Many website visitors use slow internet connections, particularly when traveling or in remote areas. This can slow down website loading times and negatively impact user experience, which can lead to increased frustration, decreased user engagement, and higher bounce rates. This can ultimately damage a website’s SEO and hinder its ability to attract and retain visitors.
Optimizing website performance for slow internet connections can significantly improve user experience, boost website traffic, and enhance SEO. Chrome DevTools’ network throttling feature simulates slower network conditions to evaluate website performance under different scenarios to help you understand how users experience the website under varying network speeds, particularly in slower network areas.
What is Network Throttling?
Network throttling is a technique that can be used to intentionally slow down internet speeds. This can be done by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to manage network traffic or by developers to test web applications under different network conditions.
How does Network Throttling work?
Network throttling in Chrome DevTools slows down network requests by adding a delay after a response is received. This means that all requests may take the same amount of time, regardless of the actual server response time. This can be useful for testing how your website behaves under different network conditions, but it may not always be accurate.
What are the benefits of using network throttling to test web performance?
Identifying Performance Bottlenecks
By simulating slower network conditions, you can pinpoint areas of your website that may be causing delays or sluggishness. This allows you to prioritize optimization efforts and address the most critical performance issues.
Empathizing with Users
Network throttling helps you understand the user experience of those with slower internet connections. This empathy can drive you to make informed decisions that improve the overall user experience, regardless of network speed.
Prioritizing Content Delivery
Observing how your website content loads gradually can guide you in prioritizing content delivery. It helps ensure that essential content is loaded first, providing a satisfying experience for users with limited bandwidth.
How to Simulate a Slow Network Connection in Chrome DevTools: 4 Step Guide
Follow these 4 steps to simulate a slower network connection using Chrome DevTools:
This tab provides insights into the network requests made by the website and their respective performance metrics.
Step 3: Open the “No throttling” dropdown and select “Fast 3G”.
This will simulate a network connection similar to that of a fast 3G mobile network.
Step 4: Reload the page.
This will reload the website with the selected network throttling applied.
What is the difference between ‘Slow 3G’ and ‘Fast 3G’ in Chrome DevTools?
Setting
Latency
Bandwidth
Slow 3G
2 seconds
400 Kbps
Fast 3G
560 milliseconds
1.44 Mbps
What is latency?
Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from one place to another on a network. It is important for applications where quick responses are needed, such as online collaboration tools, chats, and multiplayer games. Latency can also affect how quickly web pages load, especially when resources are being pulled from multiple servers.
What is bandwidth?
Bandwidth is like the width of a pipe carrying water. The wider the pipe, the more water it can carry at once. Similarly, the higher the bandwidth, the more data can be transferred over a network connection at once.
Which throttling setting should I prioritize for simulating a typical mobile user’s experience, fast 3G or slow 3G?
Use the Fast 3G setting to test your website on a typical mobile connection.
Use the Slow 3G setting to see which elements of your website load first and improve the loading experience.
Tips for Interpreting and Analyzing the Network Throttling Results
Once you’ve reloaded the page, observe how it loads and pay attention to the following aspects,
Initial Content Load
How quickly does the essential content, such as the page’s main text and images, become visible?
Overall Loading Time
How long does it take for the entire page to load completely, including all assets like images, scripts, and stylesheets?
Response Times
Check the response times for each network request in the Network panel. Identify any requests that are taking unusually long to respond.
Waterfall Chart
Utilize the waterfall chart to visualize the network activity and identify any bottlenecks or delays in the loading process.
How Manmash Consulting Can Help?
Manmash Consulting offers comprehensive website performance optimization consulting to help businesses deliver a seamless user experience even on slow internet connections. Our team of experienced web developers and SEO specialists can identify and address performance bottlenecks, optimize website code, and implement caching strategies to ensure your website loads quickly and efficiently for all users. We also utilize Chrome DevTools’ network throttling feature to simulate various network conditions and test your website’s performance under different scenarios. Additionally, we provide ongoing consulting services to help you maintain optimal website performance as your business grows.
Contact Manzar Mashhood, CEO and Founder, on his Whatsapp +923331200550 or visit our contact page to fill out an inquiry form for a free consultation.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, website performance is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Slow-loading websites frustrate users, increase bounce rates, and ultimately damage your brand’s reputation. But identifying the root causes of performance issues can be a daunting task.
Enter waterfall charts, your key to unlocking website performance optimization. These visual timelines provide a detailed breakdown of each resource’s loading process, revealing the bottlenecks that are holding your website back.
With waterfall charts, you gain a clear understanding of where your website’s performance is suffering. You can pinpoint the specific elements that are causing delays, whether it’s oversized images, inefficient code, or slow server response times.
In this blog post, I have employed GTmetrix and WebPageTest to illustrate the concept of waterfall charts, their metrics, and other important things such as color-coding scheme that you can use to interpret test results.
What are Waterfall Charts?
Waterfall charts are visual representations of the time it takes for each resource on a web page to load. They are generated by website performance testing tools such as GTmetrix and Pingdom. Waterfall charts display each resource as a horizontal bar, with the length of the bar representing the loading time. The bars are arranged chronologically, from top to bottom, showing the order in which the resources were loaded.
Why Optimizing for Speed is Important for User Experience and SEO
According to Google data, the likelihood of a mobile user prematurely exiting your website increases in proportion to the loading time. For instance, if your website takes around six seconds to load, the probability of a visitor leaving prematurely rises by 106% compared to the control group.
Understanding Waterfall Charts for Website Speed Optimization
Waterfall charts provide several insights into website performance:
Overall loading time
The total length of the waterfall chart represents the overall loading time of the page. A shorter waterfall chart indicates faster loading.
Resource loading times
The length of each individual bar represents the loading time of the corresponding resource. Long bars indicate resources that are taking a long time to load, and these are the resources that should be prioritized for optimization.
Request order
The order in which resources are loaded can also impact page load speed. In general, it is best to load critical resources, such as the HTML document and CSS files, as early as possible.
Interpreting GTmetrix Waterfall Charts for SEO
GTmetrix waterfall charts provide several key metrics that can be used to assess website speed for SEO:
First Contentful Paint
FCP measures how long it takes for the very first piece of meaningful content to appear on the page. This could be text, an image, or even a special drawing. Once that happens, you know that the page is actually loading and you can start interacting with it.So, think of FCP as the first sign of life on a web page. It’s the moment when the page stops being a blank canvas and starts showing you something that you can understand.
It’s like waiting for a new scene to load in a video game. The screen is blank, and you’re wondering how long it will take to see the actual content. This is where First Contentful Paint (FCP) comes in.
Time to Interactive
TTI measures how long it takes for a web page to become fully interactive. This means that all the elements on the page, such as buttons, links, and forms, are ready to respond to your clicks and inputs.
Think of TTI as the moment when the web page is fully “awake” and ready to serve you. It’s the point at which you can comfortably interact with the page without encountering any delays or unresponsive elements. So, while FCP marks the appearance of content, TTI signifies the point when the page is truly ready for user engagement.
It’s like you’re at a restaurant and you’ve just ordered your meal. You’re eagerly waiting to dig in, but the waiter hasn’t brought your food yet. This is similar to the concept of Time to Interactive (TTI) in web development.
Fully Loaded Time
FLT measures how long it takes for a web page to completely finish loading all of its content, including images, videos, and scripts. It’s like reaching 100% on the download progress bar.
Think of FLT as the final milestone in the web page loading process. It signifies the point at which all the resources have been fetched, parsed, and rendered, and the page is completely ready for use.
So, while FCP and TTI focus on specific aspects of page readiness, FLT provides a comprehensive measure of the entire loading process, ensuring that the entire page is fully functional and ready for a seamless user experience.
It’s like you’re downloading a large file, like a movie or a software update. The progress bar slowly creeps along, and you can see how much of the file has been downloaded. This is similar to the concept of Fully Loaded Time (FLT) in web development.
Tips for Interpreting Waterfall Charts to Improve Website Speed and SEO
Size Matters: Small is Desirable
A long waterfall view may not always be bad, but it is generally better to have a shorter one. If your website has more than 100 requests, you should try to reduce the number to improve performance.
Total loading time
The total load time should be less than 10 seconds.
Perception over technicalities (Green and Red)
Website speed is often measured technically, but user perception is crucial. Webpagetest distinguishes between technical and perceived loading speeds. The green and red lines in Webpagetest’s waterfall chart represent perceived loading speed and should be close together. The green line should appear within 2-3 seconds, and the red line within 6 seconds.
HTTP/2 over HTTP/1 (green)
Websites load faster when using HTTP/2 instead of HTTP/1.1. HTTP/2 allows multiple resources to be loaded from the server simultaneously, which is visible in the waterfall view of a website. If consecutive requests are loaded in parallel, your website is using HTTP/2. If they are not, you should check with your hosting provider to see if they support HTTP/2.
Tame the Image Beast (purple)
Images play a crucial role in website performance, especially after caching. WordPress creates multiple image versions, including featured images and thumbnails, for every uploaded image. Therefore, image compression is a powerful method to reduce website size.
Easily identifiable in waterfall charts, images are represented by violet bars in Webpagetest and icons in Pingdom. If these bars are significantly longer than other website requests, indicating slower loading times, it’s essential to optimize your images.
Unnecessary redirections (Yellow) are not cool
Redirects can slow down your website by adding extra steps to the loading process. Each time a visitor clicks on a link, their browser has to make an extra request to the server to find the correct page. This can add up, especially if there are multiple redirects on a page. Redirects to URLs on different domains can be especially slow, as the browser has to make a separate request to each domain. If you see a yellow row, it means there is a redirection. You should look into it to make sure it is necessary and not harmful
Proper rendering matters (Red)
A waterfall chart can be used to identify website components such as Google AdSense frame, an embedded map, or a font that are not rendered properly. Red rows in the chart indicate errors.
How Manmash Consulting Can Help?
Manmash Consulting specializes in helping businesses improve their website speed and overall user experience. One of the tools we use to achieve this is waterfall charts. Manmash Consulting can help you create and interpret waterfall charts to optimize your website speed and improve your bottom line. To contact Manzar Mashhood, CEO of Manmash Consulting, visit their contact us page or contact him on his Whatsapp number +923331200550.
Optimizing Your Website for Speed with Google Search Console
Imagine a scenario where you enter a store only to find its aisles cluttered and poorly organized. The frustration of such an experience is analogous to that of encountering a slow-loading website. Users today expect websites to load quickly and provide a seamless browsing experience. When a website fails to meet these expectations, users are likely to abandon it, leading to increased bounce rates and decreased dwell time.
A slow-loading website can drive users away and reduce engagement, which negatively impacts your SEO according to 3 pillars of ranking document that Google officials presented in Google’s antitrust trial to the The U.S. Department of Justice. Recognizing the importance of speed, Google has incorporated page speed metrics into its search algorithm, emphasizing the importance for website owners to monitor and optimize their website’s performance.
And to help you optimize page speed, Google Search Console offers a valuable tool, the Page Experience report, specifically designed to help website owners assess their site’s speed and identify areas for improvement. This report provides insights into Core Web Vitals, a set of metrics that measure key aspects of user experience, including Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).
How to Use Google Search Console to Identify Website Speed Issues: A Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Access the Page Experience report
To access the Page Experience report, sign in to your Google Search Console account and navigate to the “Core Web Vitals” section under “Experience.”
Step 2: Analyze the overall status
The report provides an overall summary of your website’s performance for each Core Web Vital metric, indicating whether your site is “Good,” “Needs Improvement,” or “Poor.” The report caters to both mobile and desktop versions of your website with dedicated sections for each. Click on “OPEN REPORT >” button on the top right corner.
Step 3: Identify affected pages
Click on the “Why URLs aren’t considered good” section to identify specific URLs that are experiencing speed issues.
Step 4: Drill down for specific issues
Clicking on individual issues will reveal a list of affected pages and provide more detailed information about the specific problem.
Tips for using the Page Experience report for optimizing website speed and SEO
Prioritize optimization
Based on the Page Experience report, prioritize optimizing pages that are most affected by speed issues.
Implement speed optimization techniques
Apply various speed optimization techniques, such as optimizing images, minifying code, and leveraging caching mechanisms.
Monitor progress
Regularly monitor your website’s speed performance using the Page Experience report to track the impact of your optimization efforts.
Example: Identifying and Fixing website speed Issues
Consider a scenario where the Page Experience report indicates that LCP issues are affecting a significant portion of your website’s pages. Upon further investigation, you discover that the slow LCP times are due to large image sizes. To address this issue, you can optimize images by reducing their file sizes without compromising quality. This will improve the LCP score for those pages and potentially boost your website’s SEO.
Understanding Core Web Vitals in Google Search Console
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
LCP measures the time it takes for the largest content element on a page to load. Ideally, LCP should occur within 2.5 seconds for a good user experience.
Common causes of LCP issues
Loading large images, videos, or other assets can significantly increase LCP.
How to improve the LCP metric
To improve LCP, optimize these assets by compressing them, using appropriate file formats, and lazy loading them when they are visible to the user.
First Input Delay (FID)
FID measures the time it takes for a page to respond to a user’s first interaction, such as clicking a link or tapping a button. A good FID value is less than 100 milliseconds.
Common causes of FID issues
Render-blocking JavaScript can prevent the browser from responding to user interactions.
How to improve the FID metric
To improve FID, defer or prioritize non-critical JavaScript execution, minimize third-party scripts, and use Web Workers for long-running tasks.
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
CLS measures the unexpected movement of content on a page after it has loaded, which can be jarring for users and impair their navigation. A good CLS value is less than 0.1.
Common causes of CLS issues
Dynamic content, such as ads or embeds, can cause layout shifts if they are inserted without reserving space for them.
How to improve the CLS metric
To improve CLS, reserve space for dynamic content, use fixed dimensions for images and videos, and avoid lazy loading content above the fold.
Conclusion
Google Search Console’s Page Experience report is an invaluable tool for website owners to identify and address speed issues that can negatively impact both user experience and SEO. By regularly monitoring and optimizing your website’s speed, you can ensure a positive user experience, improve search rankings, and ultimately achieve better website performance.
How can Manmash Consulting help?
Manmash Consulting’s team of experts employs a multi-faceted approach to website speed optimization, addressing both technical and non-technical aspects of website performance. They begin with a thorough analysis of your website’s current speed, identifying areas for improvement and potential bottlenecks. Then, they implement a range of optimization strategies, including code minification, image compression, and server-side caching. Manmash Consulting also ensures that your website is optimized for mobile devices, as a significant portion of internet traffic now comes from smartphones and tablets.
If you’re looking to improve your website’s speed and reap the benefits of a faster loading website, consider Manmash Consulting’s website speed optimization services. Visit their contact page or reach out to Manzar Mashhood, CEO and Founder of Manmash Consulting, on his Whatsapp +923331200550 to discuss your specific requirements and get a quote.
Content marketing consultants help businesses establish their credibility and authority within their respective industries or niches by creating and implementing a content marketing strategy. This strategy involves crafting high-quality content, promoting it to the right audience, and tracking campaign results to ensure effectiveness. SaaS (Software as a Service) and e-Commerce businesses are particularly well-suited for content marketing because they have a wealth of opportunities to publish valuable content that addresses customer needs and challenges. This content can take many forms, including blog posts, case studies, e-books, product tutorials, product reviews, and feature updates. By effectively utilizing this content, SaaS and e-Commerce businesses can attract and engage potential customers by establishing their credibility and trust through content, and ultimately drive business growth.
Why Do You Need a Consultant?
Despite having a content marketing strategy in place, many organizations struggle to execute and manage it effectively according to a study by SEMrush. This is often due to a lack of time, resources, or marketing expertise. A content marketing consultant can provide the guidance and support needed to overcome these challenges and achieve successful results.
If you are not satisfied with the results of your current content marketing efforts or lack the resources to hire full-time marketing staff, consider consulting with a content marketing expert. They can help you develop a comprehensive strategy, execute your plan effectively, and achieve your marketing goals.
10 Benefits of Working With a Content Marketing Consultant
By partnering with a seasoned content marketing professional like Manzar Mashhood, you get the following treasure trove of benefits.
Boost Your ROI with New Insights
A content marketing consultant can help you improve your content marketing strategy and achieve your business goals. They can provide valuable insights into your current efforts, identify areas for improvement, and recommend strategies to help you generate qualified leads and improve your search engine ranking.
Generate better quality leads with compelling content
A content marketing consultant can help you create a strong content strategy that generates leads and supports your business goals. They can help you identify the right content to create, optimize it for search, and align it with your products and services.
A consultant can also assess your current content strategy and make recommendations for improvement. By working with a consultant, you can avoid wasting time and resources on ineffective strategies and focus on creating content that engages and converts your target audience.
Get more done in less time with content marketing consulting
Content marketing can be time-consuming and overwhelming. A content marketing consultant can help you plan your content, develop a more efficient workflow, and save you time and money.
A content marketing consultant can help you identify where inefficiencies lie in your current process and recommend improvements. They can also steer you away from common mistakes that can further waste your time and energy.
A Roadmap to Actionable Steps
A good content marketing consultant will understand your current situation and goals, identify the next steps, and create a personalized road map for you to follow. This strategic plan will provide you with peace of mind and relief, and the action items it outlines will help you create a to-do list and get started on improving your content marketing efforts.
Get more website traffic with better SEO
Content marketing and SEO go hand in hand. SEO helps people find your content when they search online, which can lead to more traffic, better visibility, and more qualified leads. By optimizing your content with keywords, meta descriptions, and other SEO techniques, you can make it easier for potential customers to find you online.
If you’re not an SEO expert, you may miss out on these opportunities. A content marketing consultant or coach can help you develop an SEO strategy that will improve your website traffic and search engine rankings. They can also assess your current performance and guide you to the actions you need to take to improve your results.
Gain Expertise and Influence in Your Industry/Niche
Content marketing goes beyond SEO and customer journey. While these are important, establishing authority in your industry sets you apart in the competitive online space. Thought leadership and original insights demonstrate your uniqueness, especially as AI tools produce generic content.
A content marketing consultant can help you identify opportunities for unique content. They bring an outsider’s perspective, spotting gaps and untapped areas of expertise. While tools assist, a consultant’s creativity and experience are invaluable, positioning your brand as a trusted industry leader. This content can make the difference between a sale and a lost opportunity.
Continuously Improve by Embracing Emerging Trends
Content marketing consultants stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in marketing and SEO. This means you don’t have to spend time reading blogs, watching videos, or listening to podcasts to stay on top of the latest content marketing strategies.
Consultants have in-depth knowledge of both established and emerging tactics, allowing them to provide valuable insights into where the content marketing industry is headed. This can help you make smarter decisions for your business.
Social Media Engagement and Amplification
Content marketing consultants can help you leverage social media platforms to amplify your content’s reach and engage with your target audience. They can develop social media strategies, create engaging posts, and manage your social media presence effectively.
Content Performance Analysis and Optimization
Content marketing consultants can track and analyze the performance of your content, providing valuable insights into audience engagement, traffic sources, and conversion rates. These insights can be used to refine your content strategy and optimize your content for better results.
Peace of Mind and Focus on Core Business
By partnering with a content marketing consultant, you can free up your time and resources to focus on your core business operations. You can delegate content creation, strategy development, and performance analysis to a trusted expert, allowing you to concentrate on what you do best.
12 essential skills for content marketing consultants
Analytical Skills
1. Communication
Communication is the key to a successful content marketing consultant. You must be able to clearly and concisely communicate your ideas to both clients and team members. This includes being able to write well, speak effectively, and actively listen to others.
2. Critical and Creative Thinking
Critical and creative thinking are essential for developing effective content marketing strategies. You must be able to evaluate the current market landscape and identify opportunities for your clients. You must also be able to come up with new and innovative ideas for content that will resonate with your target audience.
3. Data Analysis
Data analysis is essential for measuring the success of your content marketing campaigns. You must be able to track key metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement, and lead generation. This data will help you identify which content is working and which is not, so you can make adjustments to your strategy accordingly.
4. Problem Solving
Content marketing consultants often face challenges, such as tight deadlines, budget constraints, and changing client needs. You must be able to think critically and creatively to find solutions to these problems.
Technical Skills
5. Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that can be used to track website traffic and user behavior. Content marketing consultants should be familiar with Google Analytics so they can use it to measure the success of their campaigns.
6. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
SEO and SEM are essential for ensuring that your content is seen by your target audience. Content marketing consultants should have a strong understanding of SEO and SEM so they can optimize their content for search engines.
In the past, content marketers were primarily focused on creating high-quality content. However, in today’s competitive online landscape, it is no longer enough to simply create great content. Content marketers need to understand how to optimize technical SEO factors, such as website speed, to ensure that their content is discovered and indexed by search engines like Google and Bing. Optimizing for technical SEO also ensures good user experience on your business website as a slow-loading website can also lead to a higher bounce rate, which means that people are more likely to leave your website before they have a chance to see your content.
SEM skills are also becoming increasingly important for content marketers. By being able to run effective ads on Google Ads and LinkedIn Ads, content marketers can help businesses reach a wider audience and generate more leads in fairly short amount of time.
7. Email and Social Media Marketing
Email and social media are two of the most effective channels for reaching your target audience with content. Content marketing consultants should be familiar with email marketing and social media marketing so they can create and distribute engaging content on these platforms.
8. Usability Testing
Usability testing is a process of evaluating how easy a website or piece of content is to use. Content marketing consultants should be familiar with usability testing so they can ensure that their content is easy to read, understand, and navigate.
Business Management Skills
9. Financial Management
Content marketing consultants often work on a budget, so they need to be able to manage their finances effectively. This includes being able to track expenses, create invoices, and negotiate pricing with clients.
10. Project Planning and Management
Content marketing projects can be complex, so it is important to be able to plan and manage them effectively. This includes setting goals, creating timelines, and delegating tasks.
11. Negotiation
Content marketing consultants often negotiate contracts with clients. It is important to be able to negotiate effectively to ensure that you are getting paid fair value for your work.
12. Delegation, Recruitment, and People Management
Content marketing consultants often work with a team of freelancers or contractors. It is important to be able to delegate tasks effectively, recruit new team members, and manage people’s performance.
10 key questions to guide your search for the right content marketing consultant
What is the culture and dynamics of their team like?
Consider the experience and expertise of the consultant or team. A consultant with a diverse portfolio can provide valuable insights from their previous work. During initial consultations, inquire about the team’s structure and specialties. Some consultants may handle all aspects of content creation, while others have dedicated teams for social media, writing, and graphic design. Assess whether you prefer a single point of contact or a team of specialists.
Understand the team’s collaboration process. Ask how they ensure seamless integration between different content types, such as social media posts and editorial content. Inquire about their communication channels and project management methods. While your primary contact will likely be the content marketing specialist, it’s crucial to grasp the overall workflow to ensure smooth execution of your marketing strategies.
Does your content marketing consultant practice what he/she preach?
Evaluating a consultant’s expertise through their own content and online presence. Review the consultant’s own content to assess their expertise and focus. Check their website and social media presence to see if they effectively apply the strategies they recommend to clients.
Inquire about any relevant materials the consultants can share for further evaluation. If they specialize in SEO, verify their website’s ranking in organic search. If they claim social media expertise, assess the performance of their own social media platforms.
Is your content marketing consultant keeping up with the latest trends?
A consultant’s blog can reveal his/her market position and knowledge of current trends. The best marketing consultant will be well-versed in the latest trends and guide you in allocating your budget and resources effectively.
Marketing technology is a major current trend. Your consultant should combine content creation with martech tools, such as marketing automation and artificial intelligence, to enhance your strategy. By utilizing a marketing consultant, you not only invest in personalized SEO content but also benefit from the industry’s best tools and trends.
Does your consultant have any case studies or testimonials from satisfied clients that you can review?
Research the consulting firm’s website for case studies and client testimonials to see examples of the work they have done for previous clients. If you have the time, it is worth calling these clients to ask about their experience with the consulting firm. A five-minute phone call could save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run.
What industries or types of companies do you typically work with and are they similar to yours?
If you can’t find examples of work on the website, you should ask for examples of work the company has done for other businesses that are similar to yours. This will help you get a better idea of their preparedness to work with your company and the types of content marketing ideas they will bring to the table.
This is especially important if your company is in a niche or highly technical industry and you need your content to match that industry. You should also look at the language and sources the company uses to supplement their work to see if it is in line with your expectations.
Is execution included in their consulting services?
Different types of consultants exist. Some provide strategic plans but leave the execution to you. Others, like Manmash Consulting, offer both consulting and content production services, including blog posts, videos, social media marketing and web design.
Understanding your internal capabilities is crucial. If you can create content in-house, consulting services can help you optimize your efforts. However, if you prefer to focus on other marketing initiatives, consider hiring a team of specialists to handle content creation.
What standard services does your consultant offer in a typical contract?
When working with a consultant, it’s important to clarify the terms of your engagement, particularly regarding additional consultations or revisions. Some consultants may provide complimentary rounds of edits, while others may charge for additional time spent reviewing strategies or addressing questions. Clearly understanding the terms of your contract will help you manage your project budget and expectations.
What should you expect in your initial meetings with the consultant?
Before starting work with you, consultants will want to understand your business, your customers, and your marketing goals. They will ask questions about your expectations from the relationship and about the marketing channels and materials you already use. If you have any experience with SEO, influencer marketing, or email marketing, presenting your efforts and any results you have tracked can help consultants develop a strategy for you.
Consultants may include content creators in these initial meetings to discuss your brand voice and messaging. If you have already established a brand voice, consultants will want to understand what it is and how it should be used in written materials. They will also want to know if there are any specific messages you want to avoid.
Can a consultant measure the value of their content marketing efforts and explain it clearly in a report?
Many marketers struggle to demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of their marketing efforts. A content marketing consultant can help by providing clear and easy-to-understand reports that show how content marketing activities are impacting the business. The metrics used to measure success vary depending on the marketing channels used, but ultimately, the goal is to increase revenue.
Businesses new to content marketing should focus on metrics that matter, such as marketing-qualified leads, conversion rates, and customer lifetime value. Avoid getting distracted by vanity metrics, such as social media likes, site visitors, and pageviews, as these do not necessarily correlate with increased revenue. Don’t hesitate to ask your consultant to present results in a different way if you need more clarity.
How to ensure that a consultant is a good fit for your company?
When hiring a content marketing consultant, it’s crucial to find one who aligns with your company’s values and goals. Review their blog and website to get a sense of their personality and expertise.
While outsourcing marketing efforts, consider maintaining an internal marketing team to assist the consultant and continue other complementary marketing activities. Hiring a consultant can help jumpstart your campaign and develop effective materials that drive results.
What is the typical pay range for a content marketing consultant?
Content marketing consultant salaries vary by country. Due to the specialized nature of this work, there is more information available about salaries and fees. The following numbers are based on salaries submitted to talent recruitment sites for content marketing consultant positions.
United States
Content marketing consultants in the U.S. earn an average of $78,602 per year. This is significantly higher than the average salary for entry-level marketers, which is $40,000 per year. This suggests that becoming a content marketing consultant can be a desirable career move for those looking to advance in their marketing careers.
Canada
Content marketing consultants in Canada earn an average of CA$64,240 per year. This is comparable to the salaries of marketing consultants in different provinces across Canada. Entry-level marketing jobs in Canada also pay well, with beginners earning around CA$24 per hour and CA$46,800 per year.
United Kingdom
In the UK, content marketing consultants earn an average of £41,142 per year. This is significantly higher than the average salary for digital marketing consultants, which is £35,926 per year.
Pakistan
Leverage the cost-effectiveness of content marketing consultants in Pakistan, who earn an average of $15,000 USD per year. This allows you to hire a team of 4 content marketers in Pakistan for the same cost as hiring a single person in the US/Canada/UK. Not only do you save on labor costs, but you also gain the expertise of a team that can provide both strategic guidance and hands-on execution.
Are there any real-world examples of how content marketing consultants have played a role in achieving business targets?
Duolingo
Duolingo is a language learning app that has been using content marketing to great effect in recent years. The company’s blog is full of helpful and engaging articles about language learning, culture, and travel. Duolingo also produces a series of videos called “Duolingo Stories” that use short, animated videos to teach new vocabulary and grammar concepts. In addition, Duolingo has a strong presence on social media, where they share fun and relatable content with their followers.
As a result of its content marketing efforts, Duolingo has become a popular language learning resource. The company’s app has been downloaded over 300 million times, and it is used by people of all ages in over 190 countries. Duolingo’s blog posts are regularly shared on social media and have been featured in major publications such as Forbes and The Guardian. Duolingo’s social media presence is also strong, with over 13 million followers on Twitter and over 11 million followers on Facebook.
Patagonia
Patagonia is an outdoor clothing and equipment company that has been using content marketing to great effect for many years. The company’s blog is a treasure trove of informative and inspiring articles about outdoor adventures, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Patagonia also produces a series of videos called “Stories from the Field” that showcase the people and places that make up the outdoor community. In addition, Patagonia has a strong presence on social media, where they share stunning photography and heartfelt stories from the outdoors.
As a result of its content marketing efforts, Patagonia has become a beloved brand among outdoor enthusiasts. The company is known for its high-quality products, its commitment to sustainability, and its strong sense of purpose. Patagonia’s blog posts are regularly shared on social media and have been featured in major publications such as National Geographic and The Atlantic. Patagonia’s social media presence is also strong, with over 5 million followers on Instagram and over 1 million followers on Facebook.
MailChimp
MailChimp is an email marketing platform that has been using content marketing to great effect for many years. The company’s blog is a treasure trove of informative and actionable articles about email marketing, marketing automation, and small business growth. MailChimp also produces a series of videos called “The Email Marketing Minute” that offer quick tips and advice for busy marketers. In addition, MailChimp has a strong presence on social media, where they share helpful resources and engage with their audience.
As a result of its content marketing efforts, MailChimp has become a trusted resource for small businesses and marketers around the world. The company’s blog posts are regularly shared on social media and have been featured in major publications such as Entrepreneur and Forbes. MailChimp’s social media presence is also strong, with over 1.2 million followers on Twitter and over 800,000 followers on Facebook.
Top 3 online courses to enhance your content marketing knowledge
Active participation in the content marketing process is crucial for business success. By collaborating with your consultant, you contribute valuable insights that refine their understanding of your business and its goals. This enhanced understanding empowers them to craft a more effective strategy tailored to your business needs. To facilitate collaboration, consider enrolling in these three courses to gain a fundamental understanding of content marketing.
You can schedule a free strategy session with Manzar Mashhood, the founder and CEO of Manmash Consulting, to discuss your business’s content marketing strategy. There are no strings attached. You can reach out to Manzar on LinkedIn or via WhatsApp at +923331200550.
Tiered link building is a risky SEO strategy that can significantly improve your website’s ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). However, it is time-consuming, resource-intensive, and can be considered a black hat SEO practice by Google if done incorrectly. As a result, you may face penalties for using tiered link building.
But tiered link building is still relevant in 2023, but it’s important to use it strategically and in a way that is consistent with Google’s guidelines, specially the ones against automatically generated content, link schemes, , and scraped content.
What is tiered link building
Tiered link building is an SEO strategy that involves creating a pyramid of backlinks to your website. The top tier consists of high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites, while the lower tiers consist of backlinks from less authoritative websites. This pyramid structure helps to dilute the impact of low-quality backlinks and pass on more link juice to your website.
To implement tiered link building, you first need to identify the money pages on your website that need links. Then, you build backlinks to those money pages from high-quality websites. Next, you build backlinks to those high-quality websites from less authoritative websites. This creates a pyramid of backlinks that points to your website and helps to pass on link juice.
What Are Tier 1 Links?
First-tier links are backlinks that point directly to your website from high-authority websites. They are the most valuable type of backlink and can have a significant impact on your search rankings. However, they can be difficult to obtain, as editors at these websites typically respond to only 8.5% of outreach emails.
There are two main ways to build first-tier links: guest blogging and creating your own blogs on platforms that allow dofollow links. Guest blogging is a good way to reach a relevant audience and get your content in front of potential customers. Creating your own blogs can be more labor-intensive, but it gives you more control over the content and the links.
What Are Tier 2 Links?
Tier 2 links are less important than Tier 1 links, but they can still help your website’s rankings. They should be placed on high-quality websites, but they can also be placed on websites that are not as authoritative. You should create between a couple of second-tier backlinks per each first-tier backlink.
Tier 2 links help to pass on link equity to your Tier 1 links, which can increase the value of those links and improve your website’s rankings. You can use a variety of sources for Tier 2 links, such as press release sites, PBNs, directory links, and personal blogs.
Tier 2 links should be dofollow whenever possible, but you can also use nofollow links to make your link profile appear more natural.
What Are Tier 3 Links?
Tier 3 backlinks are the lowest level of backlinks in a tiered link building strategy. They are typically built using automated tools and can be of low quality. The main goal of Tier 3 links is to increase the relevance of Tier 2 links.
Tier 3 links should be pointed at Tier 2 links, not at your main website. This is because Tier 3 links are not as valuable as Tier 2 links, and you don’t want to dilute the authority of your main site.
You need to build a large number of Tier 3 links because they are not very strong individually. Ahrefs backlink checker can be used to identify nofollow Tier 3 links.
Do not use automated link building tools like RankerX or GSA to create Tier 3 links because Google is trying to eradicate the use of bots, so you may raise flags in Google ranking system and lose some of your automated Tier 3 links over time.
What Are Tier 4 Links?
While tiered link building can be an effective SEO strategy, it’s important to avoid going beyond the third tier. Building links from low-quality sites like bookmarking sites, index submission sites, and URL shorteners is considered black hat SEO and can harm your website’s ranking. Instead, focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable sources to improve your SEO results safely and effectively.
White hat vs. black hat tiered link building
Google has specific guidelines for tiered link building. If you follow these guidelines, link building is considered a white hat SEO practice, which means it’s encouraged by Google and won’t harm your SEO even in the long run. However, if you don’t follow Google’s guidelines, link building is considered a black hat SEO practice, which means it’s discouraged by Google and could even be penalized. So, it’s important to play by the rules when it comes to link building to avoid any potential SEO problems.
Black hat
PBNs
PBNs, or Private Blog Networks, are a risky link building technique that involves creating a network of websites solely to link to other websites. While PBNs can boost a website’s SEO ranking, they can also lead to penalties from Google.
Google has a team of webmasters who constantly monitor for websites using black hat SEO techniques like PBNs. If Google detects PBN links, they may penalize your website, resulting in a significant drop in rankings.
PBN links are often low-quality and come from websites with no real authority or relevance to your website. These links can harm your website’s SEO by signaling to Google that your website is not trustworthy or valuable.
If you consider using PBNs, weigh the risks and benefits carefully. There are many more reliable ways to build your website’s SEO ranking, and it’s not worth risking your website’s health for potential short-term gains.
Spun content and web 2.0
Spun content and Web 2.0 backlinks are outdated SEO practices that are not as effective as they once were. Spun content is low-quality content that is generated by spinning software, which takes existing content and rewrites it using synonyms and paraphrases. This type of content is often difficult to read and can reflect poorly on your website. Additionally, Google may penalize your website if it detects that you are using spun content.
Web 2.0 backlinks are links from websites like Blogger and Tumblr. These sites often have low authority, which means that they are not as likely to pass on link equity to your website. Additionally, if you create too many links from Web 2.0 sites to your site, Google may view this as an unnatural linking pattern and penalize your website.
In general, it is best to avoid using spun content and Web 2.0 backlinks in your SEO strategy.
White hat
Guest Posting
Regular guest post outreach is an effective way to acquire high-quality backlinks to your existing backlinks. This approach is relatively straightforward, as you’re simply requesting a link to a third-party website instead of your own. This type of outreach can be integrated into your existing outreach efforts, allowing you to selectively target prospects for either a guest post to your main site or a tiered link.
By incorporating guest post outreach into your tiered link building strategy, you can enhance the strength of your existing backlinks and expand your reach to a broader audience. This approach offers a flexible way to secure valuable backlinks without the need for additional campaigns.
Cross guest posting
Cross-guest posting is a technique often used for building tiered backlinks to a website. This is done by linking to other guest posts that the website has written. This can be done in the body of the guest post, or in the author bio. When a guest post links to another guest post, it tells search engines that the two posts are related. This can help to improve the ranking of both posts. However, it is important to use this technique in moderation, as overdoing it can create a footprint that can be detected by search engines.
HARO/Source Bottle
HARO and similar websites like Source Bottle can be used to build tiered links by being cited as a source for a journalist. However, to build second-tier links with these websites, you need to be a journalist yourself. When you get a source for your next post, you can quote them and ask them to link to one of your guest posts. This should not be a quid-pro-quo, but you can gently suggest it after the fact.
What are the benefits of tiered link building (white hat)
Incremental Link Equity
Tiered link building is an advanced link-building strategy that involves creating backlinks to your backlinks. The goal is to create a pyramid-shaped structure of links, with your website at the top. The idea is that the link equity from the lower tiers of links will flow up to your website, boosting its authority and ranking.
Link equity is the value that a backlink passes on to the linked-to page. When a website links to another website, it is essentially passing on some of its own authority and ranking power to the linked-to page. In tiered link building, link juice flows from tier 3 links to tier 2 links, and then from tier 2 links to tier 1 links. This is because search engines consider links from more authoritative websites to be more valuable than links from less authoritative websites.
Simplified risk management
Instead of tackling numerous low-quality backlinks directly, consider removing the backlinks pointing to your website from intermediary sites. This approach, known as “tiered disavowal,” can be highly effective in eliminating the impact of a large number of backlinks with minimal effort. By removing just a few backlinks at the higher tiers, you can effectively disavow dozens or even hundreds of lower-quality backlinks.
Less strict adherence to standards
Second and third-tier backlinks have a less direct impact on your website’s ranking compared to primary backlinks. Since they don’t directly point to your site, even if they violate Google’s guidelines, your website won’t be immediately penalized. This provides more flexibility when experimenting with tiered backlinks. You can try various tools, platforms, and techniques without worrying about immediate consequences.
Use trial and error to identify effective tiered backlink strategies while quickly removing any that pose a risk to your website. This approach allows for continuous optimization and refinement of your backlink profile without compromising your site’s overall SEO performance.
Low-key self-promotion
In most online communities, it is not considered appropriate to promote your own website or products. This is especially true when you are participating in discussions or forums. Instead of directly linking to your own website, you can consider linking to one of your tier 1 pages. This will still help you to build backlinks to your website, but it will not be as blatant as directly linking to your own site.
Natural-looking backlink profile
Building backlinks artificially requires a careful balance of dofollow and nofollow links, high-quality and low-quality links, and links from a variety of sources. This diversified backlink profile is crucial to avoid detection by Google’s increasingly sophisticated algorithms.
A tiered backlink profile is an effective strategy for achieving link depth and diversity. By introducing organized chaos into your linking scheme, you can potentially confuse Google’s detection mechanisms.
What Are The Risks of Tiered Backlinks? (Black Hat)
Penalties from Google
Google is constantly improving its algorithms to detect and penalize low-quality link building techniques. This includes private blog networks (PBNs) and link building bots, which can result in penalties for both the PBN publishers and the websites that benefit from the links.
To avoid penalties, it is important to build tiered links manually with extreme caution, especially for backlinks in the highest tiers. If you must use automation, restrict it to nofollow links in Tier 3 and below. This will help to protect your website from Google’s penalties.
Time-consuming
Building tiered backlinks is a time-consuming process that can take months or even years to see results. This is because it takes time for Google to index backlinks and for them to have a significant impact on your website’s ranking.
Tier 1 backlinks are the most difficult to build, as they require creating high-quality content and pitching guest blogging ideas to high-authority publishers. Tier 2 backlinks are slightly easier to build, but you will still need to chase down several links for each Tier 1 webpage. Tier 3 backlinks are the easiest to build, but you will need to continuously engage audiences and distribute thousands of nofollow links across social platforms.
Resource-intensive
Tiered link building is an expensive process that can drain your marketing resources. The average cost for a single paid backlink is about $361.44, and the cost increases with the domain rating of the linking website. By the time you leverage 54 paid backlinks across all three tiers, you’ll have spent over $19,000.
Future losses
Link schemes and other black-hat SEO tactics are like quick fixes that don’t last. Google will eventually detect and penalize your website, or you’ll simply get tired of maintaining your fake backlinks. The whole strategy will eventually collapse, leaving you with little to show for your efforts. If you decide to use tiered links, make sure it’s a small part of a larger, more sustainable SEO strategy.
Top 5 Best Practices for White Hat Tiered Link Building
Black hat tiered link building focuses on quantity over quality, aiming to acquire a large number of backlinks in a short time. This approach often leads to an expansive backlink profile but with less cumulative link equity. Moreover, black hat links can result in penalties and even deindexation from search engines like Google.
In contrast, white hat tiered link building prioritizes quality and precision, emphasizing the creation of natural and relevant backlinks. This approach yields a smaller but more valuable backlink profile, reducing the risk of penalties and improving the chances of achieving sustainable ranking success.
The following are the top 5 tiered link building best practices that keep your strategy white hat along the way.
Secure backlinks from high-quality websites that are relevant to your business or industry
Your backlink profile is strong when the relevant and combined authority of all the referring websites are high. Therefore, you should be very strategic about the sites that you target as sources and recipients of the links. Take Salesforce.com, for example. It has a high domain authority, as you can see in the screenshot above. This means that Google trusts links from Salesforce to other domains more than links from, say, a local digital marketing agency website in Denver, Colorado.
At Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels, your outreach campaign should target the popular thought-leaders in your space. These are reputable sites with audiences who’d be interested in your content. You can confirm their authority level through a quick analysis of their backlink profile on Moz, Ahrefs, SEMrush, or the Loganix DA Checker. The higher their score, the more the link equity they stand to pass on to your site.
Diversify your backlink sources and target URLs
you should not just focus on getting backlinks from publishers in your niche. Instead, you should try to get backlinks from a variety of sources, including news platforms, directories, and forums. You should also spread your backlinks out across different pages on your website, rather than just focusing on the homepage.
When building tiered backlinks, it is important to avoid patterns that could alert search engines to link spam. To do this, you should mix up the types, niches, and domain authority of the sources you link from.
Incorporate links naturally and contextually into the content
Google closely scrutinizes backlinks, considering their placement, appearance, and relevance. To avoid penalties, backlinks should seamlessly integrate into the content, with the subject matter closely related to the linked page. Anchor text and links should be relevant to the context, as any perceived irrelevance could be flagged as spam.
For instance, a backlink to a Search Engine Land report on link building statistics, placed within a Salesforce blog would be considered natural-appearing. Salesforce’s statement that the average conversion rate is 2.35 percent and attributing the fact to Search Engine Land’s study demonstrates a seamless connection between the two domains.
Leverage content marketing
Google Panda is a content quality algorithm that works alongside Google Penguin’s link analysis to ensure that search results are relevant and high-quality. Panda can detect the depth and language flow of content to determine if it is genuine and informative, or if it is simply meant to spam links. This means that you should not engage in tiered link building without a strong content marketing strategy.
Always use unique content when building backlinks. Google will notice if you use the same content for different posts, and you could be penalized for trying to cut corners. Make sure that your links are accompanied by high-quality, original content that has not been published elsewhere.
How To Get Started On Tiered Link Building with Manmash Consulting
Manmash Consulting is a leading provider of white hat tiered link building services. We can help you build high-quality backlinks that will improve your website’s search engine ranking and organic traffic.To learn more about our tiered link building service, please fill out the form on our contact us page or contact Manzar Mashhood, founder and CEO of Manmash Consulting on his Whatsapp +923331200550.
Go is a programming language that is used for building SEO tools and applications, as well as automating SEO workflows.
What are some of the benefits of using Go for SEO automation?
The benefits of using Go programming language for SEO automation include:
Speed
Go is a compiled language, so it is faster than interpreted languages like Python.
Efficiency
Go uses goroutines and channels to handle concurrency efficiently.
Scalability
Go programs are easy to scale to handle large amounts of traffic.
Simplicity
Go is a simple language to learn and use.
How does Golang compare to other languages for SEO automation, such as Python and JavaScript?
Python is a good general-purpose language for SEO automation, but it can be slower than Go for some tasks. JavaScript is a good choice for front-end development and working with Google Tag Manager, but it can be more difficult to learn than Go.
Why is Go faster than Python?
Go is faster than Python because it is a compiled language, while Python is an interpreted language. This means that Go code is converted to machine code before it is executed, which makes it faster to run.
What are some popular tools for coding in Go programming language?
Go can be used to scrape data from websites, such as product listings, news articles, and social media posts. This data can then be used to generate SEO-friendly content, such as blog posts and product descriptions.
Content indexing
Go can be used to index large amounts of content, such as website pages and blog posts. This can be useful for SEO tasks such as site search and link building.
Go can be used to analyze SEO data, such as keyword rankings, website traffic, and backlinks. This information can be used to improve a website’s SEO strategy.
What are some popular Go libraries for SEO?
There are a number of popular Go libraries for SEO, including:
What are some examples of SEO applications built with Golang?
Some examples of SEO applications built with Go include:
Ahrefs
Ahrefs uses Golang to scrape and index data from the web.
Semrush
SEMrush uses Go programming language to perform a variety of SEO tasks, including keyword research, site auditing, and rank tracking.
Moz
MOZ uses Go to build a variety of SEO tools, including MozRank, Moz Pro, and Moz Local.
Is Go a good language for beginners to learn for SEO?
Go is a relatively easy language to learn, especially for those who already have some experience with programming. Go programs are also generally easy to read and understand, which makes them a good choice for beginners.
What are some resources for learning Go for SEO?
There are a number of resources available for learning Go for SEO, including:
The Go Programming Language: The official Go tutorial.
Go by Example: A collection of idiomatic Go code examples.
Effective Go: A book that provides best practices for writing Go code.
Go in Action: A book that provides a comprehensive introduction to the Go programming language.
Go for SEO: A website that provides tutorials and resources for using Go for SEO.
What are some challenges of using Go for SEO?
One challenge of using Go for SEO is that the Go community is still relatively small compared to other programming languages, such as Python and Java. This means that there are fewer resources available for learning Go and for finding Go libraries for specific SEO tasks.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using Go for SEO?
One of the most common mistakes is not using the right libraries. There are a number of Go libraries that can be used for SEO tasks, such as go-colly, goquery, and gonum. Be sure to use the right libraries for your specific needs.
What are some tips for using Go for SEO?
Here are some tips for using Go for SEO:
Start by learning the basics of the Go programming language. There are a number of resources available online and in libraries.
Once you have a basic understanding of Go, start looking for libraries that can be used for SEO tasks. There are a number of popular Go libraries available, such as go-colly, goquery, and gonum.
If you can’t find a Go library for a specific SEO task, you can always write your own. Go is a relatively easy language to learn, so writing your own code should not be too difficult.
When writing Go code for SEO, be sure to follow the best practices outlined in Effective Go.
Test your Go code thoroughly before using it in production.
How can I improve the performance of my Go SEO applications?
There are a number of ways to improve the performance of your Go SEO applications, including:
Use the right data structures and algorithms: Choose data structures and algorithms that are efficient for your specific SEO tasks.
Avoid unnecessary memory allocations: Go is a garbage-collected language, but it is still important to avoid unnecessary memory allocations.
Use concurrency: Go programs can be made more efficient by using concurrency.
Optimize your code: Once you have written your code, take some time to optimize it for performance.
How can I deploy my Go SEO applications to production?
There are a number of ways to deploy your Go SEO applications to production, including:
Deploying your application to a cloud provider: Cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure offer a variety of services that can be used to deploy and run Go applications.
Deploying your application to a dedicated server: If you need more control over your application environment, you can deploy your application to a dedicated server.
Deploying your application as a container: Containers are a lightweight way to package and deploy Go applications.
How can I monitor the performance of my Go SEO applications?
There are a number of ways to monitor the performance of your Go SEO applications, including:
Using a logging framework: A logging framework can be used to log important events in your application, such as errors and performance metrics.
Using a monitoring tool: There are a number of monitoring tools available that can be used to monitor the performance of your Go applications.
Using a load testing tool: A load testing tool can be used to test the performance of your Go applications under load.
What are some social media resources for learning more about using Go for SEO?
There are a number of resources available for learning more about using Go for SEO, including:
Go SEO subreddit: A subreddit for discussing SEO and Go programming.
Go SEO Slack channel: A Slack channel for discussing SEO and Go programming.
Go SEO Discord server: A Discord server for discussing SEO and Go programming.
What is the future of using Go for SEO?
The future of using Go for SEO looks bright. Go is a relatively new language, but it is quickly gaining popularity in the SEO community. This is due to Go’s speed, efficiency, and scalability.
As Go continues to grow in popularity, we can expect to see more SEO applications built with Go. We can also expect to see more Go libraries and resources developed for SEO tasks.
Go (Golang) is a programming language created at Google to make it easier to build reliable and efficient software. It is simple to learn and use, reliable and efficient, and scalable and concurrent. This makes it a good choice for a wide variety of software development tasks. Golang is popular because it is a good all-around language. It is not the best at any one thing, but it is good at many things. This makes it a good choice for companies that need to build a variety of different types of software and for the same reason, it makes a good choice for SEOs that need automation.
6 SEO Areas Where Go Can Automate Tasks
1. Keyword research
Golang can be used to automate the keyword research process by scraping data from search engines and other sources. This can help you to identify the best keywords to target for your website or blog. For example, the following Go script could be used to scrape the top 10 SERPs for a given keyword and extract the search volume, competition level, and other data for each keyword. This data could then be stored in a database and used to generate a list of the best keywords to target.
package main import ( "encoding/json" "fmt" "io/ioutil" "net/http" ) type SERPResult struct { Title string json:"title" URL string json:"url" SearchVolume int json:"search_volume" CompetitionLevel int json:"competition_level" } func scrapeSERP(keyword string) ([]SERPResult, error) { // Create a new HTTP client. client := &http.Client{} // Build the SERP API request URL. url := fmt.Sprintf("https://api.example.com/serp?keyword=%s", keyword) // Make the HTTP request. req, err := http.NewRequest("GET", url, nil) if err != nil { return nil, err } // Set the HTTP request headers. req.Header.Set("Authorization", "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY") // Send the HTTP request and get the response. resp, err := client.Do(req) if err != nil { return nil, err } // Close the HTTP response body. defer resp.Body.Close() // Decode the JSON response body. var results []SERPResult err = json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&results) if err != nil { return nil, err } return results, nil } func main() { // Get the keyword to scrape. keyword := "python programming" // Scrape the SERP for the given keyword. results, err := scrapeSERP(keyword) if err != nil { fmt.Println(err) return } // Print the SERP results. for _, result := range results { fmt.Printf("%s (%d, %d)\n", result.Title, result.SearchVolume, result.CompetitionLevel) } }
2. On-page SEO optimization
Golang can be used to automate the on-page SEO optimization process by checking your website for errors, optimizing your title tags and meta descriptions, and generating XML sitemaps.
3. Technical SEO
Golang can automate a wide range of technical SEO tasks such as site crawling and indexing, and Broken link detection and repair. The following Go script could be used to check all of the links on a website for broken links. If any broken links are found, the script could send an email to the webmaster with a list of the broken links so that they can be fixed.
Go package main import ( "fmt" "io/ioutil" "net/http" "strings" ) type link struct { URL string Status int } func main() { // Get the list of links on the website links := getLinks("https://example.com") // Check all of the links for broken links brokenLinks := checkLinks(links) // If any broken links are found, send an email to the webmaster if len(brokenLinks) > 0 { sendBrokenLinksEmail(brokenLinks) } } func getLinks(url string) []link { // Create a new HTTP client client := http.Client{} // Get the response for the URL resp, err := client.Get(url) if err != nil { fmt.Println(err) return nil } // Close the response body defer resp.Body.Close() // Parse the HTML response body, err := ioutil.ReadAll(resp.Body) if err != nil { fmt.Println(err) return nil } // Extract the links from the HTML response links := extractLinks(body) return links } func extractLinks(body []byte) []link { // Create a regular expression to match links re := <a\s+href\s*=\s*\"(.*?)\" // Match all of the links in the HTML response matches := re.FindAllStringSubmatch(string(body), -1) // Create a slice to store the links links := []link{} // Iterate over the matches and add the links to the slice for , match := range matches { link := link{URL: match[1]} links = append(links, link) } return links } func checkLinks(links []link) []link { // Create a slice to store the broken links brokenLinks := []link{} // Iterate over the links and check if they are broken for , link := range links { // Make an HTTP request to the link resp, err := http.Get(link.URL) if err != nil { // If the request fails, the link is broken link.Status = 404 brokenLinks = append(brokenLinks, link) continue } // Close the response body defer resp.Body.Close() // If the response status code is not 200, the link is broken if resp.StatusCode != 200 { link.Status = resp.StatusCode brokenLinks = append(brokenLinks, link) } } return brokenLinks } func sendBrokenLinksEmail(brokenLinks []link) { // Create a new email message msg := NewEmailMessage() // Set the email recipient msg.To = []string{"webmaster@example.com"} // Set the email subject msg.Subject = "Broken links on your website" // Set the email body msg.Body = fmt.Sprintf("The following links on your website are broken:\n\n%s\n\nPlease fix these links as soon as possible.", strings.Join(getBrokenLinksText(brokenLinks), "\n")) // Send the email SendEmail(msg) } func getBrokenLinksText(brokenLinks []link) []string { brokenLinksText := []string{} for _, link := range brokenLinks { brokenLinksText = append(brokenLinksText, fmt.Sprintf("%s (%d)", link.URL, link.Status)) } return brokenLinksText
4. Link building
Golang can be used to automate the link building process by finding relevant websites to link to your own, and sending outreach emails to webmasters. For example, a Go script could be used to find potential link building opportunities by scraping websites and social media networks for mentions of the target website. The script could then send outreach emails to the website owners with a personalized message asking for a link.
5. Content marketing
Golang can be used to automate the content marketing process by generating blog posts, social media posts, and other types of content. For example, a Go script could be used to generate title tags and meta descriptions for all of the pages on a website based on the keywords that are being targeted for each page. The script could also optimize images by resizing them and adding alt text.
6. SEO reporting
Golang can be used to generate SEO reports that track your website’s performance in search engines. For example, A Go script could be used to generate a weekly or monthly report on keyword rankings, traffic, and other SEO metrics. The report could be sent to the webmaster or other stakeholders so that they can track the progress of their SEO efforts.
How Go Can Help SEOs Save Time and Gain Competitive Advantage?
Instead of spending hours manually scraping keyword data, you can use a Golang script to do it for you. This will free up your time to focus on things like creating high-quality content and building relationships with other webmasters.
Additionally, Golang can be used to automate SEO tasks that are difficult or impossible to do manually. For example, you can use a Golang script to generate personalized outreach emails to hundreds of webmasters at once. This is something that would be very time-consuming and difficult to do manually. Moreover, by using Golang to automate SEO tasks, SEOs can gain a competitive advantage over their competitors.
Statistics
According to a recent survey, 63% of SEOs believe that automation is essential for success.
72% of SEOs say that they use automation to save time on routine tasks.
56% of SEOs say that automation has helped them to improve their website’s performance in search engines.
The Best Golang Courses To Learn the Basics of Golang
Go: The Complete Developer’s Guide (Golang)
by Rob Pike, Andrew Gerrand, and Todd Austin (Udemy)
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the Golang programming language, covering everything from the basics to more advanced topics. It is taught by three of the original creators of the Go language, so you can be sure that you are getting the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Programming with Google Go Specialization
by the University of California, Irvine (Coursera)
This specialization consists of four courses that will teach you everything you need to know to become a proficient Golang developer. You will learn about the basics of the language, as well as more advanced topics such as concurrency, web development, and testing.
How Manmash Consulting can help?
If you are interested in learning more about how Manmash Consulting can help you automate your technnical SEO tasks using Golang, please contact Manzar Mashhood, founder and CEO of Manmash Consulting on his WhatsApp +923331200550 or fill out the form on the contact page.
JSON-LD is the preferred format for implementing schema markup.
JSON-LD offers several advantages over other schema markup formats.
Introduction
Imagine your website as a storehouse of information. JSON-LD and microdata are like labels attached to each item, telling search engines precisely what’s inside. JSON-LD is invisible to visitors but preferred by Google, making it ideal for those who aren’t web design gurus. Microdata, on the other hand, displays labels directly on the page. Both are used and verified in the same way by Google and Yahoo, so the choice comes down to preference.
Boosting Your Search Ranking with Schema.org
Think of Schema.org as a universal language for structuring website data. It outlines exactly how to label information like addresses, products, or even specific terms like “Anaconda” (the book, not the snake!). This clarity helps search engines like Google avoid guessing and deliver relevant results.
From Ambiguity to Relevance: The Power of Schema.org
Imagine searching for “Anaconda.” Without Schema.org, Google might rely on past user clicks, potentially prioritizing reptile sites even if your site focuses on the book. But with Schema.org labels, your book-centric website jumps up the rankings, ensuring readers find what they’re truly looking for.
By implementing Schema.org, you become a translator, speaking directly to search engines and boosting your website’s visibility. So, while the reptile “Anaconda” might hold Google’s historical attention, your carefully labeled “Anaconda” book site holds the key to attracting the readers you deserve.
Google prefers JSON-LD
While both JSON-LD and microdata are valid ways to inject structured data onto your website, JSON-LD has become the preferred choice for many SEOs, including Google. Its strengths lie in its centralized location, hierarchical structure, and relative ease of finding compared to scattered microdata elements. Additionally, JSON-LD’s injectable nature through tools like Google Tag Manager empowers SEO professionals without requiring developer intervention, unlike the potentially resource-intensive process of baking microdata into individual page elements.
Top Reasons Why JSON-LD is the Preferred Format for Schema Markup Implementation
JSON-LD offers several compelling advantages over other schema markup formats, such as Microdata and RDFa:
Simplicity and Readability:
JSON-LD’s syntax is straightforward and easy to understand, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical users.
Ease of Implementation:
JSON-LD can be embedded within a web page using a simple script, eliminating the need for complex modifications to the page’s HTML structure.
Flexibility and Scalability:
JSON-LD’s nested structure allows for the representation of complex data relationships, making it suitable for a wide range of websites and content types.
Machine-Friendliness:
Search engines can easily parse and interpret JSON-LD data, ensuring that your website’s structured data is accurately understood.
Implementing JSON-LD: A Step-by-Step Guide
Identify the Schema Type: Determine the appropriate schema type for the content you want to markup. Schema.org provides a comprehensive list of schema types for various entities and concepts.
Structure the JSON-LD Data: Create a structured JSON-LD object that adheres to the guidelines for the chosen schema type. Include all relevant properties and values that accurately describe the entity or concept.
Embed the JSON-LD Data: Place the JSON-LD script within the <head> or <body> section of your web page. You can also use a dedicated script manager to handle the implementation.
Validate and Test: Utilize Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool to validate and test your JSON-LD implementation. This tool will identify any errors or inconsistencies in your structured data.
Additional Tips for Effective Schema Markup Implementation
Target High-Value Pages: Prioritize implementing schema markup on pages that are most relevant to your target audience and have the potential to generate significant organic traffic.
Consistency is Key: Ensure consistency in your schema markup across your website to maintain search engine trust and enhance the overall user experience.
Regular Updates: Keep your schema markup up-to-date as your website and content evolve. This ensures that search engines have the most accurate and current information about your website.
Conclusion
By embracing JSON-LD as the preferred format for implementing schema markup, you can empower your website to achieve greater visibility and engagement in search results. With its ease of implementation, flexibility, and machine-friendliness, JSON-LD provides a powerful tool for enhancing your website’s search engine optimization efforts.
How Manmash Consulting Can Help?
Manzar Mashhood and his Manmash Consulting can assist you in effectively utilizing JSON-LD for implementing schema markup. Our team of technical SEO experts possesses extensive knowledge and experience in schema markup application and can guide you through the entire process, from identifying appropriate schema types to embedding JSON-LD scripts and ensuring seamless integration with your website. We can also provide ongoing support to ensure your schema markup remains accurate and up-to-date, maximizing its impact on your website’s visibility and organic traffic.
Are you a Web developer or SEO professional and want to learn more about how to redirect traffic on their Apache web server. You are at the right place.
What are Apache Redirects and Why Should You Use Them?
Apache redirects are a way to tell visitors that a web page has moved to a new location or changed its URL. They are also used to force HTTPS connections, redirect to a different language or country, or redirect to a different device.
There are two main types of Apache redirects:
Permanent (301): Permanent redirects should be used when a page has moved permanently
Temporary (302): Temporary redirects should be used when a page is unavailable for maintenance or has moved temporarily.
Apache redirects are important because they can improve the user experience and SEO of your website. By redirecting users to the correct page, you can avoid 404 errors and ensure that users always find the information they are looking for. Redirects can also help to improve your website’s SEO by signaling to search engines that your website is well-maintained and up-to-date.
Types of Apache Redirects
301 Redirects
302 Redirects
303 Redirects
307 Redirects
308 Redirects
When to Use Each Type of Apache Redirect
301 Redirects: Use 301 redirects for permanent redirects, such as when moving a page to a new location or merging two pages into one.
302 Redirects: Use 302 redirects for temporary redirects, such as when a page is unavailable for maintenance.
303 Redirects: Use 303 redirects to redirect users to a different page after they submit a form.
307 Redirects: Use 307 redirects to temporarily redirect users to a different page, but preserve the original request method and headers.
308 Redirects: Use 308 redirects to permanently redirect users to a different page, but preserve the original request method and headers.
How to Set Up Apache Redirects Using the .htaccess File
To set up Apache redirects using the .htaccess file, add the following code to the file, replacing old-url with the old URL that you want to redirect and new-url with the new URL that you want to redirect to:
Redirect 301 /old-url /new-url
Save the .htaccess file and upload it to your web server.
How to Set Up Apache Redirects Using the Apache Configuration File
To set up Apache redirects using the Apache configuration file, add the following code to the file, replacing old-url with the old URL that you want to redirect and new-url with the new URL that you want to redirect to:
RedirectMatch 301 ^/old-url(.*)$ /new-url$1
Save the Apache configuration file and restart your Apache server.
Common Use Cases for Apache Redirects
Redirecting to a new domain
Redirecting to a new page
Redirecting to HTTPS
Redirecting to a different language
Redirecting to a different country
Redirecting to a different device
Best Practices for Using Apache Redirects
Use the correct redirect code for the job.
Avoid redirect chains.
Test your redirects thoroughly.
Troubleshooting Apache Redirects
Common Apache Redirect Errors
Error 301: Moved Permanently
This error occurs when the redirect is configured incorrectly, or when the target URL does not exist.
Error 302: Found
This error occurs when the redirect is configured incorrectly, or when there is a redirect chain.
Error 303: See Other
This error occurs when the redirect is configured incorrectly, or when the target URL is not intended to be displayed directly by the user.
Error 307: Temporary Redirect
This error occurs when the redirect is configured incorrectly, or when the target URL is not intended to be displayed directly by the user.
Error 308: Permanent Redirect
This error occurs when the redirect is configured incorrectly, or when the target URL is not intended to be displayed directly by the user.
Error 403: Forbidden
This error occurs when the user does not have permission to access the redirect.
Error 404: Not Found
This error occurs when the target URL does not exist.
How to Debug Apache Redirects
To debug Apache redirects, you can use the following steps:
Check the Apache error logs for any errors related to redirects.
Use the curl command to test your redirects. For example, to test the redirect from /old-url to /new-url, you would run the following command:
curl -I http://[YOUR_DOMAIN]/old-url
The output of the command should show a response code of 301, and the Location: header should be set to /new-url. 3. Use the mod_rewrite log to get more detailed information about how your redirects are being processed. To enable mod_rewrite logging, add the following line to your Apache configuration file:
LogLevel rewrite:trace8
Once mod_rewrite logging is enabled, you can view the logs by running the following command:
tail -f /var/log/apache2/rewrite.log
Use a tool such as the Apache htaccess tester to test your redirects directly from your browser.
Conclusion
Apache redirects are a powerful tool that can be used to improve the user experience and SEO of your website. By understanding the different types of redirects and how to use them, you can ensure that your visitors are always taken to the right place. If you need help with your Apache redirects, or any other technical SEO aspect, contact Manzar Mashhood on his whatsapp +923331200550 or fill out the contact form.
Google PageSpeed Insights is a free tool that analyzes the content of a web page and provides recommendations for improving its speed.
What is a good PageSpeed Insights score?
A good PageSpeed Insights score is 90 or higher. A score of 50-89 is considered average, and a score below 50 is considered poor.
What are the Core Web Vitals metrics in Google’s pagespeed insights tool?
The Core Web Vitals metrics are First Contentful Paint (FCP), Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), and First Input Delay (FID). These metrics measure the speed and responsiveness of a web page.
What is the difference between Field Data and Lab Data in the PS Insights report?
Field Data comes from the Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX), while Lab Data is measured via the Lighthouse API. Field Data is more representative of how users experience the page, while Lab Data is more controlled and predictable.
What is the weighted rubric for Lab Data in Lighthouse 8?
The weighted rubric for Lab Data in Lighthouse 8 is as follows:
Speed Index: 30%
Time to Interactive: 25%
Total Blocking Time: 25%
First Contentful Paint: 10%
Largest Contentful Paint: 10%
How do I use Google PageSpeed Insights?
Simply enter the URL of the web page you want to analyze and click “Analyze.” The tool will generate a report that includes your page’s speed score, Core Web Vitals metrics, and recommendations for improvement.
How do I interpret the PS Insights report?
The PageSpeed Insights report is divided into two sections: field data and lab data. The field data section shows how your page performed in the real world over the past 28 days. The lab data section shows how your page performed in a controlled environment.
The report also includes a list of recommendations for improving your page’s speed. These recommendations are prioritized based on their potential impact on your page’s speed.
How often should I use Google PageSpeed Insights?
It is recommended to use Google PageSpeed Insights at least once a month to monitor your page’s speed and identify any areas for improvement.
What is the best way to track my PS Insights score over time?
The best way to track your PageSpeed Insights score over time is to use the PageSpeed Insights API. This API allows you to automate the process of generating and analyzing PageSpeed Insights reports.
What are some tips for improving my PageSpeed Insights score?
Here are some tips for improving your PageSpeed Insights score:
Optimize your images.
Use a content delivery network (CDN).
Minify and compress your code.
Reduce the number of HTTP requests.
Avoid excessive redirects.
Use asynchronous loading for JavaScript.
Enable browser caching.
What is the difference between PS Insights and Lighthouse?
Lighthouse is an open-source tool that is used to audit web pages for performance, accessibility, and SEO. PageSpeed Insights is a website that uses Lighthouse to generate reports for web page owners.
How do I fix specific PageSpeed Insights recommendations?
Google provides detailed documentation for each PageSpeed Insights recommendation. This documentation includes instructions on how to fix the issue and examples of code.
Can I hire someone to help me improve my PS Insights score?
Yes, there are many companies and individuals who offer PageSpeed Insights optimization services, and Manmash Consulting is one of them. Manzar Mashhood and his Manmash Consulting provides complete technical SEO optimization services, including but not limited to website speed optimization. You can talk to Manzar Mashhood on his Whatsapp number +923331200550 or press the ‘Get in touch’ white button at the top right corner of this page.
How long does it take to improve my PS Insights score?
The amount of time it takes to improve your PageSpeed Insights score will vary depending on the specific recommendations that you need to implement. Some changes, such as optimizing your images, can be made quickly and easily. Other changes, such as minifying and compressing your code, may require more technical expertise.
Will improving my PageSpeed Insights score guarantee that I rank higher in Google search results?
While improving your PageSpeed Insights score can help you rank higher in Google search results, it is not a guarantee. Google considers many other factors, such as the quality of your content, the relevance of your page to the search query, and the backlinks that your page has, when determining its ranking.
Is there a plugin or tool that can automatically improve my PS Insights score?
There are a number of plugins and tools that can help you improve your PageSpeed Insights score. However, it is important to note that these tools cannot automatically fix all of the issues that may be affecting your page’s speed. You may still need to make some manual changes to your code or content.
What are some other resources that I can use to learn more about PageSpeed Insights?
There are a number of resources available online that can help you learn more about PageSpeed Insights. Here are a few suggestions:
The Google Developers website has a dedicated section on PageSpeed Insights.
There are a number of blog posts and articles that have been written about PageSpeed Insights.
There are also a number of video tutorials that can teach you how to use PageSpeed Insights to improve your page’s speed.
