Monthly Archives: October 2020

5 Critical On-Page SEO Factors That Impact Your Ranking

5 Critical On-Page SEO Factors That Impact Your Ranking written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Having high visibility in a search engine’s organic results is critical to your business’ online success. 

People use search engines to find solutions to their problems. And if your product or service isn’t visibly ranking in search as a solution to their problem, that’s a massive missed opportunity for your business.

So what can you do to improve your rankings and where do you even start? 

Start by focusing on optimizing your on-page SEO. On-page SEO is one of the most important processes you can use to achieve higher rankings organically and start showing up in front of your target audience. 

Because the search landscape is constantly changing and evolving, it’s imperative you make sure your on-page SEO knowledge is up to date. Here are five critical on-page SEO factors that every business should be thinking about.

1. Content

Focus on your H1 headings and H2 subheadings

You need to use H1 and H2 tags. These help Google understand the structure of your page. Your headline should become an H1 heading. Your sub-points should be H2 headings, and bullet points can help organize information under each subcategory. 

While this strategy for organizing content makes it easier for readers to skim and settle on the information they’re looking for, it also helps Google to better understand your content.

Use your target keywords at the beginning of your pages

An old-school on-page SEO tactic that still works today is to use your target keywords in the first 100 words of your article or page. Google puts more weight on the terms that show up early on your page—it helps Google understand what your page is about.

2. Page Speed

Slow pages are a no-go. Page speed has been cited consistently as one of the leading SEO ranking factors for years. Slow loading sites provide a bad user experience. Search engines prefer sites that are going to show users the answers to what they’re looking for as fast as possible.

You can improve your site speed by reducing your number of redirects, compressing files, implementing website caching, reducing your page size, removing third party scripts, and many other steps that can speed up load time. 

3. Mobile Friendliness

Today, we live in a mobile-first world. More people use mobile devices than desktops to browse the web. And because of that, Google has made it clear that your pages need to be mobile-friendly. 

Google has a mobile-first index. On pages where content is not easily accessible for users on mobile, it’s unlikely that you’re going rank high in search results.

Google takes into consideration what the user’s experience is when they land on your site. Your site needs to:

  • Be responsive and automatically resize to fit whatever device your visitor is using
  • Use large fonts for enhance readability on a small screen
  • Have easy navigation—that means having accessible menus is a must

If you have any doubts whether or not your site is mobile-friendly, you can use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Testing tool to see how your site stacks up. 

4. Domain names, extensions and URLs 

Your URL helps Google understand what your page is all about. And having the right kind of URL can improve your organic CTR.

URLs

Using the right kind of URL is important—every URL on your website should be short, sweet, and keyword-rich. It needs to be a URL that Google’s bots can easily reach and crawl. But the theme here is: keep things simple. Keep the URLs as short as possible, write them in plain english, avoiding number or letter sequences that might only mean something to your team, and use relevant keywords tastefully—don’t just throw in keywords just for the sake of it.

Domain names and extensions

Domain names and extensions do impact on SEO—however, the approach has changed over the years. The major factor that leads to website ranking is hosting valuable content and getting valuable backlinks from authoritative sources. But when you add a keyword-rich domain name and relevant domain extension, it’s icing on the cake.

Let’s take a look at this example. 

Say we have Website A with the domain name and extension of www.plywoodstore-london.com and Website B with the domain name and extension of www.londonply.store. Both can rank just as well as the other. However, the latter will garner more trust and will help the business get more on-topic backlinks for the keyword search of ‘London plywood store’. 

Your domain extension is an opportunity to communicate what you do—coming up with your domain name gives you the opportunity to be uniquely relevant to your business, and you can get creative while boosting your SEO ranking. 

Consider choosing a domain name based on your business type. Here are a few ideas:

  • If you’re in technology or IT, you could go with .TECH
  • If you’re in retail or eCommerce, .STORE could be a good choice
  • If you’re a journalist or publisher, try .PRESS
  • If you’re building your personal brand, then you can use .ONLINE

5. Internal and external links

The web is built on links—so links are a crucial SEO ranking signal. A well-optimized page will include both internal and external links.

Internal links

Including internal links to other pages with relevant content can help Google to better understand how all of your content is related. When you include internal links, make sure the anchor text has keywords in it. This can boost your rankings with search engines.

External links

Some people hesitate to include external links for the fear that doing so will just drive traffic away. This isn’t the case. You want to show that you’re creating quality content for your website visitors. When you link to other relevant, authoritative sites in your niche, it creates a better user experience and is good for SEO.

If you have a business with an online presence, on-page SEO has to be a focus to compete and stay relevant today in search. Thinking about SEO on each page individually instead of just collectively as a whole gives you the greatest chance at standing out in SERPs on multiple pages.

 

.store logoThis blog post is brought to you by .store.

Have you ever tried to find a domain name and been given  the message, “Sorry, that domain name is already taken!”? You are not alone! But with .store, a new domain extension for eCommerce and online stores, you will get the domain you want!

What’s more, www.yourbusinessname.store, instantly tells people your website is a “store” and lets your brand do the marketing for you! So, go ahead
and get the perfect, memorable website URL for your online store at www.get.store​.​

How to View Customers More Like Members

How to View Customers More Like Members written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Marketing Podcast with John Jantsch

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I’m talking about a new book I’m working on. This book will be out in the fall of 2021 but I’m already deep in working on it. One of the major themes in the book is about how so many small businesses have been forced to pivot or change. Many of these pivots and changes have created growth in a very difficult time.

Growth in good times comes can come from being at the right place at the right time. But growth can still come in bad times from being important in the life of your customers. This has been so evident over the last year with the challenges the world has faced. Loyal customers are raising hands and choosing to support businesses that they want to stick around. This level of loyalty from customers comes from something different than doing your traditional lead generation. That’s what we are going to talk about in today’s podcast.

If you listen you will learn:

  • How to tackle referrals in the digital space
  • How marketing is changing
  • How people become customers
  • The customer journey that is part of a marketers job to control
  • How to view customers more like members

Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please!

.store logo

This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by .store.

Have you ever tried to find a domain name and been given  the message, “Sorry, that domain name is already taken!”? You are not alone! But with .store, a new domain extension for eCommerce and online stores, you will get the domain you want!

What’s more, www.yourbusinessname.store, instantly tells people your website is a “store” and lets your brand do the marketing for you! So, go ahead
and get the perfect, memorable website URL for your online store at www.get.store​.​

Creativity is a Choice and It’s Important

Creativity is a Choice and It’s Important written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Marketing Podcast with Seth Godin

The PracticeIn this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Seth Godin, an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and speaker. In addition to launching one of the most popular blogs in the world, he has written 18, 19, maybe even 20 best-selling books, including The Dip, Linchpin, Purple Cow, Tribes, and What To Do When It’s Your Turn (And It’s Always Your Turn). His most recent book, The Practice: Shipping Creative Work, is available now.

Though renowned for his writing and speaking, Seth also founded two companies, Squidoo and Yoyodyne (acquired by Yahoo!).

By focusing on everything from effective marketing and leadership, to the spread of ideas and changing everything, Seth has been able to motivate and inspire countless people around the world.

In 2013, Seth was one of just three professionals inducted into the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame. In an astonishing turn of events, in May 2018, he was inducted into the Marketing Hall of Fame as well. He might be the only person in both.

Questions I ask Seth Godin:

  • How do we get the work done?
  • What’s creative work?
  • You’ve said reassurance is futile – what’s that mean?
  • There is no such thing as writer’s block?
  • How are skill and talent related?
  • How is good taste a skill?
  • What is perfectionism for an entrepreneur?

More about Seth Godin:

Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please!

 

Zephyr logoThis episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Zephyr.

Zephyr is a modern, cloud-based CMS that’s licensed only to agencies. The system is lightweight, easy to use, and incredibly fast. And with an array of beautiful themes to choose from, you can get your clients’ websites up-and-running quickly and with less effort. Or, if you’d rather build a custom site, Zephyr includes agency services to be your plug-and-play dev shop.

Zephyr is passionate about helping agencies create great websites for their clients. To learn more, go to Zephyrcms.com.

How to Find Inspiration in Doubt

How to Find Inspiration in Doubt written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Marketing Podcast with Kara Goldin

HintIn this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Kara Goldin, the founder, and CEO of Hint Water, a flavored water brand founded in 2005. She is also the author of Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters.

Kara Goldin is an active speaker, writer, and host of the podcast Unstoppable with Kara Goldin where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs, and other disruptors across various industries.

Questions I ask Kara Goldin:

  • Did you start Hint to solve a problem or disrupt an industry?
  • Who were your doubters?
  • How did you overcome the doubts?
  • Is there any part of your business that gives you heartache that you wish you could solve?
  • What was the risk of ultimately failing at Hint?
  • You’re breaking out to different industries – why?
  • What’s your favorite flavor?

More about Kara Goldin:

Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please!

.store logo

This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by .store.

Have you ever tried to find a domain name and been given  the message, “Sorry, that domain name is already taken!”? You are not alone! But with .store, a new domain extension for eCommerce and online stores, you will get the domain you want!

What’s more, www.yourbusinessname.store, instantly tells people your website is a “store” and lets your brand do the marketing for you! So, go ahead
and get the perfect, memorable website URL for your online store at www.get.store​.​

Does Business Investment Follow Data or Gut Feel?

Does Business Investment Follow Data or Gut Feel? written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Marketing Podcast with Reeves Wiedeman

Billion Dollar LoserIn this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Reeves Wiedeman, contributing editor at New York magazine, who has written for the New Yorker,  the New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, Harper’s, and other publications. 

Reeves Wiedeman has a new book out today, Billion Dollar Loser: The Epic Rise and Spectacular Fall of Adam Neumann and WeWork. The story of how a company valued at over $47 billion, that set records for raising funds, seemingly crumbled overnight. 

Questions I ask Reeves Wiedeman:

  • Why give away the ending?
  • What was the timeline of your interviews with Adam, CEO of WeWork?
  • What was WeWork doing differently in the coworking space?
  • When interviewing Adam did you have any hint it was all smoke and mirrors?
  • Are there two sides of this story?
  • How do you get this amount of detail?
  • Is the physical social network not attainable?
  • What surprised you in your research?

More about Reeves Wiedeman:

Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please!

 

Gusto LogoThis episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Gusto.

Look paydays are great. Running payroll, calculating taxes, deductions, compliance that’s not easy. Unless you have Gusto! Gusto is simple online payroll and benefits build just for small business. Because you are a listener of this show you get 3 months free once you run your first payroll.

To learn more, go to Gusto.com/tape

Repurposed Content Can Increase Your Traffic 300%

Repurposed Content Can Increase Your Traffic 300% written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Marketing Podcast with Shaina Weisinger

social media contentIn this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Shaina Weisinger, CEO of Repurpose House. Shaina Weisinger is an expert in social media marketing, specifically optimizing content through repurposing.

Repurpose House takes all of the content your business produces and adds the social media bells and whistles. They trim video and audio, create text motion videos of blog highlights, add headlines, captions, size them for all platforms, and more.

Questions I ask Shaina Weisinger:

  • How did Repurpose House come to be?
  • How do you create content?
  • How does Repurpose House help businesses post to multiple places?
  • What should be your basic social strategy?
  • What should your average small business (even the boring ones) be doing?
  • What works now on various platforms?
  • Where should you start? With video?
  • How do I generate leads with video or social media?
  • How does paid search play into repurposed content?

More about Jon Schram:

Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please!

.store logo

This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by .store.

Have you ever tried to find a domain name and been given  the message, “Sorry, that domain name is already taken!”? You are not alone! But with .store, a new domain extension for eCommerce and online stores, you will get the domain you want!

What’s more, www.yourbusinessname.store, instantly tells people your website is a “store” and lets your brand do the marketing for you! So, go ahead
and get the perfect, memorable website URL for your online store at www.get.store​.​

What Should You Know About IT in Small Business Today?

What Should You Know About IT in Small Business Today? written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Marketing Podcast with Jon Schram

The Purple GuysIn this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Jon Schram, founder of The Purple Guys Stress Free IT for small business. 

As President of The Purple Guys, Jon Schram is responsible for Strategic Management and the growth of the company. With over 25 years of Business and IT experience, he understands the business of business. Having built three successful startups, Jon Schram knows how to leverage technology to support growth. He believes that technology is a tool to be used strategically.

Questions I ask Jon Schram:

  • What’s a typical engagement look like in Managed IT?
  • What are some big changes in the IT world as it relates to small businesses?
  • What’s the innovative difference you’ve owned at Purple Guys?
  • What’s your opportunity with the transition to remote work?
  • Should we be using a VPN?
  • What’s been your most successful marketing element at The Purple Guys?

More about Jon Schram:

Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please!

.store logo

This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by .store.

Have you ever tried to find a domain name and been given  the message, “Sorry, that domain name is already taken!”? You are not alone! But with .store, a new domain extension for eCommerce and online stores, you will get the domain you want!

What’s more, www.yourbusinessname.store, instantly tells people your website is a “store” and lets your brand do the marketing for you! So, go ahead
and get the perfect, memorable website URL for your online store at www.get.store​.​

Why Rent Your Marketing When You Should Own It?

Why Rent Your Marketing When You Should Own It? written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Marketing Podcast with South City Print 

Certified Marketing Manager InterviewIn this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Clem Huffman, owner at South City Print and Alexa Arciero, marketing manager at South City Print. Clem Huffman started South City Print in 1988 and a lot has changed in those 32 years of running a printing business. Alexa Arciero joined the team last year straight from graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with a marketing and PR degree. South City Print was a part of the Certified Marketing Manager Program powered by Duct Tape Marketing and joined the podcast to share what they learned.

Questions I ask South City Print:

  • Has the shift to a more virtual world made the printing business harder?
  • How do you make the case for multi-touch marketing, direct mail for instance?
  • Is there some nostalgia in current marketing trends?
  • Tell us about your experience with the Certified Marketing Manager Program.
  • What attracted you to the Certified Marketing Manager Program?
  • Were you surprised by any of the content?
  • Did the program make you create changes with your current marketing?
  • What does the next 6 months look like?

More about South City Print:

Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please!

Why rent when you should own?This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by the Certified Marketing Manager Program powered by the Duct Tape Marketing Network.

Why rent your marketing when you should own it? To build and grow a business successfully you also need to build and develop a team. At Duct Tape Marketing we’ve created the Certified Marketing Manager program where we can help you develop a marketing action plan and train your team. This innovative training is ready to take your business to the next level.

Check it out at Ducttapemarketing.com/certified-marketing-manager