Howdy friends,

Let’s get down to the digital marketing business!

• You remember the SEO ranking tool outage from January? Well, this SEL article shares lessons learned from it. Here are the top points for measuring SEO success in the future:
  • Some SEO ranking tools may increase in price to render JavaScript in Google’s search results (which requires more computing resources).
  • SEOs need to focus on a diverse range of metrics including conversion rate and engagement, instead of solely on ranking.
  • Continually leverage Google tools (Search Console, Analytics) to get data without disruption.

• In DBE’s approach to SEO, we view Brand Authority as an important competitive comparison metric as it is influenced by how well a brand’s website ranks in search engine results. EMARKETER’s chart reinforces the importance of a brand website as one-third of US shoppers stay updated on their favorite brands by visiting the brand website. If you go “Beyond the chart” you will also see almost 21% of shoppers find new brands or products via brand websites.

• Are you a fan of recipe pages that make you scroll through a whitepaper of content inundated with ads before you even hit the ingredients section? I am sure you aren’t. Google’s caught on to that, too. Another update in the revised Google Quality Raters Guidelines added a warning for recipe sites that do this. The solution? Cut the content and/or include an easily findable “Jump to Recipe” button at the top.

• Google AI Overviews is now showing detailed shopping comparisons between two products. From a paid search perspective, this could be a precursor to incorporating a Google Ads element to AI Overviews. From an organic search perspective, it could diminish the presence of product comparison websites and affiliate websites on the SERPs.

• Here’s a good overview of the different features on a Google Search Engine Results Page (SERP). Why is this helpful? It provides guidance on SERP analyses to gauge search intent, uncover competitor strategies, and identify keyword opportunities.

• Ads in Threads! Yes, you read that correctly. Meta is testing ads in Threads in the U.S. Only some users will be able to see them nestled between pieces of other content.

• Copywriting vs. content writing… What’s the difference? Socialfly explains this beautifully. Copywriting is persuasive with a compelling message to drive action. Content writing is brand-building, working to educate, inform and/or engage your audience. See the rest of the article for more specifications!

Thoughts to Take With You… 💞

Early birds 🕊️ & night owls🦉 

Turns out, these phrases have scientific backing and it has something to do with your genetics and circadian rhythms.

Now, think about our modern world. The traditional 9-5 workday was built around early birds. While it’s good to have consistency, some workplaces have realized that this isn’t the most efficient work hours for all employees. Flexible work can help people work when they feel most energized. Imagine the productivity (and life balance) that could be achieved if more people could experiment with their working hours….

Enjoy the week and weekend!

Natalie

In honor of Feb 14th, let’s send a little appreciation about our hearts. Here are some interesting facts for ya!

• Your heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood every day. (Whatta workout!)
• The beating sound of your heart is caused by the valves of the heart opening and closing.
• If you were to stretch out your blood vessel system, it would extend over 60,000 miles. (I feel like this fact should be in a Weird Al cover of The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”.)