What benefits do breadcrumbs have for the SEO of a website or blog site?

Breadcrumbs in action on the UltimateWB Forum, using the UltimateWB website builder.

Breadcrumbs offer a two-fold benefit for SEO: they improve user experience (UX) which indirectly helps SEO, and they also send signals directly to search engines like Google about your website structure.

Improved User Experience:

  • Clearer Navigation: Breadcrumbs act like a mini-map for users, letting them see their current location within the website’s hierarchy and providing a way to navigate back to higher-level pages. This is especially helpful for complex websites or those with deep content structures.
  • Enhanced Browsing: By giving users a sense of where they are, breadcrumbs encourage them to explore other sections of your website. This can lead to more pageviews and a longer time spent on the site, both of which are positive SEO signals.

SEO Benefits:

  • Better Site Structure: Breadcrumbs help search engines understand how your website’s pages are interconnected and organized. This can improve the crawling and indexing efficiency of search engine bots.
  • Stronger Internal Linking: Breadcrumbs function as internal links, pointing to relevant higher-level pages. This reinforces your website’s internal linking structure, which is a crucial factor in SEO.
  • Contextualization: Search engines like Google can use breadcrumbs to understand the context of a particular page on your website. This can be beneficial for ranking your website for relevant long-tail keywords.

In short, breadcrumbs are a user-friendly feature that can also provide a slight SEO boost. By implementing them on your website, you can create a more positive experience for visitors and potentially improve your search rankings.

How to Implement Breadcrumbs on your website

It may sound hard, but it doesn’t have to be hard. It’s easy with UltimateWB because UltimateWB takes care of it for you, from your integrated forum and blog, to your listings directory and classifieds directory. Easy peasy!

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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What do I need to do to start getting sales on my website?

There are two main areas to focus on to boost sales on your website: attracting visitors (traffic) and converting those visitors into buyers. Here are some key strategies for both:

Driving Traffic:

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): This involves optimizing your website’s content and structure to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords. This is a long-term strategy that can bring consistent traffic. UltimateWB has a built-in SEO tool and Sitemap Generator to help you get your website indexed and gain organic traffic.
  • Pay-per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Platforms like Google Ads and social media advertising allow you to target specific demographics with targeted ads, driving traffic quickly. This can be a good way to test the waters and see what kind of message resonates with your audience.
  • Social Media Marketing: Having a strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram allows you to connect with potential customers, share your brand story, and promote your products or services.

Converting Visitors into Sales:

  • Website Optimization: Make sure your website is user-friendly, with a clear and easy navigation system. High-quality product photos and descriptions are essential.
  • Compelling Value Proposition: Clearly communicate the unique value proposition of your products or services. Why should someone buy from you instead of your competitors?
  • Trust Signals: Include testimonials, reviews, and trust badges to build trust with potential customers.
  • Seamless Checkout Process: Make sure the checkout process is simple and secure. Offer multiple payment options and avoid hidden fees.
  • Targeted Email Marketing: Capture email addresses from visitors and send targeted email campaigns with special offers, new product announcements, or abandoned cart reminders. This is easy to do with UltimateWB and the built-in Mailing List app.

Remember, increasing sales is an ongoing process. Track your results and be prepared to test and refine your strategies over time.

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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What techniques do you use to improve website crawlability and indexability?

Good question! A well-designed website is only half the battle. For your website to truly thrive online, it needs to be seen by search engines and potential visitors. This is where crawlability and indexability come into play…

Conquer the Crawl: Techniques to Boost Website Crawlability and Indexability

Simply put, crawlability refers to how easily search engine bots (also known as crawlers) can navigate and access your website’s content. Indexability determines whether those crawled pages are deemed worthy of inclusion in search engine results pages (SERPs).

So, how do you ensure your website is easily crawled and indexed? Here are some key techniques:

1. Master the Technical SEO Game:

  • Structure for Success: Organize your website content like a well-written story. Use a clear and hierarchical structure with intuitive navigation menus and internal linking. This helps search engines understand the relationships between pages, making their journey smoother.
  • Speed Up Your Website: Nobody likes waiting, especially search engine bots. Ensure your website loads quickly on all devices. Slow loading times can negatively impact user experience and discourage crawlers from exploring your site thoroughly.
  • Mobile Friendly & Responsive Website: In today’s mobile-centric world, search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites. Make sure your website adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and provides an optimal experience on mobile devices, i.e. make sure it is responsive. This is easy to do with the UltimateWB built-in Responsive app.
  • Speak the Search Engine Language: Implement structured data markup to provide search engines with additional information about your content, like product details, events, or recipes. This empowers them to understand your website better and potentially display richer search results, attracting more clicks.
  • Submit Your Sitemap: Create and submit an XML sitemap to search engines like Google Search Console. This file acts as a roadmap, informing crawlers about the pages on your website and their relationships. This is easy to do with the UltimateWB built-in Sitemap Generator tool. It does all the work for you.

2. Content is King and Queen:

  • Create Compelling Content: Publish valuable and relevant content that informs, engages, and addresses the needs of your target audience. This establishes your website as an authority in its niche and attracts users, who are essential for positive search engine signals.
  • Target the Right Keywords: Research and target relevant keywords throughout your content, but remember, prioritize natural language and user-friendliness over keyword stuffing.
  • Keep it Fresh: Regularly update your website with fresh content to signal activity to search engines and keep your audience engaged.

3. The Power of Backlinks:

  • Earn Quality Backlinks: Backlinks, or links from other websites pointing to yours, are considered a vote of trust by search engines. Earning backlinks from relevant and reputable websites can significantly improve your website’s authority and ranking potential.

4. User Engagement Matters:

  • Encourage Interaction: Promote user engagement through features like comments, social media sharing, and other avenues. This is easy to do with all the interactive features that UltimateWB offers. This shows search engines that your website is valuable and relevant to users, contributing to a positive ranking signal.

5. Tools and Analytics: Your Allies:

  • Leverage SEO Tools: Utilize various SEO tools and analytics platforms to monitor your website’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and track your progress over time.
  • Stay Informed: Regularly check your search engine console for any crawling errors or indexation issues and address them promptly to maintain smooth communication with search engines.

Remember: Optimizing your website for search engines is an ongoing process. By implementing these techniques and staying updated on the latest search engine algorithms, you can ensure your website is easily crawled, readily indexed, and visible to the world, attracting more organic traffic and achieving your online goals.

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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How many syllables and how many words should a domain name contain to make sure it is easy to remember and user friendly?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it is generally advised to aim for short domain name vs longer domain names. Here are some guidelines for choosing a memorable and user-friendly domain name based on syllables and words:

Syllables:

  • Aim for 1-3 syllables: Studies suggest this sweet spot improves memorability. Popular websites like Google (2 syllables), Twitter (2 syllables), and Amazon (3 syllables) demonstrate this concept.
  • Remember: This isn’t a hard rule. Some successful names like Wikipedia (5 syllables) prove otherwise. It’s more about flow and rhythm than strict counting.

Words:

  • Generally, fewer words are better: 1-3 words is recommended for easy recall and typing. 
  • However, clarity matters: If a longer name clearly conveys your brand or message, consider it. 

Other factors to consider:

  • Pronunciation: Easy to say and spell is crucial. Avoid unusual spellings or difficult combinations.
  • Relevance: Does the name reflect your brand or website content?
  • Uniqueness: Stand out from competitors and avoid trademarks.
  • Availability: Check if the domain name is available with your desired extension (.com, .net, etc.).

Ultimately, the best domain name is:

  • Memorable: Sticks in people’s minds and is easy to recall.
  • Brandable: Reflects your business and builds brand recognition.
  • User-friendly: Easy to type and understand.

Bonus tip: Test your domain name out on family, friends, or target audience for feedback on memorability and clarity.

I hope this helps!

Related: How to choose a domain name for your website

.com vs .us, .com vs .uk…..com vs Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs): Which domain extension should you choose?

Is a .com domain better for SEO?

Decoding .com vs .org: Which Domain Extension Is Right for You?

Why are all of the best domain names taken when there aren’t websites using them?

How do you check for available website domain names?

Google buys domain name Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz.com

Taylor Swift, Microsoft buy .porn and .adult domain names to protect brand

Should you get .com, .org, and .net domain names – all the tld’s?

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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Why is “www.” required in front of some domains but not for other domains?


In today’s internet landscape, “www.” isn’t actually required for most domains. Historically, it signified the “World Wide Web” subdomain, where web content resided on a server. However, over time, it became more of a convention than a necessity.

Here’s the breakdown:

Why “www.” Was Used:

  • Early internet structure: In the early days, different subdomains on the same domain could house different services (e.g., “ftp.” for file transfer). “www.” distinguished the web server specifically.
  • Clarity and convention: With its widespread adoption, “www.” became a clear indicator of a website’s location, even though technical requirements changed.

Why “www.” is Not Strictly Required Now:

  • Modern DNS: Domain Name System (DNS) configurations now direct both “www.” and non-“www.” versions to the same web server, making the prefix optional.
  • User preference: Websites can choose their preferred domain (with or without “www.”) and configure their server accordingly.

Things to Consider:

  • SEO (Search Engine Optimization): While search engines can handle both versions, having a consistent choice (with or without “www.”) might be slightly beneficial for SEO by avoiding duplicate listings.
  • User Experience: Maintaining consistency across links, branding, and communication ensures a seamless user experience.

Choosing Your Stance:

  • No technical difference: Both versions will lead users to your site.
  • Consistency is key: Pick one and stick to it for branding and SEO clarity.
  • Redirect if needed: You can set up a redirect to ensure all traffic, regardless of “www.”, reaches your preferred version.

Ultimately, the decision is yours! Choose the approach that best suits your website and preferences.

Related: Why use “WWW” for your website?

WWW or no WWW – That is the question

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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How can businesses optimize their website for Google’s BERT?

What is BERT?

Let’s start with what Google’s BERT is. It has nothing to do with Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie, but it is an acronym, standing for: Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers. In clearer terms, BERT is a sophisticated language processing model developed by Google. It’s not just a search algorithm update; it’s a fundamental shift in how Google understands and interprets search queries and web content.

Traditionally, search engines relied on keyword matching to analyze websites. BERT takes a more nuanced approach, processing language much like humans do:

  • Understanding context: BERT analyzes the entire sentence, considering word relationships and context to grasp the true meaning.
  • Intent over keywords: Instead of focusing solely on keyword presence, BERT prioritizes understanding the user’s search intent behind those keywords.
  • Entity recognition: BERT identifies and understands real-world entities like people, places, and things mentioned in the query and content.

BERT and Website Optimization: A Comprehensive Guide

Now that we know what Google’s BERT is, let’s dive into how you can optimize your website for the BERT era, for the best search engine ranking results.

Optimizing for BERT: Go Beyond Keywords

1. Focus on User Intent:

  • Understand your target audience and their search queries. What questions do they have? What information are they seeking?
  • Create content that directly addresses their intent. Don’t just stuff keywords; provide valuable, relevant answers.
  • Write naturally and conversationally. Use the language your audience uses, avoiding jargon and overly technical terms.

2. Prioritize High-Quality Content:

  • Focus on creating comprehensive, informative, and engaging content. BERT rewards detailed explanations, insightful analysis, and unique perspectives.
  • Publish original content that offers value not found elsewhere. Avoid thin content or rehashed information.
  • Ensure your content is well-structured and easy to read. Use subheadings, bullet points, and images to break up text and improve readability.

3. Optimize Entity Recognition:

  • Use relevant keywords naturally throughout your content. Don’t force them in unnaturally.
  • Link to authoritative sources and related entities. Show search engines your content connects to the broader knowledge graph.
  • Use structured data markup to explicitly identify entities like people, places, and products within your content.

4. Technical SEO Still Matters:

  • Maintain basic technical SEO practices. Ensure your website is mobile-friendlyfast-loading, and has a clear site structure. This is a lot easier with UltimateWB – it has streamlined coding, supporting the latest techniques, and has a built-in Responsive app.
  • Optimize page titles and meta descriptions. You can do this on the Add/Edit Pages from your UlitmateWB website admin panel. Use relevant keywords naturally and accurately reflect your content.
  • Earn high-quality backlinks from relevant websites. Demonstrate your content’s authority and trustworthiness.

Remember:

  • Optimizing for BERT is an ongoing process. Analyze your website’s performance regularly and adapt your strategy based on new insights.
  • Prioritize creating valuable content for your audience. Search engines will ultimately reward websites that provide genuine value and user satisfaction.

By understanding BERT and implementing these optimizations, businesses can ensure their websites stay relevant and visible in the ever-evolving search landscape.

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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Do domain URL variants or structures matter in SEO?

Yes, domain URL variants and structures do impact SEO – search engine optimization – in several ways. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider:

1. URL Structure and Readability:

The UltimateWB website builder takes care of choosing the best urls for the admin/user posts in the social networking apps, such as the built-in forum app. You can also update the urls if you would like to change them, manually through your website admin panel. And, of course, you can choose your webpage URLs on the Add/Edit Pages of your website admin panel, and also for the Add/Edit Articles, likewise.

2. HTTPS Security:

  • Positive ranking factor: Google prioritizes secure HTTPS sites over HTTP ones.
  • Ensure HTTPS implementation: Acquire an SSL certificate and configure your website to use HTTPS. Get it free and hassle-free with UltimateWB – all UltimateWB web hosting packages and UltimateWB Cloud plans come with SSL included.
  • Example: https://www.example.com is preferred over http://www.example.com

3. www vs. Non-www:

  • Choose a primary version: Select either www or the non-www version and redirect the other to maintain consistency and avoid duplicate content issues. You can do this via your htaccess file coding .
  • Set a preferred domain in Google Search Console: Help search engines understand your preferred version.

Related:

Why use “WWW” for your website?

WWW or no WWW – That is the question

4. Subdomains vs. Subdirectories:

  • Subdomains: Treated as separate entities by search engines, potentially diluting authority. Use them for distinct content sections (e.g., <invalid URL removed>).
  • Subdirectories: Keep content within the main domain structure for better organization and link equity distribution.

5. Trailing Slashes:

  • Consistency is key: Choose either to use or omit trailing slashes at the end of URLs and stick to it to avoid duplicate content issues.

UltimateWB opts for no trailing slashes for the website builder generated content. Why have the extra character?!

6. URL Parameters:

  • Minimal usage: Use parameters for dynamic content or tracking purposes, but avoid excessive reliance as they can create duplicate content concerns.

7. Canonicalization:

  • Address duplicate content: Use canonical tags to indicate the preferred version of a page when multiple URLs lead to the same content.

8. URL Length:

  • Concise URLs: While Google doesn’t specify a strict character limit, aim for shorter, keyword-rich URLs for better readability and potential ranking benefits.

9. Mobile-Friendliness:

  • Responsive URLs: Ensure URLs adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes for optimal mobile experience, as Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites.

This is a lot easier to do with the UltimateWB built-in Responsive app/

Remember:

  • Prioritize user experience: Clear and informative URLs enhance navigation and click-through rates.
  • Think long-term: Structure URLs with future content growth in mind to maintain a logical and organized website structure.
  • Monitor performance: Track URL performance in search results and make adjustments as needed.

By carefully crafting your domain URL variants and structures, you’ll create a more user-friendly, SEO-friendly, and organized website that resonates better with both search engines and human visitors.

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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What is Neubrutalism in Web Design?

Ever felt the monotony of sleek, polished websites just wasn’t cutting it? Enter neubrutalism – the digital rebel here to shake things up. Let’s unravel the mystery of neubrutalism in web design and explore how it flips the script.

Imagine taking the rawness of Brutalist architecture (think exposed concrete and bold geometric shapes) and injecting it into the web. Add a dash of Y2K nostalgia (think glitchy visuals and funky typography) and a sprinkle of modern minimalism, and you’ve got the essence of neubrutalism.

Key Features of Neubrutalism:

1. Embracing Imperfection:

Neubrutalism laughs in the face of perfection. Forget flawless layouts; it’s all about celebrating the raw, unfiltered charm. Think bold colors, unconventional fonts, and layouts that don’t follow the rules.

2. Less Fluff, More Stuff:

Simplicity is the name of the game. Neubrutalist websites strip away unnecessary embellishments, delivering a straightforward user experience. It’s not about fancy graphics but about the content that speaks volumes.

3. Edgy Visuals:

Say goodbye to picture-perfect stock photos. Neubrutalism loves its visuals unpolished and edgy. High-contrast images, unconventional choices – it’s the rebellion against the curated and predictable.

How to Infuse Neubrutalism Into Your Website:

a. Embrace Asymmetry:

Forget about centering everything. Embrace the beauty of asymmetry – let elements flow in an unorchestrated dance that defies the norms.

b. Play with Typography:

Experiment with fonts that break the mold. Go big, go bold – neubrutalism celebrates typography that demands attention.

c. Bold Color Choices & High Contrast:

Ditch the safe palette. Neubrutalism thrives on bold, unexpected color choices that make your website pop and demand attention.

Is Neubrutalism Popular?

It’s still too early to declare neubrutalism a mainstream movement. However, it’s definitely generating buzz and attracting interest from designers and brands seeking to stand out from the crowd.

Why is Neubrutalism Gaining Popularity?

Several factors contribute to neubrutalism’s rise:

  • A Reaction to Design Fatigue: People are tired of the same old, cookie-cutter website designs. Neubrutalism offers something different, daring, and memorable.
  • Emphasis on Functionality: It prioritizes usability and clarity over pure aesthetics, ensuring a user-friendly experience.
  • A DIY Spirit: Many Neubrutalist designs are created by independent designers, breaking free from corporate design trends.

Examples of Neubrutalism in Action:

Figma website

Figma: The design platform’s website is a prime example, with its bold branding, grid-based layout, and unconventional use of whitespace.

Gumroad website

Gumroad: The e-commerce platform embraces neubrutalism with its raw aesthetic, high-contrast colors, and quirky illustrations.

It’s Nice That website

It’s Nice That: This online platform for showcasing creative work utilizes a grid-based layout with large, high-resolution images alongside clean typography, echoing some Brutalist ideals.

Challenges and Considerations on Neubrutalism:

While neubrutalism’s unconventional approach is refreshing, it comes with challenges:

  • Accessibility: Low contrast and unconventional layouts can make it difficult for some users to navigate.
  • Branding fit: Not all brands can pull off the raw, edgy aesthetic.
  • Widespread adoption: It might take time for neubrutalism to gain mainstream acceptance.

The Future of Neubrutalism:

Whether neubrutalism becomes a dominant force or remains a niche trend is yet to be seen. However, its ability to spark conversation and challenge design norms is undeniable. It’s a movement worth watching, as it might just push the boundaries of what we expect from web design in the future.

So, while “popular” might be a strong word right now, neubrutalism is definitely one to keep an eye on. Its bold aesthetic and unconventional approach offer a refreshing alternative to the usual web design suspects, and its potential to evolve and adapt is exciting.

Is Neubrutalism Right for You?

Neubrutalism isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re tired of blending in and want to make a bold statement, it might be time to let your rebellious side shine. Experiment, break the rules, and infuse a dose of Neubrutalism into your digital presence.

In a world where conformity reigns, Neubrutalism is the rebel yell reminding us that perfection is overrated. Embrace the imperfections, break free from the ordinary, and let your website scream – “I am neubrutalist, hear me roar!”

Ready to unleash the rebel within? Dive into neubrutalism and watch your website transform into a digital maverick!

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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