Tech Talk: Rank Better on Google with Tradie Web Guys

Introduction

The speakers introduce themselves and discuss their current locations.

• Matt Jones and the host introduce themselves.

• They briefly discuss their current locations.

Google Algorithm Update

The speakers discuss the Google algorithm update and its impact on search rankings.

What is the Google Algorithm?

• The Google algorithm is a set of rules that determines how search results are displayed.

• It is constantly being updated by engineers at Google to improve page experience for users.

Page Experience Update

• The latest update focuses on improving page experience for users.

• There are things website owners can do to improve their page experience, such as optimizing loading times and mobile responsiveness.

SEO and Search Rankings

• SEO has always been a bit of a "dark art" with frequent algorithm updates causing confusion among website owners.

• However, there are certain things website owners can control, such as providing a good user experience, which can positively impact search rankings.

Apple's Privacy Update and Improving Page Experience

In this section, the speaker discusses Apple's privacy update and how it aims to improve user privacy by limiting access to user data. The speaker also talks about improving page experience and how businesses can be proactive in doing so.

Apple's Privacy Update

• Apple is following Facebook's lead in limiting access to user data.

• The update is aimed at improving user privacy and preventing monopolies like Facebook and Google from having too much access to user data.

• The update has been beneficial for users as it has cleared up news feeds and improved the overall experience.

Improving Page Experience

Interaction

• Businesses should focus on how people interact with their website.

• Having a website is one of the few things that businesses can control.

• There has been a shift towards engaging with trusted businesses during COVID-19.

• Businesses should invest in their website and marketing database.

Content

• Businesses should focus on creating useful content that comes from someone users know, like, and trust.

• This puts power back into the hands of business owners.

Design

• Websites should be designed with mobile devices in mind.

• Website speed is important for page experience.

Security

• Websites should have SSL certificates to ensure security for users.

SEO

• Good SEO practices are important for page experience.

Providing Relevant Information

The importance of providing relevant information to potential customers and how it can be more powerful than just saying you can do something.

• Having information readily available for potential customers is important as it builds trust and establishes you as a trusted advisor.

• Providing valuable resources such as project galleries or blogs with useful tips can greatly benefit those interested in your services.

• It's important to make sure that providing relevant information becomes part of the business process, otherwise it may not get done.

User Experience and Page Rankings

How user experience affects page rankings and what Google's algorithms look for.

• Good user experience is key to improving page rankings, which includes providing access to relevant information that users want.

• Google's algorithms reward websites that engage users through videos, downloads, or navigating through multiple pages.

• Negative experiences such as clicking back after visiting a website will reflect negatively on page rankings.

• Duplicate content won't necessarily penalize a website but it won't receive credit either, so it's important to provide unique content for users.

Building Trust with Customers

How businesses can build trust with past, present, and potential customers by providing them with relevant information.

• Businesses should aim to be recent, frequent, relevant, and useful when providing information to their customers.

• Customer databases are helpful in determining what kind of content would be most useful for them.

• Search engines reward websites that provide good user experiences by ranking them higher in search results.

Focus on Lead Conversion

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on lead conversion rather than lead generation. He explains that email marketing and working with databases are effective ways to retain clients and generate conversations.

Importance of Lead Conversion

• Focusing on lead conversion is more important than lead generation.

• Email marketing and working with databases can help retain clients.

• Investing in an email marketing campaign is eight times more likely to generate conversations than running a Google ad.

Building Trust and Rapport through Relevant Content

The speaker discusses how creating useful content for a database can be used to build trust and rapport with potential clients. He also mentions the importance of being front-of-mind for potential clients.

Building Trust and Rapport

• Creating useful content for a database can be used to build trust and rapport.

• Being front-of-mind for potential clients increases the likelihood of engagement.

• Reaching out to potential clients with relevant, recent, and frequent content helps build trust.

Engaging with People You Know, Like, and Trust

The speaker talks about how people are looking for relationships they currently have during COVID-19. He emphasizes that it's important to engage with people you know, like, and trust.

Engaging with People You Know, Like, and Trust

• People are looking for relationships they currently have during COVID-19.

• Engaging with people you know, like, and trust increases the likelihood of engagement.

• Waiting until someone is in dire need of your services may be too late.

Technology Can Help Improve Website Performance

The speaker discusses how technology can help improve website performance. He mentions image compressing software, builders that are light on code, and embedding videos from YouTube.

Improving Website Performance with Technology

• Image compressing software can shrink images down to improve website performance.

• Builders that are light on code can help reduce page load time.

• Embedding videos from YouTube or Vimeo can speed up website loading time.

• Caching saves a snapshot of your website on a browser to speed up future loading times.

Tips for Building a Website

In this section, the speaker discusses tips for building a website and whether to take the DIY path or work with an expert.

Starting Out

• If you are just starting out, there are many options available. You can jump on Google and find resources.

• Understand what it is you want as a result before building your website. There's obviously a deeper reason why you want that.

• Don't waste your own time building a website when you can be out there closing jobs.

Best Practices

• Make sure you have your website built on a platform which empowers you to get in there and make changes.

• Get set up on a system which empowers you to get in there and make changes. Make sure all of your assets are yours, and you control them.

Importance of Consistency

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of consistency when creating content for websites.

Content Creation

• Don't worry about Google algorithm updates because if you're doing things that are white hat, which essentially means by the book, then you will never come unstuck with that.

• If you're doing the right things consistently and working towards creating a better experience for your customers without trying to cheat the system, then you will very rarely get red-flagged.

Creating Content for Your Website

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of creating good content for your website to build trust and rapport with your audience. They suggest answering questions that people are asking you through content creation, whether it be through writing blogs or making videos.

Importance of Creating Good Content

• Building trust and rapport with your audience is crucial.

• Answering questions that people are asking you through content creation is a great way to engage with your audience.

• Don't make excuses about not liking to create content; find a way to get it done.

• Dedicate time to creating content or hire someone else to do it.

Working with Web Developers

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of business owners being accountable when working with web developers. They explain that while web developers can do a lot of work on their own, they still need input from business owners in order to accurately tell their story.

Business Owners Need to Be Accountable

• Business owners need to understand that web developers will need things from them in order to accurately tell their story.

• At some point, business owners need to show up and provide information such as logos and photos.

• It's impossible for web developers to create everything without input from business owners.

Updating an Old Website

In this section, the speaker talks about updating old websites and where someone should start. They explain that there is no one-size-fits-all answer and that it can be tricky, but there are best practices to follow.

Updating an Old Website

• It can be tricky to update an old website.

• There are best practices to follow, but it's important to understand user experience.

• Web developers can help with conversion optimization strategies, but business owners need to provide input on their story.

Mobile-Friendly and Website Speed

In this section, the speaker discusses how to check if a website is mobile-friendly and its speed. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding the goal of the website before getting bogged down with technical details.

Mobile-Friendly Websites

• To check if a website is mobile-friendly, type "mobile-friendly Google test" into Google search.

• Most websites built today use responsive design, which adjusts to any device automatically.

• To do a simple check, load the website onto your phone and turn it from portrait to landscape mode. If the screen changes accordingly, it's mobile-friendly.

Website Speed

• To check website speed, type "website speed test" into Google search or use tools like Pingdom.

• Don't get too caught up in website speed; focus on understanding what you want to achieve with your website first.

• Consider getting an audit or assessment of your current website that takes into account SEO, speed, load time, user experience, etc.

Conclusion

• Contact info@tradingwebguys.com for an opportunity audit that can point you in the right direction for improving your website.

• The foundation of a good website is crucial before worrying about technical details like mobile-friendliness and speed.

Importance of Owning Your Online Space

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of owning your online space and controlling the customer journey.

Controlling the Customer Journey

• Google searches are often done before calling a business, so it's important to own your online space.

• You can control the customer journey by offering resources and nurturing them through email marketing campaigns.

• People often think their work is boring, but it's important to spin it in an interesting way for potential customers.

• Having content available when someone is ready for it is crucial.

Starting Point

• A great starting point is just to start creating content.

• Creating a document or project gallery can be used as part of SEO programs and build trust with customers.

Call to Action

• The call to action is to do something about creating content because it needs to get done.

• Whether you do it yourself or get help from a specialist, creating content will become part of your process.