Have you ever thought about your digital footprint and the trail of information you leave behind? No? If not, let’s just say that you are leaving behind a slew of data.  

While some search engines have chosen to dump that data, Google is one of the few that save your every move. If you have ever signed up and used Google’s services, then just know that they know everything about you. Yes, everything! That might sound terrifying at first, but the purpose of this “invasion of privacy” makes total sense! Just how much they know about you, though, is determined by the services you use. 

According to recent 2021 statistics, Google is the number one most popular website in both the global market and the U.S. Considering the grasp they have on the average person’s life, it makes sense. With applications and services like Gmail, Google Ads, Google Analytics, Google Drive, Maps, Adsense, Translate, Calendar, etc.; It would be hard to deny the power behind this tech-giant. 

Why is Google collecting my data? 

You may be wondering, why is Google collecting my information? What do they need it for? Well, there is a simple explanation for that. In this great big technological world that we live in today, data is the driving force behind the information economy. While there are many different types of data flooding the Internet, the most profitable type of data is something called personal data. Much of today’s society doesn’t realize how important their data means to tech giants like Google. In order to monetize its services, Google must collect your information. They do all of this to track your interests and gain a better understanding of who you are. This is so that they can cater to you and make your experience better.  

Based on the services that you have used, Google knows you almost as well as your closest friend; Maybe even more. 

How is data gathered?

Understanding how the company gathers information is key to grasping exactly what Google knows about you. Don’t worry, there isn’t some stalker on the other side of your screen watching your every move. Google simply stores all of your data and keeps a historical record of it so that they can access it years down the road. That doesn’t sound much better, does it? (Ha!) 

That sounds conniving, doesn’t it? Actually, it’s not. When you sign up for Google services, you agree for them to view, track, and save your data. Basically, you are signing away your privacy.  But, let’s be honest, anyone who uses the Internet is signing away their privacy. Let’s face it, we live in a world without a lot of privacy. 

Because Google owns and operates so many services, they have numerous ways to track you and gather your data. With Google Search, the team keeps a history of every search you’ve ever made. Google Chrome provides the team with a complete history of every website you have ever visited. YouTube allows them to track every video you have ever watched. Google Maps has access to your location and history. Google actually owns another location app called WAZE that also tracks your location and history. If you own an Android phone, Google is storing your messages and app usage. Think about all the other Google apps that you use: Photos, Calendar, Docs, Drive, and so on. Each of those services and more are capturing data and storing it for their own personal use. It’s all to create a better service for you. They want to make sure they provide what you want before you even want it. That’s high-tech, am I right? 

How do I make Google stop collecting my data? 

Did I completely scare the living daylight out of you? If anything, I hope this information made you more aware of your actions online. If you want Google to stop collecting data on you, your solution is simply to stop using their products. If you want to take drastic measures to stop using Google services, you should switch from an Android to an Iphone, install a Firefox Browser and download DuckDuckGo, WolframAlpha, or any other search engine that doesn’t track. There are tons of them out there! All it takes is a quick search. 

The thought of being tracked by Google shouldn’t be that scary. Their main reason for doing it is to create a better experience for you. There are tons of different websites, search engines and apps that track your data. The Internet is a public place that you have willingly entered. You are being tracked some way or another, no matter what you do. At least you can control it a little more when using search engines like DuckDuckGo and WolframAlpha. Google is just more open about being less private. If you didn’t get anything else out of this article, I hope it stands as a simple reminder to be cautious of how you are using the Internet.

Despite the fact that they track you, many businesses utilize Google to improve their search engine ranking, draw visitors to their website, and grow their business.

You all know the feeling. It arrives the moment that you focus on your website’s monthly traffic analytics. The number of web visitors each month lure you into a cold, long stare as you compare it to your number of sales that month. What seems like a slight breeze of confusion sweeps over you, making you wonder why those numbers do not match. Unfortunately, those numbers will not ever match until you make some changes to your website!

As the number of people visiting your website increases, you want to convert those visitors into loyal clients. Listed below are five tried and true methods of converting those visitors into customers. 

1. Demonstrate how your product is ideal

The idea is to convince your visitor that they do not need to continue looking at other sites; your site has it all and your product is exactly what they need. Remember: The goal is to show your visitors that they need you. Make your visitors feel like you are addressing them and not just bragging about yourself. For example, instead of listing testimonials, try describing various situations and how you helped the client. You want the client to recognize him or herself in the scenarios. 

2. Utilize home page sign ups 

The more convenient your contact information, the more likely your visitors are to actually use it. Many people only view a site once, so grab their attention early on and start the relationship right away. Remember: Many people are wary of new relationships, even if it is a simple web presence. By circulating a weekly or monthly newsletter or magazine, you can maintain contact without seeming overly pushy. 

3. Immediate gratification goes a long way

Give your visitors something they can use immediately. Whether this is a free gift incentive, a fantastic Top 10 List, or downloadable forms, provide every visitor with a takeaway resource. Remember: Don’t forget to put your name on these documents! Publicizing yourself, your site, and your product is vital. Every pdf or downloadable document your visitors print is one more piece of advertising.

4. Create a sense of personal commitment

If you portray yourself as invested, your visitors are more likely to think you are invested in them. Be direct. Make it personal. Above all, make it crystal clear that you can help solve their problems. Make it very clear that they are able to trust you! Remember: Position yourself as an invaluable resource and make your contact information accessible and easy to locate. This brings you one step closer to gaining a new client.  

5. Quality is obvious

When it comes to your actual website, you get what you pay for. While it may seem expensive in the beginning, think about how much money will be generated from a professional website. Remember: Website maintenance is extremely involved. Not only does the content have to be exact, the design, development and usability must be exceptional. It is usually beneficial to contract with a designer who can transform your product ideas into a credible and professional website. 

Facebook has made many changes over the years. One of the biggest changes was the transition from Facebook Reviews to Facebook Recommendations. This change happened a few years ago, but it has had a major impact on the way that people engage on social media and leave feedback for businesses on the platform. 

Before I dig too deep, Facebook Recommendations is Facebook’s version of reviews for businesses. Users are able to express whether or not they recommend a business. From there, they can write a review, add photos and tag. Facebook recently changed their process for leaving recommendations. Up until a few years ago, Facebook gave users the option to rate businesses on a scale from 1 to 5. The change now presents users with the question, “Do you recommend (business name)? Yes or no?”, along with the option to share their experience.

This change allows users to leave feedback in a much more detailed way than they had before. In fact, it is very similar to the way that users leave a review on Google. You may be wondering, “What is the difference between Facebook Recommendations and Google Reviews?” Well, there are a few differences. Google Reviews and Facebook Recommendations are arguably two of the most important places to earn reviews. While the differences between the two are the really just the platform used, both types of reviews can improve a business in different ways. 

What are the benefits of both platforms?

Google Reviews are a way for users to review businesses using their Google account. They are so important because they can improve local search ranking, increase trust and credibility with customers, influence customers on future purchases, help businesses gain helpful feedback, improve click-through rates, create brand awareness, and so much more. Google Reviews give businesses the boost of credibility they need without spending a dime. 

Facebook Recommendations is more interactive. Instead of users ranking a business on a 5-star scale, users can now add photos along with text. They are also much more informative and help with organic reach. Facebook Recommendations is now based on how many people recommend or do not recommend a page, past reviews, and previous ratings. Facebook changed their process because they saw a lot of problems with their previous style. Facebook’s new process was created so that businesses with a Facebook page would be more visible to Facebook users. Facebook Recommendations can increase reach, allow users to share photos, and tag so that others are more likely to see your page. With Facebook, the better the recommendation score, the higher the chance that a business has of engaging new customers. 

Which platform is more important?

So, if both platforms show benefits, which one is more important? To be honest with you, they are both crucially important for your business. Neither one or the other is more important. It’s like comparing apples and oranges. Both platforms benefit businesses in their own way.

Facebook is the most popular social media platform of all time. With nearly 2.7 billion active users, Facebook’s popularity isn’t even in question. Because so many people are using the platform, it is essential that your business has a page and reviews for other people to see. Although you need Facebook Recommendations, they should not replace your Google Reviews. Your business will benefit from having a good balance of both. 

Why should businesses use both?

Google is the most popular online review platform. Nearly 57% of consumers use Google to read reviews. Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers read online reviews before making a purchase. Reviews are so important, especially those on Google. Google is the most visited website on the Internet. No wonder their reviews are so valuable. 

Facebook Recommendations is great for many reasons. It will not help your business dominate the search ratings, but it will make users feel more comfortable. More people have a Facebook account and are more comfortable expressing their feedback on Facebook rather than Google. Facebook is also a platform that was created for engagement and conversation. Therefore, users are able to have a conversation with someone who leaves a review. A Facebook Recommendation may show up in a Google results page when someone searches for your business, but they have no impact on whether your business ranks for relevant search terms. 

While there are many differences and benefits of each review platform, you do not need to choose between one or the other. Your business will benefit significantly by using both. You can start this journey by creating a Facebook page for your business (if you don’t already have one) and starting a Google My Business Account. The rest is up to your audience. Don’t forget to ask for those reviews!

If you have a podcast, then you need a website. Plain and simple. 

Your podcast is most likely being consumed on several different platforms and apps. But, without a website, you are hindering your podcast’s growth. You need some kind of home base for your content. You need a place where people can access your content quickly and easily. We have come up with six reasons why your podcast needs a website! Although it might seem silly now, you will thank us later.

1. Easy to Access

A podcast website makes accessing your content just a little easier. Although your podcast may be available on multiple different apps and platforms, some people may find it easier to just go directly to your website. Keep in mind that not everybody has a smartphone or access to apps where your podcast is being streamed. Make it easier for your audience by creating a “home base” for your content. Don’t give consumers any excuse as to why they can’t listen or follow your content. 

2. Improve Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Rating 

Having a website for your podcast gives you the opportunity to improve your SEO rating and grow your following. A website gives you the chance to control how your content is viewed online. If you don’t have a website, you are putting yourself and your podcast in jeopardy! Think about it. If someone were to search for your podcast online, and you don’t have a website, the search results would show only a list of apps where visitors can listen to your podcast. This might be helpful for some, but not for others who do not have access to those apps or platforms. Those people would be out of options. Limiting your podcast to only apps and platforms is secluding an entire group of people who want to listen. If you want to grow your following, you cannot leave people out! In addition, you cannot control how apps display your podcast content on a search results page. With a website, you can control your titles, pages, meta description and literally everything that is displayed to your audience. 

3. Gain Followers by Taking Advantage of SEO 

A website allows you take advantage of those SEO opportunities that you wouldn’t have while only using streaming platforms. You can actually utilize your website to attract more followers and listeners! Cool, right? All you would have to do is make sure to upload show notes from each episode that are loaded with detail and keywords. Google will notice, connect people searching for those keywords to your website, and start sending traffic your way. Make sure that your website and podcast information is incredibly easy to find and use. 

4. Control of Content

A website allows you to provide so much more information for your audience than you could with only a podcast. You have control over every bit of information and how it’s displayed online. With a website, you can display information such as: bio of the host(s), reviews section, images of the host(s), top episodes, giveaways and contests, “where to listen”, a press page, and a community engagement section. These are all exciting and engaging things that you wouldn’t have the opportunity to add to your podcast if you did not have a website. Each extra section gives your followers a chance to get to know you outside of your podcast content. It also gives the media pictures to use and some basic information about you and your content. Having those web pages readily available for your visitors also makes you look more professional and prepared. 

5. Expand Your Marketing Techniques

A website opens the door to expanding your marketing techniques. We can only assume that you want your podcast to grow! If you want to attract more listeners and fans, then you need to update your marketing techniques. If you start a website for your podcast, you will automatically have a greater variety of strategies to “reel in” more listeners. You can use your website to ask visitors for their email. With their email, you can send them coupons, podcast updates, monthly newsletters, and much more. Having that email address unlocks the potential to form a relationship with your fans and give them an inside look into your podcast journey. If you’re selling merchandise that goes along with your podcast, that’s just another reason why you should have a website. A website gives you the opportunity to expand your marketing and grow your following. 

6. Google Analytics 

Another reason why having a podcast website is important is so that you can pinpoint exactly where your visitors are coming from. Having a website allows you to connect to Google Analytics and view all of the demographics related to your visitors. This kind of information is incredibly important because it helps you determine how to market to your audience based on their age, gender, and geographic region. You would not be able to access Google Analytics’ features if you didn’t have a website. Just for the sake of knowing more about your audience, it would be a real shame to be completely unaware of who is viewing your content. Avoid those complications and set up a website! It will help you in more ways than one. 

If you are still not convinced that you need a website, think again! If you want to see your podcast grow, then you need a main hub. You need a place where your visitors can easily find your content. Not only does it improve the user experience, but a website opens up a range of marketing opportunities, analytics, content control and SEO. Now, what are you waiting for? Go set up your website!