Archive for category: Google

Browsing in Stealth: Your Guide to Incognito and Private Modes

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Instructions for: Chrome | Safari | Edge | Firefox

Ever wished you could browse the web without leaving a trace, or troubleshoot a pesky website issue without your usual settings getting in the way? That's where “Incognito” or “Private” browsing modes come in! These special windows offer a temporary, isolated browsing experience that can be incredibly useful for a variety of tasks.

Let's dive into what these modes are, why they're so handy, and how to open one in all the major web browsers.

What is Incognito/Private Browsing?

Think of it like this: when you open an incognito or private window, your browser temporarily forgets who you are. Here's what typically happens:

  • No History: Your browsing history won't be saved. Once you close the window, it's like you were never there.
  • No Cookies: Websites won't be able to store new cookies on your computer, nor will they access existing ones. This means you'll appear as a brand new visitor to most sites.
  • No Site Data: Other site data, like temporary files or data for offline use, is also not stored.
  • No Form Data: Anything you type into forms (like usernames or passwords) won't be saved for autofill later.
  • No Extensions (usually): Many browser extensions are disabled by default in private mode, preventing them from interfering with your browsing. You can usually choose to enable specific extensions if needed.

Important Note: While these modes hide your activity from your local browser, they don't make you completely anonymous online. Your internet service provider (ISP), your employer (if you're on a work network), and the websites you visit can still see your activity.

Why is Incognito/Private Mode Useful for Troubleshooting?

This is where private browsing truly shines for tech-savvy users and everyday troubleshooters alike!

Imagine you're trying to access a website, but it's behaving strangely. Maybe a button isn't working, or content isn't loading correctly. Here's how incognito/private mode can help diagnose the problem:

  1. Bypassing Cached Data and Cookies: Many website issues stem from old or corrupted cookies and cached files. When you visit a site in private mode, you're essentially starting with a clean slate. If the site works perfectly in private mode but not in your regular window, it's a strong indicator that your cached data or cookies are the culprit.
  2. Disabling Extensions: Browser extensions, while often helpful, can sometimes conflict with websites and cause unexpected behavior. Since most extensions are disabled by default in private mode, you can quickly determine if an extension is the source of your problem. If the site works in private mode, try disabling your extensions one by one in your regular browser to find the problematic one.
  3. Testing Login Issues: If you're having trouble logging into a website, private mode can help. It ensures that no previous login sessions or corrupted authentication cookies are interfering with the process.

How to Open an Incognito/Private Window

Let's get to the practical part! Here's how to access these modes in the most popular web browsers:

Google Chrome (Incognito Mode)

Google Chrome calls its private browsing feature “Incognito mode,” identifiable by the distinctive fedora hat and glasses icon.

  1. Using the Menu:
    • Click the three vertical dots (Customize and control Google Chrome) in the top-right corner of the browser window.
    • Select “New incognito window” from the dropdown menu.

Using Keyboard Shortcut:

  • Windows/Linux/Chrome OS: Press Ctrl + Shift + N
  • macOS: Press ⌘ + Shift + N

Safari (Private Browsing)

Safari on macOS also offers “Private Browsing.”

  1. Using the Menu Bar:
    • Click “File” in the Safari menu bar at the top of your screen.
    • Select “New Private Window” from the dropdown menu.

Microsoft Edge (InPrivate Browsing)

Microsoft Edge uses the term “InPrivate browsing,” and its icon often features a blue square with a white eye and slash through it.

  1. Using the Menu:
    • Click the three horizontal dots (Settings and more) in the top-right corner of the browser window.
    • Select “New InPrivate window” from the dropdown menu.

Using Keyboard Shortcut:

  • Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + N
  • macOS: Press ⌘ + Shift + N

Mozilla Firefox (Private Browsing)

Firefox refers to its private mode as “Private Browsing,” marked by a purple mask icon.

  1. Using the Menu:
    • Click the three horizontal lines (Open Application Menu) in the top-right corner of the browser window.
    • Select “New Private Window” from the dropdown menu.

Using Keyboard Shortcut:

  • Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + P
  • macOS: Press ⌘ + Shift + P

Since 2002: What 20+ Years of Digital Marketing Experience Teaches You

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Since 2002: What 20+ Years of Digital Marketing Experience Teaches You

The year 2002. Google was still a relatively young search engine, MySpace was on the horizon, and dial-up internet was, for many, a daily reality. Flash websites were all the rage (remember those intricate animated intros?), and “SEO” was a nascent term mostly understood by a handful of tech enthusiasts.

That's when TheSiteCrew.com began its journey. Over two decades later, we've witnessed, adapted to, and often helped shape the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing. Looking back, our 20+ years in this dynamic industry have taught us invaluable lessons – insights that we bring to every website we design, every SEO strategy we craft, and every Google Ads campaign we manage.

The Constant: Change is the Only Constant

If there's one overarching lesson from two decades in digital marketing, it's this: never stop learning, never stop adapting.

Think about it:

  • From Keyword Stuffing to User Intent: Early SEO was often about cramming keywords onto a page. Today, Google's algorithms are incredibly sophisticated, prioritizing genuine value, user experience, and semantic understanding. It's no longer just about what keywords you use, but why a user is searching for them.
  • From Desktop Dominance to Mobile-First: When we started, mobile browsing was a niche concept. Now, mobile-first indexing means Google primarily uses the mobile version of your site for ranking. If your site isn't fast and flawless on a smartphone, you're already behind.
  • From Simple Ads to Sophisticated AI: Google Ads (then AdWords) began with relatively straightforward text ads. Today, we leverage machine learning, advanced targeting options, and rich ad formats to reach precisely the right audience at the right moment.
  • From Basic Websites to Immersive Experiences: Websites have transformed from online brochures to interactive platforms crucial for lead generation, customer service, and brand building. Security, speed, and accessibility are no longer optional – they're fundamental.

This relentless pace of change isn't a challenge we shy away from; it's what keeps us passionate and at the forefront of the industry.

The Enduring: Why Longevity and Stability Matter in Your Digital Partner

In an industry where new agencies pop up weekly, fade, and then are replaced, TheSiteCrew.com's consistent presence since 2002 speaks volumes. Why does this longevity matter for your business?

  1. Deep, Institutional Knowledge: We haven't just read about past algorithm updates; we've lived through them. We understand the nuances of what works long-term versus fleeting fads. This depth of experience means we build strategies that are robust and resilient.
  2. Proven Adaptability: Our 20+ years aren't just about surviving; they're about thriving. We've consistently adapted our skills, tools, and strategies to meet new challenges and leverage new opportunities. This means your business benefits from solutions that are current and effective, not just recycled old tactics.
  3. Trust and Reliability: Digital marketing is an investment. You want a partner who will be there for the long haul, someone who understands your business's journey and growth. Our track record provides the stability and peace of mind that comes from working with a seasoned team. We've built lasting relationships with our clients by delivering results consistently for over two decades.
  4. Strategic Foresight: Having seen countless trends come and go, we're better equipped to predict future shifts and advise our clients on proactive strategies. We help you build a digital presence that isn't just ready for today but also prepared for tomorrow.
  5. Certified Expertise: Our status as a Certified Google Partner isn't just a badge; it's a testament to our ongoing commitment to mastering Google's platforms. We maintain this certification year after year, demonstrating consistent client growth and adherence to best practices.

Building for the Future, Rooted in Experience

At TheSiteCrew.com, we believe that success in digital marketing isn't about chasing every shiny new object. It's about a clear understanding of core principles, a commitment to continuous learning, and the invaluable perspective gained from years of hands-on experience.

Whether you're looking to launch a new website, climb Google's rankings, or drive targeted traffic with Google Ads, partner with an agency that has not only seen it all but has consistently delivered results through it all.

Let our two decades of experience work for your business. Ready to grow?

Google Ads: The Benefits of Using Responsive Ads

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Google Ads: The Benefits of Using Responsive Ads 1

Responsive ads in Google Ads offer several significant benefits that can lead to better performance for your campaigns. These benefits are primarily driven by the ads' ability to automatically adapt to different ad spaces and placements, a process powered by Google's machine learning.

Here are the key benefits of using responsive ads:

  • Wider Reach and Flexibility: Responsive ads can automatically adjust their size, format, and appearance to fit almost any available ad space on the Google Display Network, which includes millions of websites, apps, YouTube, and Gmail. This means you don't have to create a separate ad for every possible size and placement, saving you a lot of time and effort. A single responsive ad can appear as a banner ad on one site and a dynamic text ad on another, maximizing your potential to reach your audience.
  • Automated Optimization and Improved Performance: You provide Google Ads with a set of assets, such as headlines, descriptions, images, and logos. Google's AI then tests various combinations of these assets and determines which ones perform best for each specific ad slot and user. This continuous, automated optimization helps to improve key metrics like click-through rate (CTR) and conversion rate over time.
  • Saves Time and Resources: By reducing the need to create a large number of static ads in different sizes, responsive ads streamline the ad creation and management process. This allows you to focus more on strategy and campaign-level optimization rather than the manual work of building a large ad portfolio.
  • Personalization and Relevance: Responsive ads can deliver highly personalized content to users. For example, if you've added a product feed, a responsive ad can show a user products they have previously viewed on your website, which can significantly increase engagement and conversions.
  • Use of Videos: You can include videos as assets in your responsive display ads. Google Ads will use videos instead of images when it determines that a video is more likely to drive better performance, helping to maximize your reach and engagement on the Display Network.

In essence, responsive ads leverage automation and machine learning to optimize your creative assets, expand your reach, and ultimately drive better results with less manual effort.

Should You Run Ads on Google Search Partners?

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Should You Run Ads on Google Search Partners?

Let's start the answer to this question by clarifying that Google Search Partners and Google Partners are NOT the same thing. While we are a Google Partner, we are NOT a Google Search Partner.

Google Partner

A Google Partner is a business (typically a marketing agency or a digital marketing consultant) that has been recognized by Google for its expertise in Google Ads. To become a Google Partner, a company must meet specific requirements related to performance, ad spend, and certifications.

Key characteristics of a Google Partner:

  • Who they are: A company or individual.
  • What they do: They manage Google Ads campaigns for other businesses and clients.
  • How they're recognized: They earn a special badge (the Google Partner or Premier Partner badge) that they can display on their website and marketing materials. This badge signifies that they have demonstrated expertise in Google Ads and have met certain performance standards.
  • Benefits: They get access to exclusive benefits from Google, such as training, dedicated account support, and promotional offers.
  • Purpose: The program is designed to help businesses find reliable and skilled professionals to manage their Google Ads campaigns.

Google Search Partners

The Google Search Partners network is a part of the Google Search Network. It's a collection of third-party websites and search engines that have partnered with Google to display ads. These sites extend the reach of your Google Ads beyond the main Google search results page.

Key characteristics of Google Search Partners:

Purpose: The network provides advertisers with a way to expand their reach and find a wider audience for their campaigns.

What they are: A network of websites.

What they do: They host Google Ads on their own search results pages, site directories, or other relevant pages.

Examples: This network includes Google-owned sites like YouTube and Google Maps, as well as non-Google sites like Ask.com, Dogpile.com, and even e-commerce sites like Amazon.

For advertisers: When you create a search campaign in Google Ads, the “Include Google Search Partners” option is typically enabled by default. This allows your ads to appear on these partner sites in addition to Google's own search results.

Should You Run Ads on Google Search Partners? 2

The obvious benefit to running Ads on Google Search Partners is that you potentially will reach more people with your ads.

But, is there a DOWNSIDE of running Ads on Google Search Partners?

When running Google Ads, choosing to also have your ads run on Google Search Partners has some notable downsides. While it can increase your reach, it often comes at the cost of control and performance.

Here are the main downsides:

  • Lack of Transparency: Google doesn't provide a full list of its Search Partners, and it often provides limited data on where your ads are being displayed. This can make it difficult to determine which specific sites are performing well or poorly.
  • Lower Quality Traffic: Ads on Google Search Partners often lead to lower click-through rates (CTR) and conversion rates compared to ads on the main Google Search network. The traffic can be less engaged or even fraudulent, as some partner sites are known to be parked domains or to generate bot traffic.
  • Limited Control: You have much less control over ad placements on the partner network. Unlike display campaigns where you can exclude specific sites, you cannot prevent your search ads from showing on certain partner websites. This can result in your brand appearing on low-quality or even controversial sites that you would rather not be associated with.
  • Budget Drain: Because of the potential for low-quality traffic and the lack of transparency, a significant portion of your budget can be spent on clicks that don't lead to conversions. This can quickly drain your budget without providing a return on your investment.
  • Lower Overall Performance Metrics: Activating Search Partners can negatively impact your overall campaign metrics. Even if your Google Search performance is strong, the inclusion of the partner network can bring down your average CTR, conversion rate, and other key performance indicators (KPIs) in your aggregated reports.

For these reasons, many advertisers, especially those with lead-generation or B2B campaigns, choose to disable the Search Partners network to focus their budget on the higher-quality traffic from Google's main search network. However, some advertisers in certain industries may find that it can be a source of incremental, albeit lower-cost, clicks and conversions, so it's a decision that often requires careful testing and monitoring.

Would a Local Roofing Company Benefit from Google Ads?

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Google Ads

The answer is, YES! And, as a Google Certified Partner, we can help your business succeed. Google Ads can be incredibly effective for a local roofing company by connecting them directly with homeowners who are actively searching for roofing services. Here's a breakdown of why and how:

Why Google Ads are a Game-Changer for Local Roofing Companies:

  • High-Intent Leads: Unlike other forms of advertising (like social media), people searching on Google for “roof repair near me” or “roof replacement [city name]” have immediate, high-intent needs. They are actively looking for a solution, making them much more likely to convert into paying customers.
  • Immediate Visibility: Google Ads allows your roofing company to appear at the very top of search results, above organic listings. This provides instant visibility, which is crucial when homeowners are facing urgent roofing issues.
  • Targeted Advertising: You can precisely target your ideal customer based on:
    • Location: Show your ads only to people in your specific service area (city, zip code, even neighborhoods). This eliminates wasted ad spend on irrelevant clicks.
    • Keywords: Bid on specific keywords that indicate a homeowner's need (e.g., “emergency roof repair,” “hail damage roofing contractor,” “best roofer in [city]”).
    • Time of Day/Week: Schedule your ads to run during peak hours when potential customers are most likely to search for roofing services.
  • Measurable ROI: Google Ads provides detailed data on clicks, impressions, conversions, and cost per lead. This allows you to track the effectiveness of your campaigns and optimize them for maximum return on investment.
  • Scalability: You can start with a modest budget and scale up as you see results, giving you control over your marketing spend.
  • Leveling the Playing Field: Even if you're a newer company, Google Ads allows you to compete with established roofers who may have better organic search rankings.

Key Strategies for an Effective Google Ads Campaign for a Local Roofing Company:

  1. Target High-Intent Local Keywords:
    • Focus on “long-tail keywords” that are more specific and indicate a strong intent to hire. Examples: “emergency roof leak repair Charleston SC,” “residential roof replacement Summerville,” “storm damage roofing contractor near me.”
    • Utilize keyword research tools (like Google Keyword Planner or Semrush) to identify relevant keywords with good search volume and manageable competition.
    • Negative Keywords: Crucially, add negative keywords (e.g., “DIY,” “free,” “jobs,” “how to”) to prevent your ads from showing for irrelevant searches and wasting your budget.
  2. Craft Compelling Ad Copy:
    • Strong Headlines: Include your primary keyword and a benefit (e.g., “Charleston Roof Repair – Free Quote!” or “Local Roofers – 24/7 Emergency Service”).
    • Highlight Unique Selling Points (USPs): Emphasize what makes your company stand out (e.g., “20+ Years Experience,” “Licensed & Insured,” “CertainTeed Certified,” “Same-Day Quotes,” “Satisfaction Guaranteed”).
    • Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Use urgent and actionable CTAs like “Call Now for a Free Estimate,” “Get Your Free Quote,” or “Schedule an Inspection.”
  3. Optimize Landing Pages for Conversion:
    • Your landing page (the page a user lands on after clicking your ad) should be highly relevant to the ad copy and the user's search intent.
    • It should be clean, mobile-friendly, fast-loading, and clearly showcase your services, testimonials, and a prominent way to contact you (phone number, contact form).
    • If your ad offers a “free quote,” the landing page should immediately direct them to where they can get that free quote.
  4. Leverage Ad Extensions:
    • Call Extensions: Display your phone number directly in the ad, allowing users to call you with a single click. This is essential for a service business.
    • Location Extensions: Show your business address, hours, and even directions, building trust and making it easy for local customers to find you.
    • Sitelink Extensions: Link to specific pages on your website (e.g., “Roof Repair,” “Roof Replacement,” “About Us,” “Testimonials”) to provide more information and increase click-through rates.
    • Callout Extensions: Highlight key benefits or offers (e.g., “24-Hour Availability,” “Financing Options,” “Emergency Service”).
  5. Utilize Google Local Services Ads (LSAs):
    • LSAs appear at the very top of Google search results and feature a “Google Guaranteed” badge, instantly building trust.
    • You only pay for qualified leads (phone calls or messages) directly from the ad, not just clicks. This can be a very cost-effective option for roofers.
  6. Continuous Monitoring and Optimization:
    • Regularly review your campaign performance metrics (CTR, CPC, conversion rate, cost per conversion).
    • A/B test different ad copy, headlines, and landing page elements to see what resonates best with your audience.
    • Adjust bids based on performance and target specific zip codes or areas with higher conversion rates.
    • Add new negative keywords as you identify irrelevant search terms.

By implementing these strategies, a local roofing company can harness the power of Google Ads to consistently generate high-quality leads, increase their customer base, and grow their business effectively. We are ready to help your company succeed with Google Ads. Give us a call today.

Thinking About Running Google Ads? Read this!

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Thinking about Running Google Ads

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The Advantages of Running Google Ads

Google Ads is a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising platform that allows businesses to display their ads on Google search results pages and other Google-owned websites. Google Ads is a powerful tool that can help businesses of all sizes reach new customers and grow their business.

Here are some of the advantages of running Google Ads:

  • Reach a large audience. Google is the world's most popular search engine, with over 92% of the global market share. This means that your ads have the potential to be seen by a huge number of people.
  • Target your ads. Google Ads allows you to target your ads to specific demographics, interests, and even keywords. This means that your ads are only seen by people who are actually interested in what you have to offer.
  • Track your results. Google Ads provides detailed analytics that show you how your ads are performing. This information can be used to improve your campaigns and get better results.
  • Get started quickly and easily. Setting up a Google Ads account is quick and easy. You can create your account in minutes and start running ads right away.

Hiring a Certified Google Partner

If you're new to Google Ads, or if you're not sure how to get the most out of your campaigns, you may want to consider hiring a Certified Google Partner. A Certified Google Partner is a business that has been certified by Google to provide expert Google Ads services.

Certified Google Partners have the knowledge and experience to help you create and manage successful Google Ads campaigns. They can help you choose the right keywords, set your budget, and track your results. They can also help you troubleshoot problems and improve your campaigns over time.

If you're serious about using Google Ads to grow your business, hiring a Certified Google Partner is a wise investment.

Here are some of the benefits of hiring a Certified Google Partner:

  • Expertise. Certified Google Partners have the knowledge and experience to help you create and manage successful Google Ads campaigns.
  • Save time and money. A Certified Google Partner can help you save time and money by doing the work for you. They can also help you avoid costly mistakes.
  • Peace of mind. Knowing that your Google Ads campaigns are in the hands of an expert can give you peace of mind. You can focus on running your business, knowing that your ads are working hard to bring you new customers.

If you're ready to take your Google Ads campaigns to the next level, contact us today.

Running Google Ads & Hiring a Certified Google Partner

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Running Google Ads

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Google Ads is a powerful online advertising platform that can help businesses of all sizes reach their target audience and grow their bottom line. With Google Ads, businesses can create targeted ads that appear at the top of Google search results pages, on YouTube, and on other websites across the Google Display Network.

There are many advantages to running Google Ads, including:

  • Increased website traffic: Google Ads can help businesses drive more traffic to their websites by placing their ads in front of people who are already searching for the products or services they offer.
  • Lead generation: Google Ads can also help businesses generate leads by directing interested visitors to their website contact forms or landing pages.
  • Sales growth: Google Ads can help businesses increase sales by driving traffic to their websites and converting visitors into customers.
  • Brand awareness: Google Ads can also help businesses build brand awareness by exposing their brand to potential customers who are searching for products or services like theirs.

Hiring a Certified Google Partner

If you're new to Google Ads or don't have the time to manage your campaigns yourself, you can hire a Certified Google Partner to help you. Certified Google Partners are businesses that have been trained and certified by Google to help businesses get the most out of Google Ads.

When you hire a Certified Google Partner, you can rest assured that you're getting the help of a qualified professional who has the experience and expertise to help you create and manage successful Google Ads campaigns.

The Benefits of Hiring a Certified Google Partner

There are many benefits to hiring a Certified Google Partner, including:

  • Expertise: Certified Google Partners have the experience and expertise to help you create and manage successful Google Ads campaigns.
  • Time savings: Hiring a Certified Google Partner can save you time by taking care of the day-to-day management of your campaigns.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that your Google Ads campaigns are being managed by a qualified professional can give you peace of mind.

If you're looking for a way to increase website traffic, generate leads, grow sales, and build brand awareness, Google Ads is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your business goals. And if you don't have the time or expertise to manage your own campaigns, hiring a Certified Google Partner can be a great way to get the help you need to succeed.

Why You Need a Google My Business Profile

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Why You Need a Google My Business Profile

In today's digital age, it's more important than ever for businesses to have a strong online presence. One of the best ways to do this is by setting up a Google My Business profile.

A Google My Business profile is a free listing that appears in Google Maps and Search results. It includes your business name, address, phone number, hours of operation, website, and more. You can also add photos, videos, and reviews to your profile.

Having a Google My Business profile is important for a number of reasons. First, it helps you get found by potential customers. When people search for businesses like yours on Google, your profile will appear in the local results. This is a great way to attract new customers who are looking for what you have to offer.

Second, a Google My Business profile can help you build trust with potential customers. When people see that you have a verified profile, they're more likely to trust you and do business with you.

Third, a Google My Business profile can help you improve your local SEO. Local SEO is the process of optimizing your website so that it appears higher in Google's local search results. Having a complete and accurate Google My Business profile can help you improve your local SEO and attract more local customers.

If you don't have a Google My Business profile, I encourage you to create one today. It's a free and easy way to improve your online presence and attract new customers.

Here are some tips for creating a Google My Business profile:

  • Use your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) exactly as they appear on your website and other marketing materials.
  • Add photos and videos of your business.
  • Write a clear and concise description of your business.
  • Add your hours of operation, website, and other relevant information.
  • Encourage your customers to leave reviews.
  • Respond to reviews promptly and professionally.

By following these tips, you can create a Google My Business profile that will help you attract new customers and grow your business.

The Advantages of Running Google Ads

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The Advantages of Running Google Ads

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Google Ads is a powerful advertising platform that can help businesses of all sizes reach their target audience and grow their bottom line. Here are some of the advantages of running Google Ads:

  • Reach a large audience. Google Ads can help you reach a large audience of potential customers who are already searching for the products or services you offer.
  • Target your ads. Google Ads allows you to target your ads to specific demographics, interests, and even keywords. This means that your ads are only shown to people who are likely to be interested in what you have to offer.
  • Control your costs. You only pay for Google Ads when someone clicks on your ad. This means that you can set a budget and stick to it.
  • Track your results. Google Ads provides detailed reports that show you how your ads are performing. This information can help you make adjustments to your campaigns to improve your results.

The Benefits of Hiring a Certified Google Partner

If you're new to Google Ads, or if you're not getting the results you want, you may want to consider hiring a Certified Google Partner. A Certified Google Partner is a company that has been trained and certified by Google to help businesses use Google Ads effectively.

Certified Google Partners have the experience and expertise to help you create and manage successful Google Ads campaigns. They can help you choose the right keywords, write effective ad copy, and track your results.

Hiring a Certified Google Partner can save you time and money, and it can help you get the most out of your Google Ads investment.

How to Find a Certified Google Partner

To find a Certified Google Partner, you can visit the Google Partners website. You can search for partners by location, industry, or expertise. Or, simply look right here – TheSiteCrew.com is a Certified Google Partner!

Conclusion

Google Ads is a powerful advertising platform that can help businesses of all sizes reach their target audience and grow their bottom line. If you're not getting the results you want from your Google Ads campaigns, you may want to consider hiring a Certified Google Partner.

Advantages of Using a Google Certified Partner to Manage Your Google Ads

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Advantages of Using a Google Certified Partner to Manage Your Google Ads 3

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If you’re looking to maximize the return on your Google Ads campaigns, you’ve likely considered hiring a Google Certified Partner to manage them for you. But what are the benefits of taking this route? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the advantages of using a Google Certified Partner to manage your Google Ads campaigns.

The most obvious benefit of using a Google Certified Partner to manage your campaigns is that they are specifically trained and certified by Google. This means they have the skills and knowledge to properly optimize your campaigns in order to get the best results possible. A Google Certified Partner also has access to Google’s support resources and can help you troubleshoot any issues you may have with your campaigns.

A Google Certified Partner can also save you time and money. They are experienced and knowledgeable about the Google Ads platform, so they can quickly identify and address any issues with your campaigns. This can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your campaigns are running efficiently.

Finally, a Google Certified Partner can provide valuable insights into the performance of your campaigns. They can analyze your data and provide reports that can help you identify areas of improvement and opportunities to optimize your campaigns. They can also provide valuable recommendations on how to best target your ads and maximize your ROI.

In conclusion, using a Google Certified Partner to manage your Google Ads campaigns can be incredibly beneficial. They are experienced and knowledgeable about the Google Ads platform and can help you optimize your campaigns and get the most out of them. They can also save you time and money and provide valuable insights into the performance of your campaigns. If you’re looking to get the most out of your Google Ads campaigns, hiring a Google Certified Partner is a great way to do it.

What is Google My Business?

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What is Google My Business

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Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that allows businesses to create and manage their online presence on Google Search and Maps. With GMB, businesses can add information about their business, such as their address, hours of operation, and website, and they can also add photos, videos, and reviews.

There are many benefits to having a GMB profile. First, it can help businesses to attract new customers. When people search for businesses on Google, GMB profiles are often one of the first things that they see. This means that businesses with GMB profiles are more likely to be found by potential customers.

Second, GMB profiles can help businesses to improve their local search ranking. Google uses a variety of factors to determine how businesses are ranked in local search results, and GMB profiles are one of the factors that Google considers. This means that businesses with GMB profiles are more likely to appear higher in local search results, which can lead to more traffic to their website and more sales.

Third, GMB profiles can help businesses to connect with customers. GMB profiles allow businesses to respond to reviews, which can help to build trust and credibility with potential customers. Additionally, GMB profiles allow businesses to send messages to customers, which can be used to promote special offers or to provide customer service.

Overall, Google My Business is a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes. It is free to use, and it can help businesses to attract new customers, improve their local search ranking, and connect with customers. If you do not have a GMB profile, I encourage you to create one today.

Here are some additional tips for creating and managing a successful GMB profile:

  • Make sure your information is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Add photos and videos of your business.
  • Encourage your customers to leave reviews.
  • Respond to reviews promptly and professionally.
  • Use the GMB tools to send messages to customers.
  • Promote your GMB profile on your website and social media.

By following these tips, you can create a GMB profile that will help your business to succeed.

Google Introduces New Search Ad Position Metrics

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Search Ad Position Metrics

It's important to understand where your ads appear on the search results page. Contrary to common perception, average position is not meant to describe where the ad appears on the page. Average position reflects the order that your ad appears versus the other ads in the ad auction. For instance, an ad position of “1” means that your ad shows ahead of all other ads, but it doesn't necessarily mean the ad was at the very top of the page.  Sometimes, there are no ads displayed at the top of a search results page above organic search results.  It can be confusing.

That’s why Google is rolling out four new metrics that – unlike average position – provide clear insights on where your ads are appearing on the search results page.

  • Impr. (Absolute Top) % – the percent of your ad impressions that are shown as the very first ad above the organic search results.
  • Impr. (Top) % – the percent of your ad impressions that are shown anywhere above the organic search results.
  • Search (Absolute Top) IS – the impressions you’ve received in the absolute top location (the very first ad above the organic search results) divided by the estimated number of impressions you were eligible to receive in the top location.
  • Search (Top) IS – the impressions you’ve received in the top location (anywhere above the organic search results) compared to the estimated number of impressions you were eligible to receive in the top location.

Please contact us about your Google Ads.  Our agency is recognized as a trusted business partner by Google. As a Google Partner, we are prepared to help your business succeed with Google Ads.

Planning Google Ads for Holiday Traffic

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Planning Google Ads
Holiday traffic is on the rise.  Is  your Google Ads campaign ready?

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 59% of U.S. consumers planned to begin holiday shopping in November, and 22% started or were planning to start in October.* To be there when your customers are searching for your products, start optimizing your Google Ads campaigns for the holiday season.

For businesses that thrive during the holidays, this will mean making changes to your Google Ads campaigns to ramp things up for the holiday season.   It's competitive out there and this isn't a time to just let your campaign run on auto-pilot.

For businesses that typically slow down during the holiday season, it's time to make changes to your Google Ads campaign to minimize advertising spending during the holidays.

Whether you are gearing up for record sales or a holiday vacation, we can help you get your Google Ads optimized for the holidays.

 

*The NPD Group conducted an online survey in September 2017 among a U.S. representative sample of NPD online consumer panel members. The survey was completed by 3,785 individuals aged 18 and older. Brand Keys surveyed 11,625 shoppers and Prosper surveyed 7,349 consumers Oct. 3-10 for the NRF.

Mobile-First Indexing on Google

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Mobile-First Indexing on Google

Mobile-first indexing is well underway at Google.  Since mobile has become a more widely used platform to perform searches, Google will now utilize the mobile version of the website when it indexes and ranks pages.  As a result, we expect to see search engine rankings drop for websites that are not well optimized for mobile.

What does this mean for your website?

  1. If we developed a responsive website for you within the last five years AND you have been subscribing to Ongoing Support (which includes version, theme and plug-in updates), then your website is already optimized for mobile.
  2. If your website is more than five years old OR you have not been subscribing to Ongoing Support, please contact us for a complimentary mobile review.
  3. If we did not build your website, please contact us for a complimentary mobile review.

Google evaluates all desktop and mobile content to determine mobile friendliness.  We have and will continue to place great importance on the mobile User Experience (UX) as it significantly affects the indexing and ranking of websites.

Sometimes when we develop a responsive website, a client will ask us to organize content and/or navigation in a way that adversely affects the responsiveness of their site.  When such a request is made, we do inform the client of the negative impact their suggestion(s) may have on the mobile optimization of their website. Please keep in mind that since Google has implemented mobile-first indexing, it will be now be crucial for websites to deliver an optimal mobile UX.

If you've received a notification from Google about your website's mobile-first indexing, forward the notice to us for a review.

Have questions or would like a complimentary mobile review of your website?  Send us an e-mail.  We’re here to help!

Google Analytics Language Codes

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Here’s a reference for the language codes you will find in your Google Analytics reports:

af Afrikaans sq Albanian
ar-sa Arabic (Saudi Arabia) ar-iq Arabic (Iraq)
ar-eg Arabic (Egypt) ar-ly Arabic (Libya)
ar-dz Arabic (Algeria) ar-ma Arabic (Morocco)
ar-tn Arabic (Tunisia) ar-om Arabic (Oman)
ar-ye Arabic (Yemen) ar-sy Arabic (Syria)
ar-jo Arabic (Jordan) ar-lb Arabic (Lebanon)
ar-kw Arabic (Kuwait) ar-ae Arabic (U.A.E.)
ar-bh Arabic (Bahrain) ar-qa Arabic (Qatar)
eu Basque bg Bulgarian
be Belarusian ca Catalan
zh-tw Chinese (Taiwan) zh-cn Chinese (PRC)
zh-hk Chinese (Hong Kong SAR) zh-sg Chinese (Singapore)
hr Croatian cs Czech
da Danish nl Dutch (Standard)
nl-be Dutch (Belgium) en English
en-us English (United States) en-gb English (United Kingdom)
en-au English (Australia) en-ca English (Canada)
en-nz English (New Zealand) en-ie English (Ireland)
en-za English (South Africa) en-jm English (Jamaica)
en English (Caribbean) en-bz English (Belize)
en-tt English (Trinidad) et Estonian
fo Faeroese fa Farsi
fi Finnish fr French (Standard)
fr-be French (Belgium) fr-ca French (Canada)
fr-ch French (Switzerland) fr-lu French (Luxembourg)
gd Gaelic (Scotland) ga Irish
de German (Standard) de-ch German (Switzerland)
de-at German (Austria) de-lu German (Luxembourg)
de-li German (Liechtenstein) el Greek
he Hebrew hi Hindi
hu Hungarian is Icelandic
id Indonesian it Italian (Standard)
it-ch Italian (Switzerland) ja Japanese
ko Korean ko Korean (Johab)
lv Latvian lt Lithuanian
mk Macedonian (FYROM) ms Malaysian
mt Maltese no Norwegian (Bokmal)
no Norwegian (Nynorsk) pl Polish
pt-br Portuguese (Brazil) pt Portuguese (Portugal)
rm Rhaeto-Romanic ro Romanian
ro-mo Romanian (Republic of Moldova) ru Russian
ru-mo Russian (Republic of Moldova) sz Sami (Lappish)
sr Serbian (Cyrillic) sr Serbian (Latin)
sk Slovak sl Slovenian
sb Sorbian es Spanish (Spain)
es-mx Spanish (Mexico) es-gt Spanish (Guatemala)
es-cr Spanish (Costa Rica) es-pa Spanish (Panama)
es-do Spanish (Dominican Republic) es-ve Spanish (Venezuela)
es-co Spanish (Colombia) es-pe Spanish (Peru)
es-ar Spanish (Argentina) es-ec Spanish (Ecuador)
es-cl Spanish (Chile) es-uy Spanish (Uruguay)
es-py Spanish (Paraguay) es-bo Spanish (Bolivia)
es-sv Spanish (El Salvador) es-hn Spanish (Honduras)
es-ni Spanish (Nicaragua) es-pr Spanish (Puerto Rico)
sx Sutu sv Swedish
sv-fi Swedish (Finland) th Thai
ts Tsonga tn Tswana
tr Turkish uk Ukrainian
ur Urdu ve Venda
vi Vietnamese xh Xhosa
ji Yiddish zu Zulu

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email: email@thesitecrew.com

Toll-Free Call: 888-292-2303
Text or Call: 854-777-9199

SandyMeier.com, LLC
1201 Congressional Blvd.
Summerville, SC 29483
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
Friday: We are working, but it's a day devoted to website development and launch.

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