Moneysource1 – Page 298 – Internet Marketing Strategies Focused On Increasing The Reach And Visability Of Your Business!

Google Chrome persists with targeted ads that use your browser history

Google has slowly been rolling out its Enhanced Ad Privacy functionality in Chrome.

This technology allows websites to serve ads based on your browser history – unless you manually turn it off.

Why we care. Some folks are worried that this tech might invade their privacy. More and more people are speaking up, saying they don’t like the idea of their online actions being watched for ads. Using this method could harm a brand’s image, so it might be a good idea to look into other options that won’t upset your potential target audience.

The roll-out. People started receiving popups about this new feature in July following the release of Chrome 115 – which supports Google’s Topics API (part of its Privacy Sandbox project). However, recently, an increasing number of people have reported seeing the popup because those who don’t like Chrome mining their browsing history for Google’s ads have been speaking out.

How it works. Instead of tracking your interests through cookies and the websites you visit, websites can directly ask Chrome what you’re interested in using its Topics JavaScript API.

Chrome figures out your interests by studying your browsing history. For example, if you often visit financial websites, Chrome might label one of your interests as “investing”.

When a website checks with the Topics API, it can learn about your interests and show you ads related to it, like bonds or retirement funds. This way, websites can get your online interests directly from your browser.

The technology has been rolling this out to a small percentage of Chrome users at a time, so you might not have seen it or been notified yet. How Google asks for your agreement on this ad targeting depends on where you live and the local laws.

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See terms.

What has Google said? A Google spokesperson said in a statement:

“With Topics, your browser determines a handful of topics, like fitness or travel and transportation, that represent your top interests for that week based on your browsing history. Topics are kept for only three weeks and old topics are deleted.”
“Topics are selected entirely on your device without involving any external servers, including Google servers. When you visit a participating site, Topics picks just three topics, one topic from each of the past three weeks, to share with the site and its advertising partners.”
“Topics enables browsers to give you meaningful transparency and control over this data, and in Chrome, we’re building user controls that let you see the topics, remove any you don’t like or disable the feature completely.”

Deep dive. Read Google’s Topics API for Privacy Sandbox guide for more information.

The post Google Chrome persists with targeted ads that use your browser history appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-chrome-targeted-ads-browser-history-431738

Profitable Freelancing: 9 Tips And Tricks For Success

Freelancing has emerged as a lucrative career option for many. In an era where the internet dominates almost every facet of life, many opportunities have been presented to professionals worldwide. However, while the world of freelancing is rich in potential, it’s not without its challenges. Thriving in this field requires technical expertise, business acumen, and soft skills.

This article explores key strategies to navigate these challenges and achieve a successful freelancing career. Read on to learn more.

Get Familiar With The Market Dynamics
Understand And Implement Proper Financial Management
Invest In Continuous Learning And Skill Upgradation
Build A Strong Portfolio
Ensure Effective Communication
Engage In Networking
Ensure Effective Time Management
Seek Feedback
Diversify Income Streams

Get Familiar With The Market Dynamics

First and foremost, before diving deep into the world of freelancing, it’s vital to understand the market dynamics. This means recognizing the demand for specific skills, the pricing strategies of competitors, and the platforms that potential clients use. For example, suppose you’re a graphic designer who notices an increased demand for animated infographics.

In that case, you can track design forums and certain job postings to adapt your offerings to meet this growing demand. Understanding these elements can help ensure you remain relevant and competitive in the freelancing world.

Understand And Implement Proper Financial Management

Surprisingly, many freelancers overlook the importance of financial management. As a freelancer, you’re essentially running a business. From setting the right prices to managing expenses and understanding tax obligations, having a grip on the financial side is crucial. Essentially, financial management involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the financial resources of an individual, business, or organization to achieve specific goals.

However, you might not be well-versed with accounting intricacies. This is where using an online accountant becomes beneficial. This professional can handle the nuances of financial management to ensure you can focus on what you do best while staying compliant and profitable. For example, if you initially struggle with invoicing and tracking expenses, you can employ a dedicated accounting professional to streamline your financial processes. This way, you can ensure timely payments and appropriate tax deductions.

Invest In Continuous Learning And Skill Upgradation

Just as markets evolve, so too must your skills. The freelance market is dynamic, and to remain competitive, continuous learning and skill upgradation are essential. For instance, if you’re in the field of digital marketing, it’s vital to keep up with the latest SEO techniques, social media algorithms, and content creation strategies.

You can check out e-courses, webinars, workshops, and certifications to ensure you’re up to date with current best practices and can offer modern solutions to your clients. Consequently, you can stay motivated to make your freelancing career more profitable and successful.

Build A Strong Portfolio

First impressions matter. For freelancers, their portfolio is often the first impression prospective clients receive. A well-structured portfolio can showcase the quality of work and reflect professionalism. With a great one, you can also attract more clients and, in turn, make your freelance services more lucrative in the long run.

To build a good portfolio, ensure it showcases a diverse range of projects, contains detailed case studies, illustrates the challenges faced and solutions implemented, and is continuously updated with the latest work. For example, if you’re a freelance photographer, you should curate a portfolio highlighting your work across different genres – from weddings to corporate events, ensuring potential clients see the breadth and depth of your expertise.

Ensure Effective Communication

Another pillar of successful freelancing is clear communication. In an industry where you might never meet your client face-to-face, ensuring clarity in your interactions becomes pivotal. Misunderstandings with clients can lead to disputes, missed deadlines, and unsatisfactory outcomes. To avoid this, it’s always important to clarify project requirements before starting.

Also, it’s best to keep the clients updated about the progress and be open to feedback and revisions within reason. For example, you can schedule an in-depth call with them to discuss goals, expectations, and deliverables. This way, you can build a good relationship with your clients, which can translate to more projects and profits.

Engage In Networking

Beyond clear communication with individual clients, broader networking plays a pivotal role in your freelancing success. It can help you find new clients, stay up-to-date on industry trends, and build relationships with other professionals.

Additionally, building a robust network can lead to more referrals, collaborations, a broader client base, and more profit. To do this, it can be a good idea to engage in online forums, join relevant groups, attend conferences, and always be on the lookout for networking opportunities.

Ensure Effective Time Management

In the freelancing world, where you’re your own boss, effective time management is paramount. It can be the difference between a profitable month and a mediocre one. Some strategies you can consider include prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance and allocating specific blocks of time for specific activities and sticking to them.

You can also use digital tools and apps to track and manage tasks. For example, you can utilize tools to allocate mornings for client projects, afternoons for administrative tasks, and evenings for skill development.

Seek Feedback

Growth often comes from reflection, and in the world of freelancing, this reflection often takes the form of client feedback. It can help identify areas of improvement, while positive feedback can boost your confidence. Therefore, after completing projects, seek feedback from clients. This can aid in self-improvement, help build trust, and foster long-term relationships, which all contribute to making your freelance career more profitable.

Diversify Income Streams

Relying solely on one source of income can be risky. Diversifying income streams can help ensure financial stability as a freelancer. You can do this by offering multiple services. For instance, if you’re a content writer, you can also offer editing services.

Furthermore, engage in passive income activities like affiliate marketing or selling e-courses and collaborate with other freelancers on bigger projects.

Final Thoughts

While freelancing offers immense potential, success isn’t handed to you. It requires hard work, continuous learning, effective networking, and sound financial management. By incorporating these strategies, you can build a successful and profitable career in the long run.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.

The post Profitable Freelancing: 9 Tips And Tricks For Success appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/profitable-freelancing-9-tips-and-tricks-for-success

The Energy Grants Edition

Energy Grants. With the long hot summer over and the nights drawing in, many people’s main concern will be how to get help with heating their homes and any financial assistance they can get with the cost of living.

Here are some key ways you can get this kind of help across the UK this September.

£400 Energy Discount
Household Support Fund
Council Tax Rebate
Warm Home Discount
Fuel Vouchers
Winter Fuel Payment
Cold Weather Payment
Energy Debt Grants
Local Energy Grants
And Don’t Forget

£400 ENERGY DISCOUNT

The government will give every household £400 off their electricity bill. This is called the Energy Bills Support Scheme.

You don’t need to do anything to get the money and you won’t have to pay it back.

You’ll get the £400 in 6 instalments starting from October 2023. You’ll get:

£66 in October and November
£67 in December, January, February and March

You’ll get the discount monthly, even if you pay for your energy quarterly or use a payment card.

How you get the discount will depend on how you pay for energy.

HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND

£421 million has been made available to County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to support those most in need to help with significantly rising living costs. This funding covers the period 01 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 inclusive.

Local Authorities have discretion on exactly how this funding is used: primarily be to support households with children, and pensioners who have energy bills, food and water bills. In exceptional cases of genuine emergency, this fund can be used to support housing costs where existing housing support schemes do not meet this exceptional need.

COUNCIL TAX REBATE

You can get £150 back from the council to help pay your energy bills – this is called a ‘rebate’.

You’ll get the rebate if you pay council tax and your home is in council tax bands A to D. You can find your band on your council tax bill or check your council tax band on GOV.UK

You’ll only get the rebate if you’re the person who has to pay council tax for your household. Only one person per household will get the rebate.

You’ll get the rebate even if you:

get a Council Tax Reduction, including a full reduction, and your home is in bands A to D
get the Disabled Band Reduction discount and your home is in bands A to E

are subject to immigration control and your biometric residence permit says “no recourse to public funds”

If you get benefits, the rebate won’t affect them.

If you can’t get the rebate, the council might still offer you financial help. For example, they might help you if you’re in council tax bands E to H and you get certain benefits. Contact your local council to see if they can help you – find your local council on GOV.UK.

How to get it…

If you set up a direct debit to pay your council tax before the end of March 2022, your council should pay you automatically. Local councils will start to make the payments directly into bank accounts in April 2022.

If you don’t pay by direct debit or didn’t set up a direct debit before the end of March 2022, you should still get a rebate.

Your local council will contact you – they’ll probably ask you to complete an online form.

After you’ve given the council your details, they’ll make the payment as soon as possible.

If you don’t hear from your council, contact them to check how you can claim the rebate. You should contact them before 30 September 2022 when the scheme closes.

WARM HOME DISCOUNT SCHEME

If you get benefits, you might be able to get £150 off your electricity bill or £150 added to your prepayment meter. You don’t need to apply for the scheme – payments are automatic.

Check which energy supplier you were with on 21 August 2022. You can only get the discount if your supplier is in the scheme. The following suppliers are part of the scheme:

Affect Energy
Boost
British Gas
Bulb Energy
Co-op Energy
E (Gas and Electricity)
E.ON
E.ON Next
Ebico
Ecotricity
EDF Energy
Good Energy
Green Energy UK (GEUK)
London Power
M&S Energy
Octopus Energy
Outfox the Market
OVO
Rebel Energy
Sainsbury’s Energy
ScottishPower
Shell Energy Retail
So Energy
SSE
Utilita
Utility Warehouse

If you or your partner get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you should get the Warm Home Discount.

You might also be able to get the Warm Home Discount if you get a different benefit and the government decides you have ‘high energy costs’. They’ll work this out automatically – you don’t need to contact them.

If you have high energy costs, you’ll get the Warm Home Discount if you get any of the following benefits:

Universal Credit
Pension Credit Savings Credit
Housing Benefit
income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
income related Employment and Support Allowance
Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits
Income Support

FUEL VOUCHERS

You might be able to get a voucher to help pay for your energy. You might be able to get a voucher to help pay for your energy if either:

you use a prepayment meter
you don’t use gas or electricity for your heating

If you can’t afford to top up your prepayment meter

You might be able to get a fuel voucher. This is a code given to you in a letter or in a text message or email. You can use it to add credit to your gas card or electricity key. If you don’t have one of these, contact your supplier to get one.

Your local council might be able to help you get a fuel voucher – find your local council on GOV.UK. If you’re still not sure if you can get a voucher, get help from an adviser.

You can use a fuel voucher at:

a shop signed up to PayPoint – find a shop near you on the PayPoint website
a Post Office or shop signed up to Payzone – find a Post Office or shop near you on the Payzone website

To use your voucher you’ll need to take:

the code and instructions
some form of ID – for example, your passport or a bill with your name and address

You must use your fuel voucher within 3 months after you get it.

If you have problems using your voucher, contact the organisation that gave it to you – you should be able to find their contact information on the instructions.

If you don’t use gas or electricity for your heating

You might be able to get a fuel voucher if you:

rely on oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), coal or wood as your main source of heating
aren’t on the gas grid

You’ll need to show that you can’t heat your home because you can’t afford to buy fuel – or you might not be able to afford it soon.

Talk to an adviser if you need a voucher. Your local Citizens Advice will need to apply for you.

WINTER FUEL PAYMENT

As opposed to an energy grant per se, The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual one-off payment to help you pay for heating during the winter.

You can usually get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before 25 September 1956.

You’ll automatically get an extra ‘pensioner cost of living payment’ with your usual Winter Fuel Payment in either November or December.

You should start getting the Winter Fuel Payment automatically once you reach State Pension age, but sometimes you might need to apply. You can find out how to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment on GOV.UK.

Check how much pensioner cost of living payment you’ll get

You’ll get £300 if you live either:

on your own
with people who don’t qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment

If you live with someone else who qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment, the amount you’ll get depends on whether either of you get any of the following:

Pension Credit
income-related ESA
income-based JSA

If either you or the person you live with gets one of these benefits, you’ll both get £300 – as long as you’re not partners. If you’re partners, you’ll only get one £300 payment.

If neither of you get one of these benefits, you’ll both get £150.

If you live in residential care and qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, you’ll get £150 unless you get any of these benefits. If you get any of the benefits, you won’t get a pensioner cost of living payment.

COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS

Cold Weather Payments are one-off payments to help you pay for extra heating costs when it’s very cold.

You’ll get a payment each time the temperature drops below a specific temperature for a set period of time.

You’ll only be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment if you already get:

Pension Credit
Income Support
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Universal Credit
support for mortgage interest

If you’re eligible, you’ll get paid automatically. Find out more about Cold Weather Payments on GOV.UK.

ENERGY DEBT GRANTS

If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay it off.

The following energy suppliers offer grants to their customers:
British Gas Energy Support Fund – apply for a grant on the British Gas Energy Trust website
Scottish Power Hardship Fund – apply for a grant on the Scottish Power Hardship Fund website
Ovo Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the Ovo Energy Fund website
E.ON Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the E.ON Energy Fund website
E.ON Next Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the E.ON Next Energy Fund website
EDF Energy Customer Support Fund – sign up to the priority services register to apply for a grant on the EDF Energy website
Bulb Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the Bulb Energy Fund website
Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’ – apply for a grant on the Octopus website

If you can’t get a grant from your supplier, you might be able to get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone – you don’t have to be a British Gas customer. You’ll need to get debt advice before applying – get help from a debt adviser.

If you’ve already spoken to a debt adviser – check if you can get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust.

When you apply for a grant, you’ll have to provide detailed information about your financial situation in your application. It could take a while to complete, and it might be worth getting help from a friend or family member. You can also talk to an adviser for help filling in forms.

LOCAL ENERGY GRANTS

You might be able to find grants or schemes run by your local council. Find your local council on GOV.UK.

You might be able to get extra help and support from your energy supplier by signing up to the Priority Services Register. You can sign up if you’ve reached state pension age, you’re disabled or sick, or if your energy network considers you ‘vulnerable’.

Your energy supplier can help you with things like:

reading your energy meter
moving your energy meter free of charge
getting your bills sent or copied to someone else – for example, a carer

And don’t forget

If you’re struggling with money, there are things you can do to save on your regular living costs. Check what to do if you need help with living costs.

If you’re finding it hard to pay your bills, you can get help. Find out more about getting help with your bills.

You can also get help with debts.

If you’re struggling to pay for food, find out how to get help from a food bank.

The post The Energy Grants Edition appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/the-energy-grants-edition-hardship-grants-september

Handy Tips to Keep Your Home Office Neat & Organized

Home Business Magazine Online

In the era of virtual boardrooms and digital brainstorms, our home offices have evolved into more than just functional spaces. They’ve become the crucibles where ideas ignite, strategies crystallize, and professional journeys unfold. As we navigate this landscape of limitless possibilities, the role of a well-maintained workspace emerges as a silent catalyst — one that has the potential to supercharge your efficiency and boost creativity.

So, if you want to keep your home office presentable at all times, be sure to check out these expert tips from Cleaning Concepts, a skilled and meticulous cleaning service.

How often should you spruce things up?

Now, you might be wondering, “How often do I need to don my cleaning cape?” Fear not, for the secret isn’t doing a deep clean every day (unless you’re into that sort of thing). A quick tidying session once a week can work wonders. This involves dusting surfaces, wiping down your computer screens, and evicting any clutter that seems to have made a permanent home on your desk.

However, if you want to do a more thorough job, consider a comprehensive monthly regimen. Engage in detailed rituals such as vacuuming or shining your floors, disinfecting frequently touched items, and orchestrating a systematic decluttering session to keep things in order.

How do I take care of my office like a professional?

The process of cleaning your workspace like a pro often requires a team of experts. However, you can transform it into an inspiring and pristine environment with a handful of proven strategies:

Declutter first

Before embarking on your home office upkeep, make sure you clear all clutter from the area. Get rid of any unnecessary items that have found their way onto your desk, shelves, or drawers. Keep an eye out for what’s truly essential for your work environment.

Invest in thoughtful storage solutions

Improve the organizational efficiency of your office by incorporating purposeful storage solutions. For example, file organizers facilitate a systematic arrangement of documents, while cable management systems eliminate the tangled web of cords beneath your desk. Drawer dividers lend structure to storage spaces, ensuring that every item finds its designated place.

Wipe down surfaces

Pay close attention to wiping down surfaces, as these are crucial to maintaining a tidy home office. Microfiber cloths are ideal for tackling your desk, monitor, keyboard, and other equipment. In addition to removing dust and grime, this practice reinforces a sense of professionalism and meticulousness.

Air it out

Consider the impact of indoor air quality on the ambiance of your workspace. Open windows periodically to provide fresh air circulation or, alternatively, install an air purifier to eliminate allergens and contaminants. An airy environment fosters mental clarity, concentration, and well-being, resulting in more productive work sessions.

Comprehensive monthly cleanup

Set aside a specific time every month to establish an orderly and professional atmosphere in the office. For instance, engage in tasks such as vacuuming or mopping the floors and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces, including your phone and desk accessories.

Pave your way to a spotless home office

And there you have it, your guide to a home office that not only nurtures your work but also fuels your aspirations. As you wipe down your screen and tidy up your desk, remember that each action you take has a lasting impact. It echoes your commitment to professionalism and your relentless pursuit of excellence.

With every tap of the keyboard and every glance at your immaculate surroundings, you reaffirm your dedication to innovation, efficiency, and your personal growth. So, embrace the art of maintaining a hygienic and spotless environment, for in doing so, you’re not just crafting a workspace — you’re creating a thriving work environment, one that doesn’t just house your work but also nurtures your dreams.

The post Handy Tips to Keep Your Home Office Neat & Organized appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/home-office/how-to-guides-home-office/handy-tips-keep-home-office-neat-organized/

Best of the Bot: Optimizing a Contact Us page for Google E-E-A-T

Best of the Bot showcases Search Engine Land Bot’s responses to prompts submitted by readers. The language model is based on content from Search Engine Land layered on top of ChatGPT. The editors of Search Engine Land selected this response for its usefulness and have supplemented it with additional relevant content.

I am the first generative AI chatbot for search marketers. I am trained with Search Engine Land content.

Here’s something somebody asked me! After that, how you can improve prompts to get even better answers from me.

Prompt:

Tell me all the points I need to follow to make an EEAT SEO-optimized contact us page

Answer:

To create an EEAT (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness¹) SEO-optimized Contact Us page, consider the following points:

1. Clear and prominent contact information: Display your contact information prominently on the page, including phone number, email address, and physical address if applicable. This helps establish trust and accessibility.²

2. Multiple contact options: Provide various contact options to cater to different preferences. Include a phone number, email address, contact form, and live chat if possible. This ensures visitors can reach out in their preferred way.

3. Relevant and helpful content: Include relevant information on your Contact Us page that addresses common questions or concerns. This can include FAQs, customer support information, or links to helpful resources. Providing valuable content demonstrates expertise and helps build trust.³

4. Professional design and layout: Ensure your Contact Us page has a clean and professional design that is easy to navigate. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise paragraphs to make the information easily digestible.⁴

5. Privacy policy and data protection: Assure visitors that their personal information is secure by including a link to your privacy policy. Highlight your commitment to data protection and explain how you handle and protect customer information.⁵

6. Testimonials or reviews: If available, showcase positive testimonials or reviews from satisfied customers on your Contact Us page. This helps build trust and credibility.

7. Responsive and user-friendly: Optimize your Contact Us page for mobile devices to ensure a seamless user experience across different screen sizes. Make sure the page loads quickly and is easy to navigate on all devices.⁶

8. Schema markup: Implement schema markup on your Contact Us page to provide search engines with structured data about your contact information. This can enhance the visibility and relevance of your page in search results.

9. Regularly update and maintain: Keep your Contact Us page up to date with accurate contact information and ensure that all contact methods are functioning properly. Regularly review and respond to inquiries received through the page.⁷

By following these points, you can create an EEAT SEO-optimized Contact Us page that not only improves your website’s visibility but also enhances user experience and builds trust with your audience.⁸

Updated prompt with formatting

How this prompt could be improved:

“I want you to create an E-E-A-T SEO-optimized contact page. I’m looking for guidelines to start and once we agree, I’ll give you the basic contact info so you can create the page. You are an SEO expert with 20 years of experience building SEO-optimized websites. Please format this list in a bullet format. Keep it professional.”

The key elements and enhancements to this prompt are as follows:

(Task)

I want you to create an E-E-A-T SEO-optimized contact page. I’m looking for guidelines to start and once we agree, I’ll give you the basic contact info so you can create the page.

(Context)

You are an SEO expert with 20 years of experience building SEO-optimized websites.

(Format)

Please format this list in a bullet format.

(Tone)

Keep it professional.

(Bonus points: Example) You could also copy and paste in what you think is a great contact us page and ask the chatbot to refer to it as an example.

AI:

Certainly! Here are some guidelines to create an E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) SEO-optimized contact page:

Title: Choose a title that includes relevant keywords and reflects the purpose of the page. For example, “Contact Us for Expert SEO Services and Support.”
Introduction: Provide a brief introduction that highlights your expertise and establishes trust. Mention your years of experience, industry certifications, and any notable achievements.
Contact Information: Include your business name, physical address, phone number, and email address. This information should be easily visible and accessible.
Business Hours: Specify your operating hours, including days of the week and time zone. This helps visitors know when they can expect a response.
Response Time: Set expectations by mentioning your average response time for calls and emails. For example, “We strive to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.”
Map and Directions: If applicable, include a map or a link to a mapping service to help visitors find your location. Provide clear and concise directions from major landmarks or starting points.
Testimonials: Showcase positive feedback from satisfied clients to build trust and credibility. Include their names, job titles, and companies (with permission).
Privacy Policy: Link to your privacy policy to assure visitors that their personal information will be handled securely and in accordance with applicable laws.
Social Media Links: If you have active social media profiles, include links to them. This can help visitors connect with you on other platforms.
Call-to-Action: Encourage visitors to take the next step by providing a clear call-to-action. For example, “Contact us today to discuss your SEO needs and receive a free consultation.”

Remember, these guidelines are just a starting point. It’s important to tailor your contact page to your specific business and audience.

From here you could feed the bot additional instructions such as: “Ok, that’s a great set of recommendations. Below is our contact information, please create a page with this information. I’ll embed a contact form when I publish the page to the website. Please format this in html so I can paste it into WordPress and edit from there.”

Try Search Engine Land Bot

Footnotes (from Search Engine Land’s human editors)

The second “E” in E-E-A-T is “Experience.” ︎
Consider also adding a map of your location to your Contact Us page. And if you have multiple locations and/or phone numbers, include any that are relevant to people who want to contact you. ︎
Be careful about adding too much content to your Contact Us page – people who go to this page have a clear intent – to contact you. So make it easy for people to find out how to contact you. ︎
The Contact Us page design should also match your website’s look, feel and brand voice. ︎
The privacy policy should be linked to from every page of your website anyway, most likely in the footer navigation. Most Contact Us pages don’t add an extra link to the privacy policy. ︎
This is just good SEO that applies to every page of your site. ︎
Adding a 10th point: Consider adding images – of locations and/or employees – to humanize your brand. ︎
Optimizing your Contact Us page won’t improve your “website visibility” because Google ranks webpages, not websites. And, as with any SEO advice, there are no guarantees that doing all these things perfectly will result in greater organic visibility – because just about every other website is also doing these things. ︎

The post Best of the Bot: Optimizing a Contact Us page for Google E-E-A-T appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/optimizing-contact-us-page-google-e-e-a-t-431623

This SEO strategy led to 497 page-one rankings in 7 weeks by Cynthia Ramsaran

Increasing first-page rankings and organic traffic has always involved guesswork. Experienced marketers know that deciding what content to produce and how to publish it can lead to wasted time, energy, and money. That can stop anyone dead in their tracks. But what would it look like if guesswork was no longer a factor in SEO and everything that goes into it?

Join Ryan Brock, chief solution officer at DemandJump, for a follow-up to last year’s Pillar-Based Marketing case study and how DemandJump eliminated the guesswork to win 497 first-page rankings in mere weeks on a highly competitive topic.

Register and attend “497 Page One Rankings in 7 Weeks: How Pillar-Based Marketing is Changing SEO,” presented by DemandJump.

Click here to view more Search Engine Land webinars.

The post This SEO strategy led to 497 page-one rankings in 7 weeks appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/this-seo-strategy-led-to-497-page-one-rankings-in-7-weeks-431627

10 ways to make money doing nothing

Making money doing nothing…imagine that!

To be able to sit back, relax, put in no effort and still see the money coming in might sound like a fantasy, but there really are ways you can make money doing nothing.

Alright, we’re not promising you can earn a full-time income while you lay back on the sofa and watch TV all day, but there are ways to earn a bit of extra cash which require very little of you.

Read on for our 10 ways to make money doing nothing…

Bed testing – get paid to sleep on the job!
Get paid to queue
Get paid to download an app
Make money testing food
Make money listening to music
Make money house sitting
Make money by not wasting money
Make money waiting for deliveries
Make money being a friend – seriously!
Get cashback for shopping online

Bonus starter idea – Selling feet pictures

Dreaming of making money with minimal effort? Selling feet pictures might be your golden ticket. This effortless venture requires just a camera and your feet. There’s a surprising demand for such content, and FeetFinder is the hassle-free platform to cash in on this trend. Simply snap, upload, and let the platform do the rest. It connects you with eager buyers in a safe and anonymous environment.

No need to struggle with marketing or networking; FeetFinder’s dedicated community seeks out your content. Dive into this passive income stream and watch the earnings roll in with little to no effort on your part.

1. Bed testing

Can you imagine getting paid to sleep?

That really would be getting paid to do nothing.

And, unbelievably, some lucky so and so’s get to do just that!

Bed testers get to test out a whole range of beds, often luxury ones, and then report back on the night’s sleep they’ve had.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a pretty difficult job to get because of the competition for such a position, but there’s no harm in keeping your hopes up.

Most people were first introduced to the idea of being a bed tester after Hotel Chatter put out a call in 2006 for a professional to test their 25,000 beds.

If you’re looking for a bed testing job and are willing to brave the competition, keep your eyes on big companies which, for whatever reason, will have/need a lot of beds. It might be a hotel chain or a superstore like John Lewis, or look out for bed making companies themselves, particularly those who supply to hotels.

It’s not impossible to become a bed tester, so why not give it a go?

Could you imagine? Well, we can always dream (although, unlike some, we won’t be getting paid for it!)

2. Get paid to queue

Have you ever been told you don’t get paid to stand around and do nothing?

Well, here’s a job that actually pays you to do just that.

You can get paid to stand in queues (otherwise known as ‘line sitting’).

Not sure how it works?

Well, we’re sure you’ve seen the long queues as people wait in line to be the first to get their hands on the latest Apple product, even staying the night during relentless rain.

Chances are there’s some damp soul in those queues who would rather pay someone else to be sat there.

There are also people with work or family commitments who are eager to get the latest iPhone or the newly released concert tickets but are unable to. These people too may be willing to pay you for queuing for them.

Whilst popular in the US, not many people are aware of ‘line sitting’ in the UK so you may have to introduce the concept whilst you’re drumming up business.

You’d be able to set your own price, either at a fixed rate or an agreed amount per hour/half hour.

For example, you could charge a fixed rate of £100, or agree on £12 an hour.

The amount you make will depend on how much people are willing to pay and how often you get the work.

Advertise your services on Fiverr, Gumtree and on any social media platform you use.

Click here to find out more about getting paid to queue.

3. Get paid to download an app

How would you like to get a £5 Amazon voucher just for downloading an app onto your tablet or mobile?

All you have to do is keep the app active on an Android device for a week.

This is what MobileXpression offers.

It really is money for nothing.

If you like to earn for downloading apps you should also check out Nielsen Online Panel. You won’t get paid for downloading it, but you will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win up to £30,000 – so there’s potential to make a LOT of money doing nothing.

4. Make money testing food

Do you consider eating food a chore?

Thought not, which is why this next money maker really feels like a way to make money doing nothing.

Research companies employ food testers so that they can get views on their food products.

After tasting the food you’ll be asked for your feedback – this might be as part of a focus group or you might simply just have to give it a score in a questionnaire.

You’ll get a palette cleanser in between each food sample, such as a cracker and water, so you’re reader to go for the taste.

Tasting sessions last around an hour or two, but if you’re taking part in a focus group it may take slightly longer.

It’s a great way to supplement your income, with the potential to earn between £5-£55 depending on whether you’re just completing a questionnaire or if you’re taking part in a focus group.

Click here to find out more about getting paid to test food.

5. Make money listening to music

Another great way to make money doing nothing is to listen to music.

Ok, you have to review the music as well, but still, it’s a fun little money maker!

Slicethepie.com gives you the chance to earn money writing reviews of music produced by aspiring musicians who are trying to get their tunes out there.

It’s not a way to earn big money by any means; you’ll only be earning a few pennies per review. But if you like listening to music and giving feedback then a little bit of money is better than no money at all, right?

Click here to find out more about making money listening to music.

6. Make money house sitting

Imagine making money doing nothing whilst relaxing in a luxurious home?

That’s what house sitting can offer.

House sitting is a growing phenomenon, many people who own more than one house are away for long periods of time for business trips.

Such people often prefer to have a trusted house sitter take care of the house than leave it at the risk of burglars or squatters.

Often it might involve pet sitting, so if you’re an animal lover then looking after an adorable pooch or feline won’t feel like work at all.

It’s not a way to earn lots of money; pay for long-term house sitting starts at £10 a day. That said, it’s a good way to save on some of your day-to-day living costs – just think of how much you could save on rent, utility bills, food etc. whilst you’re house sitting.

Click here to find out more about house sitting.

7. Make money by not wasting money

This one might sound like a cheat, but really, not wasting money is doing nothing – and you can save a lot of money by doing this.

To begin with you can try to negotiate a little more in everyday life. Over time the little savings you can make by being frugal/cheeky will really add up and, at the end of the day, why pay more than you need to?

We have a great article here on how to save money by haggling. Check it out!

There really are two prices in the world – one for those who negotiate, and one for those who don’t. Find out more about making and saving money negotiating here.

Equally, there are plenty of ways many of us waste money which we could easily cut down on. For example, do you really need to buy that cleaning product or do you have products in your home that will do exactly the same job?

Do you need to buy the most expensive brand, or will a discounted brand be just as nice?

Are you shopping around for things like your current account or your energy bill? Or are you just accepting the prices you’re given?

Find out more about making money by not wasting money here.

And don’t forget to sell on and recycle things you no-longer need. For example, did you know you can get money for your old phone?

Don’t throw it away, find out how much you can make by reselling and recycling here.

8. Make money waiting for deliveries

This really is how to make money by just hanging around!

It’s similar to house sitting (it really is a form of ‘short term house sitting’) but it’s an easier and quicker way to earn money than staying in someone’s home for a long period of time.

We all dread those horrible time-windows given to us by delivery companies or the plumber when you need something fixed. Sometimes you really are expected to wait in the whole day!

Well, some people are willing to pay you to sit in their house and wait instead.

Pay can actually be quite good, you can earn between £8-£10 an hour, and you really are doing nothing but waiting!

One company that specialises in short term house sitting is Direct Sitters. You can apply to join their team, although they ideally look for people with a background in childcare or teaching. Also don’t forget to look out for potential jobs in places like Gumtree.com – you never know what kind of opportunity you might stumble across.

9. Make money being a friend

Yep, you really can earn money being a friend.

What does it involve, you ask?

Whatever the person wants! Some people want to be shown around an area, others want someone to go to the movies with, some want a workout buddy and some people even want a wingman!

To get started you should sign yourself up to Rent a Friend.

You don’t have to pay anything, only people looking for a friend have to pay to sign-up.

If someone likes your profile and wants you to be their friend, you can charge £5-£30 an hour for your time, so there is good money to be made.

It’s a really good way to make money doing nothing!

Click here to find out more about making money being a friend.

10. Get cashback

Cashback sites are such an easy and straightforward way to make money, but still so few people join them.

Basically, by joining a cashback site, you’ll get a bit of money back on everything you buy.

All you have to do is sign-up (absolutely free) and shop through the cashback site’s portal. It’s exactly the same as online shopping any other way, but they’ll be able to track where you make your purchase so both they and you can get paid for it.

Two of our favourite cashback sites are Top CashBack and Quidco, both of which are absolutely free to join. In fact, with Quidco you get a £10 cashback bonus when you make your first purchase!

You really are getting money just for shopping as normal – why wouldn’t you sign up?

Get Paid to Play with Lego

Get paid to play with lego…

LEGO enthusiasts now have the chance to make their dream job a reality and get paid for it!

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester is on the hunt for a talented individual to become their new Master Model Builder – a coveted role that aims to inspire the next generation of builders while creating showstopping LEGO sculptures.

Potential candidates for the dream role will compete in an elite competition to determine Manchester’s best builder, held at The Trafford Palazzo, on Saturday 23^rd September.

What’s the job?

At LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Participants will engage in a series of exciting speed builds and challenges to flaunt their skills set by Luke, the UK’s Mini Master Model Builder. The challenges will allow them to flex their LEGO abilities when constructing intricate structures under pressure.

The successful candidate will join the exclusive ranks, becoming the 35^th Master Model Builder – making it one of the rarest jobs in the world.

They will continue crafting brick-tastic displays in the attraction’s Miniland, with their creations sitting alongside the cobbles of Coronation Street and the Old Trafford stadium among many other LEGO masterpieces.

When they’re not crafting LEGO displays that wow visitors, the Master Model Builder will also be responsible for maintaining the existing awe-inspiring models, igniting imaginations through creative workshops and teaching visitors how to build their own wonderful creations.

How to Apply to get paid to play with lego

Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles

To become Manchester’s Master Model Builder and join the growing team, apply by Saturday 16^th September via this form here.

Potential candidates will be asked to submit a photo of their best LEGO build yet, before showcasing their skills in the competition at The Trafford Palazzo on Saturday 23^rd September, followed by a face-to-face interview.

The UK’s Mini Master Model Builder Luke, Operations Manager Matthew O’Connell, Marketing Manager Nathalie Eady, and the site’s General Manager Jenn McDonough will act as judges to decide which contestants will take on the job.

Jenn McDonough, General Manager at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester said: “If you live and breathe LEGO, our Master Model Builder role will be your dream job! It’s a chance to get creative and play with LEGO all day and create showstopping structures, all while being paid!

“The right candidate will be passionate about all things LEGO and ready to take their building skills to the next level, with flair and a creative spark. They will also have impeccable attention to detail and a love for inspiring others through hosting creative workshops and advising guests.

“At LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, our mission is to create unforgettable experiences for LEGO enthusiasts, and we want you to be a part of it. Don’t miss your opportunity to apply to be a Master Model Builder, submit your application and get practicing your brick building skills!”

If this appeals then read our guide on making money buying and selling lego here.

The post Get Paid to Play with Lego appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/get-paid-to-play-with-lego

Understanding the Role of a Game Designer in Poker

Home Business Magazine Online

Have you ever gotten so lost in a game that you forgot about time? Or wondered how that game even came into being? Who are the masterminds behind it? If you’re nodding right now, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive deep into the world of game designers, the unsung heroes who shape our virtual escapes.

Back in the day, games were simple. Now? They’re epic sagas, intricate puzzles, and ever-evolving virtual realms. And guess what? The game design arena has transformed right alongside them!

The intricate world of game design can be likened to many things, but let’s use a deck of cards as our muse. If we shuffle and deal, we land squarely on poker, a card game with as many twists and turns as the meandering journey of game design itself. If you want to understand what are the rules in poker, you’ll have to explore the different poker variants. Let’s explore the role game designers played in the following popular poker games:

The Classic: Texas Hold ’em

Ah, Texas Hold ’em—the Beyoncé of poker games, if you will. It’s everywhere, from the glitzy casinos of Las Vegas to your Uncle Bob’s dusty garage. But what makes this game a classic? In essence, it’s the simplicity.

Each player on the table gets two private cards, and the dealer deals five community cards face-up. The goal is straightforward: make the best five-card hand and take home the pot.

But here’s where the designer’s genius comes into play. The simplicity of Texas Hold ’em is actually its most complex feature. Game designers have masterfully structured the betting rounds and community cards to create a landscape rich with strategy.

The game allows for intricate bluffs, calculated risks, and edge-of-your-seat excitement in every round. It’s like a roller coaster where the climbs and drops are your wagers and bluffs—a brilliant balance of risk and reward. No wonder it is popular in poker tournaments held globally.

Omaha: The Strategy Buff’s Paradise

If Texas Hold ’em is the classic rock of poker, then Omaha is like progressive metal—complex, nuanced, and definitely not for the faint-hearted. At first glance, it seems similar to Texas Hold ’em, with community cards laid out in the middle. But here’s the catch: You get four private cards instead of two. Sounds easier, right? Think again. You must use exactly two from your hand and three from the community pile to make your best five-card hand.

This is where the role of game designers shines through. They took the familiar structure of Texas Hold ’em and added a twist, complicating your choices and intensifying the level of strategy.

The complexity in Omaha lies in the plethora of hand combinations available, making it a dream come true for players who love crunching probabilities and devising advanced tactics. Game designers focused on building layers of complexity, making it an evolving puzzle that beckons you to solve it hand after hand.

Seven-Card Stud: A Blast from the Past

Ah, the vintage charm of the Seven-Card Stud! It’s like the vinyl records of poker—rich in tradition and something of a collector’s item for seasoned players. Before Texas Hold ’em swayed the crowd, Seven-Card Stud was the game everyone was talking about. Here, there are no community cards; instead, you’re dealt seven individual cards, three facing down and four facing up for all to see.

Now, why would anyone want to play a game that shows most of their hand? That’s where the clever craftsmanship of game designers comes in. Seven-Card Stud is a game of keen observation and patience, qualities that are often overshadowed in flashier, faster-paced games.

Designers of this classic have kept the old-school charm intact while highlighting the importance of reading your opponents rather than just your cards. The exposed cards serve as a public narrative, while your hidden cards offer a plot twist, making each game a riveting story told one card at a time.

Five-Card Draw: The Poker Essence

Let’s step back a bit and go old school with Five-Card Draw. If poker were a tree, this game would be one of its deepest roots. Many of us first learned about poker through this straightforward game. You get five cards, you keep some or all, you draw new ones to replace what you discard, and that’s it—no community cards, no shared pots, just you against the odds.

In a world where poker games often come with a bunch of bells and whistles, Five-Card Draw is refreshing in its simplicity. And that’s precisely the genius of its game design. Designers have managed to come up with a game that captures the essence of poker without all the extra layers.

In doing so, they’ve made a form of the game that’s accessible to newcomers while still offering enough depth to keep seasoned players interested. It’s like the “comfort food” of poker, satisfying and familiar, showing us that sometimes less is indeed more.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving realm of gaming, designers are both pioneers and visionaries. Those eager to leave their mark should remain agile and committed to lifelong learning in this vibrant landscape.

The post Understanding the Role of a Game Designer in Poker appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/lifestyles/success-lifestyles/understanding-role-game-designer-poker/

Ai-powered Online Fashion Hub Kollectin.com Is turning Mompreneurs and Other Aspiring Micro-business Owners into Digital Divas

Home Business Magazine Online

The pitch is pretty powerful: “Start your fashion business with no overhead, no barriers, just possibilities.” Scroll the Kollectin.com site further and you’ll see not just opportunities to shop or sell like other fashion sites, but a call-to-action to open your own digital storefront. In minutes. With no inventory. Let me explain…

It all starts with the vision of lifelong serial entrepreneur and successful fashion SheEO Nadia Lee. In the late Nineties, before online shopping was “a thing,” the LA-based Lee found success with her jewelry brand Adia Kibur. Her innate sense of style and business acumen inspired her to create a brand featuring designs that combined quality, affordable price points and what was trending into a rapidly expanding enterprise that is today carried in over 5,000 retailers ranging from small boutiques to national notables like Neiman-Marcus and Nordstroms.

Even with the success she was enjoying with her jewelry business, by 2018, Lee was ready to launch her next venture, Kollectin.com. Driven by her desire to disrupt the online retail space while simultaneously empowering women with an easy on-ramp business model, she went on to create something decidedly different than the standard online storefront or brick-and-mortar play. Indeed, beyond blouses, denim, swimwear, jewelry and other fashion finds, part of Kollectin’s business DNA is to serve as a vehicle to bring other women—particularly aspirational entrepreneurs—along for the ride, including profits.

“Our data shows women want to be entrepreneurs, they want to sell stuff, especially fashion—but what stops them is start-up money,” says Lee. “I wanted to tap into that mindset and give them the space to give it a try by creating a simple, easy tool for women to access current technology, source products, and not worry about backend issues like customer service and shipping.”

A New Fashion Business Model

The new approach Lee developed for Kollectin.com leverages person-to-person social selling and influencer marketing. She dubs it a “B2B2C” model where site visitors discover and purchase from trusted collections by emerging brands as well as influencers who curate their own Kollectin collections. By breaking down traditional barriers between buyers and sellers, the app streamlines the fashion discovery process, making it easier for buyers to find their preferred fashion items and for sellers to expand their customer base. A classic win-win.

“We want the people to determine what sells,” says Lee. “Back in the day, you would walk through a trade show, the buyer buys certain styles and that ends up in the boutique or store. So what’s on offer is curated by someone else.” On the Kollectin app, the community of sellers curates their own stores and the behaviors of their personal cohorts drives what the algorithms show to their shoppers.The way Kollectin’s B2B2C platform works is there are around 80 brands selling their own products as well as individual sellers who discovered the site on their own or were invited by a current user.

The process of going from a new visitor to an influencer and seller with a self-curated collection takes just a matter of minutes and involves only a few steps. First, they scan the QR code or directly download the app, then sign-up, which includes choosing a store name, uploading a store banner image and a few other steps. The site then gives the user a walk-through on how to build the store and pick the first six items from the approximately 6,500 SKUs available at any given time. The new seller’s store then goes live with a dedicated URL and QR code ready to be shared on social networks or IRL.

Lee says she’s seen many Mompreneurs hit the ground running with the platform, doing activations like livestreams from their socials where they wear and share outfits with their cohorts and others. By simultaneously posting the unique URLs of their store and the outfits, shoppers can then buy in three clicks.

Another powerful networking feature that Lee built into the platform is a gamified profit-sharing model where sellers can earn income from not only their sales, but from the sales of their circle of customers—called cohorts—who have decided to become sellers themselves. The app uses a sliding scale that begins at the 5 to 10 percent range of sales and increases with the number of people a certain user shares the product links with. Lee says that power sellers who actively share can regularly earn over a thousand dollars through the sales of their cohorts alone.

Harnessing the Power of Ai

Beyond the human connections the app facilitates, Kollectin also harnesses the novel and sweeping power of Ai that is now so prevalent in a wide range of industries. For both customers and sellers on the app, Ai is used extensively to upgrade interactions and extend the utility of multiple functions. On the seller’s side, Kollectin offers a chatbot that essentially serves as a 24/7 assistant (that never calls in sick).

For example, if a buyer has a return, the chatbot will instruct them how to complete the return, rather than the seller having to manage the interaction. With all the data being collected by the app (which is kept private), the Ai chatbot also becomes a powerful sales and recommendation tool with its ability to pull selections that are very specific to a shopper’s preferences.

On the buyers’ side, the chatbot replicates a conversational tone, guiding the shopper through the entire customer journey. It will initiate the conversation with a question about what the customer is looking for. If they say something like “an outfit for a beach party with warm weather,” the chatbot will drill down to more specifics, asking about patterns and lengths. After a few more questions, the chatbot will generate six recommendations, including descriptions and images. If the shopper likes what she sees, a click will take them directly to check-out, not some affiliate link.

“We’re the first to close the loop,” says Lee. “You have a conversation with the chatbot, see the images and discover the designs you like, then press and checkout all in one place, without going to another link.”

By bridging the gap between obstacles and opportunity with a powerful, tech-driven solution, Nadia Lee with her Kollectin.com app has found a way to shape the fashion industry with an innovation uniquely designed to empower the entrepreneurial spirit of women.

The post Ai-powered Online Fashion Hub Kollectin.com Is turning Mompreneurs and Other Aspiring Micro-business Owners into Digital Divas appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/success-stories-lifestyles/ai-powered-online-fashion-hub-kollectin-turning-mompreneurs-aspiring-micro-business-owners-digital-divas/