by Steve Scott | Sep 9, 2018 | All News
The holidays are coming! We have reached that time of year where the world around us becomes a bit more fast paced. Did you know that a majority of people use voice search technology to do their holiday shopping? Voice search technology has been big in 2018, and as we move towards the close of this year you’ll want to stay involved with these updates.
What is Voice Search?
Directly defined, it is speech recognition technology, allowing users to search by speaking terms aloud, instead of typing them.
Speech recognition can be implemented in several everyday uses:
- Conducting informational searches.
- Requesting specific information about something (sports scores, time zone information, prices of items, etc.)
- Scheduling important events.
- Taking important notes.
- Opening different applications or programs.
Ultimately, the possibilities are endless. It isn’t necessarily limited to those functions. Speech recognition, or voice recognition, can actually present several benefits when it comes to search engine optimization.
Why is Voice Search Important to SEO?
Did you know that in January of 2018, there were an estimated one billion voice searches per month? When it comes to voice search technology in SEO, there is plenty of opportunity for websites of all kinds to rank better. You may think voice search technology may not affect your site, however, it reaches all types of businesses.
Lets just say you are the owner of a travel site. You have the opportunity to be listed for direct travel queries. Someone may ask, “where is the best place to stay in New York?”, and your site may be the one to answer that question.
The most frequently used areas of voice search are definition sites. Tons of people will search what a chosen word means. They may also look up synonyms, or even words to be used in a sentence. Seems silly, but this is a great way to build traffic.
As a cooking website, you may have an upper-hand. Whether users are searching conversion questions, ingredient information, or even instructions on how to prepare the meal, you have a good chance of being noticed.
Keep in mind, these are just a few of the different kinds of websites that benefit from voice search technology. You’ll find that sites with direct information, may have a better chance of survival on search engines.
Benefits of Voice Search
Don’t forget, there are several benefits when strategizing with this technology. Regardless of your type of business, here is what you can expect.
- Featured snippets become more visible.
- Entirely new categories begin to emerge.
- Direct answers from your website to the consumer.
- Long-tail keyword phrases become more noticeable.
- Increased authority from ranking higher.
(P.S. – There are some great keyword tools available to you, to help you pinpoint what you would like to get noticed for.)
Voice Search and Your SEO Journey
It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out, or an SEO professional. Voice search technology is constantly changing, and being updated. We want to help you out. What else do you want to know about voice search technology? Leave a comment, and let us know! If you’ve already found success implementing this strategy, we want to hear about that, too!
Sources:
https://seopressor.com/blog/websites-should-optimize-for-voice-search-benefits/
https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2018/04/10/voice-search-statistics-2018
Steve Scott is the CEO & Director of Training at the New York SEO Training Academy. He has taught SEO skills to people from around the world and currently offers his hands-on search engine optimization training workshops in New York to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Corporate SEO training classes and consulting are also available.
by Steve Scott | Sep 8, 2018 | All News
There are several phenomenal paid SEO tools available to you. However, some of these tools come with quite the cost. Instead of “breaking the bank” for a few spots higher on a search engine results page, try implementing some of these easy to use, free SEO tools.
Easy to Use and Free SEO Tools
In most cases, when we first start a business, and get our site hosted online, we’re putting more money into the business than we’re getting out of it. If online optimization is one of your priorities (it definitely should be), there are several tools available to you, at no cost. Some of our favorites are:
- SEMrush
- Ubersuggest
- Screaming Frog
- GTmetrix
- Yoast
SEMrush
This is one of the most popular tools on the SEO market. There are paid versions of this tool available, and while those are fantastic options, they also offer a free trial.
All versions will provide the same basic information about keywords and what your competitor is being ranked for. You won’t get as many results, or as much information in the results, but you will see the basics. Which, in our opinion, is pretty great.
Ubersuggest
Everything seems to be the “Uber” of everything these days. This tool may really just be the Uber of keyword research though. Ubersuggest sifts through hundreds of thousands of autocomplete keywords from Google, and presents them to you.
Additionally, you can also set your negative keywords. Ditch negative keywords, then find your most useful ones.
Screaming Frog
As far as free SEO tools go, Screaming Frog is definitely one of those tools that should stay in your SEO tool belt. This tool works best to find technical SEO problems.
This tool will crawl your website, and report any potential issues. Technical SEO is typically overlooked when first starting out. When in reality, this should be at the top of your priority list.
GTmetrix
Looking for a page analysis? GTmetrix will likely be your best option. Simply enter your URL, and instantly get information on your sites operation. In addition, you also receive recommendations on how to better optimize it.
The basic membership plan allows you to track and monitor three pages. However, you can always upgrade your membership to a paid version.
Yoast
WordPress plugin, Yoast, is completely free. Likely one of the best plugins on the SEO market. If your site runs on WordPress, this is an essential. Yoast will provide you with: keywords, Google previews, readability checks, checks for duplicate content, etc.
Your Favorite Free SEO Tools
At New York SEO Training Academy, we try to provide our visitors with the best information; What our users are using, what’s new and trendy, is what we should stay on top of.
We want to hear from you! What tools are you using? How are they working for you? What are you seeing the most success from?
Steve Scott is the CEO & Director of Training at the New York SEO Training Academy. He has taught SEO skills to people from around the world and currently offers his hands-on search engine optimization training workshops in New York to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Corporate SEO training classes and consulting are also available.
by Steve Scott | Sep 6, 2018 | All News
Take a moment to consider what your website, or business, would look like if we didn’t have the tools needed for success. It would be pretty tough to get good search engine rankings, right? Luckily, we have a great tool to help our progression with optimization like SEMrush.
What is SEMrush?
Did you know SEMrush has been around since 2008, as an exclusive group of SEO and IT specialists? They began their mission to provide a fair chance for everyone to succeed online. After tons of trials and tribulations, SEMrush has become one of the world’s leading competitive research tools.
This tools grabs information from competitors on search engines. Then, SEMrush provides users with statistics to make the optimization process a bit simpler. Once you know what competitors are getting noticed for, you can use it to your advantage.
How Does SEMrush Help My Business?
As one of the most powerful tools on the market, it has more to offer than perhaps what meets the eye. Many people overlook several of the tools features. However, each feature offered leads up to one main goal. Optimizing your website to rank higher on search engines.
If you should choose to implement this tool, within just a few weeks of usage, you will be able to:
- Resolve issues on your website.
- Improve your SEO.
- Track social media engagement.
- Gain better authority in your niche.
- Monitor the performance of your website.
- Rank higher on search engines.
The end goal is always to rank higher on search engines. If the advantages listed above match what you are looking for in an SEO tool (let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want those things?), then it may be smart to invest a little into SEMrush.
Features Available on SEMrush
You want those results, but how do you get them? As mentioned above, SEMrush comes with several different features. Many professionals and entrepreneurs use this tool for several purposes. Among the most popular are:
- Keyword research.
- Backlink information.
- Social media poster.
- Social media tracker.
- Ranking tracking.
- Competitive analysis.
- Site audits.
Again, these are just the most popular. If you explore the tool a bit more, you may be able to find a few more key features that work best to reach your SEO goals.
Using SEMrush
When it comes to your business, it is smart to invest in your success. SEMrush comes with three different membership types.
- Pro ($99.95/month)
- Guru ($199.95/month)
- Business ($399.95/month)
Each membership provides a few different restrictions, but we suggest looking more into each separately before choosing. You can find additional information available on their website. P.S.-In our opinion, these prices are definitely worth it!
Your success comes first. Ultimately, the tools you choose to use are up to you. Each business is different, and something that works for you, may not work for someone else (and vice versa).
Once you choose, it is time to start your SEO journey. If you find that SEMrush is helping, but you prefer a more hands-on approach, New York SEO Training Academy also provides SEO consulting and coaching. Good luck everyone. Let us know if you have tried SEMrush and how it worked for you!
Steve Scott is the CEO & Director of Training at the New York SEO Training Academy. He has taught SEO skills to people from around the world and currently offers his hands-on search engine optimization training workshops in New York to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Corporate SEO training classes and consulting are also available.
by Steve Scott | Aug 30, 2018 | All News, SEO Tips
Have you ever thought that maybe you aren’t seeing the results you’d like, so you want to try something new? That happens often, especially in the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) field. There are times we come across SEO tools, use them for a few weeks, decide they’re ineffective, and find new ones. We’ve been through this too, so we know how it goes.
The Best SEO Tools for 2018
After all of our years in the business of optimization, we’ve been able to weed out the bad tools, and make room for the best ones. When it comes to optimization, the best SEO tools are:
- SEMRush
- Cognitive SEO
- Hootsuite
- Majestic
- SpyFu
- Moz
- RavenTools
- Google Analytics
Please always keep in mind; something that works for you, may not work for others. In the same respect, something that works for others, may not work for you. As an entrepreneur trying to tackle effective SEO strategies, you just have to do a little experimenting. These 8 SEO tools that we strongly suggest implementing, have become our favorites for a reason!
SEMrush
Hitting the market in 2008, SEMrush quickly became one of the more popular tools for SEO. Some of the most used SEMrush features include: backlink analysis, organic researching, keyword research, domain comparison, site audits, social media poster/tracker, etc. Ultimately, SEMrush positions itself as one of the best multi-functioning tools for online optimization.
Cognitive SEO
Cognitive SEO, much like SEMrush, is an all-around great tool. Whether you are looking to fix your backlinks, or run a content audit, Cognitive SEO can help. Don’t be intimidated, this tool is built for those at any level of online optimization. That’s right! Even the SEO newbies!
Hootsuite
One aspect of SEO often wrongly looked over, is social media! Having a good social media marketing strategy will boost your online presence almost single-handedly. Truthfully, let’s face it, we are social media addicts! So naturally, you want to be posting, and posting a lot!
Which, no doubt, can become overwhelming. Hootsuite is a tool created to help you create and schedule social media posts. Regardless of how many social media accounts you have, Hootsuite knows how to accommodate!
Majestic
As the “Largest Link Index Database”, you do not want to skip over what the Majestic tool has to offer. If you need some insight on link intelligence, or backlink history, or even domain exploring, this may be the tool for you.
SpyFu
Looking for more information than just links analysis and domain statistics? If so, you may want to look into SpyFu for your SEO tool belt.
At New York SEO Training Academy, we’ve come to love SpyFu for PPC information. Searching through the results, you will actually find information on your competitors paid keywords. You will see the amount of SEO click value, paid keywords, estimated monthly PPC, ad position, budget, etc. Definitely useful information, if you ask us!
Moz
Keywords, keywords, keywords. This is what typically comes to mind when you mention this tool. Mostly because, well, they are believed to have the most accurate search keyword database.
However, Moz does function as much more. If you sign up with Moz, you’ll have the chance to learn about competitive research, link building and link analysis. One of the coolest features? Moz also focuses heavily on your local business listings.
(Heads up: you can try this tool for 30 days, for FREE!)
RavenTools
Raven Tools, an “all-in-one” SEO platform, can help with just about anything you may need to get ahead of the competition. Keyword research, link building, competitor research, etc. It may sound pretty much like the other tools listed above. However, Raven Tools has one feature that most of the others do not have. A social media metrics tracker.
Yes, you heard correctly. Raven Tools will help you to track mentions, connections, followers, posts and even referral traffic!
Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a big one. If you want to succeed at search engine optimization, you may want to stick with a tool developed specifically by a search engine. Learn about your audience, get detailed reports, and even test variations of your site!
Looking to find out which of your online campaigns is bringing in the most traffic and conversions? Trying to locate where a majority of your customers are coming from? Want to know what consumers are clicking on first on your page? Google analytics can show you all of those things!
We Want to Hear From You!
As we progress, and continue to optimize, new tools are constantly being developed and created. (Spoiler alert: Some of these tools are even preparing for some BIG updates!) At the end of the day, everyone prefers a different tool for SEO insiders. We want to hear from you. What are your favorite SEO tools to use? Which SEO tools have you gotten the most use out of so far in 2018?
Steve Scott is the CEO & Director of Training at the New York SEO Training Academy. He has taught SEO skills to people from around the world and currently offers his hands-on search engine optimization training workshops in New York to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Corporate SEO training classes and consulting are also available.
by Steve Scott | Aug 24, 2018 | All News, SEO Tips
Despite the fact that, with SEO, everyone has the common goal of being successful, each business varies. A business or franchise that is listed locally, will likely take a different approach from an online store. Meaning, each business needs to be using, and focusing on, separate tools. Therefore, finding good SEO tools that work for your business is paramount.
It is a pretty simple concept. If your business operates mostly online, you’re going to want to target more online marketing tools. If your business is a ‘walk-in’ business, you will definitely want to focus on tools that help to strengthen your local SEO.
SEO Tools Designed for Local Businesses
As a major part of your business success, it is advised that you begin your optimization strategies as soon as possible. This is particularly important when it comes to local SEO. You want to people to visit your business, and keep coming back. Other than just seeing your building, you want to create an online presence as well.
You’ve committed yourself to taking the necessary steps to gain success for your business. Now it’s time to find some tools that help to do so. If your business is listed locally, look into these local SEO tools:
- SEOProfiler – Known to provide strong local keywords
- Moz Local – This will help you manage local listings.
- Bright Local – Helps to score on-site local SEO from competitors
- Local SEO Checklist – Organizes your site to help boost local SEO.
- BuzzStream – Good for finding, and earning reliable local backlinks.
- Serplify – Allows you to add domains and locations you want to rank for.
- ReviewTracker – Tracks customer reviews and feedback.
Remember, these are just a few of the tools available to assist your local SEO efforts. As you notice, each serves their own purpose and presents different benefits. Tracking your performance through these tools can help ensure your business success.
Optimization Tools for Online Businesses
Local SEO may seem a bit easier to target than online or virtual companies. It may sound a bit daunting, but this form of business opens up a ton of options for you, and the success of your business. There may actually be a better opportunity to rank on search engines, if you’re using the right tools.
Some of our favorite online business tools are:
- Google Analytics – Gives you insights on traffic, visitors on your site, etc.
- Screaming Frog – Provides a detailed audit of all your web pages.
- Ahrefs – Analyzes your site for negative backlinks.
- Moz Open Site Explorer – Popular link building tool.
- Raven Tools – Provides reports on PPC, Social Media, SEO, etc.
Ultimately, good SEO begins with a firm keyword research tool. Which, most of the ones listed above accommodate. As a bonus, each of these tools will also provide more inclusive information regarding your website.
Implementing Information From SEO Tools
Research, research, research. Your business success depends solely on your ability to choose the right SEO tool, get the analytics, and keep up with changes. Once you’ve come up with an effective action plan, make your move!
For more information on SEO tools or SEO coaching, please feel free to contact us today. We would love to get you set up with all of the knowledge you need to succeed. Additionally, New York SEO Training Academy does host SEO Training Workshops regularly. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to learn the basics, or looking to refresh your professional skills, we’ve got what you need!
Steve Scott is the CEO & Director of Training at the New York SEO Training Academy. He has taught SEO skills to people from around the world and currently offers his hands-on search engine optimization training workshops in New York to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Corporate SEO training classes and consulting are also available.
by Steve Scott | Aug 16, 2018 | All News
There are several search engines available to users. Among the best are Google and Bing. However, there are some things Google has that Bing doesn’t.
6 Things Google Has That Bing Does Not
Since the arrival of Bing, in 2009, there has been a constant competition between Google and Bing. Before that, Google had been reigning the internet since 1998. Due to the extra time Google had to get acclimated, Google has some advantages over Bing.
Site speed.
When it comes to the speed between the two search engines, Google takes the cake. When someone searches for something, they want to get the information they need, as quickly as possible. Google always seem to get you to your destination much faster than Bing does. In addition, site speed does matter and this will show as it is a new ranking factor.
Relevant results.
If we’re talking about things Google has that Bing doesn’t, one of the first things that comes to mind is relevant results. A majority of search engine users would agree with this. Typically Bing can come up with basic answers the same as Google. However, when it comes to tougher queries, Google is better with matching results.
Google Docs and Gmail.
Want life to be a little easier? Google is trying to make that happen for you. Google Docs and Gmail are perfect for business owners, and even just everyday users. These are two things that Google has and Bing does not; therefore this will improve the user experience.
More marketable for businesses.
Due to Google’s efforts of making business marketing a bit easier for entrepreneurs, businesses are getting noticed a bit quicker. Through ads and producing more relevant searches locally, Google provides a better chance for businesses to optimize.
Mobile-first index.
Recently, Google decided to make its move as a mobile-first search engine. Google’s efforts to bring the best, quickest, and most accurate results to mobile users helps it stay on top of the search engine list. Google is the main search engine on Android devices, and has recently even become the default search engine on an iPhone.
Reputation.
From having the most relevant information and a longer existence, Google has developed a better reputation. Bing has not been around nearly as long as Google has. Despite their efforts to continue to better their search engine, Bing just cannot seem to pull ahead in the search engine race.
While Bing may have some few minor advantages, Google seems to remain the leader and always come out on top. If you are an avid Bing user, let us know why they lead your search engine world! Questions or comments about our online optimization services? Give us a call today, and we can discuss different ways to move your business ahead (even if it’s through Bing).
Sources:
http://www.eweek.com/enterprise-apps/10-reasons-why-google-is-still-better-than-bing
Steve Scott is the CEO & Director of Training at the New York SEO Training Academy. He has taught SEO skills to people from around the world and currently offers his hands-on search engine optimization training workshops in New York to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Corporate SEO training classes and consulting are also available.
