1st on the List Blog

Our top SEOs, analysts, strategists, developers, and digital marketers share advice, how-tos, industry changes, best practices and their own realizations and success stories. Check back often to stay up to date on the latest and greatest in the SEO, PPC and online marketing world.

Algorithm Changes

How the Google Penguin Algorithm Update Affects Your Website Ranking

Have you ever wondered what Google’s penguin algorithm update has meant for your website? Google Penguin (Penguin) is an integral part of Google's search algorithm with a job of showing only trustworthy and valuable websites in Google search…

How To Optimize for Voice Search Local SEO

Boost Local SEO with Voice Search Once upon a time, voice search local SEO may have seemed like far-flung science fiction. Now, talking to your computer is no longer an oddity. It has become the norm and is essential for the success of your…

Graphic of a stop sign that says STOP SPAM

Google & Bing, Link Building

What is a Spammy Website? Conducting a Website Spam Check in 2023

Have you done a website spam check lately? Your website is the digital face of your business. A well-maintained website can not only attract and engage visitors and grow your revenue, it can also serve as a guest communication tool or an informative…

Business & Marketing, SEO in the News

How Does CASL Canada Affect Your Business?

In today’s rapidly growing digital world, our electronic inboxes are constantly flooded with emails and electronic messages, often including many unwanted spam messages. Enter Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), designed to govern commercial…

Paper with the words schema markup on a yellow desk

Schema, Technical SEO

What Is Structured Data & Schema?

Local SEO Structured Data Can Help Your Business By now, most small businesses are familiar with local SEO structured data and schema. Not surprisingly, some may find it a bit intimidating. In fact, structured data still tends to be underutilized…

Person looking at cell phone displaying Customer Review

Reviews and Testimonials

Get More Online Reviews for Your Local Business

Reviews - Trust, Expertise & Social Proof Online reviews for local businesses are vital for providing social proof, establishing expertise, and building trust in your business. Looking through your online reviews on Google might be…

Google home page showing on a table screen

Business & Marketing

SEO vs PPC: Which One Is Right for Your Business?

As a business owner, at some point, you probably gave some thought to SEO vs PPC and where to best put your marketing dollars. Whether your online presence is a small five-page website, a blog, or an e-commerce behemoth, you need Google and…

Text composite of SEO, Mobile Marketing, Web Analytics, etc.

SEO

25 SEO Terms You Need to Know

Understanding SEO Jargon Knowing that S-E-O stands for “Search Engine Optimization” may seem like just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to SEO terms, industry jargon, and definitions. Here are 25 of the most popularly used SEO terms…

A man pointing a finger toward the viewer with a Graphic of SEO Process surrounding the finger.

Business & Marketing, SEO

How to Hire An SEO Company – What to Look For

Hiring An SEO Company - What You Need to Know If you are looking to hire an SEO company, do you know what to look for and what questions you should ask? Having a website that is not easily found is like constructing an elaborate billboard…

Content & Keywords

Does Keyword Order Matter?

How Does Keyword Order Impact Your SEO? If Google is saying that keyword order matters then it's best to keep that top of mind in your SEO efforts. Everyone on the Internet is chasing that elusive first page on Google. Whether you’re a…

Graphic of a map with red and blue location indicators.

Local Search

How to Attract Local Customers

Boost Local Visibility & Attract New Customers with Local SEO Running a local business is hard enough and small business owners are always looking for innovative ways on how to attract local customers. Figuring out how to target new…

Google My Business seen through a magnifying glass

GBP Profile

Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile Optimization Tips If you haven't done it yet, you really need to do Google business profile optimization to help reach your target customers and boost your local SEO. You know when you search for a local business,…