Author Archive
SEO – Frequently Asked Questions
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a broad topic that spans a wide variety of topics such as keyword research, content marketing, link building and more. Whether you are new to the world of SEO or a seasoned pro, odds are you have questions about how these elements tie together to help Google and other search engines rank the content for various keyword terms. The more time, effort and energy invested into these areas will almost always lead to a positive outcome. The challenge is that search engines are changing how they review, interpret, evaluate and index content. In fact, in 2019 alone Google has had several minor updates and a suspected core update just last month. Given the constant state of change, it’s important to be looking for information that expands your knowledge and understanding of the field.
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Building a New Site? Consider this….
As the marketing director, you’ve just been given approval to move forward with the task of redesigning your current website – score marketing department! This is an incredible and exciting opportunity to be part of creating solutions that can generate new business and revenue. A blank canvas has been given to you to develop with a design team. Before diving head first into this creative journey, take time to consider the complexities that are involved with the process including the importance of planning. Everyone has heard the expression “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. This couldn’t be truer when it comes to a designing and developing a new website.
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Link Building Essentials
Link building is an essential component of any search engine optimization (SEO) program. In order to rank well in Google and other search engines, it’s important to have a high number of links from other websites. While back links don’t have the same importance as they once had (Google currently has over 200 ranking factors), it doesn’t mean that marketers should not focus on link building as part of their program. In fact, a study featured in Search Engine Journal clearly highlights the importance that quality back links play in helping websites achieve a top ranking on search engine result pages (SERPs). It’s obvious that quality content is a necessity in order to be a dominant force in SEO, but without a robust number of back links it is difficult to reach the top.
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Best SEO Conferences to Attend in 2019
It’s a good idea to branch out into specific skill sets to broaden knowledge about areas crucial for marketing innovation. We’re biased, but we highly recommend a deeper dive into SEO training. FlashPoint scoured the best 2019 SEO conferences happening in the U.S. and abroad this spring, summer and fall. With conferences on the West Coast, East Coast, Midwest, and UK, there’s something for everyone. Read on to discover what you may learn at each
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Why Google Prefers SSL Certificates
One of the many responsibilities of firm marketers is the requirement to devote time to the firm’s website which includes its design, functionality, content, SEO, data analytics and even its security. With 2019 well under way, so are new requirements and best practices from Google including one of this year’s mandatories which is for all websites to have an SSL certificate. If your website doesn’t currently have a SSL certificate it should be on your short list of website to-dos because if it’s not, Google will flag your website.
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5 Tips for Keyword Research in 2019
Over the years accounting and law firm marketers have become increasingly familiar with search engine optimization (SEO). There are dozens of tutorials available online for the curious or otherwise inclined to learn about on-page optimization including how to add, edit and update on-page SEO elements such as meta title, meta description and other elements. Even those with little interest in the subject matter have come to understand the concepts and basic principles behind how the pieces fit together. This is fantastic because it allows marketers to deliver more value within their firm and overall digital marketing efforts. It should be noted however that one area where we routinely see professionals struggle is with keyword research. This can be a challenging area because not only is it an intimidating area to get started in, but there are also many different ways to approach it.
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How to Optimize Blog Posts
For accounting and law firms blog posts that demonstrate the knowledge and expertise of the firm are essential not only to answering prospect questions and concerns but also to attracting high quality leads to the firm’s website. The challenge many accounting marketers face is the uncertainty of how to optimize each blog post for maximum exposure. Although SEO is certainly a marketing specialty and does require experience and training to master, it doesn’t mean those marketers working with a limited budget are helpless. In fact, there are several steps you can take when posting blogs that will go a long way to enhancing exposure and moving the firm’s site up the ranks of internet browsers. Of course, many SEO agencies will tell you that it’s necessary to spend thousands of dollars to optimize your site, the reality is that a passionate marketer with a bit of Sherlock Holmes in their blood can make big strides with the firm’s SEO efforts while spending a lot less.
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Google Search Hacks
Many accounting marketers think they need to invest in expensive SEO tools or software to get important information about their website and how it’s ranking. While these software tools certainly do have value it’s important to note that Google itself offers a lot of clues about how it sees a firm’s site and the information available. In fact, there are a whole set of advanced search operators (nice technical term) which act as a suite of tools for those attempting to analyze their digital presence. For those just getting started in the world of SEO the good news is that these tools are free, and the information is provided directly from Google.
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3 SEO Hacks for Accounting Marketers
Search engine optimization has become a marketing specialty. Many accounting marketers struggle with knowing what they should do to increase their site’s exposure to clients, prospects and referral partners. While there are many steps that can be taken, most accounting marketers need to work in incremental steps because of resource issues, budget limitations, time constraints as well as lack of education on how to implement the needed changes. For larger firms, this has led to the introduction of digital marketers into the team. For others, it has required them to learn how to implement tactics independently. Whatever your situation there are some quick and easy hacks you can take to help increase your site’s rankings.
Read More →Keyword Research Essentials for Accounting Marketers
There is a misconception in accounting marketing circles that they need to hire a digital agency to manage their firm’s website and search engine optimization programs. While there are advantages to working with an outside agency, motivated and engaged accounting marketers can take their firm’s website a long way without ever spending a dime on a digital agency.
The vast number of videos, blogs, podcasts and tools available on the web make it easy to develop foundational knowledge for general SEO, local SEO and even pay-per-click (PPC) and paid advertising. The only thing most accounting marketers need is the time to learn and the desire to experiment and try new things on their websites. If you have an experimental nature or a strong interest in learning about these topics beyond a 30-minute presentation – you’re in luck.
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