November 2023 EbizUniverse Newsletter Cover

 

 

Section Number one Header

If a business happens to be owned by individuals with disabilities or Indigenous communities, they can now make that known on their Business Profile. This means that Google gives you the option to self-identify yourself if you are from a community like Asian, Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, Veteran, or Woman-owned.

Google has expanded its Business Profile attributes to provide more options for businesses looking to showcase their diversity. Already, business owners have had the option to highlight their ownership through icons in their profiles. Now, Google has introduced two additional attributes – Disabled and Indigenous-owned.

Google’s Announcement:
The latest update allows businesses to easily identify as disabled-owned in their Business Profiles, making it easier for customers to find and support them through Google Maps and Search. This new identity attribute for the disability community aims to provide customers with more information about a business and gives merchants the option to self-identify as part of this community.

It’s worth noting that this addition complements Google’s existing attributes, such as Asian-owned, Black-owned, Latino-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, veteran-owned, and Women-owned.

Indigenous-Owned Attribute:
While the announcement did not explicitly mention Indigenous-owned businesses, this option is available within the Business Profile’s attributes section for businesses to select.

Our Perspective:
It’s important to consider that Google, as a publicly-owned company, often introduces features that align with its profit-driven goals. In this instance, Google is presenting a feature that may appear altruistic but could also serve as a data collection opportunity under the guise of minority empowerment.

Adding a minority-based attribute to your Business Profile may have positive effects on your business, but it’s essential to be aware that it can also draw attention in today’s complex world. Google understands this dynamic, but its primary focus remains on its profit model, which relies heavily on targeted marketing.

Final Takeaway:
Before you decide to include any minority-based attribute in your Business Profile, we recommend conducting thorough research to make an informed decision. The safety and success of your business may depend on your understanding of the implications associated with such attributes.

 

Analyze your site?

 

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Migrating your website to a new platform can feel like navigating through a minefield, especially when it comes to preserving your hard-earned SEO. It’s a delicate process, with significant risks. But fear not – with a bit of foresight, you can sail through smoothly!

Start with a solid migration plan. It’s your blueprint for success. Engage SEO experts early on to collaborate with your product and engineering squads. Together, they’ll help chart out the technical details and content strategy, providing a guiding light for pre and post-migration quality checks.

Remember, your site’s information architecture is the backbone of your SEO. While a migration might seem like the perfect time for a complete overhaul, proceed with caution. Gradual changes are better than sudden shifts that can disrupt user experience and search engine rankings.

Content pruning is a common step during this process, but it’s not the time for rash decisions. Each piece of content is a potential SEO asset. Instead of a hasty purge, opt for a thoughtful review to identify what should stay, be updated, or be merged.

Next up, 301 redirects – these are crucial. They’re the signposts that tell search engines where your content has moved. Mishandle these, and you’re looking at losing traffic. Invest the time to map out your redirects carefully.

Don’t let on-page SEO fall by the wayside during a redesign. Work closely with your UX and engineering teams to ensure that SEO basics like titles, headings, and meta descriptions remain intact and effective.

Mobile optimization is not just a buzzword; it’s a priority. With Google’s mobile-first indexing, ensuring that your mobile site is on par with your desktop site is non-negotiable.

Page load times can make or break your user experience. A new platform may not always be faster, so prioritize performance from the outset.

Be vigilant about crawlability, indexing, and setting up your analytics correctly. These elements help you understand your site’s performance and flag any issues early on.

Keep your XML sitemaps clean and current. They guide search engines through your site and can accelerate the indexing of your new URLs.

And finally, post-migration monitoring is critical. Keep a close watch on your SEO metrics to spot and resolve any issues promptly.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your website retains its SEO strength during the transition to a new platform, setting the stage for continued online success.

 

See How You Can Improve Your SEO! 

 

Section three header

 

Google is known to always make efforts to simplify things for its users. The result of one such effort was seen last month, when the search engine giant rolled out new structured data markup – Vehicle Structured Data – for car dealerships.

How Does This New Markup Help?

This new update has been introduced to help dealerships that until now have not signed up for vehicle listings or prefer a simpler setup.

As per Google,

“Vehicle listings on Google allows car dealerships to show their for-sale inventory on Google Search and other Google surfaces. It is currently available in the US and US territories.”

It is built to provide car dealerships with an easier alternative to feed in vehicle inventory data and some basic information about the cars for sale. For more information, check out the official document released by Google.

Why Is This Important?

This particular step taken by Google indicates that now car dealerships of all sizes can create vehicle listings using the vehicle listing markup. However, for car dealerships that are comfortable creating and maintaining feed files the usual way, the existing feed method is still a good option.

Furthermore, Google is taking efforts to simplify monitoring and fixing the required structured data using the Search Console reports and tools. Go through their announcement to find detailed guidance on Rich Result Reports in Search Console and how your structured data can be tested using the Rich Results Test.

Do You Have Questions About Your Google Business? Ask Us!

 

section four header

Local SEO has become increasingly vital for businesses aiming to thrive in their respective communities. A crucial aspect of local SEO is managing and optimizing local listings to ensure maximum visibility and engagement.

 

Here’s a comprehensive guide to optimizing local listings for SEO success:

  • Claim Your Google My Business (GMB) Listing: The cornerstone of local SEO is claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing. Ensure that all business information, including name, address, phone number, and business hours, is accurate and up-to-date. Complete all relevant sections of your GMB profile, such as categories, services, and a compelling business description.

 

  • Consistent NAP Information: Consistency is key in local SEO. Ensure that your business’s Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) information is consistent across all online platforms. This consistency builds trust with search engines and enhances your local search visibility.

 

  • Optimize for Local Keywords: Research and incorporate relevant local keywords into your business description and other content. It helps search engines understand your business’s relevance to local searches. Include location-specific terms naturally within your website content and local listings.

 

  • Encourage Customer Reviews: Positive reviews build credibility and also impact local search rankings. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google My Business profile and other relevant review platforms. Whether positive or negative, respond promptly to reviews, showcasing your commitment to customer satisfaction.

 

  • Add High-Quality Photos: Visual content plays a significant role in local SEO. Include high-quality images of your business, products, and services. Visual appeal attracts potential customers and can lead to higher engagement with your listings.

 

  • Local Link Building: Foster relationships with local businesses and organizations to build quality backlinks. These local connections signal the search engines that your business is an integral part of the community, positively influencing your local search rankings.

 

  • Monitor and Update Regularly: Keep your local listings current by updating information regularly. It includes changes in business hours, location, services, or contact details. Regular monitoring ensures that your business maintains a strong online presence.

 

Are you getting the best return out of your digital marketing?
Need an extra pair of eyes to review your online game plan? Let our experts take a look at your current state and do a comprehensive digital marketing analysis at no cost to you. Please call us at (800) 379-2829 or contact us today and we will get to work right away.

Main image cover for insider marketing secrets for July 2023

its time to say hello to ga4 as google puts an end to ga3

With the end of GA3, the last day for collecting new data in Google Analytics Universal Analytics (aka, GA3) has passed, and this didn’t go down well with lots of publishers.
According to a poll, which asked publishers whether they are ready for the switch or not, the response says that many publishers weren’t yet prepared.

Google’s John Mueller published a poll asking, ‘Ready for GA4?’

Which shows:

chart of graphs asking them to bring it one. Not yet is the most possible anser

 

 

 

 

 

 

The poll results tell a high 39% of respondents are “Not yet” ready, with only about 27% confidently reporting that they are.

Have a look at another poll result by Google Analytics expert Krista Seiden asking, ‘Are you ready for the switch to GA4? (Please only answer if you are using Universal Analytics and considering what’s next.)’

a chart asking if ga4 is set up

 

 

 

 

 

 

These poll results show that 41% say they are ready, while 59% are in some phase of not ready or else planning to leave Google Analytics altogether.

A few days before the end of GA3, MARTECH reported that a majority of sites (28M compared to 11M) were still using UA.

 

Analyze your site?

 

beware: hiding address in gbp can impact you local ranking!

Those who are familiar with the Google Business Profile (GBP) guidelines would know that the search engine giant has some special suggestions for Service Area Businesses (SAB). Google recommends that since these businesses do not serve customers at their business address, they hide the address under the “Info” tab in Business Profile Manager.

The Idea Does Seem Plausible
Hiding the address or even leaving the Business Location field blank makes sense for small businesses like plumbers, electricians, gardeners, etc. where they are required to visit the job site rather than have their customers show up at their business address. And going by Google’s guidelines, it looks like they completely understand this.

But All Is Not As It Seems!
A study that was recently conducted by a local search expert revealed that following Google’s guidelines can cause one’s ranking in the search engine result pages to take a serious hit. In fact, the drop in the rankings caused by hiding the address in the SAB listing also results in reduced number of calls for services.

Here’s a look at what happens when the Business Location field is left blank in an SAB listing:

chart showing address showing, address removed, and address showing again

 

In the images above, green tags indicate ranking 1-3, the yellow tags indicate ranking 4-7 and the red ones indicate rankings at position 8 or lower. While the image to the left shows the ranking before removing the address, the middle one shows the effect of removing the address on the ranking, while the last one shows the recovery of rankings on adding an address.

Final Takeaway
Although the above mentioned study may be too small to actually count as one, it is better to be aware of what hiding the address can do to your local search rankings.

 

See How You Can Improve Your SEO! 

header 3 head up! Google's shaking things up with breadcrumbs

Did you catch the latest from Google? In June, they tweaked the Search Console’s rich results report for breadcrumbs. Now, if you’re using the HTML ‘id’ attribute to assign an ID to Breadcrumb structured data, you might see a few more warnings popping up in your Breadcrumb report. The change was reported on the SC data anomalies page.
You’re

2023 breadcrumb.

You’re probably already familiar with breadcrumb trails—those handy little guides that show users where they are on a website or web application. They leave a trail of crumbs (or, in this case, links) that users can follow back to previous pages or levels of the site hierarchy.

But breadcrumbs aren’t just about helping users find their way around. They’re also about keeping users engaged. By making navigation easier, breadcrumbs can help reduce bounce rates. After all, if users can easily find what they’re looking for on your site, they’re less likely to leave and more likely to stick around.

Also, let’s not forget about efficiency. Breadcrumbs provide a quick way for users to see the overarching category or section of the page they’re on, without having to hit the ‘Back’ button or dig around in other navigational features. This isn’t just good for user experience; it’s also a big win for SEO, helping search engines understand the structure and hierarchy of your website.

So, what does this all mean for you? Well, it’s a good idea to check your Breadcrumb report in the Google Search Console and make sure your website is playing by the new rules. We don’t want those warnings to catch you off guard.

As we continue to ride the wave of SEO and user experience design, let’s use these updates as a chance to make our websites even better.

 

Do You Have Questions About Your Google Business? Ask Us!

 

Are you getting the best return out of your digital marketing?
Need an extra pair of eyes to review your online game plan? Let our experts take a look at your current state and do a comprehensive digital marketing analysis at no cost to you. Please call us at (800) 379-2829 or contact us today and we will get to work right away.

The benefits of AI for marketing require balance.

Welcome to the brave new world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), where technology meets human intelligence, reshaping our everyday lives. AI is integral to our digital landscape, from powering voice assistants to predicting online purchases.

However, is AI the perfect tool we perceive it to be? The answer isn’t black and white. Yes, AI offers incredible potential and benefits, but like all tools, it has limitations.

We invite you to join us on a journey into the heart of AI. We aim to reveal both its shiny promise and inherent constraints. Understanding these aspects will empower us to harness AI’s potential while navigating its challenges.

Understanding AI

Artificial Intelligence, once a science fiction concept, is now an integral part of our world. Its journey from the mid-20th century theory to a critical player in today’s digital landscape is remarkable.

AI has evolved over the decades from basic machine learning models to sophisticated algorithms that power everything from search engines to self-driving cars. It’s hard to find an industry untouched by AI’s transformative touch.

But how does AI work? At its core, it learns from data inputs to make predictions or decisions. Moreover, this isn’t based on explicit programming, but on recognizing patterns and deriving meaning from them. Equally important, this adaptability makes AI powerful, versatile, complex, and challenging to manage.

Nonetheless, understanding AI is about appreciating its potential, acknowledging its limitations, and foreseeing its profound impact on our future.

A human finger and robot finger touching on a baby blue background.

Balance the benefits of AI and marketing!

The Benefits of AI for Marketing

AI is a transformative tool in the marketing world, bringing an array of benefits that are reshaping various aspects of marketing. Here’s a deeper look into how AI is revolutionizing different marketing areas:

  • Efficiency and Automation: In content marketing, AI can automate tasks like report generation, content performance analysis, and topic suggestions based on trending keywords. This automation allows marketers to focus more on crafting compelling content and strategic planning.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: AI provides invaluable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and campaign performance, all crucial for making informed marketing decisions. In SEO, AI can identify patterns and trends in data search, helping optimize content for better search engine ranking.
  • Personalized Experiences: AI enables marketers to create highly customized experiences. In email marketing, AI can segment audiences based on their interaction with previous emails, allowing for targeted campaigns. Similarly, AI can analyze user behavior data in website design to create a personalized user experience, improving engagement and conversion rates.
  • Predictive Analysis: AI can predict future market trends and consumer needs by analyzing past trends and consumer behavior. This allows marketers to stay ahead of the curve and adapt their strategies proactively.
  • Video Marketing Enhancements: AI can transcribe and translate videos, making them accessible to a broader audience. It can also analyze video performance, providing insights into viewer engagement and preferences, which can inform future video content creation.
  • Social Media Optimization: AI can analyze social media trends and audience behavior, helping brands create content that resonates with their followers. It can also automate post-scheduling based on when engagement is highest, boosting visibility and interaction.

 

Join eBizUniverse for smarter marketing!

 

The Limitations of AI

While AI has dramatically impacted the marketing sector, it comes with its own set of limitations. Here are some examples:

 

  1. Lack of Human Touch: While AI can automate customer interactions through chatbots, it can sometimes lead to impersonal or generic responses. For instance, a customer with a unique product issue might find a chatbot response inadequate and impersonal, leading to dissatisfaction.
  2. Over-reliance on Quantitative Data: AI excels in processing large quantities of data and making predictions based on it. However, this can lead to overemphasizing quantitative metrics at the expense of qualitative insights. A company that solely relies on AI for its marketing decisions might miss out on the nuances of human behavior and emotion that qualitative research can provide.
  3. Limited Creativity: AI can generate content based on data and algorithms but cannot think creatively or outside the box. For example, an AI tool might create social media posts based on trending topics and keywords, but it might struggle to craft a unique, engaging narrative that a human marketer could.
  4. Data Privacy Concerns: AI’s ability to track consumer behavior and personalize marketing efforts can raise privacy concerns. In one case, a significant retailer used AI to predict purchasing behaviors and sent targeted promotions, which led to backlash from customers who felt their privacy was invaded.
  5. High Implementation Costs: While AI can streamline processes and provide valuable insights, implementing AI solutions can be expensive. Small businesses or startups might find the cost prohibitive and struggle to see an immediate return on investment.
  6. Inaccessible Advanced Resources: Some AI applications require sophisticated and expensive processing resources, which may not be accessible or affordable for all companies. This limitation can prevent businesses from fully leveraging AI’s potential in marketing strategies.
  7. Garbage In, Garbage Out: AI systems are only as good as the data they’re fed. The output will also be flawed if the input data is inaccurate, misleading, or biased. For instance, if a marketing AI tool is given incorrect customer behavior data, it might suggest ineffective marketing strategies or make inaccurate predictions about future consumer behavior. This underscores the importance of ensuring high-quality, accurate data when using AI in marketing.

Striking the Right Balance with AI in Marketing

A robot holding a scale representing balancing the benefits of AI in marketing.

What does balance the benefits of AI mean?

Leveraging the power of AI in marketing requires a careful balancing act. It’s about harnessing its strengths and navigating its limitations. This involves understanding and mitigating potential risks, incorporating ethical considerations such as privacy and bias, and acknowledging the irreplaceable role of human oversight.

Understanding the Limitations

AI’s effectiveness relies heavily on the quality of its fed data. Incorrect or misleading data can lead to flawed outputs. An AI tool may suggest ineffective marketing strategies or false predictions about future consumer trends when given inaccurate customer behavior data. As mentioned above, this is often called the “Garbage In, Garbage Out” phenomenon. It underscores the importance of ensuring high-quality, accurate data when using AI in marketing.

The Learning Curve

Also, implementing AI in marketing operations isn’t just about purchasing software. It requires a learning curve to understand how to use the tool effectively. Marketers must learn the right prompts and commands to yield the best results. For example, AI-powered content curation tools require specific prompts to generate relevant content. The results may not meet expectations if the prompts are vague or incorrect.

Considering Ethical Aspects

AI’s ability to track consumer behavior and personalize marketing efforts can raise data privacy concerns. But, marketers must carefully respect consumer privacy and adhere to data protection laws. Transparency about data usage and taking consent from consumers can help mitigate these ethical issues.

Human Oversight is Essential

While AI is powerful, it lacks the human touch. Marketers should use AI to enhance their strategies, not replace their judgment and creativity.

Assessing Potential Risks

However, over-reliance on AI can lead to ignoring qualitative aspects of marketing, such as building genuine relationships with customers or understanding their unique needs on a deeper level. Assessing these risks and ensuring a balanced approach to adopting AI in marketing is essential.

Final Thoughts

While AI offers many benefits, like efficiency, better decision-making, and personalization, it also comes with significant limitations, including a lack of emotional understanding, dependence on data, and high costs. However, with careful risk assessment, ethical considerations, and human oversight, businesses can leverage AI’s benefits while mitigating its limitations.

 

Intrigued by the potential of AI in marketing? Questions or concerns? eBizUniverse is here to help you navigate your AI journey confidently and effortlessly!

 

Reach out to us at 1-800-379-2829!

 

news letter cover ewith 3 title.

 

 

gooleempowes small businesses with product studio and merchant center next!

Google has made an impressive stride in supporting small businesses. Last month, at GML2023, Google showcased a revamped version of its Merchant Center, aptly named Merchant Center Next, along with an innovative AI feature called Product Studio. This duo is aimed at simplifying and empowering business processes, particularly for small businesses.

 

What Is Product Studio?

In the contemporary market, product visibility is paramount. Engaging and unique visuals are essential for businesses to stand out. However, creating such content often requires significant time and resources. Product Studio addresses this issue by employing generative AI to help businesses create eyecatching product images.

 

Product Studio can remove backgrounds, generate scenes, and improve the quality of low-resolution images. This tool is intended to create product imagery using generative AI. You can highlight your products in unique and captivating ways, without the need for costly and time-consuming photoshoots.

 

How Product Studio Can Help?

1. Add custom product scenes: With Product Studio, you can now incorporate custom product scenes into your marketing efforts with ease.

 

IMAGE OF LOTION IN THE PRUDUCT GOOGLE PRODUCT STUIO

 

2. Remove a distracting product background: Whether you desire a clean and professional look with a plain white background or need to remove a complex background, Product Studio provides a simple solution.

remove the background from distracting elements

3. Quickly increase resolution: With just a few clicks, you can quickly increase the resolution of your images, resulting in improved clarity and sharpness.

closer look of the google product program highlighing how to use AI to increase clarity

What Is Merchant Center Next?

Merchant Center Next is Google’s enhanced platform designed to facilitate the listing of products across Google’s various services. This includes making Product Studio features readily available to merchants who utilize the Google & YouTube app on Shopify.

google merchant center next performance chart

Key Highlights:

1. Streamlined Product Feed: Merchant Center Next simplifies the setup of a product feed. Instead of manual entry, Google will automatically populate your product feed with information from your website.

2. Consolidated Insights: Access comprehensive insights regarding your performance in a single tab. Review best-selling products, see which businesses are shown alongside yours, and understand how shoppers engage with your business.

3. Integrated Inventory Management: Manage online and in-store product inventory efficiently through a unified view

 

Google has already commenced the rollout of Merchant Center Next for new users. It plans to upgrade small businesses progressively, with the goal of completing the global rollout by 2024.

 

In A Nutshell:

This introduction of AI-powered tools by Google is a testament to the evolving landscape of ecommerce and the continuous efforts to provide small businesses with effective resources. With such tools at their disposal, small businesses are better equipped to optimize their online presence and drive growth.

Stay ahead of the curve with these new offerings from Google!

 

Analyze your site?

 

 

number 2 Microsoft makes bing a default search engine for chat gpt

 

In the latest announcement, Microsoft said that Bing Search is now the default search engine for OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Open AI screen that is set to input information into it.

In this announcement, Yusuf Mehdi, VP at Microsoft, stated, “ChatGPT will now have a world-class search engine built-in to provide timelier and more up-to-date answers with access from the web. Now, ChatGPT answers can be grounded by search and web data and include citations so you can learn more—all directly from within a chat. The new experience is rolling out to ChatGPT Plus subscribers starting today and will be available to free users soon by simply enabling a plugin that brings Bing to ChatGPT

 

Further, he added, “As we talked about today at Build, Microsoft, and OpenAI are jointly committing to support and grow the AI plugins ecosystem by embracing interoperability. This means developers can now use one platform to build and submit plugins that work across both consumer and business surfaces, including ChatGPT, Bing, Dynamics 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Windows Copilot.”

 

To read the rest of the announcement and to learn more about how Microsoft is accelerating the Bing ecosystem and supercharging with plugins, and integrating Bing across Microsoft’s copilots, click here.

 

Considering the approaching update, here are some suggested approaches:

  • Generate High-Quality, Relevant Content – Create high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your target audience, as this remains a crucial factor in improving search rankings.
  • Boost Rankings with Long-Tail Keywords – Utilize long-tail keywords, which are less competitive and more specific, increasing the chances of ranking for targeted searches.
  • Write Clearly for Google’s Generative AI – Ensure your content is well-written and easily comprehensible to accommodate Google’s new generative AI capabilities.
  • Enhance Engagement with Multimedia Content – Incorporate multimedia content, such as images, videos, and infographics, as Google’s generative AI can process and understand such media, making your content more engaging and informative.
  • Keep Up with SEO Trends – Stay updated with the latest SEO trends, as Google frequently updates its algorithm. Remaining informed about emerging trends will help you adapt and optimize your strategies effectively.

 

By implementing these approaches and closely monitoring the developments, we can navigate the impact of Google’s search upgrades and continue to optimize our SEO efforts.

 

 

See How You Can Improve Your SEO! 

 

 

window copilot takes off: meet your efficient taskbar buddy

 

Microsoft made strides with AI innovations at their Build event last month – an event that might as well be dubbed Tech Paradise of the Year. It graciously lifted the curtain to showcase how AI is set to be a game changer in everything they offer.

 

Introducing Windows Copilot: Your AI-Enhanced Personal Assistant on Windows 11!

Windows 11, the latest and finest from Microsoft, comes packed with a useful feature called Windows Copilot. Imagine having an assistant that’s just one click away, ready to streamline your work! It’s conveniently placed on the taskbar, making it easier than ever to access and enhance your productivity.

 

Here’s the official word from Microsoft:

“We are introducing Windows Copilot, making Windows 11 the first PC platform to announce centralized AI assistance to help people easily take action and get things done.”

 

But that’s not all! There are also Bing Chat plugins, new Hybrid AI loops, Dev Home, and an array of other such AI-based features on the Microsoft Store. Quite the innovation-packed bundle, wouldn’t you agree?

 

Watch this video for a swift tour of these integrations. But be warned, it might make you strongly consider hopping onto the Windows 11 bandwagon!

 

Microsoft vs. Google: A Tech Colossus Face-Off!

Now, let’s put this in perspective. Google is known as the master of internet search. However, when it comes to integrating AI into an operating system, Microsoft has the home-field advantage. Their stronghold in the enterprise realm is nothing short of impressive. This integration might very well be the starter’s whistle for a riveting competition between Microsoft and Google.

 

And where does Google stand? They appear to be strategizing in the background while Microsoft takes the limelight. Relying solely on advertising might not be the winning ticket in this contest. As the saying goes, the best defense is a good offense!

 

Something To Ponder: On a PC, you’ll be using Microsoft or Apple’s operating system. But Google? It’s not a must-have. A noteworthy point to consider.

 

Stay Tuned: We’re on the cusp of a major shift, one that could redefine the technological landscape. Keep your eyes peeled and your senses alert – this is a development you’ll want to track closely!

 

For a comprehensive overview of the highlights from Microsoft’s Build event, visit this link.

 

Do You Have Questions About Your Google Business? Ask Us!

 

Are you getting the best return out of your digital marketing?
Need an extra pair of eyes to review your online game plan? Let our experts take a look at your current state and do a comprehensive digital marketing analysis at no cost to you. Please call us at (800) 379-2829 or contact us today and we will get to work right away.

In the rapidly evolving world of digital marketing, eBizUniverse recognizes the significant impact of first impressions. With Siteefy reporting about 1.13 billion websites on the Internet, roughly 200 million of them actively in operation, standing out is challenging. The initial moments can either secure a visitor to your site or let them loose into the vast sea of alternatives. The ‘above the fold’ (ATF) content is a crucial factor that can tilt this balance to your advantage. It serves as your digital handshake, setting the stage for all interactions.

What is Above-the-Fold Content?

Banner with "What Exactly is Above the Fold Content?

 

As we navigate the world of digital marketing and web design, it’s crucial to understand key terms that shape how we approach our online presence. One such term is ‘above the fold’ content, a concept that plays a vital role in user engagement and website performance. But before we delve into its significance in the digital space, let’s take a step back and explore where this term originally comes from.

Origins in Print Journalism

If you’re new to digital marketing or web design, you might ask yourself, “What exactly is ‘above the fold’ content?” The term ‘above the fold’ may sound like jargon, but its roots are far from the Internet world. It originates from the traditional newspaper industry.

Above the fold content is from the early days of print news.

During the heyday of print journalism, newspapers were often displayed folded up on newsstands, with only the top half of the front page visible to passersby. Editors quickly realized they had to capture potential readers’ attention immediately, so they placed the most captivating news stories and eye-catching headlines ‘above the fold.’ This ensured that the first thing a potential reader saw was something that piqued their interest enough to pick up the newspaper and read more.

Adapting the Concept to the Digital Age

Fast forward to the digital age, and the concept of ‘above the fold’ has been adapted to web design and digital marketing. In this context, ‘above the fold’ refers to the content visitors see on your website before scrolling down. This could be on any landing page, product page, blog post, or homepage. Just like with newspapers, the goal of the ATF content is to capture the visitor’s attention immediately.

The Importance of ATF Content in Digital Marketing

Above-the-fold (ATF) content — the content that is immediately visible on a webpage without scrolling — holds immense significance. It’s your golden opportunity to attract and retain your visitor’s attention and make a strong, lasting first impression.

 

In this rapidly evolving digital era where user attention spans are dwindling, having engaging and relevant ATF content can make or break a visitor’s decision to stay on your site or click away. Any digital marketer or web designer must understand and effectively leverage ‘above the fold’ content.

 

The importance of ATF content lies in its ability to:

 

  • Captivate your audience
  • Convey key messages immediately
  • Encourage exploration of the rest of your website

 

Research conducted by Nielsen Norman Group reveals the depth of this importance. Their studies found that users dedicate about 57% of their viewing time to the content above the fold. This means that visitors focus over half their time on the initial content they see upon landing on your site. This placement presents a priceless opportunity to engage your audience and guide them deeper into your website.

Examples of Effective Above the Fold Content

  • Apple masterfully uses above-the-fold content to showcase its latest product with a high-resolution image, compelling tagline, and clear CTA, communicating its offering instantly.
  • Netflix employs above-the-fold content effectively with striking visuals from their latest TV shows and movies, a persuasive tagline, and a bold ‘Get Started’ CTA, quickly expressing its value proposition.
  • Airbnb excellently utilizes above-the-fold content by displaying captivating images of unique accommodations and an easily accessible search bar, enticing visitors to start their journey.

How to Optimize Your Above the Fold Content

Do you know how to optimize your above the fold content?

Optimizing your above the fold content is a delicate balancing act between aesthetics and functionality. It involves not just what content you present but also how quickly it loads, looks on different devices, and how accessible it is for all users. Here are some key points to consider when optimizing above the fold content:

Engaging Visuals

High-quality images, videos, or animations can instantly grab visitors’ attention. However, remember that these visuals should be relevant to your content and resonate with your target audience.

Clear Value Proposition

Your above the fold content should clearly communicate what you offer and why it matters to the visitor. This could be a compelling headline or a concise summary of your services or products.

Simplicity and Clarity

While providing enough information to engage the visitor is essential, avoid overcrowding the space with too much text or elements. A clear headline, a succinct description of your services or products, and a solid Call to Action (CTA) can effectively convey your message without overwhelming the visitor.

Mobile Optimization

In our mobile-first world, your content must look great and function well on all devices. This means ensuring your images, text, and other elements scale well on different screen sizes. Remember, a significant portion of your traffic will likely come from mobile users, so neglecting this aspect can considerably impact user engagement.

Load Time

The speed at which your above the fold content loads is critical. Slow-loading content can frustrate users and lead them to leave your website. Optimize your images and other media to ensure they load quickly, even on slower internet connections.

Utilization of Empty Space

Empty space, or white space, isn’t wasted space. When used strategically, it can help highlight your key content and make your site more readable and visually appealing. It provides breathing room for your visitors’ eyes and helps guide them through your content.

Accessibility Guidelines

Finally, in your quest to create engaging above, fold content, don’t forget about accessibility. Ensure your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This could involve using larger fonts, providing alt text for images, and ensuring your site is navigable using a keyboard.

 

Optimize Your Above-the-Fold with eBizUniverse Today!

The Power of Split Testing

Perfecting your above the fold content isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s a continual improvement process, and split testing (or A/B testing) is a powerful tool. This involves creating two versions of a webpage with different above-the-fold content, then showing each version to a portion of your visitors to see which performs better. Analyzing the results allows you to make data-driven decisions on optimizing your above-the-fold content for maximum impact.

The Role of Above the Fold Content in Your Overall Marketing Strategy

Above-the-fold content doesn’t just influence first impressions—it’s a pivotal part of your overall marketing strategy. It impacts SEO as search engines like Google consider user behavior when ranking websites. Engaging above-the-fold content can increase dwell time, lower bounce rates, and improve search engine rankings. It also boosts conversion rates by quickly engaging visitors and prompting them to take action.

The Benefits of an SEO Audit

An SEO audit is a vital tool in the digital marketer’s arsenal, comprehensively analyzing a website’s performance in search engine rankings. This process is not just about identifying how your content performs—it’s about understanding the overall health of your website and improving its effectiveness.

"SEO" on a purple background

Choosing a trusted digital solutions provider like eBizUniverse for conducting an SEO audit offers numerous advantages:

 

  • Uncovering Weak Points: An SEO audit can help you discover areas of your website that need improvement for better visibility and engagement, including the all-important first impression content.
  • Competitive Insights: The audit process often includes comparing your website to others in your industry. This gives you a clear picture of where you stand and what elements you could improve or innovate.
  • Enhancing User Experience: Optimizing your website based on SEO audit results can significantly improve the user experience, leading to higher visitor retention and conversion rates.
  • Refining Your Strategy: The valuable insights from an SEO audit allow you to refine your digital marketing strategy. It provides actionable data about your content’s performance and the changes needed to boost it.

 

An SEO audit brings everything together, providing a holistic view of your website’s performance. It’s not just about refining your initial impression content but ensuring that every aspect of your site is optimized for success. By partnering with eBizUniverse, you can achieve seamless and effective audits that drive better results and a stronger online presence.

Final Thoughts

The above-the-fold content is much more than just the first thing visitors see—it sets the tone for their entire visit, impacts your SEO, and significantly influences conversion rates. It’s your digital shop window—a missed opportunity if ignored.

 

Ready to make the most of your above the fold content? Let us at eBizUniverse help! We specialize in crafting compelling digital experiences that drive results. 

 

Contact us today at 1-800-379-2829, and let’s create a powerful first impression together!

 

Cover Page for newsletter insider secrets.

Pages Two of the newsletter with subject 1 asking who how and why is changing you content game.

See How You Can Improve Your SEO! 

Page 3 continuing the debate analysis of human vs AI content creation.

Do You Have Questions About Your Google Business? Ask Us!

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See How You Can Improve Your SEO! 

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Analyze your site?

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Are you getting the best return out of your digital marketing?
Need an extra pair of eyes to review your online game plan? Let our experts take a look at your current state and do a comprehensive digital marketing analysis at no cost to you. Please call us at (800) 379-2829 or contact us today and we will get to work right away.

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Thanks to a study that was earlier published by Sterlingsky, we learned that if a local listing manages to garner 10 reviews or more, they get a ranking boost in the Local Search Results by Google. The study also shed light on the fact that the recency and length of the reviews play an important role.

 

Last month, we saw the results of another study being published! This new study suggests that reviews with more than one upvote tend to stay in the top ten for around 100 more days as compared to those with one or no upvote.

Take a look at the chart below that clearly indicates the more upvotes a review gets, the longer it stays in the top ten.

Considering the fact that a previous study conducted in 2021 reported that the upvotes play no role in moving a review up in position, the findings of the latest study have surprised many.

Why This Is Important?

Having useful reviews appear in the top ten is bound to be more beneficial not only for your business but also for your customers. Hence, it is recommended that while asking your customers to leave a review, you also ask them to upvote the helpful reviews they find on your listing.

Are you interested in repairing your online reputation to increase your review quantity? Contact us to see how eBizUnvierse can improve your online reputation.

According to Google, links may become less important in the future. But a recent survey contradicts Google’s prediction. The survey says that links continue to be a critical ranking factor.

The survey anonymously asked 755 professional link builders about how they build links, what works best / worst for them, and what it really takes to make link building work for their business.

Here’s a summary of the most interesting findings and key statistics:

  • 3% of link builders pay for links. We knew this number would be high, but didn’t expect it to be this high.
  • We broke down the specific amount being paid and found that the average cost of a paid link is $83.
  • However, when comparing those who pay for links VS those who don’t, we found that paying for links yields only an extra 2 links per month.
  • In-house SEOs pay 75% more for links than niche site owners. Nobody seems to have a problem spending other people’s money.
  • Looking at all links, when salaries are factored in, we found that experienced link builders can build links 41% cheaper.
  • It takes an average of 3.1 months to see the impact of a link on the search ranking, with very few saying it takes longer than 6 months or less than 1 month.
  • Guest posting is, by far, the most popular link-building tactic. It is somewhat contradictory to the point that the same people said creating content or linkable assets is the most effective link-building tactic.
  • Google has told us that nofollow is a hint, not a rule. Our participants agreed, as 89.1% of link builders say nofollow links have an impact on rankings.
  • Looking for a way to boost your results? Are you using social media for outreach? Link builders using social media build 22% more links than those who don’t.

This survey was published in November 2022, just before Google’s Link Spam Update. This update specifically targeted purchased links, showing that Google still considers links to be an important part of its ranking algorithm.

However, there is a possibility that Google is overestimating its ability to detect purchased links. Only time will tell if buying links is still a viable ranking strategy. So, for now, be careful and stay tuned for updates.

Are you having trouble keeping up with all the Google SEO updates recently? Contact us and see how we can help you maintain your high ranking without sacrificing your time.

There is a question that is being discussed all over the world now: Can ChatGPT answer all of our questions in the way we want? And if it can, will it revolutionize how we search for and ask for things on search engines? Well, you may wonder, discuss, or throw your opinions straightaway, but Microsoft is bringing ChatGPT’s AI question-and-answer service to its Bing Search, opening a whole new world of possibilities for us to interact with AI in everyday life.

This chatbot, launched by OpenAI, has become incredibly popular across the globe. Everyone, not just professionals, is using it for their projects, research, homework, writing essays, and getting answers to their queries. Some people loved it so much that they called it the “Google killer!” So, is it a code-red for Google, or are we going too far? Let’s find out.

Launched in November 2022, ChatGPT is based on OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 family of large language models and has been refined through supervised, reinforcement learning techniques. It can teach itself how to answer questions by using content drawn from the web that dates up to 2021. However, it has difficulty keeping up with recent and popular topics!

Keeping all that in mind, Microsoft is planning to launch a version of its Bing search engine that uses the artificial intelligence behind ChatGPT to answer search queries instead of simply providing a list of links. This feature will depict a human-like interaction, which Microsoft thinks will help it outflank Google.

So is it really a “Call the ambulance!” moment for Google? Well, experts in the industry are saying no. Google already has advanced AI and machine learning that can do the same as ChatGPT or even better. And to add to this, it has ways to detect AI-generated plagiarism and scraped content. In conclusion, it’s a “Call the ambulance, but not for me!” from Google’s side.

Are you getting the best return out of your digital marketing?

Need an extra pair of eyes to review your online game plan? Let our experts take a look at your current state and do a comprehensive digital marketing analysis at no cost to you. Please call us at (800) 379-2829 or contact us today and we will get to work right away.

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Last month it was reported that a new bug caused businesses to lose all of their reviews after their Google listings were auto-updated. Mike Blumenthal has issued a detailed report.

According to the Blumenthal report:

What is the New GBP bug?

A lot of businesses are saying they lost all of their reviews after their listings were auto-updated.

Here are some representative posts on the Google Business Profile Help:

  • Change in Profile and lost reviews : Suddenly I woke up to see that the details about my

profile were changed and all the reviews were deleted. I am confused about how to approach this situation. Do guide me..

  • All Reviews Gone : On Friday (11/4) I got an email from Google that my business profile was updated. Much of the information changed was changed to incorrect information or just removed entirely. I went to review and undo many of the changes. Today I noticed that all my reviews are now gone. I had 18+ reviews on my profile and I need to get them restored but I don’t know how to go about getting them restored.

  • My genuine reviews have all been removed, 95 of them : 95 reviews have all been removed, even 5-6 1-star reviews. They also slightly changed my business; I was able to instate [sic] though. But I haven’t had no luck getting my reviews. Please help.

  • Customer reviews disappeared : [105] reviews were lost all at once. Google had automatically updated my business information. They had shortened the business name to (Sydney Steemer) without the carpet cleaner. And changed my website information to a different link that also went to my website. This when I realized all the reviews had VANISHED!

  • All reviews are gone : We had 170+ all 5-star reviews. One day they were all gone. In the settings it showed that google changed the name and phone number and short name for our business. After trying to contact them with the issue for over a week we still are not able to get reviews back or any answer. Also, some changes that google made we are not able to accept or decline.

The report further says after running through the typical scenarios where one might expect to lose reviews, it is clear that, in every instance, reviews disappeared immediately after the Suggested Edits update.

Mike discovered that in each case, Google had changed the Customer ID Number (CID), the identifier Google uses to tie all relevant information to a business, including reviews. But this is unusual because CID only changes when two listings merge or Google has hard-suspended a listing for guidelines violations and then reinstated it.

Mike’s report goes on to say, “Changing the CID and losing reviews with ——-a Suggested Edit update is a new and disturbing bug. It could happen to almost anyone for no reason or no apparent reason. Yet, in Google’s infinite wisdom, it could also be working as intended.”

We would suggest reading Mike’s report to learn what you need to do to recover from such an

event if/when it happens to you.

 

Is this not a real concern for your business because you currently don’t have a lot of reviews?

 

eBizUniverse can help your business increase the amount of authentic reviews across several different platforms like Google, Yelp, BBB, etc. Contact us today to see how we can help you manage your online reputation.

It is a well-observed fact that reviews affect your business’s rankings in local searches. But nobody has told you how or in what manner. And you may believe that the more reviews your business has, the higher its ranking gets. But is it actually the case? Well, Google has cooked up some algorithms for it, and we have uncovered everything for you!

In a recent study by SterlingSky on local ranking, we found that once a business or practitioner garners 10 reviews on listings, Google’s algorithms boost its ranking in local search results.

But that’s not all there is to it. After some time, the boost does not continue as you get or pump in more reviews. Reminds us of the law of diminishing returns, and in this case, it is there.

To help you with an example, here’s an image for you.

As you can see in the image above, when the reviews went from 3 to 16, there was a ranking

increase. But when the reviews increased to 31, not much happened there.

Many business founders stated that 10 could be a “ magic number,” as they observed a

sudden increase in ranking but not much later.

Rankings Are More Than Just Reviews:

Reviews are just one piece of the puzzle. Getting a ton of them does not mean you are going to

rank well. What’s important is that you have to have at least 10 reviews for a better listing. And

having them also helps in building trust and getting conversions.

Recency Matters:

While numbers tell their own story, the recency of reviews also matter. We found that when

businesses got reviews from time to time, their rankings surged. But as the stagnancy settled,

there was a decline. Therefore, by setting up a system that regularly updates your ratings, you

can enjoy being on top for a longer time.

 

Length Can Make All The Difference

The above-mentioned scenarios, lead us to the third one – Length matters! The more genuine, longer, and wordier reviews your business gets, the better it will perform in search rankings. So encourage your customers to express their opinions freely. Haven’t you noticed that one-star reviews are longer because the customer is genuinely writing about something that he didn’t like? Persuade you customers to do the same for positive reviews.

Key Takeaway

The bottom line here is that reviews can make or break your rankings. No matter how many or how long they are, reviews matter for your business – to become a trusted brand, a company that people genuinely talk about and a reflection of how well it is doing. Businesses that listen to their customers will always stay among them. And you can do so by asking your customers to express themselves!

Are your review numbers suffering because you’re too anxious to out-right ask for reviews?

eBizUniverse has a strategic business plan that utilizes your current contact/client list for new reviews. Contact us today to learn more about our email campaign options for your business.

It’s good news all around for those who’ve always wished to be able to crop the photos uploaded to their Google Business Profile posts!

Last month, a user spotted a cropping tool overlaid on the pictures she uploaded

to her Google Business Profile and took to Twitter to inform the world about this

latest development. It seems like the tool has been added to enable businesses to

make their GBP posts and updates as effective and presentable as they wish.

 

Why This is Important

Images play a major role in promoting products and services to prospective customers and/or clients. Any tool that can help enhance these images to make them more appealing is always welcome!

Are you getting the best return out of your digital marketing?

Need an extra pair of eyes to review your online game plan? Let our experts take a look at your current state and do a comprehensive digital marketing analysis at no cost to you. Please call us at (800) 379-2829 or contact us today and we will get to work right away.

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You might be wondering how this is possible. You are doing just fine with AI tools and even progressing in your business. They write for you, act as your virtual assistant, and pretty much help you with everything. But there’s also a shadier side to it. Last month, Google rolled out a spam update in which it targeted websites that have content generated by AI. It affected AI pages that were poorly done and their rankings on search results, leaving an overall negative impact on businesses online.

The following are the global categories that have suffered the most damage:

(Source: NeilPatel.com)

As you can see from the chart, news and sports sites were hit the hardest. Arts and entertainment were close behind, and communities also made the top five.

Most of these sites were content-based rather than product-based.

Google’s spam update was based on mainly 3 elements:

Content

To get more search links and traffic, sites have content on their pages that provide little or no valuable information to users. These are thin-content scraper sites created by AI.

Meta tags and descriptions

Every business wants to appear on the first page of search engine results. And to do so, they allow their meta tags to be repetitive and poorly written, targeting them only for search engines. They forget that they are operating for humans and not search engines.

Keywords

The best way to turn a user into a customer is by providing him with the precise and valuable information he is searching for. But it doesn’t mean that you ruin his reading experience by stuffing your content with keywords to make it more relevant. It will shoo him away.

Google had kept all of this in mind and targeted such websites that were heavily dependent on AI for their content.

However, you must know that not all AI pages were affected. AI content that was modified by humans fared way better.

To give you a summary, here’s a chart for you:

(Source: NeilPatel.com)

This means the more “human-generated” content you have, the better your business will do.

So what do you do now? How do you check if your content is authentic and valuable to your potential customers? How do you still use AI tools for content without causing damage to your website’s search rank and traffic?

Google has provided some actionable advice to prevent such damage.

Take the front seat in a content generation:

If you’re using AI to generate content, don’t rely on it completely! Instead, modify your content. Your brand has its own voice; adjust the tone to match it. Don’t run after keywords; provide value in your information.

Get help from Google:

Google has invited users to learn more about its AI-based spam prevention system, SpamBrain. If your site’s rankings drop, review Google’s spam policies and ensure your web pages are compliant.

Final takeaway

While it is established that AI is beneficial to your business, relying completely on it is not. Let it help you, but have your own control. Consult with digital marketing firms to build your online presence in a reliable way. And most importantly, stay updated in this ever-changing environment!

It can be hard to transition back and rebuild your online presence. That’s why we’re here to help, contact us.

With the increasing popularity of mobile searches, Google has announced a new update. Google recently announced that it will be introducing site names on mobile searches. It says that site names are currently available for mobile Google Search results in English, French, Japanese, and German. Over the next few months, they will be rolling out additional languages.

New Site Name Structured Data Documentation

Google has several sources to identify the site name for a search result; you can use structured data on your homepage to indicate your preferred site name and let Google know what the site name should be.

According to Google,

When Google lists a page in search results, it shows the name of the site the page comes from. It is called the site name. Google uses several different sources to determine the site name, and you can indicate your preference by adding WebSite structured data. Note that the site name is different from the per-page title links (title links are specific to each web page, whereas the site name is for the entire site).

Site names can appear in English, French, Japanese, and German for mobile Google Search results. You can learn everything you need to know by studying Google’s developer doc, which provides details on each of the following topics.

  • How site names in Google Search are created
  • How to add structured data
  • Guidelines
  • Structured data type definitions
  • Troubleshooting common issues
  • Troubleshooting structured data issues

Also — Google recommends revisiting the documentation for favicons. Since they intend to continue showing favicons on Search, they also recommend providing an icon that’s at least 48px and following the existing favicon guidelines.

See How You Can Improve Your SEO!

In order to combat review manipulation on Google Maps, two new restrictions have been put in place. These should help to create a more level playing field for businesses and give users a better idea of what to expect when they visit a place.

In Google’s Prohibited and restricted content support document, you’ll find a Deceptive Content section that talks about Fake Engagement, Impersonation, Misinformation, and Misrepresentation. The new restrictions are included under the Fake Engagement point. Here’s a screenshot of the same below.

So we can conclude that only genuine reviews are encouraged, and if anyone tries to violate these restrictions, they can be penalized.

Are you getting the best return out of your digital marketing?

Need an extra pair of eyes to review your online game plan? Let our experts take a look at your current state and do a comprehensive digital marketing analysis at no cost to you. Please call us at (800) 379-2829 or contact us today and we will get to work right away.

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If you receive this message from Google, “Your business profile on Google has been unfortunately suspended, and the reason for the suspension normally is only “due to quality issues” or “suspicious activity”, if you are on Google Business Profile Manager, or “this profile doesn’t follow the guidelines” if you are on Google Search Dashboard,” Google has suspended your account.

Let’s know more about the “Suspended” alert messages from Google and the most common reasons for a profile suspension.

Main Suspended Messages from Google:

Suspended for suspicious activity:

  • “Your listing has been suspended because it was flagged for suspicious activity”
  • “This location has been suspended because it was flagged for suspicious activity”
  • or “Your Business profile on Google has been suspended because it was flagged for suspicious activity”

Suspended due to quality issues:

  • “Your listing has been suspended due to quality issues”
  • “This location has been suspended due to quality issues”
  • “Your profile has been suspended due to quality issues”

Suspended because this profile doesn’t follow the guidelines:

  • “Your business is not visible” followed by “Your access has been suspended because this profile doesn’t follow the guidelines. Edit your business info and learn how to regain access”

Want to know what that means?

Your Business Profile Listing has been suspended because it was flagged for suspicious activity.

Why was your Google Business Profile flagged for suspicious activity?

Normally this type of suspension is due to:

Certain Profile Edits (Business name, Address, Service Area Business, Phone number, Category)

Several edits were made in one single section, and it does not matter which edits were

The owner’s Google Account was suspended

Your Business Profile Listing has been suspended due to quality issues or doesn’t follow the guidelines.

Why was your Google Business Profile suspended due to quality issues?

Normally, this type of suspension is due to:

  • Google Algorithm signalized issues with your profile, most of the time because:
  • Finds conflicting information about your business on the web (directories, Social Networks, your website)
  • Identifies your address as a residential address, co-working space, PO Box, UPS Store, Virtual address
  • Found duplicates (How to find and remove duplicates)
  • User(s) reported the listing on Google through the “Suggest an edit” feature – Algorithm suspension if it thinks reporting is justified
  • User(s) reported through redressal form – Manual suspension by a Support Agent

Here are the Main Reasons That Get Your Google Business Profile Suspended:

  • Keyword stuffing your business name.
  • Using a P.O. Box or UPS store address.
  • You set up your listing at a virtual office or co-working space address.
  • You have a service-area business and are displaying a physical address.
  • You have an online-only business.
  • You are in a high-risk business category, like lawyers, plumbers, HVAC, locksmiths, rehab centers, etc.
  • If another business shares the same address.
  • You have made a bunch of changes/edits to your GMB profile in one sitting.
  • The URL you add to your GMB profile forwards/redirects to another website or links to a social media page.
  • If you change your listing from a Storefront to a Service Area Business (SAB).
  • Your address or hours don’t match what is listed on your website or other online business directories/citations.
  • You list your business hours as 24/7.
  • An owner user (sometimes a manager) on your profile got their Account suspended – so your listing got suspended because they got suspended.
  • You created multiple listings for the same business at the same address (duplicate listings).
  • Photos, Posts, Services, and Business descriptions are spammy or against Google’s policies.

The thing you need to worry about is Google doesn’t tell you the reasons why your business account was suspended.

Yes, Google doesn’t tell the business owners about the reasons why their profile was suspended. Even if you contact support asking for the reasons, they just tell you to go through the guidelines and try to figure out by yourself the why.

Google’s advice on how to resolve the business profile suspension issue

Google Business Profile’s support article only advises:

  • Review the Google Business Profile guidelines.
  • Ensure your profile follows the guidelines.
  • After your profile meets the guidelines, you can ask for reinstatement

And if it is denied, you can appeal; but it does not tell you how.

Note: Even though the reinstatement process can be very frustrating, please note you should never: remove the profile from the dashboard (you will lose all the reviews); create a new profile (high chances of getting suspended, even if Google support tells you to do it); or submit multiple reinstatements yourself (will only delay your case).

Is your listing suspended? Get in touch with our team to get it unsuspended!

Many business owners and SEO experts had a baffling afternoon on 23rd September, Friday. The reason being the roll out of a fix for the bug that caused a number of businesses to experience a drop in local rankings in the last month.

A local search expert uploaded a post on Twitter about this.

Referred to as the “Kansas” bug, it has been dropping some service area businesses in the middle of the USA — in Independence, Kansas in Google Maps / Google My Business.

However, thanks to the recent fix rolled out by Google, some of the businesses have recovered their local rankings, albeit not as they were before the shakeup.

Why this matters — It’s always nice to know it wasn’t you when it was them.

See How You Can Improve Your SEO!

Your meta descriptions are important for your website’s SEO. Make sure they are clear and concise so potential viewers will be able to get a good idea of what your page is about before clicking through to it. In addition, high-quality descriptions can be displayed on SERPs, and can also help improve the quality & quantity of your website’s search traffic.

Let’s dive into some examples to get better at writing meta descriptions

DETAILS INCLUDED BAD WAY OF WRITING GOOD WAY OF WRITING
Keywords
  • <meta name=”description” content=”Sewing supplies, yarn, colored pencils, sewing machines, threads, bobbins, needles”>

 

  • Just a list of keywords

 

  • <meta name=”description” content=”Get everything you need to sew your next garment. Open Monday-Friday 8-5pm, located in the Fashion District.”>

 

  • Explains what the shop sells and details like opening hours and location
Description for articles
  • <meta name=”description” content=”Local news in Whoville, delivered to your doorstep. Find out what happened today.”>

 

  • Same description used for every news article
  • <meta name=”description” content=”Upsetting the small town of Whoville, a local elderly man steals everyone’s presents the night before an important event. Stay tuned for live updates on the matter.”>

 

  • Uses a snippet from the specific news article
Summary of the page
  • <meta name=”description” content=”Eggs are a source of joy in everyone’s life. When I was a small child, I remember picking eggs from the hen house and bringing them to the kitchen. Those were the days.”>

 

  • Doesn’t summarize the page
  • <meta name=”description” content=”Learn how to cook eggs with this complete guide in 1 hour or less. We cover all the methods, including over-easy, sunny side up, boiled, and poached.”>

 

  • Summarizes the whole page
Length of the description
  • <meta name=”description” content=”Mechanical pencil”>

 

  • Too short
  • <meta name=”description” content=”Self-sharpening mechanical pencil that autocorrects your penmanship. Includes 2B auto-replenishing lead. Available in both Vintage Pink and Schoolbus Yellow. Order 50+ pencils, get free shipping.”>

 

  • Specific and detailed

Lastly, your descriptions should be easy for people to read and understand and should also be diverse, so potential customers can get a good sense of what your product or service can offer them.

Are you getting the best return out of your digital marketing?

Need an extra pair of eyes to review your online game plan? Let our experts take a look at your current state and do a comprehensive digital marketing analysis at no cost to you. Please call us at (800) 379-2829 or contact us today and we will get to work right away.