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Marketing

White Hat and Black Hat SEO Explained

Welcome to the Topic “White Hat and Black Hat SEO Explained

Are you trying to familiarise yourself with the search engine optimization? Do you know what is white hat and black hat SEO? If your answer is no, then you are on the right place to learn all about it in just a few minutes!

White Hat SEO!

White hat SEO techniques in easy terms are those techniques that are ethical and that adhere to the guidelines and search engine service terms. This is done in the first place to improve the visibility of the search engine among many engines that exist online and to make your website working for the longer periods. 

The main areas that White Hat SEO covers include ensuring that a website that you created is following the Google’s website guidelines so that your website can be optimized in a correct and better way.  These guidelines tell how one can better use SEO in the most ethically effective way. This is important as it makes sure that the user is not doing any such activity that might be not approved by the Google or that there is not any manipulation of algorithms.

Moreover, these techniques involve changes to any site that are beneficial for humans and to filter out any bots that might be present on the website. This is significant as it is important that the users get the right pages that they are looking for. Even though these white hat SEO techniques are time consuming and require more work, but they give long lasting results with greater impact. 

White Hat and Black Hat SEO
White Hat and Black Hat SEO Explained 3

Black Hat SEO!

Black Hat SEO is basically the opposite of white hat SEO by following the unethical guidelines and by violating the guidelines of the search engine. The algorithms are manipulated to increase the visibility however they are not long lasting and there are penalties and bans imposed on such techniques.

By manipulating the algorithm, the keyword rankings are improved. This makes the website seem like a perfect fit for the user’s search and the website is shown more frequently. However, the designers often do not consider the fact that they are eventually violating the search engine’s guidelines. So even though the result in the short term is positive- eventually it is bound to failure as it is not actually considering the user’s content expectations. 

Also Read:- In-House SEO Versus Working With An Agency: The Pros And Cons

Common techniques of White Hat SEO:

Some of the most important factors considered by White Hat SEO is the quality content which is unique with use of relevant keywords. Furthermore, the backlinks with authority are organically achieved and there exists a structured data makeup. Moreover, it might include internal linking by making the related content on another website accessible. This will increase the navigation time and make your user stay on your page for longer periods.

Common techniques of Black Hat SEO:

Some of the sign of black hat SEO that can be easily identified include keyword stuffing, manipulative links, and cloaking of content. Moreover, the quality of the content on the website is extremely low. 

Both black and white hat SEO techniques are employed by developers depending on their approach. However, one needs to know that the right way of increasing the search engine optimization is always a better approach and leads to long term benefits.

Have any questions regarding the topic White Hat and Black Hat SEO Explained feel free to comment below.

 

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Marketing

What are SERP (Search Engine Results Page) Features?

Welcome to the Topic “What are SERP (Search Engine Results Page) Features?

Search Engine Results Page (SERP) is now becoming one of the important factors in improving the performance of your SEO and eventually your website. Targeting SERP features is useful as it will lead to organic traffic and boost online presence with better quality of the brand. This will also help you to get above in ranking and you reach your target audience more effectively. Hence, it is very important to make yourself familiar with the key features of SERP- as this is now the key to a successful website!

·  Featured Snippets

It is a short piece of text which is highlighted in a box. It appears at the top of Google. Its main function of it is to answer any query a user wants to be answered in a more effective and efficient manner. It provides quality information as taken from search engines to provide to the user.

·  Knowledge Card

It is present on the top left side of the SERF and provides an overview of information related to the search query made by the user. The information in the knowledge card is from the highest-ranking site and it might include images or different links.

·  Knowledge Panel

The knowledge panel contains information that is extensive, and it is taken from high authoritative sources. It might be related to places, people, or any organization. In contrast to the knowledge card, it is present on the top right side of the desktop.

What are SERP
What are SERP (Search Engine Results Page) Features? 6

·  Image Pack

It appears as a horizontal row and contains multiple images which are linked. When clicking on these pictures user is taken to the relevant information. This feature provides visual content which is best used when Google finds that the query is best answered through images. The horizontal row can be present on any side, unlike the specific position mentioned for the knowledge card and panel.

Also Read: What is Google Analytics 4

·  Video Pack

Just like the image pack, Google can also show a video if the query is believed to be best answered in the video. The video may appear in the form of a pack or a carousel. A title, thumbnail, and a link are typically displayed with the video, hence upon clicking the video, the user is taken to the more detailed information related to the query. However, in the SERPs, videos will appear for only certain keywords.

·  Local Pack

When any query is made with the local intent, the local pack appears on the first page as a result. The research is made which might be related to any local services such as geographical name. There is a group of 3 business listings that are related to each other in a local pack that is relevant to the query of the user. The listings are taken from the GMB directory, and they appear in a list format with the addition of a map. It might also include different reviews, addresses, timings, and a link.

·  Sitelinks

Sitelinks are shown below the main web link in the form of a separate link which are related to a particular domain. They appear as the sub-listings in the number four or six. They are the most important sections of the main webpage which act as the shortcut so that when a user clicks on them, they are directly taken to that section. This helps in saving time for the user.

To find out more about Search Engine Results Page Features, why not get a quote and have a chat with us or take a look at our identity and branding service to find out what we offer.

Have any questions regarding the topic What are SERP (Search Engine Results Page) Features? feel free to comment below.

 

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Marketing

What is Google Analytics 4, and When Do I need to Upgrade!

Welcome to the Topic “What is Google Analytics 4, and When Do I need to Upgrade!

You all must be aware of Universal Analytics that is currently in use. However, this must have also led you to develop keen interest towards the new updates that come up in your awareness- that is, Google Analytics 4.

Google announced a newer and improved version of google analytics called Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to replace the current Universal Analytics. It gives insight into audience, acquisition and much more. It is improved and better version with better user experience and many new updates. GA4 is expected to use different methods for reliable metrics and will no longer rely on cookies for user’s data. It also has better user privacy guidelines as it will stop storing users IP addresses to promote the privacy. 

The announcement about GA4 was made in July 2019 and people are curious as to when to shift to GA4. To answer this question, Google announced that the current Universal Analytics will come to an end by the mid of 2023, more precisely in the month of July. This means that for the new and better update in the form of GA4, the audience must wait just one more year. 

However!

Even though the new changes bring in multiple benefits and update, there is always a challenge to make a shift to any new system. Therefore, same is the case with GA4.

What is Google Analytics 4
What is Google Analytics 4, and When Do I need to Upgrade! 9

Even though everyone is excited for this initiative, there are multiple facets to be taken into consideration and for which one needs to be prepared for. One of the main things to be noted here is that there is no easy way yet established for the easier migration of data from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4. Hence, it is best recommended to start using the GA4 by the July 2022 so that the new hits on Universal Analytics are no longer collected by 2023. 

Also Read: Welcoming Google Analytics 4: What Does It Mean For You?

Moreover, since GA4 is newer platform and upon its usage any historical data stored in universal analytics will not be present anymore. But google is providing an export option up till six months of cut-off point. Hence, it is recommended that one should back up data in the given timeframe. 

Better User tracking and Insights through GA4:

GA4 is bringing in many changes and these are for greater benefits to the users. GA4 has allowed improvement in user’s journey and cross platform tracking. It will provide users with better information of sales funnel and purchases made by the different users. This will lead to better decision making for the users by the web owners keeping in mind their interests. The better statistics will improve the informed decision-based process based on real data. This is extremely significant for any business to flourish. Hence, such major changes add great value to the GA4.

Another feature provided by the GA4 is improved user engagement analysis. This will lead to formation of clearer picture of how different users and potential customers engage with the owners’ respective brands. 

Hence, it can be concluded that GA4 is extremely major update that will lead to better use of technology, and it will lead to a step closer to futuristic innovations.

To know more about GA4 and latest updates, why not get a quote and have a chat with us or take a look at our identity and branding service to find out what we offer.

Have any questions regarding the topic What is Google Analytics 4, and When Do I need to Upgrade! feel free to comment below.

 

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Marketing

Welcoming Google Analytics 4: What Does It Mean For You?

Welcome to the Topic “Welcoming Google Analytics 4: What Does It Mean For You?

Google has been bringing innovative new upgrades that will be everyone’s favourites!

Google is replacing its current Google Universal with the new Google Analytics 4 in July 2023. We are all excited about this update, but you may wonder, ‘What does this update mean for my website?’ Well, we are here to do that. This article will cover what Google Analytics 4 is, why it is needed and what it means for your website.

Google Analytics 4:

GA4 was introduced to keep its users in tune with the ever-evolving, modern-day technological needs.

It was established from its base to measure many different kinds of data and provide extensive look into cross-channel and cross-platform behaviour. This new version was built to allow businesses to take a peek into the bigger picture by diving into unified user journeys across websites and applications. Google’s infamous machine learning technology aims to deliver more valuable insights and to allow its audience to keep in touch with the growing digital ecosystem. 

Google Analytics 4
Welcoming Google Analytics 4: What Does It Mean For You? 12

That sounds great. But why was this update needed?

Google Analytics is a significant part of several businesses, and it has held its ground by providing tools to track user journeys, get a understanding of success, and provide Return on Investment (ROI). The new upgrades will impact all the businesses under the umbrella of Google Analytics. Hence it is crucial to understand why this update was made.

Also Read: What is Google Analytics 4, and When Do I need to Upgrade

The previous program was implemented for desktop use, independent sessions, and data mainly collated from cookies. However, these analytics measurement methods have become highly outdated with the growing digital ecosystem.

To overcome this, GA4 has been introduced into the realm of modern technology. This platform successfully operates on multiple platforms; it is not reliant on cookies and accurately measures user-centric measurements through event-based data models. It has features such as driving sales, gather leads, connecting online and offline with your customers, and track app installs (An asset that will enhance customer trust!)

As time goes on, we eventually have to say goodbye to old beloved updates and so we have to say goodbye to Universal Analytics properties as they will stop processing on 1st July 2023, you should jump on the bandwagon for GA4 as soon as possible.

Making the new move is inevitable, so the quicker you do it, the easier it will be to build data in your new platform. More so, while many of the features remain the same since it’s an entirely new interface, you will need to get in grip with it. So, it is crucial that to obtain all the tremendous benefits and updates present in GA4, you switch to it within a critical time to enhance your user experience to the maximum.

In conclusion, Google Analytics 4 is the new world of modern technology. Google has never disappointed us with its ranging updates and critical features. Hence there is no doubt Google Analytics 4 will be an absolute success (and you need to install it quick)!

To know more about GA4 and latest updates, why not get a quote and have a chat with us or take a look at our identity and branding service to find out what we offer.

Have any questions regarding the topic Welcoming Google Analytics 4: What Does It Mean For You? feel free to comment below.

 

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Development

Web terminology explained: The Jargon you need to know

Welcome to the Topic “Web terminology explained: The Jargon you need to know

If you are new to the world of web learning, then you might find it difficult to understand the different terminologies that are often used in many web projects. However, you do not need to worry because we will provide you with all the basic knowledge you need to get started. To know all about the basic terminology, keep on reading!

UX

UX is one of the basic abbreviations used which stands for User Experience. It is mainly the interaction the users experience with different products and services as provided on the internet. It shows whether the product or service is easy to use and how overall it is perceived by the users. Developers take in feedback from users to incorporate services to make the UX even easier.

CX

CX stands for Customer Experience which is basically the perception of the respective customer which is based on his or her interaction with the product or service.

DXP

DXP- Digital Experience Platform is a solution that is used to support management, optimization and delivery of the website experience across more than only single website. With it, one is able to promote and sync content across multiple points.

CMS

It is Content Management System which is used to manage and update the content as well as to develop or update any website.

HTML

It is one of the main technologies to exist in a web world. It stands for hypertext makeup language. Its main function is to provide the structure of the page.

Web terminology
Web terminology explained: The Jargon you need to know

SSL

Secure Sockets Layer is a certificate that talks about the authenticity of a website identity. It is basically a protocol of security that links a web browser and a web server.

Also Read: Why You Need an SSL Certificate

SERPS

It means search engine results page which is basically a page where a user returns after submitting a search query.

CTR

CTR stands for click- through rate, that refers to number of click in any link or web page.

CRM

CRM means customer relationship management which is primarily used to manage interactions with potential customers. It is used to build different customer relationships.

B2B

It means business-to-business, a term used for transactions between different businesses rather than a business and a customer.

B2C

It refers to Business-to-customer, which is opposite B2B. This is used to refer to a transaction made between a business and customer.

FE

It means front end, that is, everything that a user is able to view on the website.

BE

Back end in a web language means that the process through which a developer develops or maintains the technology that is available on the web page. It includes a server, an application and a database. It is an important component to keep the website working and to provide an error free experience. 

JavaScript

It is one of the most popular programming languages used to design a website. It is used for multiple purposes such as for calculation, manipulation and validation of the data.

CTA

It refers to call to action which is basically the next step developer wants its audience to take.

Have any questions regarding the topic Web terminology explained: The Jargon you need to know feel free to comment below.

 

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Design

Validating Design Assumptions With UX Testing in 2022

Welcome to the Topic “Validating Design Assumptions With UX Testing in 2022”

Imagine this: You have designed the website of your dreams, but you’ve come across a small bug that could cause complications for your users! So you make assumptions about how to solve this dilemma, something we do every day; but they are limited to subjectivity. Hence, you need something that brings a fresh, objective perspective. So the best solution is to validate your assumptions with data to back them up and UX Testing is the way to go!

Follow the next three steps to ensure your site is designed to perfection with UX Testing:

Step 1: Cater UX Testing’s advantages to validate your design:

The following are some key advantages of UX Testing that you must know to have a better understanding of what it will be doing for your site:

  1. Allows you to be objective
  2. Budget-friendly!
  3. Creates the best user experience
  4. Makes your site stand out by ensuring the changes are useable
  5. Generate confidence in reaching out to investors

Step 2: Choose the right time to test!

A grave mistake rookie site designers make is using testing only when problems come up. UX testing can be utilized alongside your side development; which means at all phases you can implement testing and instead of waiting for your users to send complaints, you can fix the problem even before it goes out to the world.

A retainer plan can be developed to make continuous web  developments as you build your website!

Validating Design Assumptions With UX Testing
Validating Design Assumptions With UX Testing

Step 3: Which type of UX testing to use?

UX Testing has mastered various types of testing to allow its users to find the best solution possible!

Tree Testing:

People getting lost on a website and being unable to find their way around is a grave danger to a site owner!

Tree testing allows you to gather insight into the layout of your website and the general easiness of access to whatever the user needs. This type of UX testing asks Target users questions such as, “Where would you click to find the handbag category?” Allowing a better understanding of any categories or navigation issues. 

Also Read: User Experience Design and Your Website

First Click Testing:

This type of testing allows you to test your interface on what preferences individuals hold while clicking on a website for completing their tasks. This type of testing shows the user an image to identify where they would click to find a specific area or category. 

Card Sorting:

This method gathers data from target users on how your website should be organized in order to make confident structural decisions. There are two kinds of Card Sorting:

  1. Open Card Sorting
  2. Closed Card Sorting

First Impression Testing:

Also known as the five-second test, allows you to gather what kind of first impression your website made on others and if it’s what you intended. 

UX testing has great benefits and by using the above three steps you will be on your to creating the website of your dreams, with data backed up by assumptions and a greater boost of confidence!

Have any questions regarding the topic “Validating Design Assumptions With UX Testing in 2022” feel free to comment below.

 

Categories
Design

User Experience Design and Your Website

Welcome to the Topic “User Experience Design and Your Website

User experience or UX is a term often used to explain the end user’s experience or interaction with the website or the company including all its services and products. It is something considered while designing a website. However, the concept of user experience design is broader which is better to be understood in detail.

This blog will provide you will all the details you need to familiarize yourself with this concept- therefore, do not miss out on this important information and keep on reading our blog!

What exactly is a UX design?

While UX is the overall experience at the end of the user, the UX design is basically the backbone to achieve the efficient result. It is the design that is used to make the UX, that is, to enable it to exist in the first place. 

It is the UX designer’s responsibility to come up with all the possible problems that could be faced by the user. The designer then addresses these problems by providing a solution to the matters and incorporating those solutions in the design. 

The overall process to UX design

  • Research

The first and foremost important step is to research thoroughly to find the problems that exist in a website. Then evidence is gathered though more extensive research to find the possible solutions. However, the most significant point is to better understand the users of the relative content or webpage. 

  • Interviews with the stakeholders

Stakeholders are the important to be considered while UX designing. One to one interview with them provide with greater insight as these are the people who have a direct interest in the project and its design. The stakeholders play an important role as the designer will further understand the user’s needs and any technical limitations that can come in between the final goals.

  • Interview with users

Some designers even conduct multiple interviews with the users directly before designing to better understand their needs and wants in a web page. 

User Experience Design and Your Website
User Experience Design and Your Website

UX Surveys

To gather data online UX surveys are also done which help in collecting vast amounts of data in shorter periods. The questions involved in the survey can be both open ended and closed ended. These surveys are effective in exploring the areas where further work is required by the designer. 

Also Read: Validating Design Assumptions With UX Testing in 2022

UX design and IA

IA (information architecture) is used to define how the content will be structured and presented while designing to ensure efficient interaction with the user. The major components of IA are site hierarchy and navigation. The structure of content is defined by site hierarchy such that IA considers what are expectations of users when they are referring to any website. 

UX and your website

The whole process of designing a UX begins from the very start of the research till the end of the UX formation. However, the process does not end here as ongoing updates are always required to see whether the system created works for the users or not. Once the site is initiated or launched, upon the basis of user’s feedback rate, the research is again done to fill any gaps and to further enhance the website.

Have any questions regarding the topic User Experience Design and Your Website feel free to comment below.

 

Categories
Marketing

Trending in E-Commerce in 2022: Getting to Grips with NFTs

Welcome to the Topic “Trending in E-Commerce: Getting to Grips with NFTs

Let’s get started with acquinting ourselves with what NFT is? The acronym NFT has been used a lot these days by different websites, and many users. It stands for Non-Fungible Token. It is basically buying a digital product. NFT is a digital asset- it can be a sort of a certificate which cannot be lost or forged. Different customers who are interested in buying NFT can purchase it from online owners and after purchase, the ownership is awarded to the buyer on a blockchain. To make it more understandable, let’s look at it through an example. Suppose you buy a copy of a famous painting- even though you made the purchase, you still have no access to the original version of the painting. But in case of NFTs you can buy and attain the ownership of a literal copy which will hold a value in terms of certification.  Moreover, to manage these NFTs, a crypto wallet on the blockchain is used. These digital accounts are used for making transactions by using cryptocurrency. 

How is it related to E-commerce?

Now the question of interest lies that what does this have to do with the e-commerce world? Well, the increasing popularity of NFTs provide the online brands with an amazing opportunity as social media is becoming more and more saturated, the paid media is likewise becoming more and more expensive. 

Also Read:- We are transforming eCommerce with live shopping in 2022

Customers who are loyal to the brands will want to connect with these brands- and that is where NFT takes place. NFTs act as a loyalty program as they enable the online shops to provide special discounts and offers to only those customers who are NFT holders. NFTs can even bring in investment to your brand by encouraging a community as by making NFTs available you are welcoming the community of NFT collectors. 

Grips with NFTs
Trending in E-Commerce: Getting to Grips with NFTs

The role of Shopify

Even though the concept of NFT seems like a relatively newer one, it seems like Shopify has always had a keen interest towards it. It is evident through the fact that Shopify was the first ever e-commerce platform that gave merchants an opportunity to sell their NFTs. Previously, cryptocurrency was the only way to purchase NFTs but recently many customers are able to make a purchase with even debit cards or credit cards. This was made possible through a purchase made by Chicago Bulls using Shopify. Moreover, Shopify even featured NFTs in their report of ‘Future of Commerce’. Shopify has now provided an opportunity to the Shopify merchants to buy NFTs by creating a sign up portal of NFT beta program where merchants can list popular NFTs using Shopify partner apps. These merchants can sell these NFTs through multiple ways including Shopify payments, credit card, debit card, Shop Pay or crypto payments. Hence this shows that Shopify is putting in efforts to take NFT towards more successful stages by making it a part of e-commerce. 

Now we can say that even though NFT, which started as a small business, has made its way to the world of E-commerce and it is not a trend that will just fade away as evident through its success. Therefore, it is never too late to get yourself familiarized with more knowledge regarding NFTs so that you can make use of it to your advantage.

Have any questions regarding the topic Trending in E-Commerce: Getting to Grips with NFTs feel free to comment below.

Categories
Development Marketing

Trending in E-commerce: Voice Search

Welcome to the Topic “Trending in E-commerce: Voice Search”

There are multiple ways in which one can interact with technology and one of which is voice search. It is relatively a new way but holds great potential. Voice search is basically the use of one’s voice to give commands such as to view whether or a product and much more. It is a convenient way as one can search fast as compared to typing. This convenience provided by the voice search feature in E-commerce has made it now one of the top features with no signs of slowing down. 

Voice search- the change

The voice search feature has brought the change in the AI world as prominent through its convenience and ease in use. It provides a shortcut for users to straightly reach to the page without going through multiple pages or delaying factors. One does not really have to depend on their typing skills or spelling skills to make a search. This does not mean that the traditional search has gone out of use. Users still use it when deemed right, however, voice search has its own perks too. As through the traditional search, the users have to construct and refine their searches depending on their needs which require considerable effort. On the other hand, via the use of voice search, the users are taken to the one website that best matches the query. 

Also Read: Trending in E-Commerce in 2022: Getting to Grips with NFTs

How are voice search and E-commerce related?

Now one gets curious about how these two factors are related, that is, voice search and E-commerce!

The stats have shown that consumers are becoming more and more dependent on voice search and about 22% of smart homeowners have in fact made a purchase using their device. It has also been further researched that by supporting voice search features the digital commerce revenue can in fact be increased by around 30%. 

Voice Search

How to optimize your site for Voice search?

Now after knowing the benefits of supporting voice search in your online business, one thinks how to make it all possible? How to optimize Ecommerce site’s SEO in a way that Voice Search can be supported?

To answer these queries, one has to focus on content. Yes, the content is the key! By providing product descriptions to different specifications, titles  and more- you can create the content which will allow the smart assistants to return to your website more and more. Be more specific, list down your product’s main functions, its core key points and generally create a well descriptive and informative space.

Moreover, update FAQs on your online store as FAQs provide excellent opportunities for the voice search feature. One can also structure their products collection, as well as filter and categorize the collection. Another approach would be to create a screenless user journey by making sure that you provide right conclusions for the users through a voice search who want to take next steps without using a screen.

Even though in the next few years, voice search will become even more popular and people will become more dependent on this feature, this does not mean that any less attention should be paid to traditional search. As it is always better to keep the right balance for all sorts of customers.

To find out more about our E-commerce related trends, get in touch or request a quote

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