and Their Impact on SEO

Every day, countless website owners and businesses allow their domain names to expire.

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girl walking to a local business local SEO

3 min read

Mastering Local SEO

Local businesses are discovering the power of local SEO to attract nearby customers and boost their online presence. Local SEO goes beyond...

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google local map pack

2 min read

Google Local Pack Map Auto Expand Is Now Live

Google is constantly working to enhance its user experience and provide more relevant and useful information to its users. One of the recent updates...

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domain age old man

2 min read

The Power of Domain Age:  Authority and Ranking in Google's Ecosystem

As you develop a strategy for search engine optimization (SEO), one crucial yet often overlooked aspect is the age of a domain. Domain age isn't just...

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domain cubism style

2 min read

Domains, Subdomains, and Their SEO Significance

A website's domain is its digital address—a unique identifier that distinguishes one online presence from another. Selecting a domain name, along...

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URL inspection tool

2 min read

Guide to Using Google's URL Inspection Tool

Solid website optimization requires efficient tools that provide deep insights into your web pages.

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error sign

3 min read

Google Search Console Errors

Ever wondered about those pesky errors you come across while dealing with websites? You're not alone.

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google news surfaces woman's head

2 min read

Google News Surfaces: Jargon, Traffic Impact, and More

In the world of Google News, the lexicon used by SEO experts to describe its diverse surfaces can be both accurate and confusing. Discerning the...

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google search podcast

2 min read

Google's "Search Off The Record" Podcast Sheds Light on Evolving Ranking Systems and Updates

In the latest episode of Google's podcast series, "Search Off the Record," Danny Sullivan, Search Liaison at Google, takes the spotlight to address a...

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the podcast app semrush

2 min read

Semrush Partners With Podcast Hosting App

Disctopia, a prominent podcast hosting and music streaming service catering to independent creators, has unveiled an exciting partnership with...

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catgpt

3 min read

Creativity and Cuteness with CatGPT: Exploring the Feline-Inspired AI

A new ChatGPT tool has emerged, one that's bound to tickle your feline fancy and bring a smile to your face: CatGPT. Yes, you read that right – it's...

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bell cubism style

3 min read

Using ChatGPT to Navigate Microsoft Bing

Microsoft's Bing has received a turbocharged upgrade with the infusion of OpenAI's ChatGPT technology. This transformation has elevated the...

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fence link

2 min read

The 5 Degrees of Link Relevance

SEO theory might seem straightforward, but the real challenge lies in the execution and consistency of strategies.

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fence cubism style

2 min read

Mastering Event Parameters in GA4

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a powerful tool that provides deep insights into website performance. While GA4 comes pre-configured with some metrics...

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keywords cubism style

3 min read

Future-Proof Keyword Research: Adapting to Modern SEO Realities

SEO is constantly evolving, and with it, the strategies that drive success. One major transformation is the shift from a narrow focus on search...

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robot cubism style

4 min read

Use AI Tools for Keyword Research

One powerful yet often underestimated strategy is the use of AI chatbots to revolutionize keyword research.

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face

2 min read

SEO for Large Websites: Managing Technical SEO and Content at Scale

@ith great opportunities come great challenges, especially in the realm of Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

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man reading cubism style

2 min read

TBR: Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Land, or Search Engine Roundtable?

If you Google anything SEO-related, you're going to land on one of three sites (probably): Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Land, and Search...

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sad woman cubism style

2 min read

Google's Explanation for Low Rankings Despite Good SEO

When it comes to the enigmatic world of SEO, a conundrum often arises: why does a well-optimized site fail to secure a high ranking, even in the face...

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businessman surfing

2 min read

A Guide to Google Safe Browsing

In a world where online threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, ensuring a safe and secure browsing experience is paramount. Google Safe...

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two people cubism style

2 min read

BrightEdge vs. Searchlabs.com: A Comparison

BrightEdge and Searchlabs.com are two prominent contenders that offer a suite of features to enhance your online visibility and optimize your SEO and...

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trading cards

2 min read

Understanding Link Exchanges: The Basics

Link exchanges, also known as reciprocal linking, involve an arrangement between two websites to mutually link to each other's content.

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people linked

2 min read

Earning Links Through Subreddit Lists

There are a bunch of ways to reach your website's tentacles out into the WWW.

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skyscraper

2 min read

About Brian Dean's Skyscraper Technique

When it comes to content creation and link building, one name stands out in the digital marketing landscape: Brian Dean. His innovative approach,...

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keyword map

2 min read

This Year's SEO = Next Year's Results

In the ever-changing landscape of SEO, it's crucial to recognize that the results you achieve in the upcoming year are closely tied to the efforts...

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ga4

2 min read

Introducing GA4 Reports Builder

Google has launched the GA4 Reports Builder, an innovative extension designed for Google Sheets, aiming to simplify the process of generating reports...

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light bulb cubism style

2 min read

Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) Updates From 8/15/23

On August 15, 2023, Google introduced a range of exciting features for its revolutionary Search Generative Experience. These upgrades include the...

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lighthouse

1 min read

Guide to Using Lighthouse for SEO

Google Lighthouse is a powerful tool that allows you to assess the performance and SEO aspects of your website. It provides valuable insights and...

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two people fighting cubism style

3 min read

SEO Competitive Analysis

Understanding your rivals is a pivotal component of a successful SEO strategy. Competitor analysis not only unveils your competition's strengths and...

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cat cubism style

1 min read

Guide to Long-Tail and Conversational Queries

Understanding the intricacies of search queries is a fundamental aspect of successful search engine optimization (SEO).

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face cubism style

3 min read

Unlocking Position Zero: Featured Snippets in Google Knowledge Center

In search engine optimization (SEO), securing a coveted spot on the first page of search results has long been the goal. However, with new AI...

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crazy face cubism style

2 min read

What is Semantic Search?

One significant evolution in the SEO landscape is the concept of semantic search. This revolutionary approach is transforming how search engines...

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google logo cubism style

2 min read

Google Algorithm Updates: Panda, Penguin, Hummingbird, and BERT

In the ever-changing landscape of search engine optimization (SEO), staying on top of Google's algorithm updates is paramount for maintaining and...

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shield cubism style

5 min read

Negative SEO Defense: Protect Your Website Against Attacks

In the digital landscape, where search engine rankings play a pivotal role in driving online success, the practice of Negative SEO has emerged as a...

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woman with a phone cubism style

3 min read

Voice Search Optimization: Content for Conversational Queries

Voice search has emerged as a significant trend, reshaping how users interact with search engines. This article will guide you through the process of...

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woman starry cubism style

2 min read

Google's Bard: AI-Powered SERP

Google's Bard. Is it awesome? is it awful?

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starry sky cubism style

2 min read

The Dynamic Lifecycle of Search Phrases

SEO and PPC: neither is a "set it and forget it" endeavor. They're constantly in flux.

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flags cubism style

6 min read

Internationalization and Hreflang Tags: Let's Talk Multilingual SEO

In our interconnected global world, catering to diverse audiences has become a necessity for businesses seeking growth and expansion....

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woman's face cubism style

3 min read

Unlocking SEO Success with Bing Webmaster Tools

In the realm of search engine optimization (SEO), Google often takes center stage. However, seasoned SEO experts recognize the value of diversifying...

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starry night sky cubism style

2 min read

Level Set: Here are all of the Search Engines Out There

Search engines have become an integral part of our online experience, serving as gateways to information, products, and services. While Google...

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face with video lens cubism style

5 min read

Guide to SEO for Video Content: Elevating Your Video Strategy

In the fast-paced digital world, video content has solidified its place as a dominant form of communication.

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cowboy in a black hat cubism style

5 min read

The Dark Side of SEO - Black Hat Tactics

In the ever-evolving world of SEO, there are strategies that propel websites to the forefront of search engine rankings, and then there are those...

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a spinning loom cubism style

3 min read

Unraveling Spun Content

In SEO, not all content is created equal.

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two objects side by side cubism style

4 min read

Plagiarism, SEO, and How to Safeguard Your Website

In SEO, originality and quality reign supreme. Plagiarism in SEO involves copying content from other sources without proper attribution or consent....

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twins cubism style

2 min read

SEO Challenges: Addressing Duplicate Content, Canonicals, and Pagination

In the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO), website owners and marketers often encounter challenges that can impact their...

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3 min read

Google Tag Manager: Make Your Life Easy

In the ever-expanding digital landscape, data-driven decision-making is vital for businesses to succeed.

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numbers cubism style

2 min read

Google Analytics 4: The Technical Stuff

Welcome, GA4 user, to this in-depth technical exploration of Google Analytics 4 (GA4). In this blog post, we will provide step-by-step instructions...

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hospital bed cubism style

2 min read

Core Web Vitals Readiness: A Step-by-Step Guide

As search engines continue to prioritize user experience, Core Web Vitals have become a crucial factor in determining website rankings. Google's Core...

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app on a table cubism style

2 min read

SEO for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

As mobile usage continues to dominate internet traffic, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have emerged as a game-changer in the world of web development.

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man sitting watching a TV cubism style

2 min read

Unlocking YouTube SEO

YouTube, as the second-largest search engine in the world (and owned by Google), has become an invaluable platform for businesses seeking to enhance...

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a woman's face cubism style

2 min read

Site Indexing Errors: A Silent SEO Killer

You probably understand the significance of having your web pages indexed by search engines.

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collage of musical instruments cubism style

2 min read

Decoding Google's Ranking Factors

Google's search algorithm is a complex and ever-evolving system that determines the ranking of websites in search engine results pages (SERPs).

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man staring cubism style

4 min read

Mastering High-Quality Niche Edits

In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization (SEO), acquiring backlinks remains a cornerstone for boosting website rankings and organic...

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man at a computer cubism style

2 min read

The Role of UX and SEO

In the digital age, user experience (UX) and search engine optimization (SEO) are two critical components that play a vital role in a business's...

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brand logo abstract cubism style

5 min read

SEO and Branding

SEO is a unique animal. It can be hard to connect the dots between search engine marketing and search engine optimization and the rest of branding or...

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clock cubism style

3 min read

How long does it take for SEO to show results?

In the changing world, SEO remains a powerful tool for businesses looking to enhance their online presence and attract valuable organic traffic.

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woman on computer cubism style

2 min read

A Comprehensive Guide to User Intent

Understanding user intent is the key to search engine optimization (SEO), allowing brands to go beyond simply chasing after consumers and instead...

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Enhancing SEO Reports With Narrative Explanation

3 min read

Enhancing SEO Reports With Narrative Explanation

If you've watched many of my SEO trainings, you know that I am extremely passionate about providing our clients with SEO transparency. I want them to...

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An Overview of Google SGE

3 min read

An Overview of Google SGE

Google is making great strides when it comes to incorporating AI in the search experience. Recently, the company launched Google Search Labs which...

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Outlining With ChatGPT

4 min read

Outlining With ChatGPT

One of the ways that content AI systems are useful to content strategists and writers is outlining. It uses the same sources we use (i.e., the...

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Managing Your Crawl Budget

2 min read

Managing Your Crawl Budget

Let’s talk about small vs. large website SEO.

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Mastering Search: Understanding Page Experience and Helpful Content

2 min read

Mastering Search: Understanding Page Experience and Helpful Content

While you’ll find plenty of SEO tips and tricks to get in the top results for a search, what Google really wants from writers is what they call...

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A Guide to Power Googling

4 min read

How to Google: A Guide to Power Googling

Oh, Google. What would we do without you?

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Trends in Your SEO Data

3 min read

Identifying Trends in Your SEO Data

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a long-term marketing strategy. Rather than paying for advertisements on Google or social media platforms to...

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AI for SEO Content: Yes, No, Maybe So?

7 min read

AI for SEO Content: Yes, No, Maybe So?

When it comes to SEO content, the conversation is rising: can’t we just use AI? Can ChatGPT help me rank in Google? What about Jasper? Or one of the...

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Going, Going, Gone–Migrating from Universal Analytics to GA4

5 min read

Going, Going, Gone–Migrating from Universal Analytics to GA4

Universal Analytics is going away–poof, gone, see ya never! But don’t worry, it’s being replaced by the newer, shinier, more robust GA4 which...

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Introduction to GA4

3 min read

Introduction to GA4

By now, most digital marketing professionals know that Google is sunsetting Universal Analytics on July 1, 2023. If you haven’t started the process...

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Semi-Automated SEO Auditing and Reporting

2 min read

Semi-Automated SEO Auditing and Reporting

SEO agencies conduct their audits in a specific way. Some rely on automated reporting through sites like SEMrush or Brightedge, while others have a...

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Google Trends Data for SEO

3 min read

Google Trends Data for SEO

Google Trends recently released the Year in Search 2022. The report shows the top searches, news, people, games, movies, and more, based on Google’s...

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How to do an SEO Audit

9 min read

How to do an SEO Audit

Most SEO writers know how to create search-friendly content. But really, the foundation of any SEO strategy has to be a level set. An SEO audit...

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Putting Together an SEO Topic Cluster

4 min read

Putting Together an SEO Topic Cluster

An SEO topic cluster is a sophisticated on-page SEO strategy. Most SEO experts would agree it’s a pretty reliable way to get results.

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Metadata and HTML Tags for SEO

3 min read

Metadata and HTML Tags for SEO

As you may have seen in our previous post - What is Search Engine Optimization? - SEO includes more than just writing. The technical side covers...

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What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

10 min read

What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

You can Google. A BUNCH of stuff. Or you can read this and get the full picture of everything SEO-related.

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Why Topic Cluster Strategies Fail or Succeed

5 min read

Why Topic Cluster Strategies Fail or Succeed

About the author Stacy is a self-described marketing nerd:

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Which Website Pages Should You Build Backlinks To?

4 min read

Which Website Pages Should You Build Backlinks To?

There’s all this talk about how to get backlinks, but no one seems to know where those links should point to on your website.

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Anchor Text for Backlinks: Types and Strategies

4 min read

Anchor Text for Backlinks: Types and Strategies

So-called SEO gurus love to talk about backlinks, but when you ask them about anchor text, they clam up.

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6 Link Building Strategies That Actually Work

4 min read

6 Link Building Strategies That Actually Work

Guest posting on paid guest post sites can get you in trouble with Google. Blog and forum comments don’t work. Sifting the internet for broken links...

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What is Domain Authority?

3 min read

What is Domain Authority?

If you’re trying to beef up your backlink profile, you’re going to encounter the term “domain authority” sooner or later. But what is domain...

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Pinterest SEO: 4 Simple Strategies for Searchable Pins

3 min read

Pinterest SEO: 4 Simple Strategies for Searchable Pins

Pinterest can be a fantastic tool for marketing your business and driving organic traffic to your website, but only if you know how to use it...

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SEO on a Budget: How to Rank When You Can’t Afford a Big SEO Contract

3 min read

SEO on a Budget: How to Rank When You Can’t Afford a Big SEO Contract

Here’s the problem: Pretty much all businesses with websites could benefit from SEO, but not all businesses can afford it. Perhaps surprisingly to...

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Does AI Content Work for SEO?

4 min read

Does AI Content Work for SEO?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already turning all kinds of industries upside-down. Is SEO next?

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Linking Intent: The Backlink-Generating Search Intent Target

4 min read

Linking Intent: The Backlink-Generating Search Intent Target

Spend enough time learning about SEO, and you will almost certainly stumble across some practitioner of the dark SEO arts telling you that you need...

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Technical SEO

3 min read

Technical SEO

There are a few technical SEO components that impact organic search for your site, and are not related to words (or on-page SEO factors).

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Content, Credibility & SEO: Building Trust with Readers and Robots

4 min read

Content, Credibility & SEO: Building Trust with Readers and Robots

As of March of 2022, the internet is home to just under 2 billion websites. And probably less than 1% of them are worth visiting. How do you make...

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Writing for Search Intent: Capturing the ‘Why’ Instead of the ‘Who’

4 min read

Writing for Search Intent: Capturing the ‘Why’ Instead of the ‘Who’

Think about the last Google search you did. What did you type? Whether you typed “sushi near me,” “how to fix a leaky faucet” or basically anything...

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