Thursday, 25 Apr 2024
Month: May 2018

Google to Remove HTTPS Secure Indicator in September

The Secure URL label HTTPS will no longer be seen on Google Chrome by September of this year. Google believes that secure websites should be the norm and as such, do not need any more labels. The news was confirmed on May 17 by Google Chrome Security Product Manager Emily Schecter on the company’s official […]

It definitely looks like it’s working, and it’s using data from January 2007. Other forum members report that it’s showing May data. I suppose it may vary per search term but I’m unable to get May data. Forum discussion continues at WebmasterWorld.

Google announced on the Webmaster blog that they have updated the Lighthouse Chrome Extension to add SEO Audit features. Google said “you can now do a basic SEO Health-check in Chrome (Canary) DevTools or with the Lighthouse extension.” Google said the SEO audit features are very basic, “nor does it make any SEO guarantees for Google websearch or other […]

New SEM Trade Organization?

A very detailed oriented thread is going on at Cre8asite Forums named After SEMPO: Should we Start a Trade Association?. With over a 146 replies so far, this can be the real thing. So join the discussion and have a say. If all the issues and goals are detailed in this thread, maybe it will work.

Consumers nowadays have become savvier, thanks to the easy accessibility of information via the Internet. They are not easily swayed by false advertising claims and fancy marketing spiels. Younger consumers have become especially more loyal to brands that appear to be transparent in how they do business. But what is brand transparency, exactly? Why is it crucial for companies, and does it really have an effect on consumer behavior and loyalty? Brands are developed as a means to identify and differentiate one business from the other. Effective branding creates inherent value that affects purchasing behavior and consumer preferences. These days, consumers are demanding more detailed information about a product before making a purchase. They want to know all the product specifications, the materials used to make it, where those materials came from, and the actual people who make and distribute the products. For these reasons and more, brand transparency should not be considered just another marketing buzzword; it should be a top priority for businesses. Studies have shown that transparency resulted in increased loyalty and boosted brand worth. A 2016 Label Insight Study, revealed that out of 2000 respondents, 94 percent were likely to be loyal to a brand that commits to full transparency. About 56 percent would remain loyal for life if a company remained open to its disclosures. Of those surveyed, 73 percent were willing to pay more for a brand that is completely transparent. Some consumers will even switch to a brand and consider its entire product portfolio, all because of its openness. Brand transparency builds lifetime loyalty and strengthens trust from consumers. About 58 percent remain distrustful of a brand without ‘real world proof’ of its promised claims. Businesses are seen as ethical if they are truthful in informing people of what to expect from offered products and services. It is a guiding principle for companies and advertising channels alike in their marketing strategy to earn trust. Full transparency requires a conscious effort in disclosing information to the public. It allows companies to prevent mistrust from happening when information is only made available after the incident. There are several ways to promote brand transparency and earn consumer trust. 1. Holding Your Brand Accountable Any lapses in brand standards should be pointed out and serve as an example to do better. A business is responsible for delivering its brand’s promise on products and services. If possible, everyone in the company should share accountability, as behaviors in the workplace also reflect the brand’s values. 2. Focusing on What Your Brand Represents Avoid portraying the company inaccurately. Staying true to what your brand stands will help it to maintain a positive image. Amidst the changing business landscape, companies must remain open with their consumers without losing sight of the brand’s purpose. Core values and a clear mission statement should be communicated and upheld throughout the company. 3. Connecting With Consumers Companies should take advantage of social media in communicating their messages to target markets. With digital-savvy consumers, businesses must turn to social networking platforms and acknowledge feedbacks or queries addressed through these channels. By adjusting how they communicate, companies can establish a recognizable brand voice and encourage engagement with consumers. This builds trust in the brand and establishes a loyal relationship with its customers. Keep in mind that brand trust and loyalty do not happen overnight. There are several factors involved in creating a long-lasting relationship with your customer, but one that stands out is brand transparency.

Consumers nowadays have become savvier, thanks to the easy accessibility of information via the Internet. They are not easily swayed by false advertising claims and fancy marketing spiels. Younger consumers have become especially more loyal to brands that appear to be transparent in how they do business. But what is brand transparency, exactly? Why is […]

Google Wants to Bring Fast-Loading AMP Technology to the Entire Web

Google has been trying to relieve publisher concerns over its Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) technology. On Thursday, the company announced that it wants to make the technology available tothe entire web by turning it into an industry standard. By using Google’s AMP, websites load quicker on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. However, AMP uses […]

Yahoo Tests Green, Instead Of Blue, Search Ads

Looks like Yahoo is now experimenting with their own background colors for search ads. Spotted by @tecnonetblog – Yahoo seems to be testing a green background color for their ads. Personally, I see a light blue colored background for Yahoo ads. Here are screen shots of the test. Green Background Yahoo Search Ads Test:     Blue […]

Google Testing Mobile First Index In The Wild

Google’s John Mueller confirmed yesterday in a hangout at the 15:38 mark that Google is indeed testing the mobile first index in the live search results. He did not explain what percentage of searchers are seeing these live test results but I have to imagine it is really small. With this test, Google is not only looking to see […]