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Google Hummingbird 101: 5 Things You Need To Know

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Hosting

The post Google Hummingbird 101: 5 Things You Need To Know appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . Google has changed. The Internet has changed. The combination, while putting the responsibility on the search giant’s algorithms, fundamentally affects how we shape our efforts at content discovery, simply because of the ubiquity of Google’s use. This change can be scary, but knowing how the change works, what to expect, and how it affects you will make all the difference as these revisions hit your site. In this post, we’re outlining 5 things you need to know about Google Hummingbird.   1. The Search Query Has Changed In the beginning, search engines indexed information based on a rather primitive method of keyword indexing. These indexes did not understand human language, they simply represented an amalgamation of terms associated with locations, weighted by popularity and inbound links. In order to appease this format, those searching for information were required to truncate full, intelligent sentences into keywords and phrases that rubbed the algorithm the right way. Doing so would yield results, but with limited success. Hummingbird throws that playbook out the window. Many of the old factors still exist, including keywords and PageRank, but these contribute to a formula that accounts for  200 different factors  when returning results. In doing so, the engine works to incorporate long-form queries and human speech patterns to influence the relevance and quality of search results. What this means for you: no longer will your pages be judged simply on primitive factors. Relevant, original, and interesting information is, for the first time, being revealed and shuttled forth to interested eyes in dynamic new ways.   2. Blame Fluff For The Changes The changes are not baseless; this isn’t simply a revision for revision’s sake. Google’s efforts are born of an era of Internet content where traditional methods could be exploited, placing unoriginal, uninteresting, and un-engaging, though keyword dense, content in front of curious viewers to the detriment of their search efforts and the reputation of websites offering compelling work.   3. Hummingbird Works in a Series In this fact lies, perhaps, the greatest change to Google’s underlying engine. Previously, queries were submitted and results were returned based on a number of factors. However, each query represented a new effort, effectively limiting the ability to drill-down information when further insight was sought. The Hummingbird engine takes a new approach to the process of search, incorporating human behavior as a central tenant. Continued searches are now viewed with a  combination of order and context  based on previous searches. If this sounds confusing, here’s a breakdown: each search in a series is understood by the engine in a different way. Initial queries are viewed as browsing, offering surface information and broad responses. A follow-up search related to the topic reveals more in-depth information. This series continues, retrieving information to a greater degree of specificity based on the search order and length of specific queries. In doing so, the engine emulates the human research process, seeking broad concepts and then working down to the details, in order to facilitate knowledge acquisition. For commercial firms, this procedural search opens new doors for information previously buried in the hierarchies of corporate websites. Until recently, pages needed to have carefully crafted keywords to delineate their use as a more robust and authoritative resource. However, the series now cuts the guesswork out of the process. Those searching for “umbrellas” will receive several firms, delivered and ranked. A further search of “canvas umbrellas” will offer product pages and information matching the description, understanding the greater refinement of the request. Another search for “waxed, canvas umbrellas for under $100″ will narrow product recommendations and provided information, comprehending that, at this point in your journey, you are likely ready to buy a specific product. Beyond this step in the funnel lies information for present customers involving tech specifications, how-to instructions, and maintenance references, just to name a few.   4. Original, Informative Content is the Future This series of steps and refinement of keyword comprehension means one thing: original, engaging content is the future . No longer are rote, keyword dense answers aimed at currying site traffic the ringleaders. In particular, Hummingbird favors authoritative, information-rich sources that piggyback off of Google Plus authorship and publisher-ship to tailor results to a fatigued and discerning public. Since the engine is based on the promise of delivering answers to questions, this, above all else, should drive future content efforts. Offer FAQ pages, Q&A blog content, how-to posts, and interviews that focus on questions and answers to assert your authority in a particular avenue. Offer industry debates and “ask the expert” posts in order to drive your traffic as a firm that offers valuable information. In all things, remember that users are asking questions. Your job is to have the answers.   5. SEO is Evolving In this way, SEO isn’t disappearing, but, instead,  evolving . As mentioned, Google’s revision comes largely at the behest of users desiring to find more relevant content, tired from disappointing front-page entries that simply “played the game”. Traditional methods of link-mining, keyword stuffing, and cheap, overly sensationalist titles will receive less reward than ever before. In place of these methods is a combination of traditional keywords and long-tail keywords. When embedding information in your page, your prior expertise in researching relevant keywords will still play a part, but stuffing the box will not. Simply focus on integral terms that hone your page down to its proffered expertise and value. In addition to these one-word, keywords, incorporate longer terms that effectively answer questions. In particular, observe the algorithms treatment of single keywords as indicative of broad information, 2-3 word-length keywords as more in-depth research and learning, 3-4 word-length keywords as detailed information, and 4+ word-length keywords as specialist information for customers and experts. Hummingbird’s changes are unlikely to lose you traffic, but the science behind search engines has changed profoundly, necessitating adaptation. Gone are the days of gaming the system and here is an era of authority and originality. Series of queries will yield more robust results, as unearthing helpful content and answers are the goal. Optimize your site for the new format by including single-word terms and longer, more robust keywords in tandem. The combination may hurt impostors, but as a genuine vendor of valuable information, consider a ticker-tape parade and a bottle of Champagne. Register a cheap domain name at HostGator.com Continue reading →

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The 10 Commandments of Effective Web Design and Development

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Hosting

The post The 10 Commandments of Effective Web Design and Development appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . To the uninitiated, web design is magic. Transforming text into beautiful, responsive, and interactive creations is pure sorcery to those who don’t see past the one-way mirror. The problem is, you do, and for that reason, you know just how complicated and challenging things can get. When navigating the jungle (so that end-users don’t have to) keeping essential, core principles in mind can mean the difference between Facebook and MySpace. In this post, we’re outlining the ten commandments of effective web design and development.   1. Thou shalt code with care If you honor the integrity of your web page and the integrity of your sanity, this rule means everything. Poorly organized, un-commented, and messy code can create copious headaches as you develop your site or redesign your aesthetic. It is said that the skill of a master chef is indicated by the cleanliness of his apron; the same goes for coders. Keep things clean, organized, well labeled, and concise in order to save you and yours a little pain along the way.   2. Thou shalt be flexible Our relationship with the web is ever changing. From our standards for interaction to the platforms on which we view sites, the onus falls on web developers to make users happy at all junctures. For this reason, it is essential to observe responsive web design. The elegant solution will adapt your layout, your media, and your text based on queries to the observing platform. In doing so, your website maintains a coherent identity with common elements and shared page ranking; a win-win-win.   3. Thou shalt put the user before all else Developing your code and your platform is only part of the picture. Ultimately, the user is where the rubber hits the road, and failing to gain traction with a favorable user experience will see ambitious efforts fall heartbreakingly short. At every conjuncture, consider elements like typography, visual balance, navigability, communicability, and aesthetic to ensure that viewers appreciate all the hard work you put in.   4. Thou shalt remember scalability and keep it holy The term “web development” should give you an idea of what we’re talking about. Development is, by its nature, the progression and adaptation of infrastructure and design to your changing goals. For this reason, your web hosting infrastructure and underlying platform should be scalable in order to accommodate future growth. You may only see 100 users per day at present, but when your blog hits it big, you’ll wish you had sprung for a solution with robust upgrades options.   5. Thou shalt change with the times As stated, the web is an ever-changing cornucopia of visuals, content, contexts, and experiences. Failing to adapt to this changing world will leave your site feeling slow and looking old. These may not seem like huge issues at first, but considering  how quickly a user’s attention can falter , even a seemingly negligible drop in performance can turn them off. Aesthetic is not to be ignored either. The glossy buttons of web 1.0 have been supplanted by simple and elegant flat designs. Falling behind this curve means uninterested eyes and negative perceptions.   6. Thou shalt not take a domain name in vain Your docket is already full with technical concerns and design considerations, but ignoring the significant role that your domain name plays is an exercise in ignorance. In order for websites to garner organic traffic, they need to be eye catching when viewed in the context of search results. A good domain name can set expectations and entice wandering eyes even before your copy and layout make an impression. Choose something simple, creative, and interesting to reel in readers.   7. Thou shalt optimize thy search index In order for your domain name to have an impact, however, your site needs to appear in said search rankings. The search indexing system may not be perfect, but unfortunately, it’s all we’ve got. Optimize your SEO by focusing on Schema microdata, authorship, linkages to high profile sites, and strong keywords. Doing so we’ll not only bump your initial traffic results, but also make hay for years after publication.   8. Thou shalt hold design on high If the individual instances demonstrating the importance of design haven’t sold you on this concept, then let this commandment do the work. Design, once popularly considered to be a luxury of large companies with ample budgets, quickly became an integral part of startup culture, content formatting, and now, every aspect of the Internet. The new era sees design as a primary concern of Internet users, even if only subconsciously, and failing to recognize this can seriously derail your efforts.   9. Thou shalt be distinctive The Internet is big. To quantify it, research shows that monthly traffic in 2012 hit 44 exabytes per month. To put this volume in perspective, 1 exabyte is 1,000 petabytes, and 1 petabyte is 1,000 terabytes. For that reason, you need to make an impression. Web design is about functionality and impact, and when focusing on impact, aim to set your creation apart. This can be achieved in a number of ways, just remember to focus on being distinctive, not weird or annoying.   10. Thou shalt keep it simple Paramount to all of these concerns, make sure you keep things simple. Strive for elegance; the simplest, most effective solution. Cluttered code, busy design, and ham-fisted attempts at standing out are as likely to drive away users as they are to frustrate your stakeholders. In all things, strive for the simplest solution and enjoy the sophistication and intuitiveness that only elegance can provide. They may not have been handed down on the mount, but these commandments can help guide your web design and development efforts in profound ways. Code responsibly, focus on the user, develop flexible platforms, keep up with design innovations, optimize your data, and focus on elegance. Between these rules and your own dash of creativity and talent, you’re bound to build something notable, and that’s a valuable thing in an interconnected world. Register a cheap domain name at HostGator.com Continue reading →

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10 Reasons No One Is Reading Your Blog

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Hosting

The post 10 Reasons No One Is Reading Your Blog appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . You’ve read the numbers: content marketing is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing. Intent on cutting yourself a slice of this pie, you hire some writers, ask your web developer to create a blog page or separate site (or, if you’re a startup, you do all of this yourself), and with a rapidly beating heart you publish your first blog post, certain that the users will come pouring in. But they never come. You create post after post after post but the hits never come. What’s going on? Wasn’t this content marketing thing supposed to be a sure bet? The answer to your question is: nothing is a “sure bet”, but content marketing is a powerful tool in improving sales and brand perception. The problem likely has nothing to do with your astute observation that business blogs are on the rise, but instead has to do with the nature of blogging itself. Blogging thrives on organic traffic; traffic that depends on a body of content that triggers search engine keywords and results in page views and, eventually, conversion. But the process requires a great deal of maintenance in order to run at full steam. For that reason, do not despair. Let’s walk through some of the reasons that your blog may be underperforming.   1. Your blog is new Take a look at your watch. Has it been an hour since your first post? Then slow your roll friend. Blogging takes time to develop readership. As mentioned, the model requires an extensive body of work that generates traffic from keyword hits. Creating this volume of posts and establishing credibility as a reputable source takes time and patience. Before jumping ship on the whole concept, examine other necessary steps to building your audience.   2. You’re blogging about yourself We’ll begin with content. Content is a powerful driver of returning traffic and brand perception and should receive a great deal of your time. A terrible blog with great SEO may land visits, but the victory will be short-lived. If you’re blogging about yourself, your accomplishments, and your products, stop. The goal of your business blog is not to advertise your product catalog. It’s to deliver value to your users and thereby convert them into customers. This means that blog topics and content will need to appeal to customers in order to gain and maintain readership. Focus on finding out what’s important to them and generate material accordingly.   3. Your content isn’t valuable to your intended audience The key is to blog for the readers you want. This means that understanding your customer base is essential to generating stimulating blog pieces. Do so by  creating customer personas  that articulate their interests and personalities. Set up interviews with customers of different types and drill down their characteristics to identifiable personalities. Then, let these profiles guide your content creation. Doing so will not only put you in tune with your target audience, it will help make future writing easier and more effective.   4. Your writing is boring or bad It’s not easy to hear, but sometimes the writing on your business blog is, well, bad. If you possess the resources to hire strong writers, make sure you read their content and assure its quality. If you write your own content, consider some rudimentary writing lessons in subjects such as grammar, spelling, and clarity. By nailing down the basics, you will be leaps and bounds ahead of the curve, but the basics are not all that matter. Choose engaging topics with eye-catching headlines and make your writing interesting and compelling. Avoid being robotic in your delivery and focus on being conversational and witty in order to connect with your target audience.   5. Your content is irrelevant Blogging involves more than just writing interesting topics. Said topics need to have relevance in order to capture user attention. For this reason, keep an ear to the ground regarding industry trends, news events, and cultural developments and interject your commentary or authority where relevant. Doing so will improve not only organic traffic by tapping into hot search keywords, but reader perception by appearing current and cutting-edge.   6. Your publishing schedule is infrequent and inconsistent Creating good content is just the beginning. Other factors play a huge part in site traffic due to the idiosyncratic characteristics of today’s users. For starters establish a blog publishing schedule and stick to it. It is not enough to simply throw content into the air at irregular intervals and trust that your blog will stay on everyone’s mind. Internet readers need a constant reminder that you exist, and establishing a publishing schedule will help facilitate that.   7. You’re not encouraging email subscription There are all types of “vanity metrics” in the blogging world that in no way affect your actual reader engagement. Email subscription is not one of them. If the goal is to stay relevant, then email provides just that opportunity by shuttling blog content directly into user inboxes on a regular basis. If your business blog has RSS readers (individuals who read news through automated feeds), then you haven’t quite made your mark, as such readers have the luxury of remaining more passive. Consider a call-to-action imploring readers to subscribe via email and expect better traffic as a result.   8. Your blog is un-shareable Spreading the word about your blog doesn’t have to fall entirely to you. While you remain responsible for the brunt of the work, including social media sharing buttons on blog posts can greatly increase your reach. Certain factors influence content sharing: photographs are more likely to be shared, agreeable opinions or content that embodies values readers wish to be associated with will see likes. In either instance, make this action available to your readers through social media buttons, which are both easy in implementation and profound in implication.   9. You’re not promoting your blog As we said before, the brunt of the work is still yours, even with readers spreading the word for you. Your blog acts as marketing for your products but requires some marketing of its own to have impact. Promote posts in social media, include blog content in efforts that generate leads, link to your blog in your site navigation, and think like a marketer when promoting your material. Think of content as the ingredients in your marketing dish and promotion as the presentation; both work in tandem to whet the appetite.   10. Your blog content isn’t optimized for search As stated earlier, blogging depends on organic traffic from keywords. But if your blog isn’t optimized for discovery , then organic traffic will be much harder to come by. Volume is essential, since each blog post you publish is another page to be indexed. In fact, research shows that the average company will see a  45% growth in traffic  when increasing total blog articles from 11-20 to 21-50. Along with increased volume, research keywords relevant to your industry and topics and include these keywords on every page of your blog. The combination of better, more descriptive search indexing and post volume will drive your site traffic over time and lead to positive returns. The potential of blogging is there, but the endeavor is not without its maintenance. Focus on creating good, relevant, and compelling content and publish it consistently. Facilitate sharing and push email subscribers in order to retain readership. Finally, promote your blog, increase your volume, and optimize your search engine keywords for greater traffic volumes and customer impact. By performing the necessary blogging chores, you may see your lemon turn into a peach, both in ROI and satisfaction. Register a cheap domain name at HostGator.com Continue reading →

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Infographic: Viral Video Stars, Where Are They Now?

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Hosting

The post Infographic: Viral Video Stars, Where Are They Now? appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . For better or worse, the phenomenon of “viral video” has created its very own particular crop of pseudo-celebrities.  Some burn out quickly, others are able to parlay their allotted 15 minutes of fame into something more lasting.  This infographic aims to present you with the cream of the viral video crop and answer that burning question that we each have inside of us: Where are they now? Viral Video Stars, Where Are They Now? via HostGator Check out the fast WordPress blog hosting by HostGator.com Continue reading →

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Top 8 Local Search Ranking Factors

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Hosting

The post Top 8 Local Search Ranking Factors appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . A curious paradigm shift has occurred in the visibility of local businesses. There was a time when people would drive through their city, know of particular shops, visit them regularly, and consult phone books for any services they were not already privy to. Visibility was as much determined by literal, physical visibility as it was by listing in the yellow pages. With ubiquitous GPS, the desire for information and pricing prior to leaving the house, and the availability of customer reviews to help determine the destination, visibility now has infinitely more to do with search index ranking than with well-lit signage. Fortunately for local businesses, gone are the days when appearing in online search results meant battling the big boys for traffic. Google has made extensive inroads in the construction of solutions for local businesses. We specifically mention Google for a reason. Bing and Yahoo may have local search results built into their platforms, but Google’s high traffic volumes and tie-in with Google+ afford unique tools for local businesses that will ultimately determine quality and impact of listings as the connections develops. It bears emphasis that, while these eight factors are of great importance, any measures that can be taken to improve the relevance and quality of online listing is worth implementation. There are plenty of fish in the pond, so having the biggest hook is a goal worth pursuing. For more information on additional factors, consult Moz’s extensive  2013 Local Search Ranking Factors survey . For now, let’s take a look at the top contributors to search relevance.   1. Proper Business Category When listing your business on Google’s platform, you’ll be asked for everything from your street address to the name of your first-born child (kidding). It is easy to assume that this information is just a formality, but this data constitutes the totality of your business record in the search index. Highest among the entries factored in is the business category. Initially, you will be asked to provide a primary business category according to Google’s current taxonomy. This is the single most important piece of information you can specify to make your business searchable. For example, in order to be included in a search for architects in Toledo, you must list your business as an architecture firm. Failing to do so will result in a great deal of missed traffic.   2. Physical Address in City of Search The second component of that search for Toledo architects is the city. This entry affects your listing in two ways. The first involves including it in the collection of business listings within a certain city. By this system, if someone in City of Industry, CA is searching for Toledo architects, the street address of your business will assure that your firm is in the results. The second way that your physical location makes a difference is by returning results to devices within the city specified. This means that someone with a cell phone in Toledo who searches for “architects” will see your listing. This does pose potential challenges for businesses just outside of city limits and service businesses that travel to perform work, but remedies for these, including Google Plus association, will be discussed later.   3. Consistency of Structured Citations In listing the physical address, phone number, or name of your business, consistency across multiple citations is essential. When we say “citations”, we are referring to listings on services like the Yellow Pages. Smaller discrepancies like St. versus Street are less important than typos or outdated information. Since search ranks depend on collections of reputable links and references, any inconsistencies in listing devalue the authority of the primary listing and lead to unnecessary confusion. Make a habit of checking structured listings and updating/correcting information on a regular basis.   4. Quality of Citations Of course it is not enough to simply be listed on Bill’sBusinessBlog.com. The quality of structured citations plays an equal part in the authority of search results. Focus first on getting listed on local business indexes before scrounging for less reputable associations. Tools like  GetListed.org  provide checks and tools for making sure that listings are numerous and of sufficient quality.   5. HTML and Plus Place Page Information Here we see one of the more explicit Google+ tie-ins to benefit local businesses. Plus offers businesses a chance to make a free local page that shows their information, allowing for customer engagement and distribution of marketing materials, much like pages on Facebook. The bonus of a Plus connection is the consequent bump in search relevance offered to incentivize the social media platform. The key is to keep an eye on the name, address, and phone number (NAP) of your Google Places listing and Plus Local listing and make sure they are consistent. The association will certainly pay off for Toledans looking to build a new house.   6. Quantity of Structure Citations After you have established a solid foundation of structured citations at reputable businesses indexes and online associations, focus on the quantity of your citations to improve your authority. A good rule of thumb is to keep in mind that the more competitive your market, the more structured citations you will need.  An easy way to find places to get cited is by typing business category terms into Google and seeing what pop up. A query of “architects” lists at least half a dozen opportunities for citation on the first page alone.   7. Domain Authority The strength of a website also plays a big part in determining its rank in local search results. The collection of metrics that determine that strength, including the profile of inbound links, is referred to as “Domain Authority”. All technical definitions aside, the score is an approximation of the competitiveness of a website in Google search rankings. By improving domain authority through effective search engine optimization, businesses can put themselves closer to the top of the pile.   8. Verified Google Plus Local Page The fact that two separate Google Plus tie-ins reside in the top 8 local search factors should be a great big green light to businesses considering hopping on the platform. In this case, a local Plus page (with matching NAP), verified by the user, will strengthen the authority of your place page, your website, and your local listing. The triad of connections makes a potent combination in the fight for local attention, but it is important to take this network on your own shoulders. Outsourcing the traffic optimization job is acceptable on a temporary basis, but the tie-in of each of these outlets with your own Google Plus profile will help make your business even more relevant.   As stated before, these are only some of the considerations local businesses need make to stand out from the crowd. However, with each of these in place, Davis and Davis Architects of Ohio will be off to a great start. Focus on quality-structured citations with consistent name, address, and phone listings and utilize Google Plus assets to improve search rankings. Be sure to list your business in the right category and don’t be afraid to get a little technical and optimize your search engine keywords. Through a little digital sweat and elbow grease, you may be the next random dinner destination for out-of-towners and locals alike. Check out the fast WordPress blog hosting by HostGator.com Continue reading →

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