SEO Alone Isn't Enough

Solutions by Design

If your business has invested in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), you’ve already taken an important step toward improving your online visibility. SEO helps your website appear in search results and makes it easier for potential customers to find your business.

But in today’s competitive online marketplace, SEO alone is no longer enough.

Search engines have evolved. While keywords, website structure, and technical optimization remain important, Google and other search engines look at much more than what is on your website. They also consider signals that demonstrate your business is active, relevant, trustworthy, and engaged with its audience.

That’s why combining SEO with a strategic social media marketing program can help maximize your online visibility, drive more traffic to your website, and create additional opportunities to attract new customers.

The message is clear…an active online presence matters.

Consider these trends:

• More than 90% of consumers use the internet to find local businesses before making a purchase.
• Studies show that roughly 70% to 80% of people look up a business on the internet before they buy from them or call them.
• Businesses with active social media profiles can generate more website traffic than those relying on SEO alone.
• Companies that consistently publish fresh content across their website and social media channels create more opportunities to connect with potential customers.

SEO and social media should not be viewed as separate marketing strategies. When they work together, they can strengthen your overall online presence.

A consistent social media program can help increase brand awareness, drive qualified visitors to your website, provide fresh content, build credibility, and create more opportunities for customers to discover your business.

Every social media post is another opportunity for someone to learn about your company. When that person clicks through to your website, you have another opportunity to build trust, generate interest, and convert that visitor into a customer.

SEO helps people find your website. Social media gives them a reason to visit…and a reason to come back.

At Solutions by Design, we understand that successful online marketing requires more than improving search rankings. Our SEO and Social Media Programs are designed to work together to strengthen your online presence.

From optimizing your website and creating keyword-focused content to developing engaging social media posts and driving qualified traffic back to your website, we create an integrated strategy designed around your business goals.

If you’re already investing in SEO, adding a professional social media program can help you get more from that investment.

Don’t let your competition get ahead. Contact Solutions by Design today to learn how an integrated SEO and social media strategy can help your business get found, get noticed, and grow online.

 

 

From Posts to Profit: Social Media Success Starts Here

Solutions by Design

In today’s digital-first world, social media is no longer optional…it’s essential. With over 90% of businesses leveraging social platforms for marketing and up to 96% of small businesses using them to build brand awareness, the competition for attention is fierce. Add to that the fact that 57% of consumers discover unique brands through social media and 78% research businesses online before making a purchase, and it becomes clear…a strong, strategic social media presence can make or break your business. That’s where Solutions by Design comes in.

Managing social media effectively requires far more than posting occasional updates. It demands a thoughtful strategy, consistent content creation, audience engagement, analytics tracking, and an understanding of ever-changing algorithms. For many business owners, trying to juggle these responsibilities while running daily operations can quickly become overwhelming. Hiring a professional team like Solutions by Design allows you to focus on what you do best while experts manage your online presence.

One of the biggest advantages of working with Solutions by Design is our ability to create a customized strategy tailored to your specific business goals. Whether your objective is to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads, or boost sales, their team understands how to align social media efforts with measurable outcomes. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we analyze your industry, target audience, and competitors to develop a plan that sets you apart.

Consistency is another key factor in social media success. Many businesses struggle to maintain a regular posting schedule, which can lead to decreased engagement and lost opportunities. Solutions by Design ensures that your platforms remain active, relevant, and engaging. From eye-catching graphics to compelling captions and strategic hashtags, our team handles every aspect of content creation to keep your brand top-of-mind with your audience.

Engagement is equally important. Social media is not just about broadcasting messages…it’s about building relationships. Responding to comments, messages, and reviews in a timely and professional manner can significantly impact how your brand is perceived. Solutions by Design helps foster meaningful connections with your audience, strengthening trust and loyalty over time.

Another critical benefit is access to data-driven insights. Social media platforms provide a wealth of analytics but interpreting that data and using it to improve performance requires expertise. Solutions by Design monitors key metrics such as reach, engagement, and conversions, using this information to continuously refine your strategy. This ensures that your social media efforts are not only active but also effective.

Finally, staying ahead of trends is crucial in the fast-paced world of social media. From algorithm updates to emerging platforms and content formats, what works today may not work tomorrow. Solutions by Design stays up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices, ensuring your business remains competitive and relevant.

In a landscape where social media plays a pivotal role in consumer decision-making, partnering with a professional team is a smart investment. By hiring Solutions by Design in Fresno, CA, you gain a dedicated partner committed to growing your brand, increasing your visibility, and helping your business thrive in the digital age.

 

5 Things You Might Not Know About SEO

Solutions by Design

Your business has a website…but is that enough? If your customers can’t find you online, you’re leaving money and growth on the table. That’s where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes in. Most business owners know SEO is important, but what they don’t know can seriously limit its impact.

Here are five things you might not know about SEO and how a marketing partner like Solutions by Design in Fresno, CA can help you turn clicks into customers.

1. SEO Is More Than Just Keywords - Yes, keywords matter but modern SEO goes way beyond stuffing your site with search terms. Google now looks at user experience, page speed, mobile responsiveness, internal linking, and high-quality content. It's a complex, ongoing strategy that involves both creative and technical work. How Solutions by Design Helps: Our SEO Team takes a full-spectrum approach, optimizing your site structure, improving load times, refining your content strategy, and ensuring your site is built to impress.

2. Local SEO Can Make or Break a Small Business - If you're a brick-and-mortar business or serve a specific region, local SEO is critical. Things like your Google Business Profile, local citations, and customer reviews are key to showing up in local searches and on Google Maps. How Solutions by Design Helps: Our SEO Team specializes in local SEO strategies. Whether it's optimizing your listing, encouraging reviews, or building local backlinks, our team knows how to get your name where it matters most.

3. Content Creation Isn’t Optional Anymore - If you’re not publishing content regularly, your SEO is probably falling behind. Blogging, social posts, and videos help you rank for more terms, build trust, and give visitors a reason to stick around. How Solutions by Design Helps: Our SEO and Social Media Teams create strategic content that speaks to your audience and ranks on search engines. From keyword research to polished blogs and social posts, we help you become a go-to source in your industry.

4. You Can Track Real ROI From SEO - SEO isn’t just set it and forget it…it’s measurable. You can track traffic, rankings, clicks, and calls tied directly to organic search efforts. If your current SEO team isn’t showing you results, you might need a new one. How Solutions by Design Helps: Our SEO Team uses data-driven tools and analytics to show you exactly how your SEO is performing. No fluff…just real numbers, clear reporting, and continuous optimization to drive results.

5. SEO Takes Time But It’s Worth It - Unlike ads, SEO doesn’t deliver overnight results but what it does offer is long-term growth, sustainable traffic, and a higher return on investment over time. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results. How Solutions by Design Helps: Our SEO Team doesn’t do cookie-cutter SEO. They build long-term strategies customized to your business, your market, and your goals so every dollar you invest moves you forward.

Ready to Be Found Online?

Whether you’re just starting your SEO journey or want to upgrade your current strategy, partnering with a team like Solutions by Design in Fresno, CA gives you the advantage of expert support and personal service.

Stop blending into the background and start showing up where your customers are looking. Contact Solutions by Design today and get your business climbing the ranks, one smart move at a time.

 

Get More Google Reviews

Solutions by Design

Google reviews have become a critical factor in shaping the online reputation of businesses. Potential customers frequently check reviews before deciding whether or not to engage with a business. In fact, positive Google reviews can enhance your credibility, improve local SEO rankings, and even increase sales. If you're wondering how to get more Google reviews for your business website, here are some effective strategies to boost your review count and build trust with future customers.

1. Ask Customers Directly - One of the simplest and most effective ways to get more Google reviews is by asking your customers directly. Satisfied customers are often more than willing to leave a review, but they might need a little nudge. You can ask them in person, through email follow-ups, or even after a service or purchase.
2. Make It Easy to Leave a Review - Convenience is key when it comes to collecting Google reviews. If the process is too complicated, customers may not follow through. Provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how they can leave a review, and make sure to include a direct link to your Google Business profile.
3. Offer Incentives - While it’s important to follow Google’s guidelines and avoid offering discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews (as this can be seen as manipulating reviews), you can still motivate customers through other incentives. Consider running a giveaway where each review enters the customer into a prize draw. This doesn’t directly pay for reviews but encourages more interaction and engagement with your review system.
4. Respond to Existing Reviews - Responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, shows that you value customer feedback. Engaging with existing reviews also demonstrates a level of care that potential reviewers will notice. When customers see that you're attentive and responsive, they’re more likely to leave a review themselves. Make sure your responses are personalized, polite, and constructive, especially when addressing negative reviews. A well-handled negative review can actually strengthen customer trust in your business.
5. Promote Reviews on Social Media - Leverage the power of social media to encourage reviews. Share the best reviews you’ve received across your social platforms and ask your followers to leave their own reviews. Sometimes seeing other positive feedback can inspire others to do the same. Include the direct link to your Google review page in the posts to streamline the process.
6. Use QR Codes - QR codes can simplify the review process for in-person customers. You can create a QR code that links directly to your Google review page and display it in your store, on business cards, or even on receipts. Customers can quickly scan the code and leave a review in seconds, eliminating the need for them to search for your business online.
7. Provide Excellent Customer Service - No strategy for getting more Google reviews will be effective if your customer service isn’t up to par. The best way to encourage reviews is by delivering an exceptional experience that people want to talk about. Whether you’re selling a product or providing a service, make sure your interactions with customers are positive and memorable. Happy customers are more likely to leave positive reviews on their own.

Google reviews are a powerful tool for building trust and attracting new customers. By making the review process simple, asking at the right moments, and engaging with your current reviewers, you can steadily grow your Google reviews. Every review you collect will not only improve your online reputation but also boost your business’s visibility and success.

 

Are Responsive Websites a Trend?

Solutions by Design

Having a website is essential for any business, but simply having a website is not enough. Your company’s website must be responsive to stay competitive and provide a seamless user experience.

The primary reason your website should be responsive is to enhance the user experience. A responsive website adjusts its layout and content based on the device being used. Whether your customers access your site from a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, they will have a consistent and optimized experience. This adaptability reduces the need for zooming, scrolling, and adjusting, which can frustrate users. A positive user experience increases the likelihood of visitors staying on your site longer, exploring your offerings, and ultimately converting into customers.

Maintaining separate websites for desktop and mobile users can be costly and time-consuming. A responsive website eliminates the need for multiple versions, reducing development and maintenance expenses. With a single responsive site, you streamline your operations, saving time and resources. Additionally, updates and changes only need to be made once, ensuring consistency across all devices.

With the increasing prevalence of smartphones and tablets, more people are accessing the internet via mobile devices than ever before. At the end of 2021, mobile devices generated 54.4% of global website traffic. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you risk losing a significant portion of potential customers. A responsive design ensures that mobile users have a seamless experience, helping you capture and retain this crucial audience segment.

Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in its search results. In fact, Google has implemented mobile-first indexing, meaning it predominantly uses the mobile version of a site for indexing and ranking. A responsive website improves your chances of ranking higher in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Higher rankings lead to increased visibility, traffic, and opportunities for conversion.

Technology is constantly evolving, with new devices and screen sizes being introduced regularly. A responsive website is built with flexibility in mind, ensuring it can adapt to future technologies. By investing in a responsive design now, you future-proof your website, avoiding the need for frequent overhauls as new devices emerge.

Understanding how users interact with your website is crucial for making informed business decisions. Responsive websites provide a unified view of your analytics, simplifying the process of monitoring and analyzing user behavior. With a single website, you can track metrics more efficiently, gaining insights into how different devices impact user engagement and conversions.

In today’s competitive market, having a responsive website can give you an edge over competitors who haven’t yet adopted this approach. Customers are more likely to choose a business that offers a seamless, user-friendly online experience. A responsive website demonstrates that your company is modern, customer-centric, and committed to providing the best possible experience.

A responsive website is not just a trend…it’s a necessity. It enhances user experience, boosts SEO rankings, increases mobile traffic, and provides cost-effective, future-proof solutions. By investing in a responsive design, you ensure your website remains relevant, competitive, and accessible to all users, regardless of the device they use. Don’t wait until your website falls behind, make the switch to a responsive website with Solutions by Design today.

 

What Is Search Engine Optimization?

Solutions by Design

A well-structured Search Engine Optimization program serves as the compass guiding businesses through the vastness of the internet, ensuring visibility, credibility, and sustained digital success.

At the core of a compelling SEO program is the ability to boost visibility. When potential customers search for products or services relevant to your business, a robust SEO strategy ensures that your website appears prominently in search engine results. The coveted top positions on search engine results pages become the gateway to attracting organic traffic. A well-optimized website is more likely to capture the attention of users actively seeking information, products, or services related to your industry.

A strong SEO program empowers businesses to outshine competitors in search rankings, ensuring that your brand is front and center when users initiate relevant searches. Being visible establishes your brand as an industry authority and contributes to building a credible online presence.

While attracting a large volume of traffic is a goal, a good SEO program emphasizes the importance of driving targeted traffic. The strategy is designed to connect with users actively searching for the products or services you offer. By optimizing for relevant keywords and understanding user intent, your website becomes a destination for those genuinely interested in what your business provides. Quality traffic increases the likelihood of conversion, turning website visitors into customers or clients.

However, SEO isn't solely about pleasing search engines; it's about creating an optimal experience for users. A website that is well-optimized for search engines tends to be more user-friendly. Faster load times, clear navigation, and relevant content contribute to an enhanced user experience. User satisfaction is not only a ranking factor for search engines but also a critical component in building trust and encouraging repeat visits.

Higher search rankings signal credibility. Users often trust websites that appear at the top of search results, considering them more reliable and authoritative. A good SEO program contributes to the establishment of trust and credibility among your audience.

From boosting visibility and staying ahead of the competition to driving targeted traffic and enhancing user experience, each aspect of SEO contributes to the holistic growth of a business in the online realm. A robust SEO program is an indispensable tool for thriving in the competitive world of online visibility.

If your website is in need of a well-structured Search Engine Optimization Program, give Solutions by Design a call today. Our services are focused on best establishing your website structure and content so that you can meet your customers online at the right time, the right place, and in the right context. With several packages to choose from, we can ensure you’ll find a package that meets your specific needs within your specific budget.

 

Unleash the Power of Search Engine Optimization

Solutions by Design

In today's digital landscape, having a strong online presence is crucial for the success of any business. With millions of websites vying for attention, search engine optimization (SEO) has emerged as a pivotal tool to enhance visibility and increase organic traffic. By implementing effective SEO strategies, businesses can rise above the noise and establish a competitive edge.

One of the primary goals of SEO is to improve your website's visibility on search engine result pages, like Google. When users search for keywords or phrases related to your business, you want your website to appear prominently. By optimizing your website's content, structure, and technical elements, you increase its chances of ranking higher in search engine results.

Higher rankings mean more visibility, and more visibility leads to increased organic traffic. Organic traffic refers to the visitors who land on your website through unpaid, natural search results. These users are actively searching for products, services, or information relevant to your business, making them highly valuable prospects. By leveraging Solutions by Design’s SEO techniques, you can attract a steady stream of targeted organic traffic, effectively reaching your desired audience and increasing the likelihood of converting them into customers.

When your website appears at the top of search engine results, it instills a sense of authority and trustworthiness in the eyes of users. Most people perceive top-ranking websites as reliable and reputable sources of information or solutions to their needs. By optimizing your website's content with high-quality and relevant information, search engines recognize your website as an authoritative source within your industry. Additionally, by implementing user-friendly navigation, mobile responsiveness, and fast page load times, you enhance the overall user experience, further reinforcing your credibility and trustworthiness.

A seamless and positive user experience is paramount for any business website. Our SEO techniques help optimize various elements that contribute to a great user experience, including website speed, mobile responsiveness, and easy navigation. These factors not only enhance user satisfaction but also reduce bounce rates and improve dwell time, leading to improved search rankings.

Additionally, SEO by Solutions by Design ensures that your website is structured in a way that search engines can easily crawl and understand its content. By organizing your website's pages, meta tags, headings, and URLs effectively, our team provides search engines with the necessary signals to index and rank your website accurately.

Implementing a robust SEO strategy gives you a significant advantage over your competitors. By optimizing your website and staying up to date with the latest SEO trends, Solutions by Design can help your website outperform your competition.

Furthermore, by conducting thorough keyword research and monitoring industry trends, we can help you identify new opportunities and target niche markets that your competitors might have overlooked. By consistently adapting and refining our SEO approach, we stay ahead of the curve to ensure your business remains visible and relevant.

Search engine optimization is a necessity for any business seeking online success. Contact Solutions by Design today to learn more about the SEO Packages we have to offer. And remember… Everything we do at Solutions by Design is custom designed and developed with your company in mind. Search Engine Optimization is not a “What works for one, works for all” sort of thing and we pride ourselves on No Canned Content…ever.

How To Get More Reviews on Google

Solutions by Design

At Solutions by Design, one of the many services we offer to our clients is Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Management. In all of our years doing this, we can’t tell you how many times we’ve been asked “How can my business get more reviews on Google?”

Google Reviews are one of the most important aspects of online marketing for businesses of all types, and why you should put more effort into getting them.

Let’s think about it…when you are looking for a product or service in your area, what’s the first thing you do? If you are like most people, you probably go to your computer and do a quick Google search. According to Forbes “More than 60% of customers check Google reviews online before they visit a business.”

The popularity of Google as a search engine means that Google reviews are more widely read. Getting positive reviews from your customers on Google is important because:

• People are more likely to visit your website or your business if they see good reviews.

• If Google sees that you have good reviews, your website will be ranked higher in search engine results because Google can see you are popular and offer customers an enjoyable experience.

• Good reviews improve brand trust. People trust Google, so they trust reviews found on Google.

How Can You Gain More Positive Reviews on Google?

1. Ask for Reviews From Happy Customers – It’s a good idea to ask for a review just after someone has had an excellent experience.

2. Explain to Customers How to Leave a Review - Some customers won’t know how to leave a review so it’s worth explaining the process to them.

3. Include Links to Your Google My Business Page on Your Website – Encourage customers who visit your website to click on the Reviews link and write a review of their experience with you.

4. Share a Google Review Link - To make it easier for customers to leave a review, send them a link to your Google business page.

5. Thank Customers for Leaving a Review - Thanking a customer for a good review shows that you care what customers think about you and are grateful for their business.

We all want tons and tons of amazing reviews on Google, but the most important thing you can do is… As tempting as it may be, NEVER buy reviews. It’s all about authenticity and search engines and SEO algorithms, can recognize reviews and determine which ones are authentic. Do not fall into the trap of buying reviews, as this can cause serious consequences such as your business being fined or your Google account being shut down. Not to mention, it is also illegal according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Google Reviews are a big deciding factor for potential customers and by leveraging this simple tool, your business can benefit greatly. Need help getting positive reviews for your business? Contact us for more information at info@solutionsbydesign.com.

 

Are You Creating Engaging Content?

Solutions by Design

Social media engagement is an important metric to consider when building your brand. While it is important to increase the size of your audience, it is just as (if not more) important to increase your engagement. When you engage with your audience on social media you can turn some of your followers from fans into clients. The time you devote to building relationships through social media engagement can lead to an increase in client loyalty and higher positive reviews. Social media engagement is not just about looking popular…it’s about making meaningful connections with current and future clients, which will boost your brand online.

First off…what is social media engagement?

“Social media engagement is an umbrella term for actions that reflect and measure how much your audience interacts with your content.Social media engagement can include likes, comments, and shares, but varies by platform.”

Activity and engagement are crucial when trying to build a positive brand experience. Social media engagement is measured by a range of metrics that could include the following:

• Shares 
• Comments 
• Likes 
• Follows 
• Mentions 
• Click-throughs

When potential clients engage with your posts, you’re presented with an opportunity to get to know those clients and build relationships with them. By helping your clients when they’re in need, offers a one-of-a-kind customer experience that they may not get from your competitors.

OK…great. But how can you increase your engagement?

1. Share Engaging Content - Creating unique and relevant social media content is great for attracting new followers and it also keeps existing followers engaged. When creating content for your social media channels, follow the 80/20 rule where 80% of your social media posts either educate, entertain,or help followers solve a problem, while the remaining 20% directly promotes your business. This will help you focus on creating quality content your clients like. Keep in mind…if you’re just talking about how great your brand is, or what you have for sale, it’s going to be harder for your clients to connect and stay engaged.

2. Run Social Media Contests - Hosting a social media contest or giveaway will get people talking and interacting! Social media contests should be designed to entice your audience with a prize and push them to engage with your content by following, liking, sharing, or commenting.

3. Ask questions - When you post questions as content, you can get your audience to engage more with your business. Asking questions is one of the best social media engagement strategies for getting people to participate. Try encouraging your audience to post photos of your products or results from your services. Invite them to tag your business in the picture. When you find their posts, ask permission to post them on your social profile, and once granted, schedule the content to post on your page. User-generated content is a great way to improve social media engagement, which can lead to word-of-mouth recommendations.

That said…social media is a full time Job.

To make Social Media work for you, it’s not enough to create engagement…but to stay engaged.

If your Social Media engagement is slipping, it might have something to do with your post frequency. Potential clients use social media at all different times of the day. Some are online throughout the day, while others may only check it in the early morning or evening. If you’re business is randomly publishing a few posts each day, there’s a good chance some of your audience will miss them. By the time consumers check their feed, your content could be buried.

Did you know…

• As of 2022, there are 4.9 billion active internet users worldwide.

• There are roughly 500,000 new internet users every single day.

• There are 4.74 billion social media users around the world in October 2022, equating to 59.3 percent of the total global population.
  

• 80% of consumers making buying decisions based on a friend's social media post. 

If you need help or ideas on how to create more engagement with your social media posts, contact Solutions by Design. Our team has the experience, along with proper knowledge and planning to assess the effectiveness and the impact of your Social Media Marketing.

Myths & Facts About SEO

Every day businesses across the country are flooded with telemarketing calls from various website and SEO companies. You’ve probably received a few of these calls in the recent past. Almost all of them claim to have discovered “serious issues” with your website that “affects SEO and rankings.” Of course, they will be happy to email over their report and if you sign up with them they will “fix” these "serious" issues.

The reports they send to you often appear troubling. “Issues” are dramatically described and highlighted, leading you to believe that your current SEO efforts, if you have any, are not working properly or inefficient. If you have an SEO company on retainer, you will begin to question their methods and expertise; and your doubts are what these companies are counting on.

If you look closely at these reports, many of them contain “issues” that are simply SEO myths that have persisted for a long time. Many of the “issues” have absolutely NO EFFECT on rankings, or at one time used to be factors but are no longer regarded as important. We will explain a few of these myths below in order to educate you on the tactics employed by less-than-reputable companies.

Myth: Your site must be submitted to hundreds of search engines and directory listings to get noticed.
Fact: Search engines will always find your website if at least one other website links to it. Submitting your website to “hundreds” of online directories and search engines is a waste of time, and in some cases, may hurt your rankings if your site is linked from questionable sources.

Myth: Having META tags will help your rankings.
Fact: The vast majority of search engines ignore META keyword, description, author, and robots tags, for obvious reasons. These tags have been abused in the past by webmasters looking to “game the system.” Search engines have ignored them for years.

Myth: You must have hundreds of “inbound links” to rank high.
Fact: Search engines place more importance on the quality of the inbound links rather than the quantity. Having a few inbound links from highly recognized and respected sources are much better than having numerous links from low-quality sources.

Myth: Your site must have a high "PageRank" in order to rank higher in the search results.
Fact: PageRank is just one factor Google uses in figuring out how to rank pages. A site with a low PageRank will show up higher in the search results if Google thinks it's more relevant.

Myth: Proper SEO will give your site permanent top rankings.
Fact: There is no such thing as permanent rankings. Search engine algorithms change all the time and rankings fluctuate as a result. New websites are constantly appearing, challenging the existing websites for rankings. Even the smallest tweak to the contents of your website may have a dramatic effect on rankings. As we’ve seen all too clearly here at Solutions by Design, customer reviews have a serious impact on local rankings.

Myth: You must have your targeted keywords in the IMG ALT tag and a link’s Title tag.
Fact: Like the META tags, these have been greatly abused in the past and search engines largely ignore them. It’s best just to place an exact description of the image or link into these tags to help the search engines identify them.

Myth: It’s important for your rankings to update your home page frequently.
Fact: Unless your home page is a blog with daily posts, static content containing your targeted keywords is just fine. There are plenty of “stale” sites with top rankings.

Myth: H1 tags are a crucial part of SEO and rankings.
Fact: There is little correlation between H1 tags and rankings. H1 tags play an important role and should be used primarily for accessibility and usability, but they have little effect on rankings.

Myth: Your site must have a specific “keyword density” in order to rank high.
Fact: As long as your site contains your targeted keywords in an easy-to-read and engaging format, search engines will be able to identify and index it. Trying to achieve an arbitrary keyword density percentage is both a waste of time and a pain for your customers to read.

There are many more myths that SEO companies still try to peddle in order to get your business, and it’s important for you to do your research and consult with people you trust before signing on with them. If they try to make the case for one of these SEO myths then they are not the company for you. If you have any questions or concerns about a company that is contacting you about these myths, feel free to give Solutions by Design a call and ask for our SEO department. Call 800-888-4084.

The Future Is Voice Search

A Burger King commercial caused a bit of controversy recently, not for anything racy or disturbing, but for being too invasive. The 15-second ad starts with a Burger King employee holding up the sandwich saying, “You’re watching a 15-second Burger King ad, which is unfortunately not enough time to explain all the fresh ingredients in the Whopper sandwich. But I’ve got an idea. OK, Google, what is the Whopper burger?”

If a viewer has the Google Home assistant or an Android phone with voice search enabled within listening range of the TV, that last phrase - “Hello Google, what is the Whopper burger?” - is intended to trigger the device to search for Whopper on Google and read out the finding from Wikipedia. Admittedly, it’s a clever marketing campaign and the first one to make use of what’s fast becoming a standard in many homes - the personal voice assistant.

Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Home assistants sold at a rapid pace last year, and this year the sales are expected to grow even more. With both assistants able to do everything from record notes to control lights and appliances by simply speaking to them, people are discovering the value in owning these assistants. And one of the biggest uses of these devices is the ability to search for information or businesses simply by speaking.

Moms can look up recipes and have the assistant read them back as she’s making dinner. Dads can ask the assistant for the nearest automotive store. The kids can ask about upcoming concerts or video game releases. The possibilities are endless - and convenient. All you do is simply speak.

And it’s not just these assistants that are becoming the go-to devices for voice search. Smartphones are now a big part of the voice search landscape. Voice search can be enabled on both Android and Apple smartphones, and Samsung is releasing their Bixby voice assistant with the new Galaxy S8 this month. Even Microsoft is entering the game with their Cortana voice assistant which can be enabled on computers and tablets.

What does this mean for your business? First of all, it’s important to have a solid SEO strategy in place that can capitalize on this emerging search arena. When people type a search phrase into their browsers, most of the time they use simple truncated phrases to save on typing. For example, if someone is searching for an orthodontist in Dallas they may simply enter, “orthodontists Dallas.” This is especially true on a mobile device where typing can be tedious.

But a voice search uses more natural language, and most people aren’t concerned about truncation. The same person searching for an orthodontist may say, “What is the closest orthodontist to Jefferson Elementary?”, or “What are the top five orthodontists nearest to my home?” Natural language searches like these open up new challenges for SEO.

Here at Solutions by Design, we are fully aware of this new future in search, and are positioning our SEO efforts to meet this new challenge. Part of our SEO strategy will be to make use of this new “natural language” search in our optimization efforts and guide our clients in understanding the implications and benefits. It’s an exciting transition in the world of search and we want our clients to be prepared.

We #MannequinChallenge You

The latest internet craze is the Mannequin Challenge! The #MannequinChallenge involves a group of people to strike a pose while being filmed to hip hop artist Rae Sremmurd’s newly released song “Black Beatles” in the background.

The first viral video of the Mannequin Challenge surfaced in October 2016, and it's now trending all across the net. There are currently more than 56,000 posts with the hashtag #MannequinChallenge and the number rises every day. Now, it’s our turn!

Just a typical day at Solutions by design…#MannequinChallenge



The Mannequin Challenge is easy to create and fun to participate in! It’s so fun, we’re challenging YOU to create your own clip! It may seem a little odd, but trust us, it’s a powerful form of social media marketing and branding. Many brands have received amazing results while posting viral videos such as this, so join us and take on our challenge!

Tag Us! 

Don’t forget to tag us in your mannequin challenge videos! Use #SBDMadeMeDoIt so we can LIKE & SHARE your video!

What Can Social Media Do For Your SEO?

There is a misunderstanding for many business owners about how to grow your organic rankings on search engines like Google. Having an experienced and skilled SEO director is a key to achieving higher rankings, but it’s important to remember that without social media, particularly a social media strategist, your organic rankings will not advance to the optimum level of achievement. These days, simply having your business profile on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram isn’t enough to boost your search rankings. There is more to it.  You need to ask yourself one simple question, do you have a consistent social media strategy in place for your business? If you don't, you need one in order to see an increase in organic search rankings. Remember, if you're not in the number one spot, your competitor is.

What’s a social media strategy?
Simply having a social media presence is not enough these days; you must be active, engaging, and monitoring your social media profiles regularly. It’s important to recognize what social media channels will fit the needs of your business industry, set realistic goals for these channels, and implement them on a consistent basis. One important realization to keep in mind is social media is overwhelming, and with so many social networks out there comes constant new features to track and stay educated on in order to integrate them into your social media strategy.

What can social media do for your SEO?
Social media and SEO are in a tactical relationship with each other. How so? They are both strategies that focus on creating an appealing identity that will increase visitors.  Having a strong plan for each of these will benefit the other. Having a solid social media strategy and presence can influence your Google rankings and improve your SEO. This includes updating, monitoring, and implementing everything on your social media pages from the quality of your followers to the content you post and engagement on your page. If you don’t have a skilled social media manager with the expertise of utilizing social media for increasing your SEO, then you need to think about how serious you are about achieving the highest organic ranking you can.

If you don’t have a full-time social media manager at your business, no need to panic. Solutions by Design has social media services with experts who will develop and implement social media strategies for you. We specialize in working with businesses on social media and SEO and can help you reach your goals and increase your search engine optimization. Visit our website or give us a call for more information. 800-888-4084.

Rank Before Your Competitors! Tips For Effective Local SEO

The majority of businesses provide goods or services locally, meaning their customer base is confined to a certain geographical area. For example, an orthodontist or a veterinarian provide their services to a city, county, or region where their client base is within easy driving distance.

So for these businesses, all of their SEO efforts should be tuned to providing local results. But what are some of the ways in which a business can effectively target the local market and get the highest possible rankings?

Optimize your “Google My Business” page

Some of our SEO clients prefer that we handle the setup and maintenance of their Google My Business page. This is Google’s portal for local businesses to provide important information such as location, hours, business category, etc. Having an optimized Google My Business page is essential for your local SEO efforts.

But by far, most of our SEO clients control their own Google My Business page. For those of you that do, here are some tips for properly maintaining your page:

• Add a business address that is consistent with local directories as well as your website 
• Select the correct category for your business 
• Add a local business phone number to your listing 
• Add a unique business description, and include links to your other social media pages 
• Add your business hours 
• Upload a high-resolution cover photo and profile image 
• Upload as many photos (and videos) as possible 

Ask your customers for reviews

Having positive reviews builds trust in your business and gives your customers confidence. It also helps a great deal in how your business is ranked locally with your competitors. There’s no such thing as too many positive reviews.

Some SEO clients offer incentives for customers to leave reviews, which can certainly be effective, but there are other ways in which you can encourage your customers. Remember, it is best to capture reviews as soon as possible from your customers because they are more likely to respond favorably to your request rather than six months down the road.

• A simple hand-out or email that lists various review sites, and asks them to choose one or more 
• A place on your website that captures their attention and provides links to the various review sites 
• An occasional posting on social media that asks customers to leave a review, along with links to top review sites 
• Train your staff to routinely ask your customers for reviews 

There are many more tips for local SEO. The important thing to remember is that you put in the time and effort for the best results. If you are interested in improving your local SEO rankings, now is the time to do it. Your competitors are. The longer you wait the harder it will be to catch up to them. Contact Solutions By Design today to get started, call 800-888-4084.

The Secret To Higher Invisalign Rankings

Before Invisalign made a concerted effort to advertise nationally through television and online advertising, orthodontic practice websites usually maintained high rankings in Invisalign searches by simply having one or two pages of Invisalign content. But that’s not the case anymore.

Now that more people are aware of what Invisalign is and how it works, and because more people than ever are searching for information and providers, those websites with minimal Invisalign information are seeing drastic decreases in rankings in the search results. So what’s the solution?

If you conduct a search for “Invisalign in (your city)” you will begin to notice one key difference between those at the top of the rankings and those at the bottom. Clicking on the top websites will present you with far more Invisalign information, including pages with videos, testimonials, and other information. This is a great example of Google’s focus on relevance.

Google has decided, and rightly so, that someone looking for information on Invisalign will want as much information as possible in one location. Given the choice between one page of general information or multiple pages with videos and other resources, which one would you choose?

If you are serious about increasing your Invisalign rankings, now is the time to add more Invisalign content to your website. Your competitors are. The longer you wait the harder it will be to catch up to them. Contact Solutions By Design today to get started, call 800-888-4084.

Exciting Changes for SEO in 2016

The SEO industry is constantly changing, and one of the challenges for us is keeping up with this ever-changing landscape and, more importantly, continually adding value to our SEO services.

As we move into a new year, we are planning on implementing some exciting changes for our many SEO clients. First and foremost will be dynamic online reporting. Utilizing our popular ANDI client portal, your SEO reports will be available online for reviewing at any time, along with historical trends and other important information.

If you haven’t used the ANDI portal yet, you will find it powerful and easy. All of our products are at your fingertips, along with the latest news and information from Solutions by Design. Adding the SEO product will make it even more valuable for our clients.

There are even more changes in the works for SEO in 2016. Our commitment is to continually provide leading-edge SEO services, and when combined with our proven social media strategies it makes sense to go with a company that stays current with the changing online marketing landscape.

Shouldn’t your New Year’s resolutions include SEO and Social Media?

SBD Website Development - January 2016 News

All of our website clients received an e-mail discussing the addition of a SSL Certificate to your website for added security.  This is highly recommended for a variety of reasons. As discussed in the document that you received, not only is this necessary for Chrome but we fell will be a requirement by most browsers to add security to the sites visited.

If you didn’t catch the email on SSL security here is a short list of reasons why this is a critical piece to your site:

• Information submitted on the internet often pass through more than one computer before reaching its destination – SSL certificates encrypts communication broadcasted between users and webservers in case hackers are listening or collecting data (data mining) from the webpage traffic.


• Establishes trust with users accessing your webpage – so the public know you are who you say you are and transactions are protected.


• Authenticates your organization identity to public users via a Padlock image on the address bar in case someone else is spoofing with your IP address (trying to communicate information on your behalf).


• Encrypts webpage transactions so users who fill out forms or enter in their information through the website know it is encrypted. Any and all forms will now be secured.


• SEO…(search engines optimization) is enhanced with secure sites.

New Testimonial Page:

Many of our website clients utilize blink and or Montage.  Practice Reviewer is a great tool for enhanced SEO.  We are adding a new twist to those of you that use both of these products.  The new Testimonial feature allows your patients to take a photo with the Montage Board….then post a comment along with the photo to your website!  Before the Testimonial goes live…you will review each in ANDI, controlling all content before it goes live.

ScreenPlay January 2016 News

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ScreenPlay continues to gain market share as more and more users are finding and becoming comfortable with its power.  A new update is scheduled for release soon and will include a variety of new animations on appliances.

ScreenPlay Features:

Extensive Animation and Video Library
You can educate patients at the exam as they sit chair-side using our dynamic 3D animations. ScreenPlay has patient education videos ranges from 1.5 to 8 minutes in length, professionally produced and are regarded as the best in the business.

Malocclusion Specific
Features more than a thousand animations, all specific to patient age classification and malocclusion with problem and treatment options. Each step in the treatment process can be demonstrated the way you recommend treatment. An audio track describing the problem or treatment accompanies each animation.

Sending Presentations Home

At the end of your presentation, you can compile the entire presentation and burn it to a CD or Email it home to the patient. Each contains all of the information presented in the examination, including actual patient records, findings, policy and procedure forms, care and use forms, problem and treatment demonstration animations with audio tracks and patient education videos.

Languages

ScreenPlay has a multt-language interface providing voice-overs and captions for all the animations and education videos in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.

Protocol Management Center
With Protocols, you can create a favorite set of animations. It may be just a single animation like an RPE, or an entire string of animations and videos. This provides simple access for individual appliances or problems.

Digital Forms
ScreenPlay also includes a series of administrative as well as clinical forms for use in the consultation or throughout treatment as needed.

With this offer there are 3 maintenance packages for you to choose from.

For more information on ScreenPlay Pro and our new pricing please contact us at 1-800-888-4084