The guidance on how to get your content to rank high in search results has changed over the years. The focus is almost always on Google, which is the world’s leading search engine, and Google often makes changes to its algorithms that require content marketers to adapt their strategies. The algorithm updates that Google makes can often make or break sites. If it significantly changes ranking signals, some sites can end up losing a big chunk of their traffic overnight, and getting it back seems almost impossible.  However, there’s one SEO best practice that has stood the test of time: link building. Quality inbound links are viewed as a positive ranking factor by Google and other search engines.  Unfortunately, many people try to t…

If you're looking for ways to stay cool and save on your energy bills this summer, you're not alone. Let's get into a few of the top ways to save money while still staying cool at home. 1. Service Your Air Conditioner One of the best ways to ensure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible is to have it serviced by an HVAC professional. Servicing your air conditioner will not only improve its energy efficiency, but it will also help extend its lifespan. Contact a local HVAC professional today to schedule an appointment. 2. Use Your Windows Wisely During the summer, natural sunlight can work against you when it comes to energy efficiency. If you have windows that face the sun, you can use window treatments like curtains or b…

Every aspect of running a small business can be incredibly challenging, including creating a budget. Most small businesses are on a very tight budget, so you want to make sure that you delegate it in a way that doesn’t neglect any of your business needs. Depending on your digital marketing experience, it can be even harder to figure out how much to budget for this part of your business expenses.  Whether you need to create your first digital marketing budget or need to adjust your existing one, the following tips will make it much easier.  The Rule of Thumb by Percentage Remember that every single company is different, and your digital marketing budget will depend on a long list of factors. That being said, there are some general rules…

If you want to invite your family to come together for a family reunion, you may be worried about how much work it will take to plan and how much it might cost. The good news is that you don't have to plan an elaborate event or break the bank to host a fun family reunion. Let's go over a few planning tips. Hold the Event Outdoors Instead of renting a venue or vacation home that might be expensive, hold your family reunion outdoors. You can choose to host the event at a park, at the beach, or even in your backyard. Pick a time of year when the weather is typically cooperative! Host a Potluck If you want to save money on food, you can have each household bring a food item to share at the reunion. Potluck-style events avoid catering costs and…

More than 35 million people in the United States have a physical disability, which can make it difficult to navigate physical spaces. Whether someone requires assistance in the bathroom or uses a wheelchair about the house, here are some tips to make your house more accessible and disability-friendly. Install Ramps in Addition to Stairs Stairs are a barrier and risk for many disabled people, not just those who use wheelchairs. Even with a single-story home, it's typical to have one or two stairs leading from your porch to your entryway or an interior step into a living room. Having a ramp available as an alternate route will make for an easy transition into the home. Be sure the slope of the ramp is compliant with ADA requirements. Place a…

A financial advisor assists individuals in broadly planning their client’s financial future and determining financial goals and how best to accomplish those goals. There are specialties in this field, which include Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Investment Advisers (IA), Registered Representatives (RR), and Investment Adviser Representatives (IAR). The law requires a licensed fiduciary financial planner to act in their client's best interest. Other types of financial advisors don't have the same requirement.   What Does a Financial Advisor Do?   Each type of financial advisor utilizes a structured process to help the client develop their financial plan an…

A clean and tidy home can help make you feel more relaxed in your space. However, with any hectic lifestyle, it can be difficult to keep your house neat and clean. Hiring a cleaning company is a great solution to help you regain your time and energy for other things, like your family or your job. Before you commit to one company over another, take a look at this list of essential features that every quality housekeeping company should have. Reliable References A high-quality house cleaning company will have testimonials. Based on the time they have been operating, they should have a track record of providing high-quality service. Start by checking their online reviews and ask your circle of influence if they have any recommendations. High-Q…

Giving gifts expresses love, support, excitement, and happiness for the people you care about. Choosing to gift someone a handmade gift basket can be a great way to say many things, like "Congratulations," "Happy Birthday," or "I love you." Let's look at a few special occasions and holidays that are perfect for giving personalized gift baskets. 1. Births Births and baby showers are unique occasions to honor new life and are ideal occasions for giving presents to the baby or new parents. During events like baby showers, friends and relatives shower the mother-to-be with baby presents. Baby clothing, stuffed animals, books, toys, and various sizes of diapers are all great items to include in a baby shower gift basket. You can also fill the ba…

Are you a first-time homebuyer? If so, you're likely thinking about the best home improvement projects to add value and personalize your space. However, many big home improvement projects—like renovated kitchens, new windows, or updated HVAC—are expensive and time-consuming, which means you likely can't tackle everything at once. The good news is that there are plenty of small changes you can make that are simple, affordable, and can make a big impact on your new place right away. Here are five to consider! 1. Add a New Coat of Paint One classic home improvement project to consider is adding a new coat of paint to the walls. The color of paint can change the atmosphere of your home, making this a simple, yet effective way to transform your…

You never know when you’ll get sick or injured, and you may need medical treatment fast if your condition is more serious. You can get the prompt health care service that you need by going to either an urgent care center or an emergency room. Knowing the difference between the two—and knowing when to go to each—will save you extra time and stress. Whether Your Condition Is Life-threatening Life-threatening conditions require immediate attention in a local emergency room. You should definitely go to the emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency, such as: Chest painHemorrhagingBreathing difficultiesHead traumaSevere burnsA gunshot or stab wound If your condition doesn’t put your life in immediate danger but you still need to…

Sometimes it can be difficult to hit the ground running and get all of your tasks done each day. Whether for work or personal tasks, there are many tools and systems that exist to help you organize your time and get the task done on time. Here are four popular tools that you might want to consider using. Daily Planner One of the most popular tools for organizing daily tasks is the daily planner. This can be a physical book that you keep with you at all times, or it can be a cloud-based application on your phone or computer. The key to using a daily planner is to write down everything that you need to do each day, as well as when you need to get them done. Once you complete the task, check or cross it off and move on to the next time-sensiti…

Managing a small business can be a challenging task. While there are many online resources available to help you keep going, there may come a time when you need additional help. That's where hiring a business consultant comes in. Here are some reasons why hiring a business consultant may be a good idea for your small business. 1. Expert Advice Business consultants are experts in their field. They have a deep understanding of the challenges that small businesses face, and they can offer valuable advice to help you overcome these obstacles. Whether you need tips on pinpointing your company vision, improving your sales pitch, or avoiding common pitfalls, a consultant can be an invaluable resource for your business. 2. Access to New Networks an…

There are many benefits that come from using raised beds in your gardening. If you're just starting out with raised garden beds, here are five easy-to-grow vegetables (and a fruit!) that will flourish. 1. Root Vegetables Because you can control the soil and depth in a raised garden, carrots, radishes, beets, and other root vegetables are an excellent choice and will thrive with the extra space to spread out. For ideal growing conditions, make sure the soil has no rocks, debris, or clay. 2. Tomatoes Tomatoes love loose, nutrient-dense soil and grow well in raised garden beds because the soil can be better controlled. Consider planting companion plants such as carrots alongside your tomatoes, which tends to increase the yield of both crops wh…

Lower back pain is a common concern for many people. For some, the pain may be a result of repetitive motions or a sedentary lifestyle. For others, pain may be due to an underlying health condition. Whatever the reason, back pain can be quite disruptive to your daily routine. The good news is that stretching can be an excellent way to alleviate your symptoms! Here are four stretches that may give you some relief. Child's Pose Child's pose is a traditional yoga pose that gently stretches your thighs, glutes, and spinal muscles. This pose is great for lower back pain because it helps loosen those stubborn back muscles that can be difficult to stretch. Child's pose is also great for improving flexibility and blood circulation. Knee-to-Chest Th…

When it comes to elder care, there are several options available—and it can be tricky to figure out which one is right for you or your loved one. Let's go over a few common types of elder care: in-home care, assisted living, and nursing homes. In-Home Care In-home care allows seniors to continue in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, and it can be less expensive than nursing home care. It also affords one-on-one attention from a caregiver and is less disruptive to the senior's routine. Services vary, but they typically include meal preparation and cleanup, housekeeping, laundry, monitored bathing and grooming, running errands, and light exercise routines. Seniors can also expect help with eating and moving around the home. In-ho…

If you love the feeling of gathering around a fire in the evenings to relax with friends and family, share stories, or roast marshmallows, a backyard firepit might be just what you need. But should you go with a wood or gas firepit? Let's go over a few things you need to know before choosing which type to buy. Wood Firepits Wood-fueled firepits are typically simpler, cheaper, and easier to install than gas firepits. However, since wood fires release sparks, ash, and other debris into the air, it is especially important to place the firepit in a safe place away from combustible or flammable items. Wood burns bigger and hotter than gas, making wood firepits better for cooking—and all you need is a supply of firewood, something to start a flam…

Vitamins and supplements can play a major role in your overall health and well-being. A regimented intake can help keep your body feeling great and your mind feeling clear. Read on to learn about five common vitamins and supplements that you might want to consider taking regularly. 1. Vitamin D Vitamin D is one of the most popular vitamin supplements, and for good reason. It is essential for maintaining bone health and preventing or slowing the development of conditions like osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps prevent depression, autoimmune diseases, type 1 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. The best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D is from exposure to sunlight, but many people don’t get enough sun exposure throughout the year. Su…

Nannying and babysitting both involve taking care of children, but there are some key differences between the two occupations. Let's discuss them! What Is a Nanny? Nannies are professional caregivers who typically work full-time for one family. They are responsible for all aspects of the child's care, from feeding and dressing them to taking them to appointments and helping with their homework. Nannies often become like members of the extended family. Nannies are usually certified in CPR and first aid. Some hold associate degrees in early childhood education or child development. Nannies' services are more expensive than those of babysitters due to their level of experience and larger sphere of responsibilities. What Is a Babysitter? A baby…

If you're considering filing bankruptcy, you're not alone. More people in the United States are filing for bankruptcy than you may think. While filing for bankruptcy might seem like an overwhelming decision or process, there are a few reasons why bankruptcy could be a wise financial choice. You Need to Pay for Medical Expenses The American Journal of Public Health published a study in 2019 that revealed that 66.5% of U.S. bankruptcies occurred because of medical debt. Many individuals were unable to pay medical bills due to having to take time from work to heal from an injury or surgery or manage a chronic condition. Americans with health insurance can still be overwhelmed with medical debt, even if their policy offers copays and deductible…

The signs of poor air quality in your home can range in severity, from frequent sniffling to excessive coughing, sneezing, or asthma attacks from the people in your home. Whether or not these signs are already starting to show, there are a few steps you can take now to better the quality of the air in your home. 1. Clean Dirty HVAC Units Dust and dirt lined up on your air conditioners or heating vents can cause serious problems. As the air blows to make the house more comfortable, this filth is actually being spread around your home. One simple way to improve your home's indoor air quality is to clean these spaces on a regular basis or have them cleaned by a professional. 2. Upgrade Appliances If your home has been using the same heating an…

When your child is stressed or anxious, their feelings may manifest in ways that are different than those of adults. Some of these signs will be similar to those your child experiences on a typical day, so they can be difficult to detect. Here are a few clues that might tell you your child is anxious or stressed. Infants Your baby may show signs of stress and anxiety if they cry more than usual or have trouble sleeping. Your child may break down when you leave them with a caregiver, babysitter, or in a daycare center. Your infant may also be fussy, irritable, and have trouble feeding. Toddlers Physical symptoms, such as sweating or trembling, can be signs of anxiety or stress. Your toddler may act apprehensive, be withdrawn, or have frequen…