#and the site Could Not Load because it was javascript

[dysphanic-redshift]

deeply funny to me that my school district blocked javascript. like the coding language. but not the sudoku site i've been using since my sophomore year that's open near constantly

[snugglesquiggle]

my neocities site used to have a bunch of javascript.

for example, i had a page that existed to load up chapters of various stories so that you could read all of the chapters in one page, sort of like ao3's view full work feature. because it was scripted dynamically, i didn't have to maintain a separate copy of the text, and it was actually more flexible than what ao3 offers, because you could read specific arcs, heck, you could read a specific sequence of chapters (e.g., 2-13 specifically)

another thing i didn't want to maintain by hand was header at the top of the page with navigational links, so i had a script that updates them on page load.

problem is, it kind of just feels bad to load a page, then see a visible delay before the header pops in.

i spent almost a year living like that, but i eventually stopped maintaining my html by hand, and learned the joys of the static site generator.

i didn't need the chapter loader anymore, either - i could code my site generator to concatenate chapters into a full-text page, and since it's static, it'd load much faster than make the user's browser stitch together the html every time they want to open that page.

slowly but surely, everything i might've used js for was getting replaced by simpler, faster, and easier means.

i don't make much use of it, but my site actually has discord-style spoiler text. blocks of text you can click to reveal (and the css is uses currentColor, so it works even on different themes)

i don't even need javascript for this; the way i accomplish it is a bit clever:

it's a checkbox! even if you hide the actual box, you can still click the label to toggle its state

this was something i implemented early, based on this blog post where a similar trick was used for a no-js dark/light mode toggle.

but i took this to a new height this year: i added fancy footnotes

but under the hood, it's the same principle

check box to toggle the state, then some fancy css it position it to float above the text.

but of course, if i'm doing all of this without javascript, what do i need javascript for?

and there was only one feature that stuck around. it's something that i think no one really used, but i'm attached to it.

you see, i'm notorious for writing long chapters. i could split them up, but i have particular stopping points in mind. still, i am merciful, so in my stories with consistently long chapters, i'm gone out of my way to insert break points, "subchapters" seamless into the main text.

those little roman numerals would trigger a script that reformatted the page to hide all the other subchapters, and reconfiguring the next/prev buttons so that clicking them takes you to the next section rather than the next chapter

in theory, you could read Hostile Takeover as if it were a fic with 72 chapters instead of 16.

now, this is a very complex feature. you cant use checkbox tricks to emulate this, unless you want to go crazy writing a dozen css rules for every permutation of checkboxes, or force the user to figure out an arcane system where you need to uncheck one section before loading the next

but it turns out, while i wasn't paying attention, the css committee added a crazy new feature. there are :has selectors, enabling you to style elements based on the properties of elements that come below it in the document.

the whole game has changed now.

couple this with learning about :target selectors courtesy of wonder how a couple of really ambitious ao3 fics do their magic, i had everything i need

all it took to make subchapters happen now a few simple rules

really, you only need that first line. it says "if main has a target element, hide all subchapters that aren't the target"

the other lines are convenience; they had the next/prev chapter buttons if you're in the middle of the chapter. there's a couple other rules (beside the subchap nav i added a button that takes you to the top of the page, which resets the anchor target), but overall, it was quick and painless. really, the actual struggle was teaching my site generator spit out the right html. (i spent five minutes tearing out my hair and rebuilding to no effect because i forgot i had two layers of caching. whoops)

this new approach does sacrifice the ability to make the arrow buttons do double duty, but i don't think it's a big loss when the subchapter buttons are right there, and arguably retaining the single function of each button is a win for usability.

the biggest loss is that there's no real way to style the buttons differently if they've been clicked, so you don't actually know which subchapter you're actually browsing.

(maybe if anyone i actually uses this feature, they can complain to me and i'll whip up a quick bit of js to patch it :v)

but until then, i'll take some satisfaction in delete my site's scripts entirely. in a way, that's the biggest loss, but it's one of i'm proud of

[kafus]

we might actually work on our websites today, we have maintenance we've been wanting to get done for ages but we've been too unwell and burned out and busy etc but i think we're feelin it

maintenance to do list (Virtual Observer):

finally make the comment widget QOL update (mainly to clear out the text fields after submitting a comment so people don't accidentally submit double comments + implement a small fix to disable the comment section after submission until the comments load again, for slower connections) and link a couple of cool mods on the page for it. also clarify some of the wording on the page/make an FAQ

implement a comment section into kiki's journal using the above widget. this may be kinda weird because it's a javascript loader and doesn't use iframes, perhaps manually implement URL parameters in the JS?

make a proper splash page for mobile users since right now it's still what kiki threw together to get it out

change kiki's introduction and move all that internet manifesto type stuff to its own page at a later time

the icon/link to BMF on ayano's half STILL says CPG... it's been months...

change our guestbook from 123guestbook to the comment widget code

kiki could probably stand to change the list of sites she likes again

maintenance to do list (Blue Moon Falls):

update the Egg Hue Previewer to have a language option since "EGG" is different in other languages

add a disclaimer about how you can't use a pokemon nickname that is the same as the species name in all caps in the general stadium hue previewer

completely rebuild the stat experience tracker tool from scratch to make it more accessibility-friendly and up to the standards of the current site

brighten the red on the yellow site theme

remove the notice about the CPG name change (probably unnecessary at this point)

look into making a BMF RSS feed (we've never done RSS so there will be a learning curve)

at some point we need to fix some old HTML quirks so that BMF can be properly run through the WC3 validator (mostly change link buttons to have targets instead of using tags)

definitely won't get this done all in one day but we can start chipping at it. after that we can start working on new projects

[ktempestbradford]

This. Right. Here. I started aggressively blocking ads after getting a virus twice from sites I was attempting to support by not having the ad blocker on. When I mentioned the virus to the owner of the second website where it happened, he had no way of tracking down which ad had even done it since he was using an ad service.

At the time I worked for a magazine with a website and mentioned to my boss that I always had an ad blocker on when I went to our site and he was all appalled, like: How could you?

I told him straight up: If you want me to get my job done in a timely manner I cannot wait 34,000 seconds for our website to load every time I go to a new page, nor do I wish to have my computer put out of commission by whatever nonsense the company who serves our ads allows through their "security checks" which were, in actuality, nonexistent. And I'm sure our readers felt the same way.

Yet we continued to ad more banners and side ads and popups and whatever other nonsense because that's how you make money. (Except it was hard to make any money on these ads....)

Every time I get one of those popups begging me to turn off my ad blocker I laugh and click past them, because: No. It's not worth it. It's not safe. It's not wise.

What's so boggling to me is that ad blockers wouldn't work on ads that were literally just an image on the page with a link that tracked if I clicked it or not. (At least, this is how I understand it from working on the web for a while, but I could be wrong.) I know that such ads won't give the ad companies or their clients or the shady-ass data brokers the tons and tons of data on me that an ad served by a third party javascript whatever would. But it seems to me that most folks are savvy enough to use ad blockers now, so not as many people are even seeing those ads. But they would see a JPEG.

Also, if you're not using an ad blocker: Get. One. Now. It is not safe to browse the web without one.

hell, get two. Just in case.

One of the paradoxes of the modern internet is that I genuinely understand sites need to get revenue somewhere, and while I don't love ads I'm actually okay seeing relatively unintrusive ads on a free site, hearing words from sponsors, etc.

But the modern internet is so full of modal popups and video ads on autoplay and trackers that using it without an adblocker is basically impossible, so everything gets blocked.

[eishariaz]

Websites Development: What You Need to Know and How to Get Started

If you're looking to build a website, chances are you’ve got a lot of questions.

Where do you start? How do you ensure your site is effective? What makes a website stand out?

Let’s dive into the world of websites development and break it down, so you can get the most out of your online presence. Whether you're a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to launch their personal brand, understanding the basics of website development is crucial.

First things first: Websites Development is all about building and maintaining websites. It's a mix of design, coding, content management, and user experience to create a functional, engaging, and visually appealing site. But where do you even begin?

Request a WordPress Site Audit to Get Started

One way to hit the ground running is by requesting a WordPress site audit. It’s like getting a check-up for your site. You’ll get a clear picture of what’s working, what needs fixing, and what areas are lacking.

A WordPress audit can show you things like:

Site speed

Mobile responsiveness

SEO optimisation

Security issues

Content quality

With this data, you can make informed decisions about how to improve your site and enhance user experience. It’s a simple step that can make a world of difference.

The Different Aspects of Website Development

Website development is more than just writing code. It’s about creating a site that people love to visit. Here’s a breakdown of key elements involved in website development:

Planning and Strategy

Every successful website starts with a clear plan. This includes knowing who your target audience is, what the purpose of the site is, and how you want visitors to interact with it. Without a strategy, your site could become another abandoned page on the internet.

Design

Design isn’t just about how your site looks; it’s about how users feel when they interact with it. A well-designed website should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and visually engaging. If the design doesn’t appeal to your audience, they’ll leave.

Development (Coding)

This is where things get technical. It’s the process of actually building the site using programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Depending on the platform (WordPress, Shopify, etc.), some elements might already be built for you, but you still need a solid development plan to make sure everything functions well.

Content Management

Content is king, right? Well, it’s true. Whether it’s blogs, product descriptions, images, or videos, content drives engagement. Having a system to manage this content is crucial, and this is where content management systems (CMS) like WordPress shine.

Testing and Launching

Before going live, you need to test everything. Test for bugs, broken links, and mobile compatibility. It’s also essential to make sure your website loads fast because users won’t wait around for slow sites to load.

Maintenance

Once your site is live, you can’t just forget about it. Regular updates, security checks, and content improvements are all part of keeping your website in top shape.

Why Website Development is Essential for Your Business

Let’s talk about why investing in proper website development matters. Your website is often the first point of contact for potential customers. If it’s clunky, outdated, or hard to use, you’re not going to make a good impression.

A well-developed website can:

Build trust and credibility with your audience

Improve your SEO (search engine optimisation) rankings

Help you convert visitors into customers or leads

Give you control over your online brand

Common Website Development Mistakes to Avoid

Building a website is exciting, but it’s easy to make mistakes if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Ignoring Mobile Users

More and more people are browsing websites on their phones. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re likely losing a significant amount of traffic. A responsive design is crucial.

Overloading Your Site with Content

Quality over quantity. Avoid stuffing your site with irrelevant information just to "fill it up." Keep your content concise, valuable, and engaging.

Not Optimising for Speed

Slow websites are a huge turn-off. People don’t have time to wait for pages to load. Optimising images, using caching, and minimising unnecessary scripts can speed up your site.

Neglecting SEO

Without SEO, your website could get buried on the second or third page of Google’s search results. Make sure your site is optimised for search engines so people can find it.

Forgetting About Analytics

It’s important to track your website’s performance. Tools like Google Analytics help you understand your visitors’ behaviour and make data-driven decisions for improvements.

Request a WordPress Site Audit to Fine-Tune Your Website

If you’re still unsure about your site’s health, requesting a WordPress site audit can give you the clarity you need. A professional audit will give you actionable insights to enhance your website’s performance, SEO, security, and user experience.

Choosing the Right Tools for Website Development

Not all websites are created equal, and the tools you use can make a big difference in how efficient your development process is. Here are some tools you’ll want to consider:

WordPress

WordPress is one of the most popular CMS platforms, and for a good reason. It’s user-friendly, highly customisable, and has a massive support community. Perfect for beginners and experienced developers alike.

Wix or Squarespace

These platforms are great for beginners who don’t want to deal with coding. They offer drag-and-drop functionality, which makes building a website easy and quick.

Shopify

If you’re looking to build an online store, Shopify is a great choice. It’s designed specifically for e-commerce, with plenty of templates and tools to help you sell products online.

Webflow

Webflow is perfect for those who want complete design control but don’t want to get into heavy coding. It’s ideal for designers who want to build complex websites visually.

Final Thoughts on Websites Development

Website development is an essential aspect of any modern business strategy. Whether you’re starting a blog, an e-commerce site, or a personal portfolio, having a solid foundation in development will ensure your site stands out.

And remember, if you ever feel stuck or unsure about how to optimise your site, don’t hesitate to request a WordPress site audit. With a professional audit, you can make sure your site is heading in the right direction. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve an existing site, there’s always room for growth.

Investing time in your website’s development is investing in your future success. So, start building a website that not only looks good but works for you.

Risersoltech

[hiringjournal]

HTML vs. WordPress: When Should You Hire an HTML Developer?

When developing a website from scratch there are 2 common choices: custom HTML and WordPress. Both have their own place, depending on business goals, complexity, and flexibility needed. For business owners and tech companies, the biggest challenge comes down to when they have to choose the right tool. More importantly, the right person to build it!

So, when is it the right time to hire HTML experts instead of hiring WordPress developers?

Let’s break down the differences and look at when a custom-coded approach sounds more sensible.

The Case for HTML

When choosing the right developer and platform for your website needs, HTML can offer full control. There’s no dependency on plugins, themes, or third-party platforms, when you build a site using pure HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 

This indicates an agile loading time, better security, and more precise customization. If your website doesn’t demand frequent content updates or a CMS (Content Management System), static HTML might be an ideal pick. In such scenarios, it can be a good idea to hire HTML developers who can hand-code everything to fit your exact specifications. 

This is particularly beneficial for:

Personalized landing pages.

Websites with high performance in marketing.

Websites with rigorous design specifications.

Projects where SEO and speed are the main considerations.

In contrast to drag-and-drop website builders, HTML allows you to control every pixel.

When WordPress Is a Better Fit

WordPress is flexible and easy to use. For blogs, websites with a lot of information, or companies who need to change pages frequently without the assistance of a developer, it's a fantastic option. It could be wiser to hire a WordPress developer if you have a limited budget or timeframe.

Thousands of WordPress themes and plugins are available to expedite development. However, there may be drawbacks to this ease of use, such as poor performance, security flaws, and less design flexibility unless you're altering the code.

Because of this, tech businesses that want both sophisticated functionality and ease of use frequently combine the two: specialised front-end code and a WordPress backend. If so, you might need to hire a front-end developer as well as a WordPress specialist.

When You Should Hire HTML Developers

It is highly recommended that you hire HTML developers when:

Your website needs to be quick, light, and performance-optimized.

You don't require or want to depend on a CMS.

You require more design than WordPress themes can provide.

You're developing a microsite, web application, or special campaign page.

Reducing plugin dependencies is important because security is a top priority.

Tech organizations that want distinctive branding, smooth API interaction, or specialized features that off-the-shelf platforms cannot provide tend to favour custom HTML websites.

You have more control over how your website functions and looks on different devices when you work with a talented HTML developer. They can also use contemporary coding techniques including accessibility standards, clean semantic markup, and responsive layouts.

Summing Up

Each platform has advantages. For dynamic, content-driven websites that are updated frequently, WordPress is perfect. For speed, performance, and fine-grained design control, HTML is ideal. Your decision should be based on your unique requirements rather than just what is most often used.

It's time to hire HTML developers if your project requires a distinctive, fast-loading, and customized experience. Instead, you could hire WordPress experts for sites that value scalability and content management, or you could blend the two for the best of both worlds.

Making the perfect recruit may make your website stand out, whether you're leading a team at a fast-paced digital company today or operating a small business.

[ecomexpertaccountmanagement]

Website Development: From Basics to Advanced

Website development is the process of designing and sustaining a website that varies from static simple pages to highly advanced web applications. Enter this profession as ecomexpert a beginner or improve yourself as an expert programmer; understanding the fundamentals and mastering skills can help the development of high-quality working sites. This tutorial will provide information on all aspects of website development from simplest to most advanced methods.

Learning the Basics

In order to master complex codes within a short period, it is better to familiarize yourself with basic materials out of which sites are built: HTML (HyperText Markup Language) - the fundamental building of any site is its structure.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)-for the designing and beautification of web pages.

JavaScript-put some dynamism and interactivity into the site.

As a novice, if you become expert in all these technologies, you could make very good and working ecom expert websites. All the e-commerce specialists suggest novices to start small projects to become confident and develop practical skills.

Frontend and Backend Development Once you master these basics, you can shift to frontend and backend:

Frontend Development: This includes everything related to the client-side organization of a website. It also includes frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, which make developers' lives easier.

Backend Development: One of the primary domains of web applications is server-side logic for a website and databases and application functionality. Node.js, PHP, Python and databases such as MySQL and MongoDB are some of the widely used technologies.

On an equal footing, website development makes frontend and backend technologies a reality. Organizations such as ecomexpert offer proposals regarding professional development solutions to enterprises interested in developing user-friendly, high-performance websites.

Advanced Website Development Technologies Once you are aware of frontend and backend technologies, you would perhaps like to experiment with:

Responsive Design: Making your website function flawlessly on any device.

SEO Optimization: Building best practices to rank higher on search engines.

Security Measures: Site protection against hacking, data loss, and other internet threats.

Performance Optimization: Minimization of load time for enhanced user experience.

Most e-commerce experts would suggest continuous learning because web trends keep evolving at a fast pace.

Conclusion This is a domain that keeps growing, and one has to keep practicing and being committed. But whether you are already a beginner or a highly experienced developer, adopting basic to advanced approaches will help in creating high-quality websites. ecom expert provides professional website development services for businesses that wish to create robust and efficient online platforms.

[tshomedia74]

The Power of Technical SEO: Optimizing Your Website for Search Engines

In the digital age, having a website that ranks high on search engines is essential for businesses aiming to gain visibility and attract customers. While content creation and link building are commonly discussed strategies for search engine optimization (SEO), technical SEO plays a critical role in ensuring that your website is fully optimized to perform well on search engines like Google. This article explores the power of technical SEO and how you can leverage it to enhance your website’s search engine ranking.

What is Technical SEO?

Technical SEO refers to the optimization of a website’s technical aspects to improve its search engine ranking and user experience. Unlike on-page SEO (which focuses on content and keywords) or off-page SEO (which focuses on backlinks), technical SEO involves the structural elements of your website, including site speed, mobile optimization, crawlability, and secure browsing. When implemented effectively, technical SEO ensures that search engines can easily crawl, index, and rank your site, ultimately leading to improved organic traffic.

Key Elements of Technical SEO

1. Site Speed Optimization

One of the most critical factors influencing both user experience and SEO rankings is site speed. Websites that load slowly not only frustrate users but also face penalties from search engines. Google's algorithm prioritizes fast-loading websites because they offer a better user experience. Optimizing images, minimizing JavaScript and CSS files, and leveraging browser caching are just a few strategies that can help improve your website's speed.

2. Mobile Optimization

With more users browsing the internet via smartphones, mobile optimization has become essential for SEO success. Google uses mobile-first indexing, meaning it primarily uses the mobile version of a website to determine rankings. A mobile-optimized site ensures that your users, regardless of the device they are using, enjoy a seamless browsing experience. Responsive design, fast mobile load times, and easy navigation are key factors to focus on when optimizing for mobile.

3. Crawlability and Indexability

For search engines to rank your website, they need to be able to crawl and index its pages effectively. Crawlability refers to the ability of search engine bots to navigate through your site and discover content, while indexability refers to the search engine's ability to add your pages to its index. Ensure that your website has a clean URL structure, properly formatted sitemaps, and that there are no technical barriers like broken links or duplicate content that could prevent search engines from crawling and indexing your site correctly.

4. Secure Website (HTTPS)

Website security is increasingly becoming a priority for search engines, and Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking factor. Websites with HTTPS encryption are considered more secure than those using HTTP. Not only does HTTPS provide better security for users, but it also helps boost your rankings. Migrating your site from HTTP to HTTPS requires installing an SSL certificate and ensuring that all pages on your website are served securely.

5. Structured Data and Schema Markup

Structured data, also known as schema markup, is a type of code that you add to your website to help search engines understand your content better. By using schema markup, you can enhance your search engine listings with rich snippets, which can include ratings, images, or pricing details. This additional information makes your listing more attractive and clickable, which can improve your click-through rate (CTR) and, in turn, your rankings.

6. Fixing Crawl Errors

Regularly monitor your website for crawl errors using Google Search Console or other tools. Crawl errors occur when search engines try to access a page on your site but encounter a problem, such as a 404 (page not found) error or a server issue. Identifying and fixing crawl errors ensures that search engines can index all of your pages properly and that your site remains fully optimized for search engine performance.

The Importance of Technical SEO for SEO Success

Technical SEO lays the foundation for the success of all other SEO efforts. Without a technically sound website, your on-page and off-page strategies may not have the desired effect. When your website is technically optimized, search engines can easily crawl, index, and rank your pages, which leads to better visibility, more organic traffic, and higher conversion rates.

Moreover, technical SEO directly impacts user experience. A website that loads quickly, is mobile-friendly, and offers secure browsing encourages users to stay longer, reducing bounce rates and improving engagement. This improved user experience not only boosts your SEO performance but also enhances the overall effectiveness of your digital marketing efforts.

Conclusion

Technical SEO is the backbone of any successful digital marketing strategy. By optimizing key elements such as site speed, mobile responsiveness, crawlability, and security, businesses can ensure that their websites perform well on search engines and provide users with a seamless experience. T-ShoMedia understands the importance of technical SEO and its direct impact on search engine rankings and user engagement. With our expertise in website optimization, we help businesses harness the power of technical SEO to boost their visibility and drive growth. Visit t-shomedia.com to learn more about how we can optimize your website for better search engine performance and user experience.

[mdmijuofficial]

Top 5 On-Page SEO Tips You Need to Implement

Optimize Title Tags and Meta Descriptions Title Tags: Title tags are one of the most crucial on-page SEO elements, as they’re the first impression users see in search engine results. An effective title tag should include primary keywords but also be engaging enough to encourage clicks. How to Optimize: Keep title tags between 50-60 characters to avoid being cut off in search results. Place the primary keyword near the start of the title and keep it relevant to the content. For example, if your page is about "SEO Tips," a good title could be, "Top SEO Tips to Boost Your Rankings." Meta Descriptions: Meta descriptions are short snippets under the title in search results that provide an overview of the page content. Although meta descriptions don’t directly impact rankings, they play a significant role in click-through rates (CTR). How to Optimize: Write unique, compelling descriptions around 150-160 characters. Clearly describe the value of your page, and where possible, naturally incorporate primary or secondary keywords.

Use Proper Header Tags (H1, H2, H3) Why Header Tags Matter: Header tags (like H1, H2, H3) create a clear structure for both search engines and users. They provide an outline that enhances readability and lets search engines understand your content’s hierarchy. Properly structured content is not only easier to read but also performs better in search rankings.

How to Optimize Header Tags:

H1 Tag: Each page should have one H1 tag that clearly describes the main topic. Avoid using multiple H1 tags as this can confuse search engines. H2 and H3 Tags: Use H2 tags for subheadings related to the main topic, and H3 tags for any sub-sections within those H2 headers. Incorporate relevant keywords into these headers where they fit naturally, but avoid keyword stuffing. Example: If your main H1 is "Guide to On-Page SEO," an H2 might be "Importance of On-Page SEO" and an H3 could be "Benefits for User Experience."

Enhance Page Loading Speed Why Page Speed Matters: Page speed has become a ranking factor for Google and other search engines, primarily because it affects user experience. Slow-loading pages lead to higher bounce rates as users are likely to abandon a site that takes too long to load.

How to Improve Page Speed:

Image Optimization: Compress images without sacrificing quality. Use formats like WebP and tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim to reduce file sizes. Browser Caching: Set up browser caching so that repeat visitors don’t have to reload all page elements each time they visit. Minify CSS and JavaScript: Reducing the size of CSS and JavaScript files can have a noticeable impact on loading speed. CDN (Content Delivery Network): A CDN distributes your website’s static files across global servers, reducing latency by delivering content from the closest server to the user’s location.

Optimize Images with Alt Text Why Alt Text Matters: Alt text, or alternative text, serves as a description of images on your page. It provides context for visually impaired users and is also used by search engines to understand image content, which can boost your website’s SEO.

How to Optimize Alt Text:

Describe each image accurately and keep the text under 125 characters. Make sure the alt text is relevant and, if possible, includes primary or secondary keywords without sounding forced. Example: Instead of "image1," use descriptive text like "A comprehensive guide to on-page SEO best practices." Avoid keyword stuffing. The goal is to provide a clear description that benefits both accessibility and SEO.

Internal Linking Importance of Internal Linking: Internal links help distribute page authority throughout your website, making it easier for search engines to crawl and index your pages. Internal links also guide users to related content, increasing engagement and time spent on your site.

How to Implement Effective Internal Linking:

Use descriptive anchor text that accurately describes the linked content, instead of vague phrases like “click here.” Link to high-priority pages and avoid over-linking to avoid dilution of link equity. Create topic clusters by linking related pages within a specific topic, which signals to search engines that these pages are interconnected. For example, in a blog post on "SEO Tips," you might link internally to other posts like "Keyword Research Strategies" or "Technical SEO Basics

[strangehumanoidmoneyfish-blog]

Top 10 Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial part of online visibility, whether you’re a business owner, a blogger, or running any type of website. In 2025, SEO will continue to evolve, and understanding common SEO mistakes can help you avoid costly errors and maintain a strong presence on search engines like Google. If you want to improve your website’s rankings and drive more organic traffic, it’s essential to stay on top of SEO best practices.

In this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 SEO mistakes to avoid in 2025, explain why they matter, and provide actionable tips for fixing them.

1. Ignoring User Intent

Why This is a Mistake:

In 2025, Google’s algorithm is increasingly focused on understanding why a user is searching for something, not just the words they use. If you focus solely on keywords without considering user intent, your content may miss the mark, causing your website to rank lower.

Solution:

Think about the purpose behind the search query. Is the user looking for information, a product, a service, or just answers to a question? Tailor your content to meet these needs, ensuring it’s valuable and directly answers the user’s search intent. Tools like “People Also Ask” on Google can give you insights into the types of questions people are asking.

2. Neglecting Mobile Optimization

Why This is a Mistake:

With mobile-first indexing, Google uses the mobile version of your site for ranking purposes. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you’ll lose out on a large portion of users, especially as mobile traffic continues to rise in 2025.

Solution:

Ensure your website is mobile-friendly. This means it should load quickly, have easy navigation, and be responsive to different screen sizes. You can check mobile optimization using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to identify areas for improvement.

3. Overlooking Voice Search Optimization

Why This is a Mistake:

Voice search is becoming more popular with devices like smartphones and smart speakers. People tend to speak more conversationally when they use voice search, and if your website isn’t optimized for this type of query, you may miss opportunities for organic traffic.

Solution:

Optimize for long-tail keywords and natural language. Voice search queries are often longer and more conversational, so structure your content to answer specific questions clearly. Focus on featured snippets and concise answers to increase your chances of appearing in voice search results.

4. Slow Website Speed

Why This is a Mistake:

Google prioritizes websites that load quickly because they provide a better user experience. If your website takes too long to load, visitors may leave before it even fully appears, and Google may penalize you with lower rankings.

Solution:

Optimize your site’s speed by compressing images, minimizing JavaScript, using browser caching, and leveraging Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help identify performance issues and provide recommendations.

5. Focusing on Quantity Over Quality of Content

Why This is a Mistake:

Some websites focus on pumping out large volumes of content in an attempt to rank for multiple keywords. However, Google values quality over quantity, and low-quality content that doesn’t provide value will only hurt your SEO efforts.

Solution:

Create in-depth, high-quality content that answers your audience’s questions or solves their problems. Focus on providing real value, rather than simply trying to hit a word count. Long-form, well-researched articles that offer comprehensive information tend to perform better than short, superficial content.

6. Neglecting Featured Snippets

Why This is a Mistake:

Featured snippets are the highlighted answers that appear at the top of some search results. If your content isn’t optimized to appear as a featured snippet, you could miss a prime opportunity to get your website in front of more people.

Solution:

Structure your content to answer common questions directly and clearly. Use bullet points, numbered lists, and concise answers to improve your chances of appearing in a featured snippet. Google often pulls these directly from well-structured, informative content.

7. Not Optimizing for Local SEO

Why This is a Mistake:

Even if your website isn’t a local business, failing to optimize for local SEO can mean missing out on location-based traffic, especially since search engines increasingly prioritize local search results.

Solution:

If you have a physical location, optimize your website for local searches by creating a Google My Business profile, including your address and contact information, and encouraging customer reviews. Localized content and keywords can also help you rank better in local searches.

8. Not Updating Old Content

Why This is a Mistake:

Content doesn’t stay relevant forever. If you leave outdated posts or pages on your website, they could hurt your SEO performance. Search engines favor fresh content, so neglecting to update old posts is a missed opportunity.

Solution:

Regularly audit your website for outdated content and refresh it. Update statistics, add new insights, and make sure all links work properly. Adding new sections or improving the readability of older posts can also give them a boost in rankings.

9. Overlooking Backlink Quality

Why This is a Mistake:

Backlinks from authoritative websites are still one of the most important ranking factors. However, focusing on quantity over quality, or acquiring backlinks from spammy sites, can hurt your rankings.

Solution:

Focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable, relevant websites. You can earn backlinks through guest posts, content marketing, and outreach. Avoid buying backlinks or participating in link schemes, as this can result in penalties from Google.

10. Not Using Analytics and Data for SEO Decisions

Why This is a Mistake:

If you’re not tracking your website’s performance with tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console, you’re essentially flying blind. Without data, you won’t know what’s working and what needs improvement.

Solution:

Set up and regularly check analytics tools to track key SEO metrics such as organic traffic, bounce rates, keyword rankings, and conversions. Use this data to fine-tune your SEO strategy and make informed decisions about content and optimization.

A Winning SEO Strategy for 2025

To stay ahead in 2025, your SEO strategy must be adaptable and comprehensive. Here’s a brief outline of a winning strategy:

Focus on User Intent: Create content that answers specific questions and fulfills the needs of your target audience.

Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.

Voice Search Optimization: Optimize for long-tail keywords and conversational queries.

Improve Website Speed: Ensure your site loads quickly for a better user experience and SEO ranking.

Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize high-quality, in-depth content that adds value to your audience.

Leverage Featured Snippets: Structure your content to answer questions concisely for featured snippets.

Local SEO: Optimize for local searches if applicable by setting up a Google My Business profile and using location-based keywords.

Update Old Content: Regularly refresh your content to keep it current and relevant.

Build Quality Backlinks: Focus on earning high-quality backlinks from reputable sites.

Use Data to Guide Decisions: Use Google Analytics and Search Console to track your SEO progress and make adjustments accordingly.

By focusing on these key areas and avoiding common SEO mistakes, you can position your website for better rankings, more traffic, and greater visibility in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the most common SEO mistakes to avoid?

Common mistakes include ignoring user intent, neglecting mobile optimization, focusing on quantity over quality, and failing to update old content.

2. Why is SEO important for my website?

SEO helps improve your website’s visibility on search engines, driving organic traffic and increasing your chances of attracting your target audience.

3. What happens if I make SEO mistakes?

SEO mistakes can lead to lower rankings, reduced traffic, and missed opportunities to connect with potential visitors.

4. How can I improve my SEO in 2025?

Focus on creating quality content, optimizing for mobile and voice search, improving website speed, and regularly updating your content.

5. How can I fix slow website speed for SEO?

You can improve website speed by compressing images, using caching, reducing server response time, and utilizing Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).

6. Is keyword stuffing still a problem for SEO?

Yes, keyword stuffing is still problematic and can result in penalties from search engines. Focus on natural language and providing value in your content.

7. Why is voice search important for SEO?

Voice search is growing rapidly, and optimizing for voice queries helps you capture traffic from users using digital assistants.

8. What is a featured snippet?

A featured snippet is the box of text that appears at the top of some search results, providing a quick answer to a query.

9. How can I get more backlinks for my website?

You can earn backlinks through guest posting, outreach, and creating valuable content that others want to link to.

10. How often should I update old content?

Regularly review and update old content, especially if the information is outdated or no longer relevant to current trends.

Conclusion

Avoiding common SEO mistakes is essential for maintaining good rankings and visibility in 2025. By focusing on high-quality content, user intent, mobile optimization, and staying up-to-date with SEO trends, you can ensure your website continues to perform well and attract more organic traffic. Remember, SEO is an ongoing process, and by continuously improving your strategy, you’ll stay ahead of the competition.

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Technical SEO for Mobile-First Indexing: Key Considerations for Success

Mobile-first indexing refers to how Google crawls a website's mobile version ahead of its desktop version. Although not a recent update, it remains an essential factor in the success of your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts as more and more people go on the Internet through their mobile devices.

In this post, you'll see why mobile-first indexing should be part of your technical SEO strategy and how you can optimize your website.

Why a mobile-first SEO strategy matters

Aligning your tech SEO strategy with Google's mobile-first standard entails making your site compatible with mobile devices and their users. This is crucial for a number of reasons.

Mobile users

Almost 70% of the world's population owns mobile devices, with close to 300 million owning smartphones in the United States alone. As technology becomes even more accessible, these numbers will likely continue going up.

In fact, 60% of all Internet traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your site is not optimized for mobile, you risk missing out on many potential customers.

Search ranking

Google's mobile-first crawling means your website's ranking in the search engine results page (SERP) is much influenced by its mobile-friendliness. A poor or incomplete mobile experience can result in low rankings and decreased visibility to your target audience.

Local SEO

Small and medium businesses usually rely on local customers. Many mobile searches have local intent, with nearly 80% of users visiting or calling a business they found on their phone. Close to a third of these interactions result in a sale.

User experience (UX)

Giving mobile users a frustrating experience can raise your site's bounce rates and decrease its search ranking. For instance, 53% will abandon your site if a page takes more than three seconds to load. Almost 90% of these frustrated visitors won't come back.

Revenue

The above points all lead to one conclusion—a mobile-unfriendly website results in missed opportunities and reduced revenue. In contrast, optimizing your site for mobile-first indexing can improve its performance, visibility, and revenue.

How to implement a mobile-first SEO strategy

Developing and implementing a technical SEO strategy that prioritizes Google's mobile-first standard involves several key steps.

Follow a responsive design

A responsive web design ensures that your website adjusts seamlessly across different devices and screen sizes. This means that users can use your site and understand its contents, whether viewed on a small smartphone screen or a wide desktop monitor.

As you build your site, test your design across multiple devices and web browsers. This ensures that all elements are displayed correctly and prevents functionality issues that might disrupt visitors' experience.

Optimize page loading speed

Certain notable elements of your site could be slowing it down. A tech SEO audit can help you identify what these are and what you can do to speed up your site. For example, you could compress images to decrease their size without compromising quality, minimize CSS and JavaScript files, or enable browser caching.

Maintain content parity

Your website's mobile and desktop versions should have the same high-quality content. You might think that reducing the amount of content in the mobile version will make it load faster and, thus, rank higher, but such a tactic will most likely backfire.

Because Google prioritizes your site's mobile version, it likely won't be able to record your content even if that content does exist in your site's desktop version. You could miss out on keywords, backlinks, and other crucial ranking factors, resulting in a lower rank and less visibility for your site on the SERP.

Implement mobile-friendly navigation

A clean, straightforward menu usually works better for mobile sites because it creates a user-friendly experience. Use big enough buttons that are easy to tap. Be careful when using drop-down menus and implement pop-ups sparingly, as these can take up a lot of real estate and frustrate users.

Optimize media for mobile

Images, videos, and animations engage visitors but can slow down your site. To prevent loading issues and keep these visual elements, you need to optimize them for mobile. For instance, instead of embedding large image files, use responsive images that adapt to different screen resolutions. 

Adapt accelerated mobile pages (AMP)

An AMP is a stripped-down version of your website's HTML, removing features that can slow down your site's loading times, including JavaScript and forms. It's crucial if your site has a blog or news page with plenty of informative content. Google typically displays AMPs at the top of the search results, so using them can help enhance your site's visibility.

Test and improve

You don't have to build and update your site blindly. Conduct A/B tests using tools like Google Analytics or third-party plugins to determine which content, elements, and changes your target audience likes and resonates with best. You can also use heatmaps to study how users interact with your mobile site and refine your layouts, navigation, and design elements accordingly.

A mobile-first SEO strategy is no longer optional, considering the number of mobile users. You need to attract, engage, and convert potential customers who are finding and accessing your site through their smartphones, and you can only achieve these with a well-designed, optimized mobile site. 

Keeping up with the demands of mobile-first indexing and other Google updates can be difficult, especially when you're already busy running your business. Consider taking advantage of professional technical SEO services instead of taking on the challenge yourself. 

Reputable SEO agencies have dedicated teams of experts who will optimize your mobile website for higher ranking and greater visibility on the SERPs. They also stay updated on the latest SEO trends and updates, ensuring your site remains relevant and competitive no matter how the Internet changes. 

Invest in professional technical SEO services today and reap the benefits of a mobile-first SEO strategy for your business!

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5 Quick Wins to Speed Up Your WordPress Website Today

Let’s be real—nothing turns a potential customer away faster than a slow website. The good news? Speeding up your WordPress website doesn’t have to be a headache. Let’s dive into 5 quick wins to Speed up WordPress Website that’ll have your site running like a well-oiled machine, without the need for a tech degree.

Also Read, Top benefits of a fast-loading website for small businesses

1. Choose the Right Hosting

Your website’s foundation is the hosting you choose. Think of it like the engine of your car. If you opt for a cheap, low-quality host, you're putting yourself on the fast track to a breakdown.

What to do:

Switch to a hosting provider that specializes in WordPress Speed Optimization. Managed WordPress hosting is a great choice.

Look for one that’s fast, reliable, and scalable as your site grows.

Why it works: Good hosting gives your site the performance boost it needs, without breaking the bank or slowing down your growth. It's like putting a turbocharger on your site.

Also read, How to measure your WooCommerce store's Performance: Tools and Tips

2. Compress Your Images

You’ve got gorgeous images on your site, but those high-quality photos could be dragging your speed down like a ball and chain. Large images increase page load time— and no one’s got time for that.

What to do:

Use image compression tools like ShortPixel or TinyPNG to shrink those files.

Switch to a next-gen image format like WebP for smaller file sizes without sacrificing quality.

Why it works: Image compression is like packing your suitcase and leaving behind what you don’t need. It makes your site lighter and faster, without losing any of the good stuff.

3. Leverage Browser Caching

When users return to your site, they don’t want to reload the entire page again. Browser caching is like giving them a shortcut—they get to load the page faster because their browser remembers bits of your site.

What to do:

Set up caching so static files (like images and stylesheets) are stored in the user’s browser.

Use plugins like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache to do this automatically.

Why it works: Caching reduces the load on your server and makes your site feel snappy for returning visitors. It’s like giving them a VIP pass to the front of the line.

Also read,

The Essential Plugins Every WordPress Site Needs for Peak Performance

4. Minify CSS and JavaScript

Your site’s code can be cluttered with extra spaces, comments, and unused code. Minifying these files is like cleaning out your car’s trunk—you get rid of the unnecessary weight and make everything more streamlined.

What to do:

Use plugins like Autoptimize or WP Rocket to minify your CSS and JavaScript files.

Combine multiple CSS or JavaScript files into one to reduce the number of HTTP requests.

Why it works: Minification trims the fat, which means faster load times and fewer resources wasted. A leaner website is a faster website—simple as that.

5. Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

A CDN is your website’s delivery service, bringing content to users from servers that are closest to them. It's like having Amazon Prime for your website—things just get delivered faster.

What to do:

Sign up for a CDN like Cloudflare or KeyCDN.

Set up the CDN so it serves static files like images, stylesheets, and scripts from multiple locations around the world.

Why it works: CDNs reduce latency by ensuring your content doesn’t have to travel far to reach your users. The result? Faster load times, no matter where your visitors are.

Also Read, 7 Simple ways to improve your consulting website's load time

Final Thoughts

Speeding up your WordPress website is crucial for keeping visitors happy and Google satisfied. Implement these 5 quick wins, and you'll notice faster load times, a happier audience, and better performance in search engines.

Don’t let slow speeds hold you back—start optimizing today. Your website’s performance isn’t just about faster loading; it’s about boosting conversions, improving your SEO, and staying ahead of the competition.

The faster your website runs, the more your business can grow. Ready to put the pedal to the metal? Let’s speed up your WordPress website now!

Key Takeaway: A speedy WordPress site isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Make these quick fixes and watch your site perform like a top-tier race car!

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eCommerce SEO Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Did you know that just by making a few simple changes to your e-commerce store that could be the difference between being found on Google or not? And with over 8 billion searches every single day, you don’t want to miss out on that free and organic traffic to your e-commerce website, especially when it keeps flowing over and over.

In this article, you will learn, how to use few ecommerce dos and Don’ts. Three simple do’s and don’ts that you can use to start driving more organic free traffic to your website early.  We talk about how to generate highly converting profitable traffic to your online store, to your e-commerce store, especially if you’re a small business. 

Every business is turning to eCommerce platforms and making them available for all sizes of audiences. As eCommerce continues to grow, the importance of eCommerce SEO mistakes cannot be overstated. Did you know that 93% of all online experiences begin with a search engine? With the vast majority of online traffic coming from search engines, it is essential for eCommerce businesses to prioritize their search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. 

What is ecommerce SEO?

E-commerce SEO (search engine optimization) is a free method of making your website more visible on search engine results pages (SERPs) for long term. If your website ranking on the top of SERPs than you need to continue to analyze and monitor your SEO results, because competition in ecommerce business is very high in market.

However, despite the importance of eCommerce SEO, many businesses make critical mistakes that can harm their rankings and impact their sales. In this article, we will cover the top eCommerce SEO mistakes to avoid and best practices to follow to improve your online visibility and increase sales.

Technical SEO mistakes

Before tackling on-page SEO issues, it's crucial to first fix any technical problems on your website. If you’re making these technical SEO mistakes, search engines may penalize you and rank your site poorly.

1. Neglecting site speed

Page speed is a key ranking factor for Google. If your pages take too long to load, it can hurt your position in search results. Low website speed leads to bad user experience and decrease engagement rate with your website.

Solutions:

Optimize images: Use Compress images and utilize responsive image techniques to serve appropriately sized images for different devices.

Eliminate render-blocking resources: Render-blocking resources are elements, typically CSS and JavaScript files, that hinder the rendering or display of a webpage. By optimizing CSS & JavaScript we can eliminate render-blocking resources.

Enhance Core Web Vitals:

Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Optimize server performance, prioritize loading of critical resources, and optimize CSS & JavaScripts. A good LCP score is 2.5 seconds or less.

Interaction to Next Paint (INP): Remove or optimize JavaScript, avoid layout thrashing & Optimize images. A good INP score is equal to or less than 200 ms.

Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Set explicit dimensions for images and ads, avoid inserting content above existing content, and ensure fonts load without causing layout shifts.

Remove unnecessary plug-ins: By removing unnecessary plug-ins of your website can improve your website speed and lead to better user experience.

Reduce redirects: Excessive redirects can lead to slower page load times, frustrating users. Minimizing redirects ensures a smoother, faster browsing experience.

Use Google Page Speed Insights Tool to check the loading times of your pages for free.

2. Poor site structure

A poor site structure can make it difficult for both search engines and users to navigate your website. A bad site structure is one of the quickest ways to lose potential customers. If pages on your site are more than three clicks away from each other, things tend to get jumbled and customers get lost. A confusing domain name, complicated site structure, and menus that aren’t intuitive cause customers to look elsewhere for desired products.

Solutions:

·  Group relevant products together: Make it easy for users to find similar items by organizing them into clear categories. This not only helps visitors find what they’re looking for faster but also helps search engines understand the content of your site.

·  Create a user-friendly navigation menu: Keep your navigation simple and intuitive. Users should be able to find their way around your site without confusion.

·  Focus on UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface): Design your site with the user in mind. A clean, easy-to-navigate interface, combined with a smooth user experience, helps visitors stay on your site longer and encourages conversions.

·  Link to applicable pages from the homepage: Make sure important pages on your site are easily accessible from the homepage. This can include popular products, services, or content that you want to highlight, ensuring both users and search engines can find your key pages quickly.

3. Not prioritizing mobile SEO

User experience is a critical aspect of eCommerce SEO. Make sure your website is not slow, easy to navigate, and is responsive on mobile devices. All these features can significantly impact your website’s search engine ranking and user engagement.

Solutions:

AMP Pages: Create AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) to improve mobile load times, enhance user experience, and boost SEO by delivering faster, lightweight content.

Test page load speed on mobile: Since mobile networks can be slower than desktop connections, make sure your pages load quickly on mobile devices. Slow load times on mobile can drive visitors away.

Check for responsive design: Ensure your site adjusts to fit the screen size of any device. Text should be readable without zooming, and buttons should be easy to tap without accidental clicks.

4. Neglecting Schema structured data markup

Schema structured data markup is code that helps search engines understand your content. It will improve visibility, enhance search results with rich snippets, and boost click-through rates(CTR). It also helps voice search and provides clear information to users.

Solutions:

Implement product schema: Using product schema markup allows you to display important details like price, availability, and product descriptions directly in search results. This can make your listings more attractive and informative to potential customers.

Utilize review and rating schema: Utilizing review and rating schema allows you to display star ratings & reviews of your customer to increase trust and engagement.Rich snippets featuring star ratings can significantly improve CTR.

Add breadcrumb schema: Implement breadcrumb schema to enhance navigation paths in search results. This makes it easier for search engines and user to understand your website structure.

Use structured data testing tools: Use Google’s Rich Results Test and Schema Markup Validator to ensure your markup is correctly implemented and eligible for rich results. Address any errors or warnings promptly.

On-page SEO mistakes

1. Low-quality content

The helpful content update is important for ecommerce SEO as the main source of traffic for your website. Without quality content, powered by SEO, you will get no organic traffic. Content is valuable in attracting new prospects and retaining loyal customers, but SEO makes your content visible in the SERPs.

Solutions:

Avoid Duplicate content: Avoiding duplicate content is essential for maintaining good SEO and ensure search engines to index your pages without confusing. SO Use canonical tags properly, ”noindex” tag, write unique content & implement unique meta tags for each pages.

Avoid Short content or Thin Content: For ecommerce store content is a key factor. So, write your website content long and explain your products properly and engaging.   

Use Keyword-stuffed content: Keywords in content play very important role for SEO ranking. Use your main primary keywords in your content with proper frequency that improve your ranking in SERPs.

2. Neglecting Keyword Research

One of the biggest mistakes eCommerce retailers make is neglecting keyword research. Keyword research is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy, as it helps you identify the search terms and phrases your target audience is using to find products like yours.

Read this blog – Why keyword research is important for SEO

3. Not using XML sitemaps and robots.txt effectively

XML sitemaps and robots.txt files help guide search engines through your ecommerce site. XML site helps search engines navigate the website & robot.txt file guide search engine crawls your website pages. So, Neglecting both can misguide search engine and impact on crawling & indexing.

Solutions:

Create and update XML sitemaps: Create XML site including all important pages of your website and submit on google search console. Update your sitemap on regular basis whenever you add new page on your website.

Optimize robots.txt files: Optimize robot.txt file on regular basis so that search engine bot can easy crawl your webite.

4. Neglecting Meta tags optimizations

Meta tag optimization is crucial for eCommerce websites. These tags, including the title tag, H1 tags and meta description, play a key role in how your site appears in search engine results and influence user click-through rates (CTR). It will improve Search Visibility, Click-Through Rates, Rich Snippets & user experience.

Solutions:

Use keywords in Meta tiles

Use keywords in meta description

Use meta tags in products pages

5. Improper canonicalization

Improper canonicalization can lead to several negative effects on your ecommerce website. Canonicalization helps search engines understand the preferred version of a webpage when multiple versions exist. Improper canonicalization can lead to duplicate content issues.

Solutions:

·  Use Canonical Tags Correctly: Ensure that each page with duplicate or similar content has a canonical tag pointing to the preferred URL. This tells search engines which version of the page to index and rank.

·  Avoid Multiple URLs for the Same Content: Make sure your website doesn’t generate multiple URLs for the same page (e.g., with session IDs or tracking parameters). Set up redirects or use URL parameters correctly in Google Search Console to handle these variations.

·  301 Redirects for Duplicate Pages: If you have duplicate pages that are no longer needed, set up 301 redirects to the preferred version of the page. This helps consolidate link equity and guides users and search engines to the correct URL.

Off-page SEO mistakes

Not Paying Attention To High-Quality Link Building

Importance of backlinks in SEO is a ranking factor and ignoring high-quality backlinks might result in bad SEO results. It is critical to remember that providing high-quality content that naturally gets backlinks from respected websites can yield incredible results.

On the other hand, generating do-follow forum backlinks for your website can amazingly benefit your website ranking on higher grounds.

Solutions:

Create High Quality Backlinks: Create backlinks on high DA & PA website with proper hyperlinks of your keywords. Neglect high spam score with better website traffics.

Create backlinks to relevant domain: Always create backlinks with same niche referring domain.

Prioritize backlinks to key pages — such as the homepage, category pages, and product pages. Invest in backlink strategies, but don’t underestimate the importance of them happening organically when you generate quality content. 

Not investing in a social strategy

E-commerce social media strategy can help improve your online store's visibility in search results and drive sales. A social marketing strategy is one of the top ways ecommerce businesses can grow their brands, but many businesses are too focused on keywords and neglect this other marketing strategy. You need more than just an eye-catching logo. You need a strategy that ensures people will see your branding in the first place. Social media is a great way to drive traffic to your ecommerce store. It’s also one of the more popular methods for promoting brand awareness. 

Wrapping It Up 

eCommerce SEO is a complex process that requires careful planning and implementation. If you can successfully avoid these common mistakes, you will be able to reach higher in the search rankings. The abovementioned best practices can help you simplify things, improve your search rankings, attract more organic traffic, and increase your sales and revenue. For more related SEO Blogs visit LearnSEO With Durgesh. 

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How Slow Sites Lose Sales: The Power of a Speedy Website in Today’s Instant Economy

When I first entered the web design game nearly two decades ago, the internet was a slower, simpler place. Websites took their time to load, and nobody blinked if a page took a few seconds longer. But today, if your site doesn’t load in under three seconds, you're risking more than just a few disgruntled visitors—you could be losing business and credibility faster than you can say "bounce rate." This article dives into how a slow site can sabotage your business in ways you might not expect and why Web Design Columbia in South Carolina is committed to creating lightning-fast, reliable websites that keep users (and profits) sticking around.

The New Attention Economy: When Faster Really Means Better

Today’s users are used to immediacy. Think about how often you check your phone notifications or refresh a page. With platforms like Amazon offering near-instant gratification and Google ranking fast sites higher, it’s clear that the attention economy has transformed into an expectation of speed. Recent studies show that 47% of consumers expect a web page to load in two seconds or less, and 40% abandon a site that takes more than three seconds. These stats may sound harsh, but they’re the reality of today’s hyper-connected world.

At Web Design Columbia, we take speed seriously. In our South Carolina-based studio, we craft beautiful sites and ensure that they perform flawlessly—because a fast site isn’t just a bonus; it’s a necessity for online success.

Why Does Page Speed Matter So Much?

Let’s talk specifics. Imagine you own a local business in Columbia, South Carolina, and you’ve just launched a new website to attract local customers. They might be looking for a service like yours and click on your link—only to wait...and wait… and finally, they’re gone. You’ve lost that customer, and they’re likely not coming back. The harsh truth is that for every second your page load time increases, your conversion rate can drop by an astonishing 7%.

Even more staggering, if an e-commerce site’s load time goes from one second to three seconds, the probability of bounce increases by 32%. And if it goes up to five seconds? You’re looking at a 90% increase in bounce rate. This “speed tax” hits businesses of all sizes, especially in competitive industries.

Why Top Companies Invest Heavily in Speed

Take a page out of Amazon’s book. The company estimates that if its site were to slow down by just one second, it would lose $1.6 billion in sales annually. Google, too, understands this; they’ve long held that site speed impacts search rankings. Their famous "Speed Update" in 2018 made it official—slow sites don’t just frustrate users; they also risk lower search rankings.

This speed obsession isn’t just corporate paranoia. Research from Deloitte revealed that a mere 0.1-second improvement in load time can increase conversion rates by 8% for retail sites and 10% for travel sites. Speed is directly linked to revenue.

The Science of Site Speed: What’s Really Slowing You Down?

When we audit websites at Web Design Columbia, we often see several common culprits responsible for sluggish performance. Images, for instance, can make or break your speed. A recent study found that unoptimized images are the main cause of slow websites, accounting for nearly 65% of the load time on a typical web page. But that’s not the only factor.

Here are a few other reasons why your site might be dragging:

JavaScript Overload: JavaScript, the backbone of interactivity, can be a blessing or a curse. When overused or poorly optimized, it can slow down load times considerably.

Excessive Plugins: Especially with platforms like WordPress, plugins can quickly pile up. While they add features, too many can lead to conflicts and slow down your site.

Server Location and Hosting Quality: The closer your server is to your audience, the faster your website loads. Poor hosting services can also dramatically affect your load speed.

Web Design Columbia offers high-quality solutions to address these issues, ensuring that every image, script, and server detail is finely tuned for optimal performance. We don’t believe in half-measures when it comes to speed. After all, why risk losing potential customers when straightforward fixes are available?

Content Management Systems and Their Speed Pitfalls

The choice of platform also significantly affects how quickly a website loads. Let’s examine a few of the major players and how they stack up.

WordPress: The Jack of All Trades, Master of None?

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites, and it’s easy to see why. With its extensive range of themes and plugins, it’s a web designer’s Swiss Army knife. However, WordPress can sometimes be a double-edged sword. While offering tremendous flexibility, the vast array of plugins can easily bog down performance if not carefully managed. Many users report issues with sluggish load times, especially if they go overboard with plugins or choose a theme that’s not optimized for speed.

At Web Design Columbia, we’re WordPress experts. We know how to balance the power of plugins with the need for speed, ensuring that your site remains fast, functional, and visually stunning.

Shopify: Great for E-commerce, but Watch for Bloat

Shopify has exploded in popularity, especially among e-commerce businesses. While it’s a fantastic choice for online stores, it can fall victim to “app bloat.” Each app added to a Shopify store often brings its own scripts and styles, which can slow down load times. Additionally, the platform’s reliance on Liquid (its templating language) can sometimes add extra processing time, especially if there’s a lot of custom coding involved.

We’ve helped many Columbia-based businesses streamline their Shopify sites, removing unnecessary apps and optimizing Liquid code to shave valuable milliseconds off load times. For businesses that rely on Shopify’s ease of use, we’re here to ensure it performs at peak efficiency.

Wix: Easy to Use, But Is It Worth the Cost in Speed?

Wix is a popular choice for small businesses that need a simple, affordable website. It’s user-friendly and offers attractive templates, but the trade-off often comes in speed and flexibility. Wix sites can sometimes lag, especially when loading media-heavy pages. Although the platform is working to improve its speed issues, many users find that they’re stuck with sluggish load times due to Wix’s proprietary coding structure.

We often recommend looking beyond Wix for those who need a high-speed website without compromise. Web Design Columbia can guide you through alternative solutions that don’t sacrifice performance for simplicity.

Performance Tuning and the Tools to Get You There

Let’s get technical for a moment. Optimizing website performance involves a blend of good design practices and advanced tools. In our Columbia office, we leverage a suite of software to ensure every site we build is as fast as it can possibly be. Here are some of the tools and techniques we use:

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)

If your audience is spread across different regions, a CDN can help your site load faster by distributing content to servers closer to users. Companies like Cloudflare and Akamai have made this technology accessible even to smaller businesses, allowing them to serve web content from data centers worldwide. For a local business in Columbia, this might seem unnecessary, but if you’re reaching customers outside South Carolina—or even internationally—a CDN can make a substantial difference in load times.

Image Optimization

Images are often the heaviest assets on a website. Platforms like WordPress and Shopify offer image compression plugins, but at Web Design Columbia, we also use dedicated tools like ImageOptim or TinyPNG to reduce file size without sacrificing quality. This small step can shave seconds off load time, and studies show that pages that load in 2 seconds have a 9% bounce rate compared to 38% for pages that load in 5 seconds. It’s an essential optimization.

Caching

Caching is a method that stores a “snapshot” of your website so that returning users can load it faster. Most modern platforms support caching, but for high-quality performance, server-side caching tools like Varnish or Redis can make a difference. Caching also reduces the load on your server, allowing it to handle more visitors at once—a crucial factor during high-traffic periods.

Minification and Script Management

Every line of code on your site matters. Minification removes unnecessary characters from HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, making them faster to load. Tools like UglifyJS or plugins like WP Rocket for WordPress are invaluable for speeding up websites. As web designers in Columbia, we know that managing scripts is especially important when working with platforms like WordPress and Shopify, where add-ons can sometimes get out of control.

Global Trends: The Rise of the Speed Standard

Speed isn’t just a trend; it’s a global standard. Countries like South Korea and Japan have long been pioneers in internet speed, offering blazing-fast connections that have driven local businesses to prioritize site speed. This push for speed has led companies in the U.S. and Europe to follow suit, as global competition means every millisecond counts. A study by Akamai found that even a 100-millisecond delay in load time can hurt conversion rates by 7%. In today’s digital economy, where users can access services from across the globe, local businesses must meet international speed standards to remain competitive.

The Downside of a Speed-Obsessed World

Of course, focusing entirely on speed can sometimes come at a cost. In some cases, designers prioritize performance to the detriment of aesthetics or interactivity. Only some websites need to be stripped down to its bare bones for the sake of speed. The key is to find a balance between visual appeal and performance—a balance that we at Web Design Columbia strive to achieve with every project.

There’s also the matter of resources. Small businesses may not always have the budget for top-of-the-line hosting or advanced performance tools. We often see companies going overboard with optimization, investing in expensive tools they may not need. That’s where our expertise in affordable, high-quality solutions comes in; we help our clients achieve a level of performance that’s perfect for their audience without unnecessary expenditures.

Speed in Practice: What Does Success Look Like?

Let’s look at a few real-world examples to illustrate the importance of speed. In 2012, Walmart conducted an in-depth study on how site speed impacted conversion rates and found that for every second of improvement, their conversion rate increased by 2%. Even today, Walmart remains one of the most aggressive players in speed optimization, constantly testing and refining its site.

Then there’s Pinterest. By reducing wait times by 40%, Pinterest saw SEO traffic increase by 15% and signup conversions by 15%. These stats underscore a universal truth: speed isn’t just about user experience; it directly impacts the bottom line.

Columbia Businesses and the Demand for Speed

For businesses in Columbia, South Carolina, the stakes are just as high. Local customers may be a bit more forgiving, but the truth is that the standards set by global giants like Amazon and Walmart affect expectations everywhere. If a customer in Columbia has a frustrating experience on your site, there’s no shortage of competitors who are just a click away. As web designers here in South Carolina, we believe that it’s our job to set our clients up for success by delivering sites that are not only visually appealing but lightning-fast as well.

At Web Design Columbia, we’re dedicated to keeping up with the latest trends, tools, and techniques that ensure every website we design is both beautiful and quick to load. With nearly two decades of experience, we’ve learned that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to speed. Every website we work on is a unique project that deserves a tailored solution.

Speed Optimization Techniques You Can’t Ignore

The SEO Factor: How Speed Impacts Search Rankings

Google has confirmed that site speed is a ranking factor, especially for mobile searches. In 2018, they introduced the “Speed Update” as part of their ongoing efforts to improve user experience. Studies show that a slow site can lose up to 53% of its visitors on mobile devices if the load time exceeds 3 seconds. With mobile traffic dominating the web, this is a metric that no business can afford to ignore.

Common Complaints and the Reality of Optimization

Of course, not everyone is thrilled about the speed-driven web. Some business owners express frustration over the constant need for updates and optimization, questioning whether all this speed obsession is truly necessary. While it’s true that smaller businesses may feel burdened by these expectations, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks. Fast websites perform better in search, deliver better user experiences, and drive conversions—benefits that translate to real business growth.

Your Speed Solution with Web Design Columbia

When it comes down to it, building a fast, reliable website is an investment in your business’s future. We’ve all seen the frustration of watching potential customers leave due to slow load times. And with Web Design Columbia on your side, you don’t have to worry about technical headaches. Our team is here to ensure that your website meets and exceeds the demands of today’s market—whether that means optimizing a WordPress site, enhancing a Shopify store, or finding a faster, more affordable hosting solution.

In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, we’re proud to help local businesses build a top-notch digital presence in quality and performance. So if you’re ready to step up your game and embrace the speed standard, let’s make your site fast enough to keep your audience—and your bottom line—happy. Contact us at Web Design Columbia, and let’s make speed work for you!

[website-blogger]

Platform vs. HTML: Which Is the Right Choice for Your Website?

As a small business owner, choosing the right type of website for your business can be challenging. Should you use a platform-based builder like WordPress or Wix, or opt for a custom HTML website? Both approaches have advantages, but the right decision depends on your needs, skills, and long-term goals. This article clearly compares platform-based websites and custom HTML solutions, focusing on ease of use, customization, scalability, SEO, performance, maintenance, and costs.

Ease of Use: Platforms Shine for Beginners

For non-technical users, ease of use is often the most significant factor when deciding on a website-building solution. Platform-based builders like WordPress, Wix, and Weebly excel in this area, offering user-friendly drag-and-drop interfaces that allow beginners to design and launch a website without knowing how to code. These platforms come with pre-designed templates, allowing users to create a professional-looking website in hours.

On the other hand, HTML websites offer far greater flexibility but require coding skills to build and maintain. Business owners with technical knowledge or access to a web developer may prefer HTML, as it allows for complete control over the website's design and functionality. However, if you're looking for the best website editor for beginners, platform-based solutions may offer the simplicity needed to get your site online quickly.

Customization: Full Flexibility vs. Pre-Designed Options

One of the critical benefits of HTML websites is complete customization. You can create a website tailored to your business's unique needs with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript without design, layout, or feature limitations. An HTML website gives you complete control if your business requires specialized functionality or branding.

In contrast, platform-based website builders come with design and feature limitations. While they offer a variety of templates and plugins, you're often restricted by the platform's ecosystem. For example, platforms may limit customization options or impose rules on certain features' behavior. That said, for small business owners who don't need complex customizations, platforms like WordPress or Wix provide enough flexibility to create attractive and functional websites without the hassle of coding.

Scalability: What Are Your Future Plans?

Scalability is an essential factor when considering your business's long-term growth. Because of their custom nature, HTML websites can be scaled as your business grows, offering infinite possibilities for expansion. As your business grows, you can add new features, pages, and functionalities without being limited by a platform's constraints.

On the other hand, while platforms like WordPress offer scalability to some degree (with the ability to add plugins and integrations), they can become cumbersome as your website becomes more complex. Performance issues may arise, and there could be limitations to what you can achieve without switching to more advanced hosting solutions.

SEO and Performance: The Impact on Search Rankings

Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for driving organic traffic to your website. Both platform-based websites and HTML websites can be optimized for SEO, but there are differences in flexibility. With HTML, you have complete control over every aspect of your site's code, allowing you to fine-tune your on-page SEO and site structure. This flexibility can result in faster load times, better site performance, and more direct control over how search engines crawl and index your site.

Platform-based websites, while equipped with SEO tools and plugins, can have performance issues due to their reliance on third-party themes and plugins. These can slow down your website's loading speed, negatively impacting user experience and search rankings. For small businesses focused on SEO, ensuring that your chosen platform provides the necessary SEO capabilities and doesn't compromise performance is crucial.

Maintenance: The Costs of Keeping Your Site Running

Platform-based website builders take much of the hassle out of maintaining a website. WordPress, Wix, and similar platforms handle updates, security patches, and backups, meaning less time spent on maintenance for the business owner. However, relying on a platform also means that you're at the mercy of its updates, and any changes to the platform could impact your website's functionality.

In contrast, HTML websites require more hands-on maintenance. You or your developer will need to update code regularly, monitor security, and handle backups. This makes HTML more time-consuming to manage but offers full control over every aspect of your site. The costs associated with maintaining an HTML website can also be higher due to the need for developer assistance.

Costs: Weighing Up the Financial Investment

Another critical factor is the cost of building and maintaining your website. Platform-based websites are generally more affordable upfront, with monthly or annual subscription plans that cover hosting, design templates, and customer support. This can be an appealing option for small businesses with limited budgets, as it provides all the tools necessary to run a website without needing to hire a developer.

On the other hand, HTML websites require a more significant initial investment if you need to hire a developer for the setup. Additionally, ongoing updates, maintenance, and hosting costs can add up over time. However, for businesses that need more control and flexibility, the investment in an HTML site can pay off in the long run.

Making the Right Choice: Which Is Best for You?

Choosing between a platform-based website and an HTML website comes down to your business's specific needs, technical expertise, and long-term goals, for business owners looking for the best website editor for beginners, platform-based solutions like WordPress and Wix offer ease of use, and the ability to get a site online quickly with minimal technical knowledge. These platforms are ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and are comfortable with some design and functionality limitations.

However, as your business grows, you require full customization, more control over your website's SEO and performance, and scalability. An HTML website may be the better option despite the higher initial costs and maintenance requirements.

Streamlining Website Management with MyCrazySimpleCMS

For small business owners who want HTML flexibility without the complexities of managing the code, tools like MyCrazySimpleCMS offer an ideal solution. This no-code editor simplifies website updates, allowing users to manage content and SEO without developer expertise. While not a complete platform like WordPress or Wix, MyCrazySimpleCMS makes managing HTML websites accessible for non-technical users, helping you keep your site updated and optimized easily.

[kitwallace]

Moving from exist-db 3.0.1 to 6.0.1 6.2.0

That's an awful lot of release notes to read through but it needs to be done, even though its hard to know how the changes will affect my code.

As a first step I need to get things working without being tempted to utilise new XQuery features (I haven't used maps and arrays ) [see https://www.w3.org/TR/xquery-30/] and new modules (spatial index)

Very tempting to clear out old stuff whilst I do this but of course would be better done beforehand.

Need to be sure which scripts are being invoked from Apache

Getting one website running - Bristol Sailing Association, loading from an unzipped backup of the 3.0.1 database + others

Usual problem of testing applications which use my approach a REST-style - most have a config set up to allow path prefix to be changed from /Tree/ to ?_path= For this to work care needed on where script is located in the directory tree .... and Ive been inconsistent about how I implement this scheme

lots of permissions to change since these are not included in the backup - no function for this in the eXide UI - need to write a small tool to set permissions and do reindexes - about time but why is it necessary - ask dannes

missing the old dashboard application - problems in using the eXide db:Manager can't get below the db level - Cant get client.sh to work - problem with X11 ; using webdav instead is working

math module import has changed to

import module namespace math ="http://www.w3.org/2005/xpath-functions/math"; (actually no longer needs to be declared at all)

math:power () changed to math:pow()

math:abs to fn:abs()

math:floor() to fn:floor()

math:ceil() to fn:ceiling()

? are the arguments to atan2 ($y,$x) the same as in the old Math module -yes

math:radians() and math:degrees() have gone - no replacement (I put them in geo but should I have a standalone module for these bits - some in tp, some in wfn ?

fn:round() takes a precision argument so can replace fn:round-half-to-even()

xsl:format-date() to fn:format-date() but the picture format is quite different see https://www.w3.org/TR/xpath-functions-31/

eg "DD MMM - HH:mm" becomes "[D01] [MN,*-3] - [H01]:[m01]"

httpclient module has gone - use http://expath.org/ns/http-client instead - API is here http://expath.org/modules/http-client/ httpclient offered different calls for different services eg head() which have to be done explicitly in expath version - could make a front with the same api but prob. not worth it - at least write a script to template and test the calls

The basic get call converts to :

import module namespace http ="http://expath.org/ns/http-client"; declare namespace html ="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml";

let $doc := http:send-request(

<http:request href="{$pageurl}" method="get"> </http:request> )

let $title := $doc[2]//html:body/html:h1[1]

util:catch() has gone - use XQuery3.0 construct try {} catch * {}

Exist now catches declarations of functions with the same name and arity (previously the last declaration was used)

util:serialize() has gone - use fn:serialize but the parameters element must be either an output:serialization-parameters element or a map

see the Altova documentation

eg to serialize to html

fn:serialize($description,map{"method":"xhtml","media-type":"text/html"}

SItes tested

BSA - needs more work on httpclient replacement

Morley sq - my REST Scheme but implemented on level deeper so hack to replace root with ?_path= works but paths to resources like javascript and css dont work

slow without indexes - now added but the eXide db:Manager doesn't do reindexing - have to use the client or write my own script

aremiti - working all except Tracks which hasnt worked for a while since it uses an obsolete API to google maps

berger - working through the faults -

medTrees - the Guide and Book fine out-of-the box - tools need testing because these use scraping

logger - dashboard working

Wikibook - this a set of comparisons of XQuery solutions to problems. It uses my REST scheme so can be run locally by configuring path. tests so far indicate the general architecture is working fine (very fast on the Dell). Some individual task solutions fail (but nicely since they are execute with try {} . This means that a new script which executes all tests and logs those that fail is possible.

util:parse has gone - use util:parse-html() which tidies HTML too

after a day's work, progress seems quite good - the lack of a unit test framework for this code is a problem when migrating code but the most time-consuming stuff is editing the code to update - not sure how to take the main trees application forward - good to do this while I'm away , just little by little because the server version wont be being updated at the same time - must ensure they stay in sync.

Sept 23

Resumed this work but with version 6.2.0 now

Version installed on the old thinkpad - tried to install on Marks' Asus but problems encountered which have yet to be resolved.

Jan 24

Windows replaced with Ubuntu and version 6.2.0 loaded and running - will be the test machine

full aremiti bitfolk database as of 2024-01-06 unzipped onto the ASUS

Oct 24

ported the newly consolidated knots and polyhedra applications (bar the STL files) - no new issues

ported medtrees

ported nabg - reverted to a query string

The dashboard has changed significantly

no shutdown - has to be done in admin client

no way to change permissions - the functions are no longer in xmldb module - can only be done in the admin client

porting BSA3

replacement needed for httpclient:post-form()

In most cases, inclusion of these resources is done in the main script rather than a lib/module

BSA3 ported

porting morleysq

same problem with paths to resource

problem with paths to images

Problem testing applications which use rest urls - consistent use of $root is the key - so it can be changed from eg "MS/" to "?_path="

This works in urls but I haven't found a way of making it work in forms

using a setting $local:rest allows the $root to be selected and conditional code to be generated where needed

also when using URL rewriting, the target directory is one above the app directory to allow the same path to be used with other scripts in the same directory. Without this , the script is running in the application directory so all the paths to resources are one level different - need to sort this out - perhaps base should just be to the app directory and the root then includes the app directory OK that works

MorleySq now working but exist was thrashing and had to be killed

logging disabled

home - landing page

terrain - needs the maths in geo to be updated as does theroadnew

2025-01

geo module updated

new work scapping json from a website for BNG -test for geo and JSON handling