Elevate Your SEO Game: Add Social Swag to Your Google Business Page 🚀

Hey there, brilliant business owners, astute COOs, and masterful marketing managers from the sunburned country! 🇦🇺 Are you ready to give your SEO efforts a potent shot of espresso? Then it's time to marry your Google Business Profile with your social media prowess. Let's turn that Google search into a party your audience can't resist.

Why Bother? Because Google is the New Black 🕶️

First off, let's get this straight: Your Google Business Profile is like your business's flashy billboard on the internet's busiest highway. Adding your social media profiles is like adding neon lights and a live band to that billboard – suddenly, everyone's looking.

We're talking about turning those casual Google searches into full-blown stalk sessions (in a good way). Your audience loves to snoop around, and giving them more places to explore means they get to know the cool kids behind the brand. Plus, Google and SEO are BFFs; when they see you're popular across multiple platforms, they invite you to the VIP section of search results.

The Step-By-Step Guide to Adding Social Media Flair to Your Google Business Profile 🎉

Alright, troops, let's get down to business. Here's how to sprinkle some of that social media magic onto your Google Business Profile:

Find Your Way Home: Navigate to your Business Profile. If it's playing hide and seek, simply Google your own business or check the confirmation email from when you first registered.
Pimp Your Profile: Look for the "Edit profile" option, then hit "Business information" followed by "Contact." This is where the magic begins.
Social Butterflies, Assemble!: Spot the "Social profiles" option? Give that down arrow a click and prepare to unleash your social spirit animal.
Choose Your Weapon: From the dropdown menu, select the social media linkage of your choice. Feeling Facebook fancy? Instagram inspired? LinkedIn luxurious? The world is your oyster.
Paste with Gusto: Here comes the easy part. Copy and paste your profile URL into the web address field. Triple-check for typos – because "http//:facebok.com" just isn't a great look.
Seal the Deal with a Save: Hit "Save" and do a little celebratory dance. Your Google Business Profile just got a whole lot cooler.

Why This is a Game-Changer 🌟

Linking your socials to your Google Business Profile does more than just spruce up your SEO. It's like hosting a fabulous open house for your brand – everyone's invited, and they all leave thinking you're the bee's knees. It showcases your brand's personality, connects you with your audience on a different level, and hey, it's free marketing real estate.

In a world where attention spans are shorter than a goldfish's, every click counts. Make those clicks lead somewhere fun, informative, and unmistakably you.

Wrapping It Up with a Bow 🎁

So there you have it, folks – your foolproof guide to making your Google Business Profile the life of the internet party. Remember, in the realm of business, visibility is key, engagement is queen, and SEO is, well, the wizard behind the curtain. By linking your social media profiles, you're not just optimizing; you're revolutionizing the way customers see and interact with your brand.

Now, go forth and add that social swag to your profile. Your SEO will thank you, and so will your bottom line. Cheers to your success, you social butterflies! 🦋

Unravel the Magic of SEO

Unravel the Magic of SEO: Why You Need It and Where It's Used

Hello, curious minds! We're about to embark on a thrilling adventure through the digital jungle known as Search Engine Optimization, or SEO (as the cool kids call it). Buckle up buttercups!

Let's Break It Down: It's Not Rocket Science!

Let's Break Down SEO: It's Not Rocket Science!

Think of SEO as the coolest party you've ever been to, and your website is the next big hit song. Now, DJ Google is spinning the tracks, and you want your song to be the one that gets everyone to the dance floor. SEO, in essence, is your song's VIP pass to the top of DJ Google's playlist.

In the world of web, Search Engine Optimization is the practice of boosting the quality and quantity of traffic to your website through organic search engine results. Its about understanding what people are searching for online. The answers they seek, the words they're using, and the type of content they wish to consume.

Why You Absolutely, Positively Need It

If you want your website to be seen and heard in the vast digital universe, SEO is your North Star. Here are a couple of reasons why you need it:

1. Visibility and Rankings: When people search for products or services that you offer, you want to appear as high in the search engine rankings as possible. Because people rarely scroll past the first page of search results.

2. Website Traffic: More visibility means more traffic. SEO is about attracting high-quality traffic - people who are genuinely interested in what you offer.

3. Credibility and Trust: Websites that appear higher in the rankings are viewed as more reputable. It helps build trust and credibility with your audience.

4. Improving User Experience: SEO is also about providing a friendly user experience. Search engines want to see user-friendly websites with relevant, high-quality content.

5. It's Cost-Effective: Unlike paid advertising, the traffic from Search Engine Optimization is completely free. It's an investment in your website’s future.

The Many Faces of SEO: Where It's Used

Now that you understand the "why" of SEO, let's delve into the "where". SEO isn't just for your website's content. It's a multifaceted beast that affects many aspects of your online presence:

1. Website Structure: Well-structured, easy-to-navigate website.

2. Content: The heart of Search Engine Optimization lies in content that is high-quality, relevant, and regularly updated.

3. On-Page SEO: This includes things like page titles, meta descriptions, and headers. It's all about making your website easily understandable for search engines and users.

4. Off-Page SEO: Think backlinks and social media signals, demonstrating to search engines that your website is a trusted authority.

5. Local SEO: If you're a local business, Search Engine Optimization is crucial in attracting local customers. This includes optimizing your website for local search terms and managing your online reputation.

6. Mobile SEO: With more people using mobile devices to search online, mobile Search Engine Optimization ensures your site is mobile-friendly.

Your Ticket to the Digital Dance Floor

Let's face it, the digital world is crowded and noisy. If you want your website to stand out and make some noise of its own, SEO is your best friend. It's all about making sure your website is seen and heard by the right people, at the right time.

Let's get ready to hit the digital dance floor. Start with SEO, and watch as your website becomes the life of the online party. It's not just about being seen; it's about being remembered. And trust us, with a solid Search Engine Optimization strategy, they won't forget you.

Its not a one-hit-wonder. It's a long-term strategy that requires time, dedication, and a bit of creativity. But hey, we're here to guide you through it, one beat at a time. So let's crank up the volume and get this party started!

5 Ways Social Media Boosts Your Branding

Blog Title: 5 Ways Social Media Boosts Your Branding

As an Aussie business owner or tradie, you know how important branding is for your business. Your branding represents your unique identity and serves to differentiate you from the competition. Branding also helps build trust and credibility with your customers. But did you know that social media can be a powerful tool to boost your branding? We’ll explore 5 ways social media can help increase brand recognition and grow your business.

Increase Visibility and Reach

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are some of the largest audience platforms globally. As they are so widely used, there is a high chance that your target audience is using them too. By creating and sharing content that resonates with your target audience, you have a chance to reach more people beyond your usual customer base. As your content spreads and grows, it will lead to increased visibility and exposure, generating more significant opportunities for your brand.

Develop Trust and Credibility

Social media can be used as a tool to show the human side of your brand. By creating content such as behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work process, showcase positive customer reviews, or share other informative and engaging content with your audience, you can establish a relationship built on trust and credibility. This connection will help increase brand loyalty and trust which will improve the effectiveness of your branding.

Create a Strong Visual Identity

Using photos, graphics and video is a powerful way to tell your brand’s story. By creating visually engaging content that reflects your brand’s personality, it can leave a lasting impression on your target audience. Social media channels provide a perfect opportunity for you to showcase your brand’s visual identity. Use your social media channels as the voice of your brand online, and allow your visual identity to do the talking.

Generate Leads and Sales

Social media offers the advantage of being able to reach a highly targeted audience at a cost-effective price; the real value is the return on investment through lead generation and increased sales. By producing educational and informative content, you can establish yourself as a knowledgeable and trusted individual or business, and ultimately, gain leads and increase sales.

Stay Ahead of Competitors

Lastly, social media provides an excellent opportunity to study your competitor’s online presence. By observing and analysing them, you can gain an insight into their marketing strategy, their branding and what tactics have been successful, allowing you to develop your own social media marketing strategy, tailor-made for your brand.

Social media provides an unmatched opportunity for small business owners and tradies to establish and improve their branding. It can help you increase visibility and reach, develop trust and credibility, improve visual identity and generate leads and sales. It can also provide insight into competitor’s strategies, allowing Australian business owners and tradies to outperform their competitors online. Remember that social media is a long-term game. By consistently delivering high-quality, engaging content, you can create a unique and recognisable brand, helping you to grow your business and stand-out in your industry.

Custom Website Design vs Templates - Which Is Better?

As a small business owner or a tradie looking to create a website, choosing between a custom website design and a template can be a daunting decision. While some may argue that templates are more cost-effective and get you up and running quickly, others insist that custom websites are superior in every way. We’ll help you make a well-informed decision by breaking down the advantages and disadvantages of both. So, let’s dive in!

Custom Website Design

When you commission a custom website design, you’ll be working with a team of professionals to create a website tailored to your brand and business needs. Customisation is the biggest advantage of a custom website design. You’ll have complete control over the look and feel of your website, as well as its functionalities. When you’re working with experienced website developers, you’ll get a website that will be unique, one-of-a-kind and, most importantly, it will be made to convert visitors into customers.

But custom design can be expensive

The downside of custom website design is the fact that it can be expensive. If you’re working with a tight budget, custom design may be out of reach for your business. A custom website design can also take longer to create, depending on the number of design revisions needed. If you’re under time constraints, a template web design may be a more preferable option.

Template Websites

Template websites, or cookie cutter site as they're known in my world...as the name suggests, are pre-designed websites that can be customised with your content and branding. It’s an affordable and quick solution if you need a website built quickly. These templates come with predefined layouts, visuals, features that are easy to edit and update to provide a website that looks professional and unique. You’ll be able to choose from an array of templates, which provides you with a lot of options and saves you from the process back and forth designing and verifying the design process of custom websites.

But template websites can be generic

One of the disadvantages of template web design is that you will be sharing the same design with many other businesses or competitors as well. A template can limit your ability to convey your brand personality in a way that sets you apart. A template can also limit customisation, and that may not make it possible to achieve the whole essence of unique visual experience.

Choosing between custom website design and template website design is a crucial decision that will impact your business significantly. Many businesses choose templates because of their affordability, while others opt for custom websites because they offer a tailored and unique website. But custom web designs can stretch budgets and take longer to create.

In conclusion, it all depends on your individual business needs and budget. If you’re looking to build a website that is unique, conversion-focused and personalised to your brand, then custom website design is the way to go to establish your business's online presence in the market. But, if your budget is very tight or you need a website built quickly, template websites are a good solution, but you may need to compromise on the level of customisation and uniqueness. In the end, make sure to work with experienced web developers who can guide you through the process step by step, keeping in mind your business goals and budget constraints.

Your Business Needs a Website, Not Just Social Media

G'Day, fellow Aussies! As a business owner or tradie, you might think social media is all you need for online visibility. It’s easy to create pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and start posting your promotions and services. However, have you ever asked yourself if your social media efforts are enough to reach your target market and boost your business growth? We’ll share with you why your Aussie business needs a website, not just social media.

A website gives you more control

When you have your own website, you have the freedom to design it according to your brand and vision. You’re not limited to the templates and features provided by social media platforms. A website allows you to customize your pages, add functionalities, and create an immersive user experience that will set you apart from your competitors. Additionally, having a website means you’re not relying on a third-party to host your content. You’re the owner and have full control over your online presence.

Your Business Needs a Website, Not Just Social Media

A website showcases your credibility

Having a website gives your business instant credibility. It’s like having a digital business card that shows your professionalism, services, and accomplishments. On your website, you can showcase your portfolio, list testimonials from satisfied customers, and display your awards and certifications. This can help build trust with your potential customers and increase your chances of converting them into loyal clients. In contrast, social media platforms are more casual and often used for personal connections and leisure, which may not resonate well with certain business niches.

A website expands your reach

While social media can help you reach a broad audience, a website can give you more opportunities to target your niche market. With the help of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques, you can increase your website’s visibility on search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. This means when people search for keywords related to your business, your website will show up on the top results. Moreover, having a website allows you to use various digital marketing strategies like email marketing, PPC, and affiliate marketing, that can help you drive more traffic and revenue to your business.

A website provides valuable insights

One of the benefits of having a website is the ability to track and analyze visitor data. By using tools like Google Analytics, you can monitor your website’s traffic, user behaviour, and engagement metrics. This data can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your website, and optimize it to meet your business goals. You can also use this information to personalize your website’s content and offers based on the preferences and interests of your visitors. This level of analysis and personalization is not possible with social media platforms, as their analytics are more limited.

A website future-proofs your business

Finally, having a website is a smart investment for your business’s future. As technology continues to evolve, having an online presence will become a necessity rather than a luxury. By starting your website now, you’re setting a strong foundation for your business that can adapt to changing market trends and consumer behavior. Some social media platforms may become outdated or lose their popularity over time. Your website, on the other hand, can grow and evolve with your business and be a reliable source of leads and sales for years to come.

There you have it, mates! Five reasons why your Aussie business needs a website, not just social media. While social media can be a useful tool to complement your online presence, having a website gives you more control, showcases your credibility, expands your reach, provides valuable insights, and future-proofs your business. Make sure to create a website that reflects your brand personality, is user-friendly, and is optimized for search engines. By doing so, you'll be on your way to building a strong digital presence that will help you grow your business and connect with your customers. Thanks for reading, and may your website soar like an eagle!

Are free websites really free?

As a small business owner in Australia, you know the importance of having a website to represent your brand online. However, building a website from scratch can be a real challenge. This is where free website builders come in. They seem like the perfect solution, but are they really free? Are they worth the investment? We'll debunk the myth about free websites and bring you the truth about what they really cost, both financially and in terms of your brand's image.

But before we bash all the free web builders let us stress, if you are a:

Micro business
Startup
Non Profit
Local sporting club
Microblogger
Hobby business

Then free web builders are fine! This is more for the established Aussie business.

But is anything really free?

Depends on what you consider free...If you mean will it cost you money? Then yes you can build a site for free. What it will cost you is time, so much time and possibly your mental health. Also data, your personal data. Yep in the digital world if something is 'free', then you are the product. Sounds weird but let me break it down for you. If you sign up to a 'free' anything, then chances are all you had to give them was your email or phone or something. That means they will gather your data. Mainly for marketing but there are some dodgy mofos out there too.

Free website costs

Yes, free website builders may be "free" in the sense that you don't have to pay any money upfront, but that doesn't mean they come without hidden costs. Do you want a custom domain name, more storage space, or a professional email address? Prepare to pay a premium fee. Need to add more pages or expand your website's capabilities? Expect to pay up for every additional feature. And by the time you're done paying for everything, you might as well have hired a professional web developer to build your website from scratch.

Boring AF websites

Speaking of professional web developers, they create unique, custom designs for their clients. When you use a free website builder, you're limited to the templates they provide. While they may look sleek and modern on their homepage, these templates are often overused or unprofessional. The result might be a website that looks like a dozen other sites out there. Your website is an extension of your brand, and you want it to stand out for the right reasons.

Limited Functionality

Free website builders can only take you so far. You won't have access to fully customised features or third-party integrations like you would with a professionally developed website. This could be a problem if you need to use your website as a tool for generating leads, storing customer data, or managing e-commerce transactions. There's only so much you can do with a free website builder, and the last thing you want is to outgrow its capabilities within a few months of launching.

Search Engine Optimisation Impacts

Finally, free website builders often have severe limitations when it comes to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). How do they make money if they don't charge you anything upfront? By serving up intrusive ads on your website, of course. These ads can negatively impact your website's load time and search engine rankings. And even if you manage to get some traffic to your site, you may not be able to track and measure it as effectively as you would with a professionally developed website.

Free website builders may seem like a cost-effective solution to building your online presence, but they're riddled with hidden costs, limitations, and sub-par features. They might be okay for personal blogs or non-profit organisations, but for Australian small businesses that want to stand out and achieve their goals on the web, they're not the way to go. Don't be fooled by the promise of something for free. Your website is too important to take chances with. Instead, invest in professional web development, and watch your brand soar online. Get in touch if you want to know how we can get you sorted.

Types of Website For Your Australian Business

In today's highly digital world, having a website is a must for any business. But what type of website does your business need? Understanding the different types of websites available and what each can offer can help you make an informed decision. We'll explore different types of websites, their features, benefits, and drawbacks, to provide Australian business owners, farmers, and tradies with the knowledge they need to choose the right type of website for their business.

Brochure websites

Brochure websites are simple, informative websites that provide basic information about your business, services, and products. They are usually static and have no interactive features. Brochure websites are suitable for small businesses with limited content and no need for regular updates. They are easy to build, quick to launch, and affordable. This is the bare minimum of sites. You can definitely build on them and they are a great starting point for those with tight budgets or start-ups.

Lead Generating websites

A Lead Generating website is more than a brochure site. It's designed to help businesses generate more leads. It typically works by collecting detailed information from users and then showing them ads or other offers that may be relevant to them. This type of website can be used for a variety of purposes, such as increasing sales, building an email list, or even targeting potential customers with a customized message. Lead Generating websites can also provide valuable insights into customer behaviour and preferences, allowing companies to create targeted marketing campaigns and improve their customer service. Additionally, they can provide analytics data to help further optimize marketing efforts for maximum return on investment.

E-commerce websites

E-commerce websites are online stores that allow businesses to sell products and services directly to customers. They feature a shopping cart, checkout, and payment gateway, among other features. E-commerce websites are ideal for businesses that sell products online and need a platform to manage their sales and inventory. E-commerce websites require more investment and maintenance than brochure websites, but they also offer more opportunities for revenue and growth. We use Shopify for our client's e-commerce sites.

Blog websites

Blogs are websites that publish regular articles and posts on various topics related to your business, industry, or niche. They can help businesses establish their credibility and authority, attract traffic and engagement, and build relationships with customers. Blog websites are suitable for businesses that want to provide value-added content to their customers and establish themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Blog websites require regular updates, quality content, and an engaged audience to be effective.

Social media websites

Social media websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are online platforms where businesses can create profiles, share content, and engage with customers. They are ideal for businesses that want to reach a wide audience, build their brand, and foster customer relationships. Social media websites are free to use, easy to set up, and offer various tools and features, such as advertising and analytics. However, social media websites are also crowded, noisy, and constantly changing, which can make it hard to stand out and stay relevant.

Custom websites

Custom websites are tailor-made websites that are designed and developed according to your specific requirements. They can offer unique features, functionality, and branding, and can be fully customized to your business needs and goals. Custom websites are ideal for businesses that have specific needs or want to differentiate themselves from their competitors. However, custom websites are also more expensive, time-consuming, and require a team of professionals to build and maintain.

Choosing the right type of website for your Australian business depends on several factors, such as your business size, goals, budget, and audience. While each type of website has its pros and cons, it's important to consider your business needs and objectives before making a decision. A website is an investment in your business, and choosing the right type of website can help attract customers, generate revenue, and build your brand.

Why You Need a Sitemap For Your Website

Imagine visiting a site, and you're unable to find what you're looking for. You start scrolling up and down, trying to locate the information you need but to no avail. Irritating, right? As a business owner, ensuring your website is user-friendly is necessary to attract and retain your target audience. A sitemap is an essential tool for achieving this goal. It helps search engines and visitors alike navigate your website and find relevant content. In this article, we will discuss why you need a sitemap for your website and how it can impact your user experience.

Improves Search Engine Optimization

A well-organized sitemap makes it easier for search engines to crawl your website and index your pages. This means your site can rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), leading to increased visibility for your business. Additionally, sitemaps help search engines understand the relationship between various pages, and this can contribute to better SEO. With a sitemap, you can ensure all the pages you want search engines to crawl are included, and you can indicate the priority of your content.

Helps Visitors Navigate Your Website

A sitemap displays the structure of your website, highlighting the different sections and pages. Visitors can use the sitemap as a visual guide to navigate, making it easier to find the information they need. Sitemaps can also include metadata, such as descriptions and keywords, that help visitors understand what each page is about. With a user-friendly sitemap, your visitors are likely to remain on your site and interact with your content.

Enhances User Experience

A sitemap can positively impact the user experience of your website. It makes it easy for visitors to get an overview of your website, including the content available on various pages. This can help visitors quickly jump to specific pages, and it encourages them to explore other parts of your website. If your site is easy to navigate, visitors are less likely to get frustrated and leave, increasing the chances of them converting and becoming a customer.

Facilitates Website Changes

If you have a large website or make frequent updates, a sitemap can be very helpful. Changes to the site structure can be tedious and time-consuming to update on all pages manually. A sitemap makes this process simpler and more efficient. You only need to update the sitemap, and the changes reflect across the site. This ensures the sitemap stays up-to-date and accurate.

Increases Website Traffic

A sitemap can drive more traffic to your website, leading to more conversions. When search engines crawl your website and index your pages, they identify keywords and phrases, making it easier to match your site to user queries. This means your website will appear in more search results, increasing your chances of attracting more visitors.

A sitemap is a powerful tool that can impact the user experience of your website. It helps search engines crawl and index your pages, assists in organizing content, enhances your site's navigation, and improves your chances of ranking higher on SERPs. As a business owner, you need to understand the importance of creating a sitemap, especially if you're looking to attract and retain your target audience. Remember, a user-friendly sitemap can positively impact your website's performance, leading to increased website traffic and most importantly, conversions. So start building your sitemap today and boost your online visibility!

Why You Need a Sitemap For Your Website

Wanna make one for free? Yeah ya do! We use Gloomaps. Watch the video to find out how to make one. We use this too to plan out new websites or plan overhauls of old websites. Its an easy way to know what is connected to what.

5 rules to follow when uploading images to your website

Images are on most websites these days. With so many uses, it's not hard to fill a page with big, beautiful imagery. BUT there are some hard and fast rules to follow when uploading

The good news is you can DIY the lot!

Our guide will help your SEO and website speed

1. Image name

Don't upload an image that came straight from your camera or iPhone. The main reason is your device will name your image for you AND the file will be the wrong size. Normally way too big!

Say your image is called DSC5689.jpg and you upload that straight to your website. When someone does a search for your product or service, your image isn't going to show up. If you sell turtle food to turtles and the image is of turtle food. Call it what it is! Premium turtle food.jpg Now when someone searches for turtle food, your image has a better chance on being found. Because Google knows what the image is! You should be describing the contents of the image in 3-8 words.

PRO TIP: Separate the words of your file name with a hyphen (dash). for example, Premium turtle food.jpg should be Premium-turtle-food.jpg Wanna know more? Check this out:

2. Image size

The average size your full-width image needs to be is 1920pxs These are your hero shot found at the top of your website or CTA banners and sliders. Depending on your target demographic, you might want to use a wider image to sustain the use of wider screens. This could apply to designers, video editors etc. But seeing as over 80% of those accessing websites use mobile devices, 1280px is plenty big enough.

Also for consistency on your site, choose a series of image sizes and convert any new images to that size.

Want a guide of the most common image sizes used? Well, we have one handy! Yes you need to sign up to get it, but you can unsubscribe at any time. We don't spam, aint nobody got time for that!

3. File size

Keep that image as small as possible without losing clarity. Nothing over 1MB is a good rule to follow.

Google wants your site to load fast! Google uses load times to decide your website ranking. With this in mind, you should make sure that you aren't overloading your website with huge images. A website visitor will wait no more than 3 seconds for your website to load before giving up and looking for another, faster, website.

Try to keep your images below 100kb when you can. This can be increased to a maximum of 1mb for particularly large images but avoid it as much as possible. To reduce an image's file size you can reduce the width and height of the image and reduce the resolution to 72. This change is easy to achieve on software such as Photoshop or Canva. You can also add a plug in to your wordpress website that compresses your images further. We use Smush – Lazy Load Images, Optimize & Compress Images By WPMU DEV

4. Alt image text

Alt-text refers to images alternate text. This text is linked to an image on the back end of a website. This alt-text should be a short and basic description of the image. It is not a caption so it will not be displayed on the webpage but instead be visible in the Meta information. Not many website visitors will look at your websites Meta information but the reason you need to add this alt-text is that it will both increase your SEO and make your website accessible

Google loves websites that are more accessible to everyone! It helps your SEO as Google will penalize a website that fails to add alt-text.

PRO TIP: This also allows vision-impaired peeps to read your site and know what the image is of. It's making your site more inclusive and we think that's how all sites should be!

5. Metadata

Adding metadata to images embeds important details into the digital image itself, including copyright notices, author information, date(s), location(s), and descriptions. Embedding these details into archival images is a best practice employed by professional registrars, collection managers, and other industry experts.

This isn't a must-have but if you make it best practice then it will help you in the future! It is more techy than the rest and you will need a program like Photoshop to do it.

Image metadata can help protect digital images of your original artwork from being misused or misrepresented. Metadata also enables images to be more easily searched for across the web and successfully located than images without metadata.

Well there it is

Our advice on images for your website. We hope you have a better understanding and insight for best practices. For more help with your site make sure to contact us

5 SEO foundation hacks

No doubt if you have a website you will be wondering how it's going out there in the big wide world. SEO is its best chance at finding the right audience for your industry. We are going to provide you with some hacks to set your site from the start.

If you CBF reading this right now and wanna skip straight to the download, go for it!

Download your free copy

We get it! You CBF reading right now and will probably forget where this blog is. Happens all the time!

To save you the hassle, hit the button and we will email it to you.

SEND IT TO ME

Stalk Your Competition

We all take a sneak peak at our competitions socials occasionally. Its time to take it a bit further. Understanding your competition is critical to outranking them in organic search. Pick 3 businesses who rank where you want to be ranking in organic search, not the ones you consider to be your competitors.. Start a word doc on each. Get their web address, social media links and any other digital profiles. Set aside a day at least to go through it all. This is what you need to look at:

How fast their page loads, if it's faster than yours talk to your web developer to see what you can do to speed it up
Do they have blogs?Are they interesting and informative or just shit?
Is their site easy to navigate? Are the images good?
What’s their socials like? Are they highly engaging? What conversations are they starting? How many followers do they have.
What other digital profiles do they have?

Make sure you have your basic UX is down pat

We bang on about User Experience all the time. That's because it's so freaking important. If your clients can’t read or navigate your site, then you are losing business. There are a few tests you can do yourself:

Check out your website on mobile, iPad and desktop. Make sure all the pages load properly, the text is legible and images aren’t cut off. If there are issues, speak to your web developer to get it sorted.

Get reviews

It's time to start taking reviews seriously. Reach out to your best clients and ask for a review on the services you provided them. Make it easy for them by providing a link directly to your Google reviews. Facebook reviews are good too but Google is better.

Google uses ratings and reviews data in its local search algorithms. It's part of the ranking criteria. Not to mention feedback from your previous or current clients, let prospective clients know you are the real deal. Trust is a massive art of decision making for your clients.

Get cosy with Google Search Console (CSG)

GSC is the way Google communicates with webmasters worldwide, providing alerts and data. If you don’t have it, set it up now! If you run into trouble, ask your friendly web developer for help.

Check your GSC monthly. It will show you if there are any issues, penalties, and other crawl issues. Check out the page experience, performance, coverage, security and manual actions. These sections will alert you to any issues that Google has in crawling and indexing your site all for free!

Track it

Track progress and set measurable goals. Optimization involves basing your future actions on what you've accomplished in the past. If you don't know what your goals are or don't track them, your optimization is simply based on a whim. We all know how that goes…

You can measure success easily by setting realistic goals and tracking metrics. Most sites use something to measure data, start with your site and GSC Just make sure that you're not basing your optimization efforts solely on rankings.