Google Ads rolls out new design to all markets on Aug. 30

Google Ads is finalizing the rollout of its new design to all markets starting Aug. 30, retiring the old interface for desktop users.

The big picture. First launched in 2023, the new Google Ads design overhauls how the product is organized, aiming to make tools and features easier to find while retaining existing functionality.

Why it matters. Advertisers have shown a preference for the updated look based on sustained usage during the initial rollout, according to Google. The company says the changes will streamline workflow for both new and experienced users.

Why we care. While a design revamp may seem superficial, it will impact workflow efficiency and new user training. Google aims to make this a future-proof design, meaning advertisers should prioritize and embrace this transition.

What’s New:

  • Main menu: A left-side menu organizes pages into 5 high-level categories (see below).
  • Search: A top search bar allows quick access to specific tools and settings.
  • Clean UI: The new interface presents a cleaner, more modern look and feel.

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The 5 categories:

  • Campaigns – Analyze, optimize and manage ad campaigns.
  • Goals – Define, monitor and update conversion goals.
  • Tools – Access tools for planning, bidding, troubleshooting, assets and audiences.
  • Billing – Monitor spend and make payments.
  • Admin – Manage team access, security settings and account details.

The transition. While all functionality remains intact, the old Google Ads design will sunset on August 30th for desktop users, who must switch to the new experience.

Reaction. This announcement was first noticed on Thomas Eccel’s LinkedIn profile. Being an early tester of the new design, Eccel noted:

  • “I recommend using the new Google Ads UI already, to adapt soon enough.
  • “In the beginning my brain struggled to find tools and submenus, but it will get used to it.  
  • The best thing about the new design is that you can finally segment (conversions etc.) one specific PMax campaign without selecting ‘All Campaigns’ or ‘All PMax campaigns’.”

What Google is saying. “We’ll continue to fully support existing features and tools,” per Google’s announcement, encouraging users to embrace the updated organizational structure.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-ads-new-design-launching-august-443067

Google Ads rolls out new design to all markets on Aug. 30

Google Ads is finalizing the rollout of its new design to all markets starting Aug. 30, retiring the old interface for desktop users.

The big picture. First launched in 2023, the new Google Ads design overhauls how the product is organized, aiming to make tools and features easier to find while retaining existing functionality.

Why it matters. Advertisers have shown a preference for the updated look based on sustained usage during the initial rollout, according to Google. The company says the changes will streamline workflow for both new and experienced users.

Why we care. While a design revamp may seem superficial, it will impact workflow efficiency and new user training. Google aims to make this a future-proof design, meaning advertisers should prioritize and embrace this transition.

What’s New:

  • Main menu: A left-side menu organizes pages into 5 high-level categories (see below).
  • Search: A top search bar allows quick access to specific tools and settings.
  • Clean UI: The new interface presents a cleaner, more modern look and feel.

Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.



The 5 categories:

  • Campaigns – Analyze, optimize and manage ad campaigns.
  • Goals – Define, monitor and update conversion goals.
  • Tools – Access tools for planning, bidding, troubleshooting, assets and audiences.
  • Billing – Monitor spend and make payments.
  • Admin – Manage team access, security settings and account details.

The transition. While all functionality remains intact, the old Google Ads design will sunset on August 30th for desktop users, who must switch to the new experience.

Reaction. This announcement was first noticed on Thomas Eccel’s LinkedIn profile. Being an early tester of the new design, Eccel noted:

  • “I recommend using the new Google Ads UI already, to adapt soon enough.
  • “In the beginning my brain struggled to find tools and submenus, but it will get used to it.  
  • The best thing about the new design is that you can finally segment (conversions etc.) one specific PMax campaign without selecting ‘All Campaigns’ or ‘All PMax campaigns’.”

What Google is saying. “We’ll continue to fully support existing features and tools,” per Google’s announcement, encouraging users to embrace the updated organizational structure.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-ads-new-design-launching-august-443067

Google Ads rolls out new design to all markets on Aug. 30

Google Ads is finalizing the rollout of its new design to all markets starting Aug. 30, retiring the old interface for desktop users.

The big picture. First launched in 2023, the new Google Ads design overhauls how the product is organized, aiming to make tools and features easier to find while retaining existing functionality.

Why it matters. Advertisers have shown a preference for the updated look based on sustained usage during the initial rollout, according to Google. The company says the changes will streamline workflow for both new and experienced users.

Why we care. While a design revamp may seem superficial, it will impact workflow efficiency and new user training. Google aims to make this a future-proof design, meaning advertisers should prioritize and embrace this transition.

What’s New:

  • Main menu: A left-side menu organizes pages into 5 high-level categories (see below).
  • Search: A top search bar allows quick access to specific tools and settings.
  • Clean UI: The new interface presents a cleaner, more modern look and feel.

Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.



The 5 categories:

  • Campaigns – Analyze, optimize and manage ad campaigns.
  • Goals – Define, monitor and update conversion goals.
  • Tools – Access tools for planning, bidding, troubleshooting, assets and audiences.
  • Billing – Monitor spend and make payments.
  • Admin – Manage team access, security settings and account details.

The transition. While all functionality remains intact, the old Google Ads design will sunset on August 30th for desktop users, who must switch to the new experience.

Reaction. This announcement was first noticed on Thomas Eccel’s LinkedIn profile. Being an early tester of the new design, Eccel noted:

  • “I recommend using the new Google Ads UI already, to adapt soon enough.
  • “In the beginning my brain struggled to find tools and submenus, but it will get used to it.  
  • The best thing about the new design is that you can finally segment (conversions etc.) one specific PMax campaign without selecting ‘All Campaigns’ or ‘All PMax campaigns’.”

What Google is saying. “We’ll continue to fully support existing features and tools,” per Google’s announcement, encouraging users to embrace the updated organizational structure.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-ads-new-design-launching-august-443067

How Regular Vehicle Maintenance Can Boost Your Business’s Bottom Line

Home Business Magazine Online

Regular vehicle maintenance might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it plays a crucial role in the financial health of your business. Properly maintained vehicles can lead to significant savings and increased efficiency. Neglecting vehicle upkeep, on the other hand, can result in unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and lost productivity. This article will highlight the financial advantages of staying on top of vehicle maintenance and how it can positively impact your business’s bottom line.

Reduction in Major Repair Costs

One of the most immediate and obvious benefits of regular vehicle maintenance is the reduction in major repair costs. Routine checks and minor repairs can prevent small issues from escalating into significant problems that require extensive and expensive repairs. For instance, regularly changing the oil, checking tire pressure, and inspecting brakes can help avoid engine failure or brake malfunctions, which can be costly to fix.

A consistent maintenance schedule ensures potential problems are identified and addressed early. This proactive approach saves money and extends your vehicle’s lifespan, allowing you to get more out of your investment. Regular maintenance will save on long-term costs by minimizing the need for major repairs and replacements.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Another significant financial benefit of regular vehicle maintenance is improved fuel efficiency. Well-maintained vehicles operate more efficiently, consuming less fuel and reducing overall operating costs. Simple maintenance tasks like changing air filters, keeping tires properly inflated, and ensuring the engine is running smoothly can substantially impact fuel consumption.

Fuel costs can constitute a large portion of the operating budget for businesses that rely heavily on vehicles, such as delivery services or transportation companies. By maintaining your vehicles in top condition, you can achieve better fuel economy, which translates into direct savings. Over time, these savings can accumulate to a considerable amount, positively affecting your business’s bottom line.

Enhanced Employee Productivity

Reliable transportation is essential for maintaining high levels of employee productivity. When your business vehicles are well-maintained, employees can depend on them to perform their tasks efficiently and on time. On the contrary, frequent breakdowns and mechanical issues can cause delays, missed appointments, and decreased productivity.

Employees who drive reliable, well-maintained vehicles are likely to experience less stress and frustration, leading to increased job satisfaction and better performance. Additionally, when vehicles are regularly maintained, there is less downtime needed for repairs, meaning employees spend more time working and less time waiting for vehicles to be fixed.

Investing in regular maintenance for your fleet not only ensures the smooth operation of your business but also boosts employee morale and productivity, which can have a significant positive impact on your overall business performance.

Insurance and Warranty Benefits

Maintaining your vehicles can also lead to benefits in terms of insurance and warranties. Insurance companies often provide lower premiums for well-maintained vehicles, as they are less likely to be involved in accidents or suffer from major mechanical failures. By keeping detailed records of all maintenance activities, you can demonstrate to your insurance provider that your vehicles are in good condition, potentially qualifying for discounts and lower rates.

Regular maintenance can help you stay within the terms of your vehicle warranties. Most warranties require that vehicles undergo routine maintenance to remain valid. Failing to adhere to these requirements can result in the warranty being voided, leaving you responsible for all repair costs. By keeping up with regular maintenance, you ensure that your warranty remains intact, providing you with financial protection against unexpected repairs.

Preserving Vehicle Resale Value

When the time comes to sell or trade-in your business vehicles, their condition will significantly impact their resale value. Well-maintained vehicles typically command higher prices in the used vehicle market. Potential buyers are willing to pay a premium for vehicles with complete maintenance records, as this gives them confidence that the vehicle has been cared for and is less likely to have hidden issues.

By investing in regular maintenance, you can preserve the resale value of your vehicles, allowing you to recoup a higher percentage of your initial investment. This can be particularly beneficial if your business frequently updates its fleet, as the increased resale value can help offset the cost of purchasing new vehicles.

Implementing a Maintenance Schedule

To fully realize the financial benefits of regular vehicle maintenance, it is essential to implement a comprehensive maintenance schedule. This involves setting up routine inspections and servicing for all vehicles in your fleet. Here are some key steps to creating an effective maintenance schedule:

  • Determine Maintenance Intervals: Establish the frequency of maintenance tasks based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the specific usage patterns of your vehicles.
  • Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a log of all maintenance activities, including dates, services performed, and parts replaced. This documentation is valuable for tracking the condition of your vehicles and for warranty and insurance purposes.
  • Use Quality Parts and Services: Ensure that maintenance tasks are performed using high-quality parts and by qualified technicians. This helps maintain the reliability and efficiency of your vehicles.
  • Educate Employees: Train your employees on the importance of vehicle maintenance and encourage them to report any issues promptly. Early detection of problems can prevent costly repairs and downtime.

Investing in Vehicle Maintenance Pays Off

Regular vehicle maintenance is a wise investment that can yield substantial financial returns for your business. You can significantly boost your bottom line by reducing major repair costs, improving fuel efficiency, enhancing employee productivity, benefiting from insurance and warranty advantages, and preserving resale value. Implementing a comprehensive maintenance schedule and committing to regular upkeep will ensure that your business vehicles remain reliable and cost-effective assets. Remember, regular maintenance will save your business long-term and keep things running smoothly and profitably.

The post How Regular Vehicle Maintenance Can Boost Your Business’s Bottom Line appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/management/operations/regular-vehicle-maintenance-boost-business-bottom-line/

Study: 96% of sites in Google’s top 10 positions have 1,000+ links from unique domains

Can you rank in the top 10 of Google with very few links? Not according to a new analysis published today by Internet Marketing Ninjas. It found that:

  • Over 96% of websites ranking in the top 10 of Google had more than 1,000 backlinks from unique domains.
  • Only 0.3% had less than 100 backlinks.

Why we care. Google has been saying that links are no longer one of the top three ranking signals and needs “very few links to rank pages.” However, clearly, websites that rank well tend to have more backlinks. But it’s also true that webpages that rank well tend to attract a lot more backlinks – because they rank so well.

The results. Here’s a table showing the overall findings:

Some other interesting findings from the backlink analysis:

  • Amazon ranked in the top 10 for 164 of the 200 keywords; the next closest brand was Walmart (57).
  • The “weakest” site had 54 referring domains and ranked in Position 6.
  • An average of 164 unique domain backlinks appeared to be the “minimum required to rank in the top 10” for local search terms, for the lowest 10 sites

But. As the study notes, not all links have equal value. Variables that could influence the value of a link include the authoritativeness of the linking site, anchor text and whether people actually click on the links.

About the data. The results are based on an analysis of the top 10 Google Search results, consistenting of 1,113 unique websites, for 200 random commercial intent keyword phrases.

The study. You can read it here: Backlinks Google Study

Dig deeper. Search Engine Land contributor and SMX speaker Eric Enge has done multiple studies in past years showing that links have value:

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/link-importance-google-top-10-study-443024

How Regular Vehicle Maintenance Can Boost Your Business’s Bottom Line

Home Business Magazine Online

Regular vehicle maintenance might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it plays a crucial role in the financial health of your business. Properly maintained vehicles can lead to significant savings and increased efficiency. Neglecting vehicle upkeep, on the other hand, can result in unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and lost productivity. This article will highlight the financial advantages of staying on top of vehicle maintenance and how it can positively impact your business’s bottom line.

Reduction in Major Repair Costs

One of the most immediate and obvious benefits of regular vehicle maintenance is the reduction in major repair costs. Routine checks and minor repairs can prevent small issues from escalating into significant problems that require extensive and expensive repairs. For instance, regularly changing the oil, checking tire pressure, and inspecting brakes can help avoid engine failure or brake malfunctions, which can be costly to fix.

A consistent maintenance schedule ensures potential problems are identified and addressed early. This proactive approach saves money and extends your vehicle’s lifespan, allowing you to get more out of your investment. Regular maintenance will save on long-term costs by minimizing the need for major repairs and replacements.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Another significant financial benefit of regular vehicle maintenance is improved fuel efficiency. Well-maintained vehicles operate more efficiently, consuming less fuel and reducing overall operating costs. Simple maintenance tasks like changing air filters, keeping tires properly inflated, and ensuring the engine is running smoothly can substantially impact fuel consumption.

Fuel costs can constitute a large portion of the operating budget for businesses that rely heavily on vehicles, such as delivery services or transportation companies. By maintaining your vehicles in top condition, you can achieve better fuel economy, which translates into direct savings. Over time, these savings can accumulate to a considerable amount, positively affecting your business’s bottom line.

Enhanced Employee Productivity

Reliable transportation is essential for maintaining high levels of employee productivity. When your business vehicles are well-maintained, employees can depend on them to perform their tasks efficiently and on time. On the contrary, frequent breakdowns and mechanical issues can cause delays, missed appointments, and decreased productivity.

Employees who drive reliable, well-maintained vehicles are likely to experience less stress and frustration, leading to increased job satisfaction and better performance. Additionally, when vehicles are regularly maintained, there is less downtime needed for repairs, meaning employees spend more time working and less time waiting for vehicles to be fixed.

Investing in regular maintenance for your fleet not only ensures the smooth operation of your business but also boosts employee morale and productivity, which can have a significant positive impact on your overall business performance.

Insurance and Warranty Benefits

Maintaining your vehicles can also lead to benefits in terms of insurance and warranties. Insurance companies often provide lower premiums for well-maintained vehicles, as they are less likely to be involved in accidents or suffer from major mechanical failures. By keeping detailed records of all maintenance activities, you can demonstrate to your insurance provider that your vehicles are in good condition, potentially qualifying for discounts and lower rates.

Regular maintenance can help you stay within the terms of your vehicle warranties. Most warranties require that vehicles undergo routine maintenance to remain valid. Failing to adhere to these requirements can result in the warranty being voided, leaving you responsible for all repair costs. By keeping up with regular maintenance, you ensure that your warranty remains intact, providing you with financial protection against unexpected repairs.

Preserving Vehicle Resale Value

When the time comes to sell or trade-in your business vehicles, their condition will significantly impact their resale value. Well-maintained vehicles typically command higher prices in the used vehicle market. Potential buyers are willing to pay a premium for vehicles with complete maintenance records, as this gives them confidence that the vehicle has been cared for and is less likely to have hidden issues.

By investing in regular maintenance, you can preserve the resale value of your vehicles, allowing you to recoup a higher percentage of your initial investment. This can be particularly beneficial if your business frequently updates its fleet, as the increased resale value can help offset the cost of purchasing new vehicles.

Implementing a Maintenance Schedule

To fully realize the financial benefits of regular vehicle maintenance, it is essential to implement a comprehensive maintenance schedule. This involves setting up routine inspections and servicing for all vehicles in your fleet. Here are some key steps to creating an effective maintenance schedule:

  • Determine Maintenance Intervals: Establish the frequency of maintenance tasks based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the specific usage patterns of your vehicles.
  • Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a log of all maintenance activities, including dates, services performed, and parts replaced. This documentation is valuable for tracking the condition of your vehicles and for warranty and insurance purposes.
  • Use Quality Parts and Services: Ensure that maintenance tasks are performed using high-quality parts and by qualified technicians. This helps maintain the reliability and efficiency of your vehicles.
  • Educate Employees: Train your employees on the importance of vehicle maintenance and encourage them to report any issues promptly. Early detection of problems can prevent costly repairs and downtime.

Investing in Vehicle Maintenance Pays Off

Regular vehicle maintenance is a wise investment that can yield substantial financial returns for your business. You can significantly boost your bottom line by reducing major repair costs, improving fuel efficiency, enhancing employee productivity, benefiting from insurance and warranty advantages, and preserving resale value. Implementing a comprehensive maintenance schedule and committing to regular upkeep will ensure that your business vehicles remain reliable and cost-effective assets. Remember, regular maintenance will save your business long-term and keep things running smoothly and profitably.

The post How Regular Vehicle Maintenance Can Boost Your Business’s Bottom Line appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/management/operations/regular-vehicle-maintenance-boost-business-bottom-line/

Study: 96% of sites in Google’s top 10 positions have 1,000+ links from unique domains

Can you rank in the top 10 of Google with very few links? Not according to a new analysis published today by Internet Marketing Ninjas. It found that:

  • Over 96% of websites ranking in the top 10 of Google had more than 1,000 backlinks from unique domains.
  • Only 0.3% had less than 100 backlinks.

Why we care. Google has been saying that links are no longer one of the top three ranking signals and needs “very few links to rank pages.” However, clearly, websites that rank well tend to have more backlinks. But it’s also true that webpages that rank well tend to attract a lot more backlinks – because they rank so well.

The results. Here’s a table showing the overall findings:

Some other interesting findings from the backlink analysis:

  • Amazon ranked in the top 10 for 164 of the 200 keywords; the next closest brand was Walmart (57).
  • The “weakest” site had 54 referring domains and ranked in Position 6.
  • An average of 164 unique domain backlinks appeared to be the “minimum required to rank in the top 10” for local search terms, for the lowest 10 sites

But. As the study notes, not all links have equal value. Variables that could influence the value of a link include the authoritativeness of the linking site, anchor text and whether people actually click on the links.

About the data. The results are based on an analysis of the top 10 Google Search results, consistenting of 1,113 unique websites, for 200 random commercial intent keyword phrases.

The study. You can read it here: Backlinks Google Study

Dig deeper. Search Engine Land contributor and SMX speaker Eric Enge has done multiple studies in past years showing that links have value:

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/link-importance-google-top-10-study-443024

How Regular Vehicle Maintenance Can Boost Your Business’s Bottom Line

Home Business Magazine Online

Regular vehicle maintenance might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it plays a crucial role in the financial health of your business. Properly maintained vehicles can lead to significant savings and increased efficiency. Neglecting vehicle upkeep, on the other hand, can result in unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and lost productivity. This article will highlight the financial advantages of staying on top of vehicle maintenance and how it can positively impact your business’s bottom line.

Reduction in Major Repair Costs

One of the most immediate and obvious benefits of regular vehicle maintenance is the reduction in major repair costs. Routine checks and minor repairs can prevent small issues from escalating into significant problems that require extensive and expensive repairs. For instance, regularly changing the oil, checking tire pressure, and inspecting brakes can help avoid engine failure or brake malfunctions, which can be costly to fix.

A consistent maintenance schedule ensures potential problems are identified and addressed early. This proactive approach saves money and extends your vehicle’s lifespan, allowing you to get more out of your investment. Regular maintenance will save on long-term costs by minimizing the need for major repairs and replacements.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Another significant financial benefit of regular vehicle maintenance is improved fuel efficiency. Well-maintained vehicles operate more efficiently, consuming less fuel and reducing overall operating costs. Simple maintenance tasks like changing air filters, keeping tires properly inflated, and ensuring the engine is running smoothly can substantially impact fuel consumption.

Fuel costs can constitute a large portion of the operating budget for businesses that rely heavily on vehicles, such as delivery services or transportation companies. By maintaining your vehicles in top condition, you can achieve better fuel economy, which translates into direct savings. Over time, these savings can accumulate to a considerable amount, positively affecting your business’s bottom line.

Enhanced Employee Productivity

Reliable transportation is essential for maintaining high levels of employee productivity. When your business vehicles are well-maintained, employees can depend on them to perform their tasks efficiently and on time. On the contrary, frequent breakdowns and mechanical issues can cause delays, missed appointments, and decreased productivity.

Employees who drive reliable, well-maintained vehicles are likely to experience less stress and frustration, leading to increased job satisfaction and better performance. Additionally, when vehicles are regularly maintained, there is less downtime needed for repairs, meaning employees spend more time working and less time waiting for vehicles to be fixed.

Investing in regular maintenance for your fleet not only ensures the smooth operation of your business but also boosts employee morale and productivity, which can have a significant positive impact on your overall business performance.

Insurance and Warranty Benefits

Maintaining your vehicles can also lead to benefits in terms of insurance and warranties. Insurance companies often provide lower premiums for well-maintained vehicles, as they are less likely to be involved in accidents or suffer from major mechanical failures. By keeping detailed records of all maintenance activities, you can demonstrate to your insurance provider that your vehicles are in good condition, potentially qualifying for discounts and lower rates.

Regular maintenance can help you stay within the terms of your vehicle warranties. Most warranties require that vehicles undergo routine maintenance to remain valid. Failing to adhere to these requirements can result in the warranty being voided, leaving you responsible for all repair costs. By keeping up with regular maintenance, you ensure that your warranty remains intact, providing you with financial protection against unexpected repairs.

Preserving Vehicle Resale Value

When the time comes to sell or trade-in your business vehicles, their condition will significantly impact their resale value. Well-maintained vehicles typically command higher prices in the used vehicle market. Potential buyers are willing to pay a premium for vehicles with complete maintenance records, as this gives them confidence that the vehicle has been cared for and is less likely to have hidden issues.

By investing in regular maintenance, you can preserve the resale value of your vehicles, allowing you to recoup a higher percentage of your initial investment. This can be particularly beneficial if your business frequently updates its fleet, as the increased resale value can help offset the cost of purchasing new vehicles.

Implementing a Maintenance Schedule

To fully realize the financial benefits of regular vehicle maintenance, it is essential to implement a comprehensive maintenance schedule. This involves setting up routine inspections and servicing for all vehicles in your fleet. Here are some key steps to creating an effective maintenance schedule:

  • Determine Maintenance Intervals: Establish the frequency of maintenance tasks based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the specific usage patterns of your vehicles.
  • Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a log of all maintenance activities, including dates, services performed, and parts replaced. This documentation is valuable for tracking the condition of your vehicles and for warranty and insurance purposes.
  • Use Quality Parts and Services: Ensure that maintenance tasks are performed using high-quality parts and by qualified technicians. This helps maintain the reliability and efficiency of your vehicles.
  • Educate Employees: Train your employees on the importance of vehicle maintenance and encourage them to report any issues promptly. Early detection of problems can prevent costly repairs and downtime.

Investing in Vehicle Maintenance Pays Off

Regular vehicle maintenance is a wise investment that can yield substantial financial returns for your business. You can significantly boost your bottom line by reducing major repair costs, improving fuel efficiency, enhancing employee productivity, benefiting from insurance and warranty advantages, and preserving resale value. Implementing a comprehensive maintenance schedule and committing to regular upkeep will ensure that your business vehicles remain reliable and cost-effective assets. Remember, regular maintenance will save your business long-term and keep things running smoothly and profitably.

The post How Regular Vehicle Maintenance Can Boost Your Business’s Bottom Line appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/management/operations/regular-vehicle-maintenance-boost-business-bottom-line/

How to protect deep work time and retain focus as an SEO

How to protect deep work time and retain focus as an SEO

For any SEO professional, staying focused and productive can be a challenge.

With constant algorithm updates, changing trends and a barrage of emails and notifications, it can feel like you’re always playing catch-up.

That’s where deep work sessions come in.

Like any skill, developing deep work sessions takes practice.

At first, you might find yourself really struggling to retain focus. It can feel unnatural for many of us, especially if you are used to regular interruptions during your workday. Here are some tips to get started.

Schedule deep work sessions

Scheduling deep work sessions is the cornerstone of protecting your focus and productivity. One of the first things to do is understand your peak productivity times.

Everyone has certain times of the day when they feel most alert and productive.

For some, it’s the quiet hours of the early morning; for others, it might be later in the day.

Start by identifying when you are naturally most focused. You can track your energy levels and productivity weekly to find patterns.

Once you know your peak productivity times, block these periods out in your calendar specifically for deep work. Treat these blocks as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.

Just as you wouldn’t skip a meeting with a client, don’t skip your deep work sessions. It can be really helpful to have your deep work sessions at the same time each day or week.

Consistency helps train your brain to enter a focused state more easily.

The length of your deep work sessions can vary but if you are just starting out, then build it up slowly.

Create a distraction-free environment

Creating a distraction-free environment is essential for maintaining focus during deep work sessions. This can be the hardest part of curating your deep work sessions. 

If you are in an office environment, you might need to negotiate time in a quiet office or even hybrid working, where you can spend time at home with fewer interruptions.

If you work in an SEO team, then setting boundaries is key. Let your colleagues know when your sessions are, and ask them not to disturb you unless it is urgent. They can also help protect this time for you.

You could agree to a team rota so that each of you can have this valuable time on a daily or, if not possible, at least a weekly basis.

Once other people are not going to be an issue, the next biggest culprit is notifications. Here’s how to manage them:

  • Mobile devices: Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode or silence it completely during deep work sessions. Consider placing it out of reach to resist the temptation to check it. Give it to a colleague or put it in a drawer where you can’t see the screen. For lots of us, simply putting it next to us in easy reach is too tempting – a bit like having your favorite treat in eye-shot when you are trying to be healthy.
  • Computer alerts: Disable notifications for emails, social media and other apps that aren’t essential for your deep work. Many operating systems allow you to customize these settings easily.

Dig deeper: 10 things to eliminate from your life to be more productive at work

Use focus tools and apps

As an SEO, you will likely need internet access during your deep work. Use a tool or app (e.g., StayFocusd, Freedom) to block distracting websites.

Apps like Forest or Focus@Will provide a structured approach to maintaining concentration, either by timing your work sessions or providing background sounds conducive to focus.

You could also try noise-canceling headphones to block out noise, play background music or keep things quiet, depending on what works best for you.

Set clear goals

Setting clear goals is a fundamental step in ensuring your deep work sessions are productive and effective. Plan ahead so that when you start your deep work session, you know what tasks you will tackle. 

You might want to use this time for more strategic type work or to deal with a specific problem. For example, if you work for an agency and one of your clients’ websites has lost rankings and traffic recently. 

You might use this time to try and work out why and devise a plan to improve performance.

Break down larger goals

Be wary of setting goals that are too large for these sessions.

Large goals can be intimidating and lead to procrastination. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.

For example, if your goal is to conduct a complete site audit, break it down into:

  • Crawl the website: Use tools like Screaming Frog to crawl your site and identify issues.
  • Analyze site speed: Use Google PageSpeed Insights to evaluate and improve load times.
  • Check mobile usability: Ensure your site is mobile-friendly using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
  • Review on-page SEO: Assess and optimize meta tags, headings and content.

Not all goals are equally important. Once you’ve broken them down, prioritize them based on their impact on your overall SEO strategy. 

Focus on high-priority goals during your deep work sessions to ensure you’re making the most significant impact.

Balance your goals between short-term tasks that provide immediate benefits and long-term projects that contribute to your overall SEO strategy.

Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.



Take regular breaks

Taking regular breaks is crucial for maintaining high levels of productivity and focus during deep work sessions.

Breaks are essential for several reasons:

  • Preventing burnout: Continuous work without breaks can lead to mental and physical exhaustion. Regular breaks help prevent burnout by giving your mind and body time to rest and recover.
  • Improving focus: Short breaks can help you maintain high levels of concentration and prevent attention fatigue.
  • Boosting creativity: Stepping away from your work can give your subconscious mind time to process information, often leading to new ideas and insights when you return.

Dig deeper: How to avoid search marketing burnout

Use the Pomodoro technique

The Pomodoro technique is a popular method for incorporating regular breaks into your work routine:

  • Work for 25 minutes: Focus intensely on a single task for 25 minutes.
  • Take a 5-minute break: Step away from your work, stretch, get a drink, or simply relax.
  • Repeat the cycle: After four cycles, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).

This technique helps maintain focus and productivity while ensuring you get regular short breaks. If you are new to deep work, you might start with one session of 25 minutes and gradually build up the blocks of time.

Learning a new skill can be exhausting. Deep work is no exception.

If you find yourself losing focus, then that can often be an indication that you need to take a small break.

Review and adjust

While creating habits is important, regularly reviewing and adjusting your deep work strategies is essential for continuous improvement and sustained productivity.

Schedule regular reviews

Set aside time to review your deep work sessions:

  • Weekly reviews: At the end of each week, spend 15-30 minutes reflecting on what you accomplished during your deep work sessions. Identify what worked well and what didn’t.
  • Monthly reviews: Conduct a more in-depth review at the end of each month. Assess your overall progress toward your SEO goals and evaluate your deep work habits.

Track your progress

Keeping track of your progress helps you understand how effectively you’re using your deep work time:

  • Task completion: Note which tasks you completed during your deep work sessions. This helps you see patterns in your productivity.
  • Time tracking: Use tools like Toggl to track your time spent on various tasks. This data can reveal how efficiently you’re working and highlight areas for improvement.

Identify obstacles and distractions

Pinpoint the obstacles and distractions that hinder your deep work:

  • Common distractions: Identify recurring distractions (e.g., phone notifications, noisy environments) and consider how you can mitigate them.
  • Interruptions: Note any interruptions that occurred and think about how to prevent them in the future. This might involve setting clearer boundaries or improving communication with colleagues and family.

Adjust your schedule

Based on your reviews, adjust your deep work schedule to better suit your needs:

  • Optimal times: If you find you’re more productive at certain times of the day, adjust your deep work sessions to those periods.
  • Duration: Experiment with different session lengths. Some people might find 60-minute blocks more effective than 90-minute ones, or vice versa.

Refine your goals

Regularly revisiting and refining your goals ensures they remain relevant and achievable:

  • SMART goals: Make sure your goals continue to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Adjust them as needed based on your progress and changing priorities.
  • Short-term and long-term goals: Balance your focus between immediate tasks and longer-term projects. This helps maintain momentum while ensuring progress toward bigger objectives.

Seek feedback

Feedback from colleagues, mentors, or peers can provide valuable insights:

  • Peer review: Discuss your deep work strategies with colleagues and ask for their feedback. They might offer new ideas or highlight areas for improvement.
  • Mentor guidance: If you have a mentor, seek their advice on optimizing your deep work practices. They can provide perspectives based on their own experiences.

Dig deeper: Effort shaming: Balancing work ethic and burnout in marketing

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/deep-work-time-focus-seo-443021

Google Ads API v17 released with new features, changes

Home Business

Google announces the v17 release of the Google Ads API, bringing several new features and changes that advertisers and developers need to be aware of.

Why we care. The updated version of Google Ads offers a range of new tools and capabilities to help you better manage and monitor the performance of campaigns. It’s also important to be aware of these changes so as to take full advantage of new capabilities while avoiding disruptions from deprecated features or policy changes.

What’s new. There are three big changes that Google introduced to keep up with policy update, volume of information being processed and reporting view. The rest are batch processing updates and new optimization features. 

The big changes:

  • Resource Usage Policy Update. To prepare for an upcoming resource usage policy change on June 17, 2024, two new values have been added to QuotaError, for instances of excessive resource consumption over a time period.
  • Page Size Fixed at 10,000. The page size field is now always set to 10,000, and you can no longer pass a page size to GoogleAdsService.Search. Doing so will result in a request error.
  • New Reporting Views. Campaign aggregate asset view and Channel aggregate asset view have been added for reporting more metrics on Performance Max and Search campaigns.

Batch processing updates:

  • Asset Group Operations. Support for setting MutateOperation.asset_group_operation when using BatchJobService has been added, allowing batch processing for creating and managing entire Performance Max campaigns.
  • Request Size Limit. A new BatchJobError.REQUEST_TOO_LARGE error for any job requests larger than 10,484,504 bytes will produce an error. Advertisers will need to divide operations into smaller groups for separate requests.

Other notable changes:

  • Keyword Match Type. Campaign.keyword_match_type has been added to allow setting a keyword match type for all keywords in a campaign.
  • Ad Group Criterion Status. Primary status and primary status reasons have been added to AdGroupCriterion to show serving status and reasons.
  • New Shopping Product Report. A new shopping product report has been added, corresponding to the Products page in the Google Ads UI.
  • Demand Gen Renaming. Discovery has been renamed to Demand Gen across all relevant fields, enums, and errors.

Further reading. For the complete list of changes made to Google Ads API in version 17, read the full release notes.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-ads-api-v17-443054