Top 4 SEO trends to follow in 2021

 Every business owner wants to increase the traffic of their website organically. And this is possible with search engine optimization. When it comes to SEO, it is one marketing tool that is almost free but requires an investment of time and hard work. If you can crack SEO for your site, you can get top ranking. That is essential to put your business on the map because no one goes to the second page on Google.

Therefore, to ensure that the website’s SEO is the best, you need to know about the latest trends. Since SEO keeps changing, being aware of these changes will ensure that you always stay on top. Even if you are hiring the best SEO company in India, you should know about the trends to make sure you are working with a partner who is guiding you in the right direction.

Here are the top 4 trends of 2021 you need to keep in mind

1. Mobile-first indexing

Google came up with mobile-first indexing in the summers of 2019. That means that now Google considers a mobile website as your main site instead of the desktop one. So, if you are performing mobile SEO, the site’s ranking will not increase. Ensure that your web page opens on every mobile device or tablet and is responsive as well.

Also, check Google page speed insights to know whether your site loads quickly on a mobile or not. That is essential if you do not want to increase your bounce rate.

2. Original content never goes out of style

The one SEO trend that will never change is writing original content. No one wants to buy a similar shirt from two different websites. Right? Then, why would you assume that your reader will read content that provides no value to them at all? Thus, make sure your content is original with visuals that your team makes or shoots.

Try to add statistics and numbers. If you are quoting someone or using content from somewhere, do not forget to give them credit.

3. Voice search is becoming a necessity

A study suggests that 27% of the entire population uses voice search on their mobile. When a user takes advantage of voice search, they use long-tail keywords and expect specific results. So, do include long-tail keywords in your content after researching what keywords the users are using during voice search.

4. Write the content keeping search intent in mind

Keeping in mind the search intent of users is imperative if you want success. There are four types of search intent:

• Informational: In this, the consumer is looking for information but is not ready to make the purchase yet
• Transactional: In this, the consumer using this keyword, like the free trial is ready to make the purchase
• Navigational queries: The person is looking for specific pages
• Commercial: Keywords are a mix of both first and two.

If you understand the type of keywords, you will be able to determine the user's intent.

Don’t just read about these trends, start implementing them now for the best results.

6 Pro tips for growing your professional network

Several factors are responsible for your professional growth such as determination, hard work, passion, discipline, to name a few. One more thing that can impact your professional growth is a professional network.

If you do not have a strong professional network, it can start to decrease your professional growth. When you connect with people with similar traits and train of thoughts, your chance of success increases.

There are few things that can help you network, like having a digital business card and presence on social media. Other than these tools, here are a few things to try to build a professional network.

Tip 1: Greet people according to their culture and confidently

 

When you meet people the first time, you must leave a good first impression on them. That will happen only when you are yourself. So, be polite, friendly, and shake their hand firmly. Show how pleased you are to meet them through your actions. Also, be confident and greet them as per their traditions. For instance, in India, it is a tradition to greet each other with folded hands. Remembering the culture of people and greeting them is a great way to build a network.

 

Tip 2: Have some distance between you and the other person

 

When you meet someone, whether a second time or initially, it is essential to remember to keep some distance between you two. Do not crowd their personal space as it comes across creepily.

Keep at least a distance of two feet between you two, leaving space for a third person to come and be part of your conversation.

 

Tip 3: Keep your business card handy

 

You meet people at events, and you want to build a professional relationship with them. For this purpose, keep your business card always with you. After a point in the conversation, you would need to verify your information, like the services you provide and your designation. Therefore, carry your digital business card with you always. People often forget to carry their business cards. Thus, it is best to have a smart business card, which you can share with people through emails and text.

 

Tip 4: Do your research

 

When you attend a professional network, do your research about the people coming to the event. Find out a few common interests for initiating conversation.

 

Tip 5: Let the other person talk too

Sometimes when we start talking, we are unable to stop. We keep talking about our likes or want to explain our opinions so well that we forget to listen to other people's opinions. So, keep this in mind and also ask them questions about them to keep the conversation going. Asking about their interests gives you a better chance to build a strong connection.

 

Tip 6: Always follow up

 

Following up after you meet someone at an event is essential. Send a simple mail saying, ‘It was nice to meet you. Looking forward to future collaborations.’ It will place you in their mind, and doing future business with them will be easy.

Share other tips for professional network building that worked for you in the comments below.

4 effective marketing strategies for your new business

After launching a business, the second step always is to find ways to market and promote it. If you aren’t able to show your presence to the customers you are launching the business for, how will you build a client base? Therefore, marketing your business, especially in the right manner, is quite necessary for any business, irrespective of its size or inception date.

Marketing, though, is tricky! Not every idea will work for your business, and you cannot know this without giving it a try. Another challenge is that coming up with excellent marketing strategies doesn’t mean that you will cover every target customer. It is quite impossible to do that with the traditional market. Thus, finding creative solutions like going digital with your marketing efforts is the best way to reach more customers.

Here are few creative solutions, including digital ones, for marketing your business.

1. Come up with digital marketing strategies for growth in this world

As we covered above, the world is going digital. That means that every business that wants to survive needs to have a digital presence to reach more audiences and attract them. Here are a few suggestions for making your presence known with digital tips:

Have a digital business card: In a world that is moving fast, a paper business card may not work every time, especially if you keep forgetting to take it with you. A business card is essential for marketing and networking, so carrying it is necessary. With a digital business card, you do not have to worry about putting it in your pocket or worrying about upgrading it by paying extra.

Be on social media: Social media can connect you with more people globally. It also allows you to build a personal connection with your customers, which is integral in building trust. The trick here is to be on social media that your audience uses and not waste your time being present on every social media platform available in the market.

Have a website: You should always create a website for your business. It is a must in this age as it lets people know about your services and contact you with ease.

2. Do not give up

No strategy will work or give results immediately. You need to give it time and not get impatient. Also, keep an eye on the trends that are showing better results and keep learning.

3. Sponsor events

Events are a great idea to meet new customers and attract them to your business. Try sponsoring a few events especially, local ones, to make your business more recognizable.

4. Work on customer experience

Marketing your business will work when you offer the best customer experience to your consumers. So, try to ensure that your product fulfills every requirement of the customer. Only then your marketing strategy will work and make the consumer come back to you.

These tips may seem elementary to you, but most business owners often neglect them. If you do proper research and add these tips to your marketing strategy, it will unquestionably aid your business in getting more success.

All questions regarding expiry of coffee pods answered

Coffee pods are like a breath of fresh air for coffee enthusiasts. It is one of the quickest ways to make espresso, iced coffee, latte, or even frappuccino. Individually packed, they have a powerful aroma and taste. It lasts until you open them or they expire, which is there in the packaging.

Yet, the question regarding its expiry and storage makes coffee lovers hesitate to try the pods. If you are one of those people, it is time to do away with any hesitation as we are answering all questions you may have about coffee pods expiry and storage.

Let’s begin

Can coffee pods expire?

Yes! Like any edible item, coffee pods too expire. The expiration date is available on the individual pod and the outer package as well for a few brands. If you do not have the wrapper to know the expiry date, you can ideally use it up to one year from the date of manufacturing. Also, the packing and sealing of pods ensure no exposure to moisture, oxygen, or sun. Thus, making the pod coffee safer to drinks for years.

Unless your coffee pod seal is broken or compromised, it is safe. If not, it is best not to drink it. Few coffee pods have milk in them, and as the manufacturer treats them with ultra-heat treatment, it is safe to drink for a long time.

Is drinking coffee pods harmful after their expiry date?

It depends on tons of factors including its packaging and sealing. If they are intact, drinking them will not pose any threat, and they will taste fresh too. Experts suggest that you can drink pods coffee up to one year after its expiration date. Though, do try to finish it before the expiry date.

Drinking an expired pod coffee will not make you sick. Though, it may taste different. 

What is the best way to store coffee pods?

Coffee pods are affected by moisture, heat, puncture, and oxygen.  

• When it comes to moisture, make sure you store coffee pods away from moisture. It will impact its texture and will lead to the growth of mould on the pod’s surface.

• When there is oxygen in your coffee pod, it can oxidize the grounds. It increases acidity and leads to sour-tasting coffee. Before you use pods, make sure to check rips in the packet.

• The heat from the sun can harm your coffee pods. It alters its chemistry and makes it sweeter, which makes the grounds sticky and changes its smoothness. 

• Puncture is a tear or breakage in the pods which can expose it to heat, moisture, and oxygen. 

To ensure that the pods are not affected by all this, you have to store them properly. Here are a few ways to do the same:

• Hanging storage

• Glass or mason jar

• A drawer under the machine

• Freezing the pods can also store them properly

• Spice rack

It is essential to store the coffee pods in the right manner if you want the taste and aroma stay fresh.

3 Simple methods of brewing pods coffee at home!

Coffee pods present a unique and convenient way to drink coffee. It is a dream come true for every coffee-lover as it is quick and saves your time standing in Starbucks line every morning for your morning energy kick. Just because using coffee pods is convenient does not mean that making a perfect cup of coffee is. Though the process is simple, still simple things like boiling water to the correct temperature is necessary.

In this blog, we will learn about various methods of brewing coffee pods. These methods are helpful even if you do not have a single-serve coffee machine. So, do keep reading.

 

Brewing coffee using pods machine 

 

If you have a Nespresso machine and Nespresso compatible pod (or any pod and machine which are compatible with each other), follow these steps:

• Warm up the machine and let it drain to ensure every dirt comes out. If you don’t, the coffee will not taste its best.

• Now, use cold and filtered water to fill up the machine. Measure the water before putting it.

• Remove the coffee from its package

• Pop the pod into the machine without forcing it to do so. You might have to press a button to access it, or you may not have to. Be sure to read the manual of the machine thoroughly.

• Change the settings on the machine to your preference. Most pod coffee making appliances have three options-medium, light, and strong. Select the one according to your taste.

 

Brewing coffee using pod machine not compatible with your pods

If you do not have a pod that is compatible with your machine, follow these steps:

• Have a holster that is compatible with the pod for this. Pop your coffee pod in the holster and put it in the machine. Again, never force the pod to fit into the machine.

• Now place the mug under the coffee dispensing area and choose from the three options- light, medium, or strong.

 

Brewing coffee without a machine

 

If you do not have a pod machine but want to try pod coffee, you can with these steps.

• First, open your pods coffee completely to get ground beans. You can do this with your hands or any sharp gadget like a pair of scissors.

• Dispense the coffee into a mug of your choice. Use every last coffee if you want a delicious cup of coffee. If you reduce it, the coffee will not be as strong as individual pods that have enough coffee for one cup only.

• Put the pod on top of the glass (you would need a narrow glass for brewing this)

• Pour boiling water on it and let it brew for a few minutes.

4 Tips that will unquestionably make your morning coffee taste better

Everyone loves a nice hot cup of coffee early in the morning to kick start their day. Most coffee lovers follow the same steps to brew their coffee. They love that taste, and it is a habit that they cannot let go of. But maybe you should try to change your morning coffee recipe. Why? Because there are better ways to make coffee now that will make it sustainable and delicious as well.

Remember that there is no best way to brew coffee. Innovations keep coming in, and you should try them to make your coffee decadent and its brewing process effortless.

Here are four tips that will improve your morning coffee

Tip 1: Be smart and sustainable with your coffee

We all want to be environmentally conscious and responsible with our coffee drinking habits. Fortunately, it is now possible. Here are few ways to make your coffee drinking habits green:

• Use biodegradable coffee pods instead of regular coffee pods. They are better for the environment, and they taste the same.

• It is necessary to keep the coffee machine’s switch on. Though it wastes electricity, warming up the coffee machine in the morning is a long process. To be sustainable here, you can get a smart wall plug that has Wi-Fi in it. It turns on the machine for you on time to keep it warm. It has other benefits too.

• Buy coffee in bulk. It saves packaging waste

• Make sure you buy only organic coffee.

Tip 2: Make sure you use better water

If you want a perfect cup of coffee, using the right water is necessary. Yes, there is a thing as right water when it comes to coffee. Do not use the water which you will not prefer for drinking for coffee, especially for espresso.

• Never use tap water for coffee, as it will taste like you are drinking mud

• Use filtered or bottled water

• Also, use cold water for brewing, no matter the method you are using to make coffee. That way, the machine will heat the water at the correct temperature.

Tip 3: Heating your cup can do wonders 

Heating your cup can unquestionably make your coffee taste delicious. It balances the flavor and enhances it as well. When you pour your espresso in a cold cup, it affects its sweetness and body. That’s why heating the cup is better. Here are two ways to do this:

• Put the mug over your coffee-brewing machine (if possible) to heat it up

• Second, you can also pour boiling water into your cup. Make sure you full it only half and not up to the brink. It doesn’t overheat the rim, so you can enjoy your hot coffee without burning yourself.

Tip 4: Grind coffee grounds at home when needed

Fresh produce is always the best. Right? So, rather than buying pre-grind coffee, buy whole beans and grind them at home and only as much you need. It will enhance the taste and will give you a fresh taste of the coffee.