hamishwyatt

[hamishwyatt]

25 Team Building Activities for Small Groups: Strengthening Bonds in Intimate Settings

Small groups are special. Whether it’s a team of 3 or 10, the magic happens when people feel seen and heard. That’s why team building for small groups works so well. There’s more time to listen, share, laugh, and grow.

These group activities help people open up. They build trust, improve communication, and spark creativity. From fun indoor games to outdoor adventures and even virtual team events—there’s something for everyone. The best part? These activities are simple to plan and perfect for deeper team bonding.

If you want to boost teamwork, break the ice, or just have fun, this guide is for you. Let’s explore 25 amazing team-building activities that help your group feel more like a family. Because even the smallest team can make a big impact with the right connection.

Why Small Group Team Building is Unique

Team building in small groups feels more personal. Everyone gets a chance to talk, listen, and be part of the action.

With fewer people, there's more personalized attention. You can focus on each person’s ideas and feelings. This helps build deeper trust and makes people feel safe to share.

Small groups also make stronger collaboration possible. People learn to work closely, support each other, and solve problems together.

And guess what? These tight-knit groups often become the strongest teams. Why? Because when everyone feels included, amazing things happen. That’s the power of small group trust exercises and bonding moments done right.

Indoor Team Building Activities for Small Groups

Indoor spaces are great for fun, safe team building. Try “Two Truths and a Lie.” Each person shares three things about themselves. Two are true; one is not. Guessing the lie makes everyone laugh and learn about each other.

Next, try a problem-solving escape game. Lock your team in a pretend room and give them clues to “escape.” It builds teamwork fast.

You can also do trust fall exercises. One person falls back while another catches them. It sounds scary, but it builds deep trust.

These indoor games work well in cozy places like offices or meeting rooms. They turn simple spaces into rooms full of teamwork, laughs, and strong connections. Great icebreakers for teams, and even better for long-term bonding.

Outdoor Team Building Activities for Small Groups

Need some fresh air? Take your team outside! Start with a scavenger hunt. Make a list, split into teams, and race to find everything. It's fun and full of teamwork.

For a challenge, try a rope course. Climbing, swinging, and helping each other build trust like nothing else.

Want something more relaxed? Go on a camping or hiking retreat. Sitting by a fire or walking in nature makes room for deep talks and real connections.

Outdoor adventures are full of movement and memories. They push teams to work together, face fears, and celebrate wins—big or small. These are the moments that turn coworkers into teammates and teammates into friends.

Virtual Team Building Activities for Small Teams

Remote work? No problem! Team bonding can happen online too. Try a digital trivia competition. Ask fun questions. Keep score. Celebrate wins.

You can also hold virtual brainstorming workshops. Use tools like Zoom or Google Meet. Let everyone share ideas. Pick one to build on.

Another great one is online whiteboarding. Everyone draws or writes on the same screen. It feels like a real meeting—but more fun!

Virtual games help your team laugh, think, and connect, even from far away. These team-bonding games make distance disappear and build trust from screen to screen.

Choosing the Right Activity for Your Team’s Goals

Not all teams are the same. That’s why choosing the right activity is key.

Want better talking? Try communication-focused games like role-plays or “show and tell.” Want to build trust? Do exercises like the trust fall or storytelling circles.

Need more ideas? Go for creativity boosters like art challenges or idea pitch-offs. These help shy people shine and let the bold ones inspire.

Match your team’s needs with the right game. Think about what you want to build—trust, communication, or fun—and go from there. A small step in the right direction can lead to big changes in your team.

Conclusion — Make Team Building a Habit

One fun day isn’t enough. Real team bonding takes time. So, plan activities often. Maybe once a month. Or even weekly for quick games.

Keep it fun. Keep it simple. And most of all—keep it going.

Team building isn’t just about games. It’s about building a team that works, laughs, and grows together. These small group moments shape strong connections that last.

Want more ideas? Check out Best Community Building Activities to Build Strong Bonds for more fun ways to stay connected!

So go ahead—choose an activity today and watch your team become unstoppable!

[hamishwyatt]

Why White and Golden Gowns Are Stealing the Spotlight This Wedding Season

Every wedding season brings fresh trends, and this year, one stunning combination has captured every bride’s heart — white and golden gowns. These two colors, when woven together, offer a perfect mix of timeless charm and modern sparkle. It’s no surprise that brides across the globe are saying “yes” to this dreamy duo.

The white color symbolizes purity and new beginnings, while gold brings glamour, luxury, and a sense of warmth. Together, they create a style statement that stands out without overpowering the overall wedding vibe. Whether you're planning a classic ballroom wedding or an intimate winter garden ceremony, this blend fits right in.

One standout choice this season is the White Golden Snowfall Gown Dress. Its graceful design and shimmering gold details perfectly reflect why this color mix is becoming a favorite. From Pinterest boards to bridal runways, white and golden gowns are making waves.

In this article, let’s explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of these enchanting gowns. You’ll also get tips on styling, matching accessories, and creating a fairytale wedding look with this royal combination.

✨ Why White and Gold? The Meaning Behind the Colors

💡 White for New Beginnings

White has always symbolized purity and peace. It represents a fresh start, which makes it a traditional favorite for bridal gowns. When brides wear white, it connects the past, present, and future, making it more than just a color — it becomes a meaningful choice.

💡 Gold for Timeless Glamour

Gold, on the other hand, speaks of elegance, wealth, and grace. It reflects warmth and creates an aura of royalty. When woven into bridal gowns, gold embroidery, sequins, and accents turn a simple dress into a statement piece. The magic happens when these two colors meet, making the bride shine like never before.

👗 The Spotlight on White Golden Snowfall Gown Dress

One of the most talked-about gowns this season is the White Golden Snowfall Gown Dress. This gown perfectly blends white and gold elements, making it ideal for modern brides who want tradition with a twist.

Crafted with Banarasi chiffon and detailed with pulse crystal work, this dress feels as light as snowfall but dazzles like starlight. The combination of a flowing silhouette and shimmering accents ensures that brides feel both beautiful and comfortable.

The White Golden Snowfall Gown Dress is especially popular for winter weddings, offering both elegance and warmth. Its gold detailing glimmers against the soft white fabric, echoing the sparkle of snow on a bright winter morning.

💡 Perfect Occasions for a White and Gold Gown

❄️ Winter Wonderland Weddings

A white and golden gown looks magical against a snowy or icy backdrop. Imagine walking down the aisle as the golden details shimmer against the winter sun or twinkle lights.

🌷 Spring and Summer Garden Ceremonies

The soft golden touches reflect the sunlight, while the crisp white fabric adds freshness to outdoor ceremonies. This combo fits beautifully with blooming florals and green surroundings.

💒 Glamorous Indoor Receptions

Golden candlelight, fairy lights, and chandeliers pair seamlessly with the gold accents in the gown, making the bride truly glow in the reception photos.

💍 Styling Tips for White and Gold Gowns

💎 Choosing the Right Accessories

Jewelry: Keep it simple and elegant. Pearl or diamond studs paired with a thin gold bracelet often work best.

Veils: A sheer white veil with gold lace or embroidery can complement the gown beautifully.

Shoes: Opt for ivory or gold heels. For outdoor weddings, consider elegant flats or stylish boots in matching tones.

💇 Hair and Makeup Ideas

Hair: Romantic waves, classic buns, or a low updo work well with this gown style. Adding gold pins or a delicate headband enhances the look.

Makeup: Keep the skin glowing and fresh. Use warm gold tones for the eyes and soft nude or rose colors for the lips. A light highlighter on the cheekbones ties the whole look together.

🎀 White and Gold Wedding Themes Beyond the Dress

Your gown doesn’t have to stand alone. Matching your décor with the gown theme makes your wedding visually stunning.

Table Settings: Use white linens with golden cutlery or chargers.

Flowers: Go for white roses, orchids, and lilies mixed with golden leaves or ribbons.

Lighting: Warm fairy lights, chandeliers, and gold-toned candles create a romantic setting.

The goal is harmony — let the White Golden Snowfall Gown Dress shine while tying the entire wedding together with elegant golden touches.

💡 Why Brides are Saying "Yes" to White and Gold

This trend isn’t just about color. Brides are choosing white and gold gowns because they strike a balance between modern elegance and classic bridal tradition.

In photos, the gold pops against both dark and light backgrounds. In person, the gown glows under different lighting, from outdoor ceremonies to candlelit receptions.

The White Golden Snowfall Gown Dress checks all these boxes. It's a perfect fit for any bride who wants her gown to make a statement while keeping the timeless beauty of a white dress intact.

💕 Conclusion: Shine Bright with White and Golden Gowns

Choosing the right wedding gown is one of the most exciting moments for a bride-to-be. This season, white and gold are proving to be the ultimate fashion statement, offering beauty, elegance, and a little bit of magic.

The White Golden Snowfall Gown Dress is not just a dress; it's a memory waiting to happen. The stunning design, intricate detailing, and beautiful mix of white and gold make it a head-turner for any wedding setup.

So if you're dreaming of a gown that will leave a lasting impression, let white and gold steal the spotlight on your big day. Browse the latest designs and embrace the golden touch for a fairytale wedding moment.

👉 Ready to explore your dream wedding look? Discover the magic of the White Golden Snowfall Gown Dress today and make your special day truly unforgettable.

[hamishwyatt]

Opening a Hairdressing Salon - These conditions are important | BGB

[hamishwyatt]

What is a plugin or an addon?

With the help of plugins, addons or addins many programs can be extended by unexpected functions. What exactly are plugins, addons, addins and mods, we explain to you.

What is an addon?

An addon is an extension of a program. It allows, for example, access to functions of the program, extends, adds or uses them. Addons are therefore subroutines that only work in conjunction with the main program. So they are optional modules without which the main program works without restrictions. Examples of addons are:

Extensions of computer games that provide new maps, missions or characters. Example: The hour zero is an addon to the game Command & Conquer: Generals.

Browser addons as listed on CHIP and downloadable. The Video DownloadHelper, for example, adds a feature to Firefox to save received video files.

Mods and Addins

If a subprogram interferes strongly with the structure of a software so that it can hardly be removed individually without affecting the functionality of the program, this is called an addin. An example of this are xla files that extend Microsoft Office applications - much like macros, but outsourced to an external file. Extensions and modifications of games are also called mods.

Read in details Best WordPress Plugins for SEO ranking.

What is a plugin?

A plugin is a stand-alone software that includes its own functions, bills and operations can provide. This can be implemented via an interface, an interface with which a host application can be completely new functions. Examples of plugins are:

Software synthesizers and effects in sequencer programs that adds new sounds and sound effects to the sequencer. The HALion-Sampler adds a virtual sampler to Cubase.

Graphic effects and format extensions in image editing software. Ex .: The Paint.NET PSD plug-in allows Paint.NET Photoshop files to be opened and edited.

Browser plug-ins that allow the browser to process new formats. Thanks to the Adobe Shockwave Player e.g. Internet Explorer can display data in Flash format.

Plugins are their own libraries and usually add in the form of a DLL file to the host application.

[hamishwyatt]

5 Handy Google Chrome Extensions for Recruiter

None of the browsers has as many helpful extensions for the recruiter as Google's Chrome - there's even a separate section under 'Tools for the Office' which means 'Human Resources and Law'. Among these apps are many free, but also some paid applications. They offer support or even complete solutions from candidate management programs to appointment management or video interview tools. Certainly big and small helpers, but nothing hidden and no clever 'hacks' for recruiters. Because these are not in the category of Human Resources.

By the way: The Google Chrome Web store can be found either under 'Extensions' or here. The Webstore is a platform on which Google-authorized add-ons or applications can be downloaded. There are hundreds of them - only a part is proposed in this store. So far, it was the case that one could download and install these apps exclusively with a Google account and the login - since September of this year (here the link), this is no longer necessary for the apps.

Practical Chrome Extensions for Recruiters

Profi Active Sourcer prefer Chrome because of the many app helpers. - Worldwide, the screens of the sourcing professionals all look almost the same - hardly anyone has installed under 30 extensions. Some of these helpful 'shortcuts' (shortcuts to solutions) are also very handy recruiting aids and should not be missing from any recruiter in Chrome:

Below you will find our 5 practical tips:

1. Bitly

Bitly truncates URL (, the name and link leading to the site in the browser). If you have a link to e.g. to pass on a candidate to download the job description, this could look like this in the original:

Not very nice, right? Bitly is a URL Shortener or Link Shorter. Of course, you can also enter the link manually on the Bitly website at http://bit.ly (awkward: open a new browser window and transfer it via copy-paste). Bitly cuts the link as well. But with the Chrome extension it is easier: You click on the Bitly button, which appears after installation in your browser (above recths), if you are on the website whose URL you want to shorten. And then your shortened link looks a bit better:

http://bit.ly/lwsdiksi5

Not bad, but it works better. Because now Bitly offers something very practical (which bitly different from other free URL shorteners): You can redesign the once saved link. In our case to e.g. http://bit.ly/Bitly-Addon

That looks a lot better in your message to the candidate, right? (... and by the way also, if you share news in the social media streams a much more appreciative gesture - just as an inspiration for improvement on the occasion of my view just in my stream at Xing ...)

2. Search Preview

"SearchPreview for Chrome" inserts thumbnails from websites into Google, Bing and Yahoo search results. So, together with your result list, you will get a small thumbnail for each web page (if there are any pictures) and you can filter the found pages in advance. In addition, the rankings of the pages are displayed for the individual entries.

3. Black Menu

You have many tabs on the screen with different websites open and now you want to quickly look into one of the Google services something, e.g. Google Maps? Then the direct route becomes difficult, because you have to go back and then come to Google Maps via the Google interface and navigation bar to the right. Black Menu solves this problem by always offering a black menu on the right side of the main Google services.

Very handy: However, with a small drawback that there are also listed Google's US services that we do not reach here and that are not there for us. But it is a clear abbreviation and in a click, you are there when, for example, Quick to see if a candidate who has accounted for miles correctly or you want to google something:

4. Connectifier

This Chrome browser extension is brand new and of course perfect for social recruiting and sourcing with LinkedIn - and all other networkers. It works in such a way that if you move the mouse over the link to the profile, then many or all other social media accounts of the one on whose link you are driving appear on the right ... the rest is just for a recruiter, just awesome:

Please note: Most apps come from the USA (except for the one coming from Belarus) and Xing does not play a big role there. On the other hand, Xing has not opened the interfaces to their content (called API) for all developers as well as all other social media portals (here Info) - and not to forget: Many users in Xing do not make their profile public. Therefore, the Connectifier and the following tool does not work with Xing.

5. Lippl

Actually a Sourcer tool - but since many have a freemium account in LinkedIn, they are worth gold. Why? Quite simply, one click on the Lippl app and you see the public profile (and the photo!) Of a candidate - even if this is just a 3rd level contact (assuming he has publicized his profile, which is much more likely in LinkedIn is, as in Xing). Of course, you can also copy the browser line for this profile into a new window in incognito mode - then the same happens. But so you have the result in one click:

Lippl

You should know that many have your corporate website or contact in the contact area in Linkedin deposited - for third-level contacts you see the company just as little as the contact button is reached. We have estimated this in an international sourcing group: It is probably about half of all Linkedin contacts who deposit there any other contact detail (or did not realize that it is public). And even if there is no data: you can see the photo of the LinkedIn contact, with Lippl directly. Otherwise, you will have to sign out of Linkedin to see or check it. Thank you, Victor Soroka,, Senior Sourcer Senior Talent Acquisition Manager at EPAM Systems in Belarus, who wrote this addon.

Oh and by the way: Lippl works on Facebook too, here we have a similar phenomenon. When you log in to Facebook, you often do not see the contact details of people you are not connected to - but the contact details appear on the public profile ...

Please let us know in the commentary whether we could help you with this list - we would be delighted if you could supplement our list with your favorite add-ons and share them with others.

As we all bloggers know that with Google Chrome Extension we save our time and data and do blogging in relax mode during blogging. Here you can find some more Google Chrome Extensions which will really help you all.

 HAPPY RECRUITING!

[hamishwyatt]

How to Hire a Social Media Manager

A social media manager basically manages the marketing and networking on behalf of organizations and individuals. Social media has become the cutting edge form of business networking and marketing. This is a communication medium for the customers and the product providers. They can have direct communication with the consumer and also follow the trends.

Marketing in the social world is done through various platforms like websites and blogging, networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, podcasting and video sites, live streaming and online radio blogging sites, book-marking and customer review sites. You can imagine that it takes a lot of hard work, customer service, some technical skill and also management skills. Most of the businesses have no time to do this or lack the required skills. It is very important for any business to understand the best practices and web etiquette of submitting or posting articles and videos.

There are a wide range of roles and services that can be offered by the media manager to a business. These may include managing the entire marketing part or training organization and individuals. The management services involve the following profiles:

• Assisting people in setting up of social network packages. • Explanations of interconnections between different platforms. • Content Management - creating a schedule or routine for posting. • Customer Service - reputation management, answering customer questions

In social media marketing, the media manager is the face of the company and can communicate with the potential or existing customers and guide them to the appropriate individual. A good manager has excellent business understanding and can spot opportunities and connect with the right people. The person will be able to build links, deliver contents, translate and network digital information from the community online.

Many people have the question: what to look for in a social media manager? Below mentioned are some things which should be considered.

1. Hire a strategist: You should always hire a strategist depending on the budget and overall business goals. A strategist has experience and understands the bigger picture of running digital campaigns. This person will speak of SM strategy, business goals and metrics etc.

2. SM and technology is like fish in the water: If a person is not excited about a latest technology then how can he be a SM person. A good social networking person will always be enthusiastic about new technologies and will be aware about them. A good media manager will swim easily in the river of technologies.

Today, a good presence online is not about having a website or a good ranking on Google. You need to be present on all sites like Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and LinkedIn. People will go to your blog to see whether you are credible and current. Therefore, a good SM manager is the one who is passionate about the social media. Such a person can make you shine online. Have you hired a social media manager for your business?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6504376

[hamishwyatt]

What is Affiliate Marketing and How It Works?

Affiliate marketing is a program between a seller / advertiser and an affiliate. This sales concept is characterized by a commission based on success that is paid by the seller. The amount of the commission is agreed between the seller and his partner. The affiliate is responsible for the affiliate portal and manages the advertising space. Affiliate marketing can be implemented online, but also offline.

How it works

Affiliate marketing is an online marketing method that allows companies to promote their products and services. As a result, companies can search for affiliates - business partners - who place advertisements on their own sites as links or banner ads. The advertisement is made by the seller, so that the affiliate is in fact the intermediate medium. The partner is paid in different ways, which are detailed a little further along the cost-per-action model. Affiliate programs can be created with the seller itself and in cooperation with the chosen affiliate. Alternatively, affiliate networks offer a wide choice of affiliates for sellers (against payment). Such networks often support both partners, with the creation of the campaign and the payment of commissions. 

Seller and affiliate 

The vendor, also known as a merchant or advertiser, is one of two stakeholders in the Affiliate Marketing Partnership Program, which is a concrete partnership between vendors and network partners. It is the seller who offers the program and the advertising material. As an online merchant, he cooperates with a website provider, also known as a publisher or affiliate, who offers his website as an advertising medium for banners or the like. 

Through this cooperation, the seller knows that his product is presented to a wider range of potential customers, which increases the reach. To make the partnership as effective as possible, the seller must choose an advertising partner that has great popularity. In addition, the interests of the target groups must be similar in order to achieve a high advertising effect. The affiliate is a counterpart for the seller, as well as a sales partner for the campaign that the seller will benefit from. The affiliate is paid for the advertising space he makes available to the seller. 

Payment templates 

There are many payment models, such as Pay Per Click, Pay Per Lead, Pay Per Sale, Pay Per Click Out, Pay Per Link, Pay Per Print Out, Pay Per View, Pay Per SignUp, Pay Per Install, lifetime payment or airtime payment. Pay is often replaced by "cost". The most used models are: 

COST PER CLICK (CPC) 

With the cost per click or Pay Per Click, the seller does not pay the affiliate at a flat rate, but it pays a certain amount if a user clicks on the advertisement. Thus, a payment is made only if a user reacts to the advertisement by clicking on it and letting himself drive to the advertiser's website. With this model, the company only has to pay if the user has really recognized the advertisement. 

COST PER LEAD 

With this method, the payment is calculated with the payment by lead. Each lead represents a contact earned. This model is mainly used in areas where it is not common to sell something directly to anonymous customers, for example in the insurance sector. Leads can also be obtained through catalog requests or newsletters subscriptions. 

COST PER SALE 

This template calculates the payment on the number of times a customer buys something by clicking on the banner. With Unique Identifiers, the actions of a user can be identified, so that it is possible to ensure that a purchase has actually been made directly after clicking on the banner. This system is also called the cost per order, but it entails a fee for each order. Other models that do not track cost per action are for example cost per thousand (CPM) or cost per print. 

Conclusion 

Affiliate marketing includes benefits for both parties. The seller's business can acquire low-cost customers and increase its recognition because the partner can develop sales through the affiliate system. If the web presence is properly used and the affiliate is judiciously selected, large sales can actually be developed. In order to use affiliate marketing effectively, patience, good planning and creativity are required because the better the ad slot, the more clicks can be generated.

Affiliate marketing can also be useful for blogs if favorable arbitrage deals are used to generate traffic.

Here you can find best affiliate marketing websites to start your journey with Affiliate Marketing.

[hamishwyatt]

SEO: OPTIMIZATION OF WEBS FOR SEEKERS

I. Objectives of the White Paper

This new document is part of the objectives of the IAB to encourage and promote the development of marketing and interactive advertising in Spain, offering consulting materials that analyze various aspects of the advertising landscape and digital marketing.

In this sense, the activities of search engine optimization (SEO) have gained vital importance for many companies in recent years, aware that the appearance of your website in the first natural results of a search engine not only gives you benefits as soon as to brand image, but also in business possibilities.

For the development of this White Paper has been the collaboration of the companies integrated in the Commission of Seekers SEM / SEO of the Association, to which we thank the work done: iProspect, Nurun, Overalia, Relevant Traffic, T2O media and Traffic4U .

II. Introduction

The present document tries to explain in a simple way and with practical examples the activities denominated like SEO: Search Engine Optimization: search engine optimization.

In general terms, these are practices aimed at improving the position of a web page in the natural results of search engines for specific search terms.

In this sense, it is necessary to specify that these activities are integrated into what is called, in a generic way, Search Engine Marketing, which would include both SEO practices and Search Engine Marketing (SEM), in which advertisers pay to position Your links sponsored by keywords ahead of those of the competition.

For the purposes of this book, although the main features and differences between both models (SEO and SEM) will be explained later, we will refer indifferently to Search Engine Optimization and SEO to refer to the activity of positioning a web page as best as possible. of the natural results (not of payment) of a search engine, leaving the advertising practices of sponsored links out of the scope of this document. The subsequent allusions to SEM, understood in Spain as search engine positioning, will always refer to the SEM (PPC).

The SEO is an activity in constant growth since companies have been convinced of the strategic importance of their web pages are located on the first page of results of search engines.

In fact, SEO is confirmed as one of the most effective and efficient activities to obtain real results, while helping to achieve the correct positioning of the brand and products on the Internet.

From the point of view of Internet marketing it is important to emphasize that SEO is not an isolated job. It is part and is interrelated with many more actions, processes and techniques that will achieve in their integration the desired position in the search engines.

For these reasons, a good job of SEO should have the complicity of the marketing and systems department, since we will have to understand the business, modify, add, restructure elements and optimize by trial and error. In addition, it must be understood that the results are obtained in the medium term, which depend on a set of integrated efforts and that it is necessary to establish a measurement system to see the results obtained.

In this sense, the recruitment of SEO to the peso, as an isolated concept, looking for concrete positions for specific terms is an idea that has already disappeared, giving way to a much more strategic, integrated and long-term SEO as explained in the following pages.

With an Internet penetration of more than 50% in Spain and with search engines as the main entry route to the contents of the Network, the positioning of the web pages is no longer a mere pastime of the most technical profiles of the company, but that has become one of the most important areas of the digital marketing strategy of companies.

III. What is SEO?

3.1. Definition of SEMPO (Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization) SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the practice of using a range of techniques, including the rewriting of html code, content editing, site navigation, link campaigns and more actions, in order to improve the position of a website in search engine results for specific search terms.

3.2. Complementary definition From its acronym in English (Search Engine Optimization), it is the practice of using a series of techniques that involve the optimization of the page (with the so-called factors on site) and its socialization on the Internet with other pages (so-called off site factors). in order to improve the position of a website in search engine results for specific search terms.

These techniques, and their relevance to improve positioning, are diverse and changing depending on the continuous evolution of the search engines.

3.3. Broad and inclusive definition Strategy and set of practices designed to attract and retain traffic from search engines.

3.4. Some considerations SEO is integrated into the business and communication strategy of the company / institution. Good positions alone are worthless, if they do not contribute anything to the business objectives. Here, therefore, is the need to integrate the SEO strategy with the rest of the marketing activities.

NOTE: in this text, SEO refers both to the optimization activity itself for search engines, as well as to individuals and companies that are professionally engaged in SEO tasks.

SEO: Search Engine Optimizer: person or company that performs SEO.

SEO: Search Engine Optimization: the practice of optimizing for search engines.

[hamishwyatt]

SEO SEO - It's good but what is it?

Often when creating a website we hear about "SEO SEO" or "SEO". The problem is that most people who embark on the adventure of site creation do not even know what the terms "SEO" and "SEO" mean. Do not burn the steps and start at the beginning! Before you want to do SEO, learn what SEO is. This article will tell you about one of the most mysterious and controversial topics in the world of web mastering: search engine optimization ...

SEO According to WIKIPEDIA:

"Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a set of techniques designed to promote the understanding of the theme and content of one or all of the pages of the website. a website by the search engines »

The goal of SEO is to improve the positioning of your web pages to appear in the first pages of results of search engines.

And do not say otherwise, the first thing you want when creating a site, is obviously the majestic first place search engines: it's your goal!

You can get up to 60% of visits only thanks to this position. Be aware however that this first place is not enough on its own to bring you traffic. The title and description of your page play a very important role. Personally I do not visit the sites in first position if the title does not attract me. I often even visit another site with a title that attracts me more or simply seems to be more interesting.

A very important point, even if Google is the leader of search engines with 90.8% of total searches in France, we must not forget that there are others which, if you neglect them, will make you lose potential source of traffic.

WHAT ARE THE SEO REFERENCING TECHNIQUES?

The different SEO SEO techniques are numerous and it would not be enough for this article to describe them all. For this there are many books, training sites or forums in which you can learn a little more.

What I can already tell you is that you can sort them into three different categories when you optimize your site for search engines: White Hat, Gray Hat and Black Hat

Colors represent the degree of appreciation of search engines for the techniques you use for your SEO. The study of these three categories is quite long but here is a summary.

We have just seen that when you optimize your site for search engines, you can classify them into three different categories which are White Hat, Gray Hat and Black Hat. The colors therefore represent the degree of appreciation of the search engines.

But be careful: not all are good! And some are even forbidden!

THE TECHNIQUE OF WHITE HAT SEO

Consists of using techniques respecting the quality advice of search engines. By using them, we will not be penalized. These normal, and especially legal, techniques that help you generate more traffic are those that are most appreciated by search engines.

The various techniques of White Hat SEO being too numerous, we will not dwell on them in this article. Let's just say, that in general, these techniques are not to deceive the search engines but rather to make every effort to facilitate the indexing of pages and the understanding of their themes and contents.

You will find on this page written by Google many tips in the application of these techniques.

THE TECHNIQUE OF GRAY HAT SEO

Those of which we are not sure. In technical detail, we can consider a Gray Hat Seo, any deliberate action that tries to improve the positioning of a site in the search engines for certain keywords.

These techniques fall into this category because it seems that Google prefers that webmasters do not intervene to try to change the ranking of their websites by adding their links automatically, rather than create them themselves.

So submitting your site to link sharing sites can be considered as Gray Hat Seo. Currently no problem arises and you will not be penalized. However, it can easily be abused and Google could deal with it by repressing it in the future if it finds the way to do it.

Buying links is a good example of Google's repressive behavior against Gray Hat SEO. This technique was a good way in the past. She reported to site owners and buyers.

Now that Google does not tolerate it any more, if it suspects that you are selling links, your positioning will suffer ... (and if it suspects that you buy some, these links will not be taken into account, the result is that you spend money for nothing).

THE TECHNIQUE OF BLACK HAT SEO

Here are the Black Hat Seo ... These techniques are totally against the rules of the search engines and above all, they are PROHIBITED!

For example, they aim to give a website an inappropriate ranking for certain keywords.

We can mention the sharing of bookmarks for a pornographic site that aims to rank the site on the keyword "Buy an LCD TV"; Or, in one page, the padding of keywords hidden in the background to make them invisible to visitors, but still visible to the spiders; We can also talk about own site networks created only to reference the main site and improve its positioning. Finally, you should be wary of people who offer you miraculous recipes to achieve a good ranking in the search engines by trying to rank them.

CONCLUSION

If Google thinks you are using Black Hat SEO techniques, your site's traffic is in danger. It can quickly end up in sandbox and believe me, it is very difficult to leave.

The best is to use only White Hat Seo or Gray Hat Seo techniques to create a solid reputation with Google and ensure success in the long run. Being ranked one or two days before being discovered and banned by Google will not get you anywhere.

[hamishwyatt]

If you have a question in your mind How to become a blogger? this article will help you in better way.

85 tips for language learners

You like a language, learn it. Don’t give up on learning it only because it’s not popular, “useful” or your friends don’t like it.

Sticky notes, sticky notes everywhere. If you can’t remember a grammar rule or a word/structure, use sticky notes.

Study daily, even if it’s for 5 min or less.

Learn the first 100-300 most common words, they are like everywhere.

Duolingo, Memrise and Forvo are the holy trinity for every language learner; everyone uses them at some point.

HiNative will save your ass when you have questions.

“Hakuna matata mais quelle phrase magnifique” Disney is your friend, sing disney songs to improve your pronuniation.

Also, watch disney movies. You know the story already so you can focus on the language.

Watch movies with subs in your target language.

Write daily a short text about whatever you want, even about your socks. In 1 month you’d have learned a lot of new vocab.

Talk, talk, talk. If you aren’t a soial person, talk to yourself, to your pet, to a wall; it doesn’t matter. Just force yourself to think in your target language.

If you are busy, Semper is a good app for learning vocab while doing your daily activities.

Use your target language for basic stuff like counting, groceries, complaining etc.

Change your settings on social media. Many people learned English through twitter, facebook, tumblr etc. This can work for other languages too.

Change the settings of your phone too. You use it 24/24, you know what every thing does there so you could learn the name of those setting in your target language.

If you lost motivation, take a break and remember why you started.

If you hit a plateau, that’s most probably because you don’t know enough vocab.

Understand that your progress will be slow after a while. Accept it and keep going.

Lang-8 is a great place if you want natives to correct your texts.

Langblr community is amazing, if you need any advice/explanation, ask a langblr.

Try out many resources but choose a handful that you’ll use daily.

If you don’t know a word in your native language, you don’t need it in your target language.

Accept the fact that you can’t translate every word one by one. There are special structures, word order, particles etc. your target language might not be as your native one.

If you’re bored, look around and name in your target language what you see.

Try to find a language/motivation partner. You will support and help eah other.

You’ll make mistakes, love that! That means you’re learning and you’ll have funny stories to tell in a couple of years.

If you don’t remember a word, make a mnemonic or write it with your other hand; you’ll focus more then.

Learn words in context; you’ll remember them easily after. Clozemaster and WordBrewery are 2 great sites for this.

When you want to read if you are a beginner, choose a book you know. If you are an advanced learner, choose a new book.

Find online a native to talk to. Tumblr is full of natives and langblrs will love to help. Another choice is to find a chat group.

For slang words check out the youtube comment section. Twitter is a good alternative though.

Don’t waste money on fancy programs. Some can be found for free and some aren’t so good as they claim they are.

When you learn a new word, try to make a couple of examples in your head.

Read articles. They use simple structures and actual expressions; also, they aren’t boring.

Youtube is your friend, don’t be afraid to use it. Watch movies in your target language so you can get used to how real people talk; most programs/apps speak slowly and they try to make themselves clear but that’s not real life.

You’ll have an accent; don’t worry, it will go away after a while.

Age doesn’t matter, everyone can learn a language; you can be 5 or 50, the only difference is how you learn.

Don’t just learn, revise as well.

As a beginner you will translate everything from your native language and that’s okay. People will correct you and you will learn.

If you like to read fanfiction, read it in your target language and use the ReadLang extension when you don’t know a word; it’s faster than google translate.

Beware of those vocab lists you see on tumblr. Not everything might be right.

Flewent is an extension that translates a certain % of what you read in your target language. It’s a fast way to learn new words while doing your homework or whatever.

Prepositions are a nightmare to everyone. To have a more pleasant life, try to find a list with verbs and what prepositions they require.

Children songs are catchy, use them to learn vocab faster.

Pay attention to false friends. They might look the same with a familiar word but they have another meaning.

Try not to learn 2 languages at the same time, especially if they are from the same family. (e.g. French and Spanish)

If you decide to study 2 languages at the same time, try to study in different places and use different colors for your notes.

You learn faster if you use your target language than if you learn Nth vocab lists.

Try to avoid making the same mistake until it becomes a habit.

Idioms can impress anyone but don’t start learning them too early or too late.

If you have to learn irregular verbs, try to find patterns and part them in groups.

Hard work beats talent but when it comes to learning a language, there’s no one who has talent. There are people who have a good memory or can figure out patterns but that can be improved so no need to worry if you progress slowly.

Don’t compare yourself to someone who studied a language for years. Everyone progresses in their own way.

Everyone has another method, if it doesn’t work for you, it’s not the end of the world. Just experiment and figure out what works for you. 

Classes are a waste of time, don’t think to pay for one.

Try to learn vocab that interests you. You’re a Harry Potter fan? Learn magic terms. You like cooking? Learn cooking terms. etc.

Flashcards are a nice way to learn vocab. Make some and study them before going to bed.

Learn chunks of vocab, not single words. (e.g. Buy a bottle of milk; Brush your teeth; Wash the red car.)

Learn cognates.

Use the diglot weave technique. Basically you  insert foreign words into a sentence of a language you already know

Taking breaks is fine but try not to take a break of Nth months.

Decide what skill you want to improve first. You can never improve everything equally so try to focus on what you need/want the most.

Set a big goal (e.g be advanced in French) but remember to have small goals too. (e.g. read Harry Potter by the end of this season)

Watch people talking. Join a chat and “spy” others if you don’t feel like talking yet.

Associate word - image - sound. Don’t just learn plain words, if you learn the word for tree, think of a tree or search an image with one.

Learning a language takes time, don’t expect to know it perfectly after only 1 week.

Immersion is hella frustrating but it pays off in the end.

Don’t study when you are too tired. You have many chances to learn nothing then.

Find someone you admire so they can motivate you.

Use a bilingual dictionary not only for finding specific words but just for the sake of reading.

After you’ve read 1 page/chapter from a book, try to make a summary in your target language.

When you read books, try to see if you can find the audiobook as well. (Youtube might have it) In this way you know the correct way of saying certain words.

Try to make it fun. If it’s fun to have a schedule do that, if you enjoy more watching movies, do that. Don’t make your learning journey a burden.

Break study time into smaller chunks

Know your learning style.

Try to have a notebook/diary/agenda where you write down what you did daily to improve.

When you feel like giving up, think how many new stuff you have learned.

Your attitude plays an import role. Try to avoid thinking how “difficult” a language is, instead think how good you will feel after you learn it.

ReadLang and Linguarana have videos with subs in many languages, if you like learning with videos, give them a try.

Anki is an amazing app with flashcards for several languages so you don’t waste time making them and they have a daily limit of cards so you don’t burnout.

Physically writing down a word can help seal it in your memory. 

Say new words out loud and pay attention to your pronunciation.

 If your target language has another alphabet or a writing system, don’t be afraid to learn it. Take a couple of days and master it.

Always have an app or a dictionary/notebook with you. While you wait for a taxi you can study a bit.

If you don’t understand a grammar rule, search some articles about it, take 2-3 days to understand that concept.

[hamishwyatt]

A MIND MAP ABOUT MIND-MAPPING

If you know me, you’d know that I am a highly visual person. I love learning from images and layouts, and my spatial intelligence is probably my strongest type of intelligence. Because of this, I often use mind maps to study, and so do a lot of other people. However, there are people who don’t really know how to make and utilize a mind map effectively. That’s what this post is for! Here’s how you can make your mind maps more effective and thus enable you to retain more information. (P.S. you might wanna zoom in)

By no means am I an expert in mind-mapping; these are just some habits I have when making a mind map that successfully does its job of helping me remember the topics I’m studying.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop an ask!

xx jo

[hamishwyatt]

The 4-star Marine General who has both been in combat and had to command troops in combat is not a big fan of President Trump’s promise to obliterate North Korea. 

For those of you not aware, this is what it looks like when a 68 year old man has an existential crisis.

Part of me screams, “resign. Guard what tiny amounts of dignity you have left and resign!” 

The rest of m screams, “dear lord make one more sacrifice before you stand down, and stop the madness before it launches.”

[hamishwyatt]

Here’s something good: Dave Matthews Band is hosting a benefit concert in response to last month’s incidents of violence in their hometown of Charlottesville, and they’re streaming the whole thing live on Tumblr. Specifically at musicandunity.tumblr.com, this Sunday, September 24th, at 6 p.m. Eastern. Just like the graphic above says. See? ☝️

You’ll also notice that there are bunch of other great acts on the bill, including:

Pharrell Williams • Justin Timberlake Chris Stapleton • Ariana Grande • The Roots Brittany Howard • Cage the Elephant • and more!

Like we said, it’s a fundraiser, and you’re encouraged to donate to the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation. They’ll be helping out victims of the events of August 11 and 12 and their families, first responders, and organizations devoted to the promotion of healing, unity and justice in the Charlottesville community and nationally.

A good show, a great cause. See you there.

[hamishwyatt]

Paramore - Orem, UT 22/09/2017

[hamishwyatt]

www.makhan.org/

“I’m not trying to pat Hollywood on
the back too much, but the power of a story well told moves the needle. It changes the way in which we interact and see society. I think Randall Pearson coming into people’s houses may offer the opportunity to say, ‘That guy is more like me than I would have thought.’ The next time they come across another African- American male they may not cross the street. They may not pretend like they don’t see him. They may actually look him in the eye and say hello.”–Sterling K. Brown

(Variety)