EXIF Data and Search Engines: A Complicated Relationship

In theory, geolocation data seems like it would be valuable for online rankings, particularly when it comes to local searches. For instance, an image with data linking it to a particular city could conceivably boost ranking local searches because that location data would establish relevancy.

In reality, search engines don’t do much with the EXIF files where geolocation is contained. According to Google, the search engine (along with others) does not consider EXIF data when ranking sites. Additionally, this data is removed from images posted to a Google My Business profile, which is a crucial tool for ranking in local searches.

Trusted Ways to Enhance Your Search Rank

When it comes to geolocation data, the best course of action is to leave it as is for the time being. It’s always possible that Google and other search engines will change their practices in the future, which could mean that geolocation data does become relevant. In the meantime, here are some ways you can increase your visibility online:

• Use relevant keywords
• Create unique, high-quality content
• Use social media to connect with your target audience

These strategies are proven to work, so they deserve most of your attention when it comes to SEO.

Your Trusted Partner in SEO and Internet Marketing

With decades of experience behind us, SonicSEO.com has helped clients all over North America improve their ranking in Google and other search engines. We understand the ins and outs of SEO and we take the time to communicate the best practices to our clients.

Contact us today to learn more or call (505) 821-2000 to schedule a consultation with our marketing team.

Now, what makes a poor web browsing experience? There are a lot of missteps that can be made during the design process that will bring down the user experience, which in turn may have a direct impact on your ability to convert visitors into customers. The following are a few common web design mistakes that must be avoided at all costs.

1. Generic Messaging

Your business’s brand is its persona. It allows you to stand out from direct competitors and illustrate your core values to customers. Branding should be evident all over your website, particularly when it comes to messaging. Messaging that appeals to consumers on an emotional level is the most compelling and impactful, while generic messaging fails to resonate. It’s also important for messaging to be unique throughout your website. Duplicating content can get you penalized by search engines, but it also offers readers a dissatisfying experience.

2. Missing Contact Information

Even the most effectively designed website will fail to convert visitors if they can’t follow through with contacting a business. That’s why your phone number must be prominently displayed on your website. You want to make it as easy as possible for a person to reach you, which is why many web designers place phone numbers in a prominent way, accompanied by a call-to-action (more on that later).

3. Not Optimizing for Mobile Searches

When comparing mobile and desktop searches, mobile is the current reigning champion, with 53.29% of searches occurring on mobile devices worldwide. As a result, your website must be optimized for viewing on a mobile device. Websites that are not responsive to different types of searches are losing untold business on a regular basis, which will have a direct impact on your ongoing success.

4. Long Load Times

In the same token, a slow-loading website viewed on any platform will also impact your ability to attract and maintain customers. Consider this: 47% of web users expect a site to load within two seconds of clicking a link. When sites take more than three seconds to load, 40% of people will leave. A mere one second delay reduces conversion rates by 7%. Long load times frustrate users, and that’s the last thing you want.

5. Muddled Calls-to-Action

A call-to-action (CTA) offers clear directions for the next steps you want users take. This could be to call a business directly, download an informational packet, or sign up for a newsletter. When it comes to CTAs, simple and concise is best. Feel free to get creative with the rest of your site but keep your CTA to-the-point. Also, make sure direct, impactful language is used. Phrases like learn more, call today, add to cart, sign up, and many others boldly underline exactly what you want a visitor to do.

Effective Web Design That Get Results

SonicSEO.com uses proven, effective techniques to design a website for businesses that get results. We also go the extra mile to monitor web performance, which helps us update your site, so it continues to meet and exceed your expectations.