Understand what SEO is and why it is so important

You’ve probably heard hundreds of times that search engine optimization (SEO) is a vital digital marketing tool. But do you really know how SEO works? Even if you have a basic understanding of what it entails, you still may not have a solid grasp of this complex and multifaceted process.

 

Spanish SEO is made up of multiple elements, and knowing what they are and how they work is key to understanding why SEO is so important. In short, SEO is crucial because it makes your website more visible and that means more traffic and more opportunities to convert prospects into customers. Check out the SEO tools you can use to get optimal rankings .

 

It’s also a valuable tool for brand awareness, building relationships with prospects and positioning yourself as an authoritative and trusted expert in your field. So, here’s everything you need to know about SEO and why it’s vital to succeed in today’s digital world.

 

The crucial elements of SEO marketing

Keywords

Gone are the days when keywords were the only SEO technique that mattered, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still crucial. The difference is that today, keywords must be well researched, carefully chosen and judiciously used in your content to be effective.

 

But what are keywords, exactly? Keywords are words and phrases that prospects use to find content online and that brands can use to connect with prospects searching for their products and services.

 

When undertaking the key steps of keyword research, it’s important to look for keywords that have high search rates and low competition and choose short-tail keywords (such as dog ), long-tail keywords (such as terrier puppies for sale ) and local keywords (such as puppies for sale in Madrid ) to work into your content. Along with a primary or initial keyword, you should also have secondary and tertiary keywords, as they will still offer value to your business. Finally, use keywords to optimize all your titles, URLs and other on-page SEO elements (more on that later…).

 

Content

Content is a vital part of SEO because it is the vehicle you use to reach and attract audiences. Knowing your angle and creating content that fits is essential.

 

For example, if you owned a nursery and wanted to increase your visibility, you could publish a series of blogs about gardening, choosing the right species of plants, growing tips and more. When a person who wanted to know about gardening would search for that information, your blog would appear and you could establish a relationship with that prospect by providing valuable information. The idea is that when it comes time for that prospect to buy a plant, for example, you will be the first nursery that comes to mind.

 

Today’s content should be educational, but also interesting, relevant and shareable. Content comes in a variety of forms, including:

 

  • website content
  • Videos
  • Blogs (it’s easy to start your own blog for practice!)
  • infographics
  • podcasts
  • lists
  • How-to guides
  • White papers and e-books
  • Social media posts
  • Local listings

 

Off-page SEO

Off-page SEO involves off-page optimization practices that occur outside of your site rather than on it.

 

The primary technique used for off-page SEO is backlink building, as quality backlinks to your site from external sites tell search engines that your site is valuable and high quality, which helps build authority.

 

There are many tactics for backlink building, and some of the current best practices include guest blogging, creating lots of infographics that will get shared a lot, and using influencer marketing in your content.

 

PS You can read a complete guide to on-page and off-page SEO to make sure you know the difference and make the most of both. Also, some experts are starting to refer to off-page SEO as » reputation building «.

 

Local SEO

Local SEO is becoming increasingly important as more and more people use mobile devices to search. Currently, 60% of all searches are conducted on a mobile device and almost half of those searches have a local intent.

 

So, let’s say you own a restaurant, then local SEO would ensure that when people in your area search for the best restaurants in town, they will come across your site.

 

In addition to using local keywords, other local SEO best practices include claiming directory listings, creating location-specific pages for your site, and creating pages for your business (also called doorway pages) in Google My Business and Google Maps local directories.

 

Search Engine Marketing

Search engine marketing (SEM) refers to paid marketing efforts and includes things like native ads, Google AdWords, social media ads, pay-per-click (PPC), Google Shopping Ads, display ads and more.

 

While SEM is not always a major component of a comprehensive Spanish SEO strategy, it has its place, as it can help you reach new and highly targeted audiences. You can also make your SEO and SEM work together.

 

Examples of SEM advertising activities include:

 

  • Paid and targeted campaigns.
  • Keyword-based copy that relates specifically to your business or product
  • Performance indicators such as click-through rates (CTR) and cost-per-click (CPC)
  • Understanding the importance of SEO for modern businesses

 

Visibility and rankings

One of the most important functions of SEO is to increase visibility, which means making it easier for prospects to find you when they search for something you have to offer. Visibility is directly related to your rankings.

 

The higher you rank on a search engine results page (SERP), the more likely prospects are to see you and click through to your site, so it’s key to increase your organic page rank . The more effective your SEO efforts are, the higher your ranking will be and the better your visibility will be, which is especially important when you consider that a quarter of web users never click beyond the first SERP.

 

Web traffic

Increasing web traffic is one of the main goals of SEO, and you increase traffic when you increase visibility and rankings. Consider this for a moment: ranking #1 in a Google search gets almost 32% of clicks, and moving up just one spot in the search results can increase CTR by a staggering 30.8%.

 

The golden grail for many marketers is the ‘Featured Snippet’, which is often referred to as position #0, as it appears above the first ranked URL. This is usually content that is taken from a landing page on a blog that answers a question that people are searching for and can give a big boost to your organic clicks.

 

Therefore, if you want more people to find your website through a search engine, you should use SEO practices that will help you rank in the top five positions, and ideally at number one.

 

Authority

Page Authority (PA) is becoming increasingly important to search engines as it becomes more important to web users. Essentially, authority means that your website is trustworthy, high quality, relevant and has something to offer.

 

Ratings range from 1 to 100 and the higher your number, the more authority your site has. You can find your PA score using tools like Moz and, although it’s difficult to influence it, many SEO experts believe it has to do with link profile: getting external links from trusted and well-visited sources.

 

Creating a better visitor experience

Another reason SEO is critical is because all the time you spend generating great content and on-page SEO optimization improves the usability of your site. This creates a seamless and positive customer experience.

 

For example, when you take steps to make your site responsive, you will make it usable for all of your mobile visitors, as well as people visiting from a laptop or desktop computer. Similarly, by increasing your page load speed, you will reduce your bounce rate and encourage visitors to spend more time on your site – consumers expect a page to load as fast as possible with a load time limit of no more than three seconds! The longer the load time, the higher the bounce rate and the lower the conversions.

 

Remember, search engines are fallible

SEO is important because search engines are not perfect. If you don’t take steps to counteract their flaws, then your website will pay the price.

 

For example, if a site does not have a proper link structure, search engines may not crawl and index the site correctly, which can lower rankings. Coding errors can block search engines altogether, making it impossible for your site to rank, no matter how much time you spend on other SEO efforts. Other common areas where search engines may have problems include:

 

  • Duplicate pages
  • Forms
  • Images, flash, audio files, video and other non-textual content
  • Language and Semantics

 

Tips to take when going out to a restaurant

Eating out can be a nice treat once in a while or a convenient option when you don’t have time to cook. But fat, calories, sugar and sodium can add up quickly if you eat out regularly. Use these tips to make healthy choices the next time you eat out.

 

Managing portions when eating out

 

  1. Keep it small. Portion sizes are not important when you want QUALITY, but you can have both. At Wynwood restaurants Miami are often larger than what we normally eat at home. Order half portions, share a large meal with a friend or pack some of your food to take home. 

 

  1. Split dessert. If you’re still hungry, finish your meal with fruit or drink a simple cappuccino sprinkled with cinnamon. If you love rich desserts, order one and ask for spoonfuls to share with your friends! 

 

  1. Avoid large sizes. Oversized meal combinations may seem like a good deal, but they are often high in fat, calories, sugar and/or sodium.

 

Make healthier choices when eating out.

 

  1. Order more vegetables. For more fiber, ask for extra veggie toppings on wraps, burgers, pizzas and sandwiches. Order side orders of salad greens or cooked vegetables. Substitute vegetables for your fries. 

 

  1. Choose whole grains. Look for dishes made with whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, barley or oatmeal. Many restaurants now offer whole-wheat or whole-grain breads, tortilla wraps, pasta or pizza dough to order.

 

  1. Control sodium. Choose fewer foods that have been smoked or prepared with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce. Look for «light» versions of these sauces and ask to have them served on the side. Find out how to spot high-sodium foods.

 

  1. Get sauce on the side. Sauces, condiments, dressings and spreads can add fat and sodium to your food. Ask for it on the side and then use just enough to get a little flavor. 

 

  1. Avoid sweet drinks. Drink water or low-fat milk instead of sugary drinks like soda, iced tea or lemonade. Try sparkling water with lemon or lime wedges. If you drink alcohol , limit yourself to one or two drinks per day.

 

Be informed when eating out

 

  1. Ask how food is prepared. Ask for foods that have been steamed, baked, broiled, grilled, broiled or roasted. Fat and calories add up quickly when foods are fried, deep-fried or breaded.

 

10 Look ahead. Ask for nutritional information or visit the website of restaurants in Wynwood ahead of time. Look for healthier options that are richer in protein, fiber and vitamins and lower in calories, fat, sugar and sodium.

 

Refurbish your home today. Here are the reasons why

Home renovations are expensive, time-consuming and messy. Yet, many people choose to renovate their homes for a variety of reasons. There are almost as many reasons to spruce up your home as there are projects to choose from. Here are the top reasons to renovate in Madrid (reformas Madrid).

 

1.To increase your comfort or enjoyment of your home.

This comes first for one reason. While there are many good reasons to renovate your home, your own comfort and enjoyment are important factors that should not be overlooked. If you renovate solely based on how it will affect the future sale price down the road, you may end up living in a showplace that doesn’t feel like home. Your comfort and enjoyment are more important than improvements that will generate more money when you eventually sell.

 

2. To fix a security problem.

Some home renovation projects simply can’t be put off. Electrical problems, roof leaks or a crack in the foundation are some of the issues that must be addressed to keep your family safe and prevent a total or catastrophic loss of the home.

 

3. To improve the value of the home.

If you plan to sell your home within the next few years, you may want to renovate some or all of it to make the most of it when you put it on the market. Some projects that have the best immediate return are opening up the main living space, replacing the front door, and renovating the kitchen or bathroom.

 

4. To improve the function of the house.

Maybe you need more space, or a second bathroom makes things a lot easier on those busy mornings. Maybe your husband wants a man cave, or you’d like a deck or patio for outdoor entertaining. Renovating to make the home work better for the residents is a good idea, as long as the improvements don’t hurt the value of the home or reduce usable space.

 

5. To increase the efficiency of the home.

New windows, a heat pump and additional insulation are examples of improvements that can reduce energy costs and pay for themselves over time. More efficient homes are also more attractive to buyers if they want to sell, since they know that costs will be lower in an energy-efficient home.

 

6. Update the style of the home.

An older home may have an outdated look that makes it less attractive to buyers, or it may look more plain than luxurious. Updating the style of your home can be a whim based on new trends or a way to prepare a home for sale. The best bet is to use timeless styles that send the message of sophistication.

 

7. Prepare the home for sale.

When the primary goal of renovations is to sell the home, choices should reflect what is most likely to help with the sale. Neutral colors, upgrades that add value, and fixing any cosmetic or functional problems will help get the house in top condition for resale, so home renovations in Madrid (reformas integrales Madrid) can be a good option.

 

How to choose a sailing course?

You have always stopped to look at boats from the shore and you really want to try it. You usually go out on a boat with a friend and you want to learn more. You love the sea and are looking for a new way of living it…. There are many reasons that can lead you to follow a sailing course and in fact, I say, why not?

 

Of course, you already know that if you want to take to the sea under full sail there are some formalities you can’t escape. Whether you are able to move like a fish in water or the only boat you have ever set foot on is as anchored on land as Chanquete’s, it is imperative that you obtain the PER license if you are going to sail (at the very least). So first of all, a PER Bilbao course (curso PER Bilbao) in a good PER Bilbao academy (academia PER Bilbao) will allow you to obtain it quickly, easily and safely.

 

Sailing is not only a sport but a great life lesson: being at sea with only the sound of the wind and the waves allows you to see the world from a new perspective. On a sailboat you learn to respect the world that welcomes us, to count on others, to know your limits.

 

But remember that the ultimate goal (unless you want to become the next Paul Cayard) will be to spend a few hours, a few days or even a few weeks.

 

Types of sailing courses

Sailing courses in Italy are practically infinite, as are the schools that offer them. Those who decide to take this path will therefore find an endless number of offers, not always of good quality.

 

Let’s try to clarify it: first of all we can divide sailing courses into dinghy courses and dinghy courses, depending on the boats used.

 

In both «branches» there are also sailing courses of different levels: from the basic course to regatta courses , with the addition of specific sailing courses for the qualification and the berthing of cabins .

 

If you are taking a nautical license you can take advantage of Smartphone Apps that help you prepare for the exam to obtain the nautical license (within 12 miles or more than 12 miles) we talked about it in: how to prepare for the nautical license exam .

 

The duration of the sailing course depends on the time of year in which you take it: during the winter classes are usually held over several weekends, while in spring-summer it is easy to find intensive courses of one or two weeks.

 

Why not learn on your own?

Potentially, you can teach yourself how to play tennis, climb rock walls, drive and even sail, but the question is: is it worth it?

 

Learning the basics of self-taught sailing requires much more time and risk. What you normally learn effortlessly, in about 20 hours of a sailing course, will take you months or years. Besides, what if a problem arises at sea and you don’t know how to react?

 

Making a mistake on a tennis court may mean losing a ball, but at sea, when the wind and waves pick up, you could be putting your own life at risk. Going out to sea alone is essential to learn, but only later, when the basics are clear.

 

Which sailing course to start?

For those who want to learn from scratch, a basic dinghy sailing course is usually recommended. They may be less fascinating, you may find it a little difficult to imagine yourself as a great commander but dinghies are the best solution to understand the mechanisms of sailing in depth. Thanks to their extreme sensitivity, they allow you to recognize mistakes immediately and to learn to know the wind. Drifts are affected by every small movement, every slight adjustment of the sail and every gust of wind. The small crew (usually two per boat) also forces you to multitask together, developing a very useful overview.

 

Everything you learn on a dinghy course will be valuable to your sailing career.

 

Once the initial notions are acquired, the paths diverge:

 

If your goal is to learn how to run cabin yachts , then you can continue with a boat license, a regatta course or some other offshore sailing course.

If, on the other hand, your goal is to learn how to get the most out of light sails, you can look for an advanced drifting course, start going out to sea without instructors, try different boats and do some racing.

In any case, the best way to learn is to practice a lot, go out on the boat whenever you can and try to play all the roles in the crew.

How to recognize a serious sailing school?

First of all, let’s start from the assumption that there are no absolute methods to choose a good sailing course, even the advice of a dear friend could disappoint expectations. In the years I have spent among sailing schools, however, I have identified some common points among the most serious ones and I want to bring them back, as my personal advice for those who are looking for a quality sailing course.

 

Equipment:

More boats and equipment in good condition are the first indicators of quality, it usually means that the school has been organizing sailing courses for a long time and that it invests (rightly so) in the care of the boats. Just to give a figure (absolutely indicative), a good sailing school should have at least a dozen boats, perhaps of different types and in good condition. As for cabin cruisers, the numbers change as the cost of each boat is much higher, if well maintained, even one boat will suffice.

 

When the equipment is in good condition and the boats are suitable for those enrolled in the course, you won’t have to wait too long for your turn and will have the opportunity to make the most of the time available.

 

Instructors:

The existing patents for sailing instructors do not necessarily guarantee a good level of teaching, but the serious schools focus a lot on the training of their staff and on the teaching method. Often, the instructor completes his training directly at the school: starting as an assistant, he is assigned increasingly responsible tasks, until he is in charge of the entire sailing course.

 

Recognizing a good instructor before the course is almost impossible, trust your instinct and possibly ask those who have already attended classes at the same sailing school.

 

Safety:

Any school that organizes sailing courses must have the safety of its student as a central objective.

 

Drifting courses

On shore, everything necessary for first medical assistance must be present, even better if there is a lifeguard or other person capable of providing first aid.

 

It is always preferable for the instructor and an assistant to follow the students from an inflatable boat (or other small motor boat), so that they can intervene quickly when a problem arises. The instructor should always have a cell phone or radio with him to call for help and it would be a good idea to have at least one contact person on the ground.

 

Life jackets are mandatory! Be wary of those who do not provide them and ask for them specifically. It may be annoying to wear, but in that famous moment, the jacket could save your life.

 

On a cruise ship

On cabin cruises, all safety equipment is required by law, life jackets must be on board but do not have to be worn. The main precautions to take concern clothing and attention to movement.

 

A good sailing school knows all this and will not allow you to go out to sea except in the utmost safety. It will also be able to advise you on what to wear, depending on the season, because being cold or hot at sea can be a problem.

 

In general, however, beware of those who own a boat and improvise a sailing instructor to pay some expenses, contact a real school .

 

When choosing a sailing course, never lose sight of the goal: to learn and have fun safely, if a course respects the three parameters, you will not regret the choice!

 

Some notes on protein

The body needs protein to build muscle, which is why bodybuilders eat protein-rich diets that include foods such as chicken breast, cottage cheese, fish and beans. However, it can often be easier and faster to drink a protein powder shake: it’s simple and takes seconds to prepare. 

 

Here are some of the other pros and cons of the best protein powders (mejores proteinas en polvo):

 

Protein shakes can be easily transported to the gym for exercise

After exercise, it’s essential to refuel the body with a mix of carbohydrates and protein to aid recovery and stimulate muscle development. It’s great if you can get that fuel through protein-rich snacks, but the reality is that it can be tricky to carry a cooked chicken breast and a sweet potato to the gym. A protein shake (which also includes carbs) is more suitable for many busy people who need a quick hit of protein to improve their endurance and energy levels. 

 

Whey powder is fast-acting

Protein powders and the best protein bars (mejores barritas de proteinas) made from whey protein are absorbed quickly by the body, which helps amino acids reach the muscles more effectively. That leads to a better workout and faster recovery. 

 

It’s easy to monitor how much protein you’re taking in

If you’re eating plenty of natural protein, you may not need extra protein from shakes: one gram of protein per pound of body weight should be more than enough to stimulate muscle growth when combined with exercise. Your activity level will also determine how much protein your body needs to build muscle. 

 

However… Protein powder is a supplement, not a whole food

You should not rely on protein powder alone to meet your body’s dietary needs. Foods such as beans and legumes that are rich in protein also contain essential elements such as fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients that a healthy body requires. 

 

Don’t overdo it

Overdoing it with a protein supplement can damage the kidneys, which have the function of metabolizing the body’s waste products. Too much protein can also leave the body dehydrated and, in extreme cases, increase the risk of developing kidney stones and gout. 

 

Protein from natural foods does the same job as protein powders

Animal proteins and even vegan proteins, such as brown rice, fermented soy products and hemp, are just as good as protein powders. However, they can be harder to find and take longer to prepare than a shake. 

 

A balanced diet that combines many natural protein sources and protein supplements is the recipe for improved training and increased muscle mass.

 

Benefits of having a NIE

The NIE Number is another vital piece of documentation for those planning to live in Spain. This is also one of the first things people apply for here. The NIE is short for Número de Identificación de Extranjero (ID Number of Foreigner). Some people confuse this with the NIF Number, which is the tax identification number for Spanish citizens. The NIE is the one assigned by the government to foreigners fulfilling the requirements (requisitos).

 

This important paperwork is a must if you want to work and pay taxes in Spain. The NIE also allows you to do many of the same things as the Spanish Residencia or Residencia. (Another service we provide). In fact, this is often the first step towards residency if you are thinking of moving to Spain in the future. Many who have a vacation home go through the process to obtain most of the same rights as a resident. Below are some of the most important things you can do once you have your NIE Number.

 

Benefits of having a NIE 

 

Property: Having your NIE will allow you to buy a property or sell your existing home in Spain. It also allows you to buy insurance and pay for utilities.

 

Vehicles: You cannot legally buy or sell a car or other vehicle without the NIE. 

 

You will also need your Residencia if you need to change your current license to Spanish. We can also help you with obtaining your Residencia and Spanish Driving License.

 

Work & Tax: You must have the NIE to work and pay taxes in Spain. This is also an essential first step if you plan to start a business here. Once you are paying taxes in the Spanish system, you will also be eligible to receive medical care here.

 

Banking: Once you have your NIE you can apply for a Spanish bank account and obtain other banking benefits. These include things like getting a mortgage or loans from the bank. This is important here as you must fill out the requirements to renew the NIE (requisitos para renovar el NIE) when necessary.

 

Students and Education: Students can study and stay in Spain. For UK citizens after the Brexit transition period, students may need a visa if they are non-resident.

 

Communications and Services: Currently a NIE is needed for telephone contracts and similar services. This also includes getting Internet at home, as all providers require it.

 

Why use a dehumidifier? 

Installing a dehumidifier reduces the overall humidity levels in your home, making it harder for mold, dust mites and fungi to stay in your home. Its absence can help reduce allergy symptoms, while protecting children from childhood asthma caused by mold and mildew, so it’s important to have the best dehumidifier (in spanish: el mejor deshumidificador).

Why use a dehumidifier?

  • Odor abatement. If your home smells musty, it is likely due to the presence of additional mold or mildew. Installing a dehumidifier reduces this presence.

 

  • Reduced skin irritation. Not only will you breathe easier, but your skin won’t itch as much.

 

  • Reduced cleaning. Dehumidifiers work like air filters, reducing not only household humidity but also dust. That means you won’t have to dust as often!

 

  • Protection for clothes and linens. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air so that mold and mildew don’t grow on clothing and linens.

 

  • Food preservation. The more humid your home is, the faster foods such as bread or cereal will become stale or moldy. You may be looking at lower grocery bills and less waste.

 

  • Reduced energy costs. While a dehumidifier is another machine that works in your home, it is compatible with your air conditioner and allows it to run more efficiently. How does it work? The dehumidifier tackles the task of removing moisture from the air so the air conditioner doesn’t have to. This allows your air conditioner to not work as hard, resulting in reduced energy costs and a longer life for your air conditioner.

 

How to choose the right dehumidifier for your home:

 

To find the right dehumidifier, you must first understand the humidity levels in your home. A hygrometer will measure the relative humidity in your home and you can get one at any home improvement store. An ideal relative humidity is between 40 and 50 percent, although it can be lower in winter, especially in very cold climates. You will also need to measure the size of the space you want to dehumidify in square feet.

 

The size of the room compared to the reading on your hygrometer will give you the information you need to find the right size dehumidifier. Dehumidifier manufacturers often provide sizing charts to help you determine the right product for your space and humidity level.

 

Dehumidifier sizes are generally expressed in terms of the number of pints of moisture they can remove in 24 hours. Most portable home dehumidifiers range from 30 to 90 pints, although smaller and larger units are available. If your needs are right on the borderline between two sizes, or if you’re unsure of your estimates, it’s best to opt for the larger model.

 

There are also whole-house dehumidifiers that work with your home’s HVAC system, but you’ll have to shop around among HVAC installers for sizing inquiries and price quotes.

 

How to use a dehumidifier

There are key differences between dehumidifier models, so always consult your model-specific documentation for usage, maintenance and safety instructions, which is why home product reviews are necessary (in spanish: este es el motivo por el cual los análisis de productos del hogar son necesarios). Two of the biggest differences between models are the energy-saving features and the mechanisms for storing and moving water.

 

Basic models may not have any energy-saving features, but more advanced models may have built-in timers or humidistats. With a timer, you can set your dehumidifier to turn off during nighttime hours if the room is usually empty. A humidistat is better because it allows you to set a desired humidity level, just as you use your thermostat to set the temperature in your home. The dehumidifier will turn on and off as needed to maintain the desired level. Learn how to use this setting on your model to save energy and money.

 

A dehumidifier uses a fan, condenser and evaporator to suck moisture out of the air, and all that moisture has to go somewhere. In some models, it goes into an internal tank. Other models may have an optional drain tube that can divert the water to a floor drain. More advanced models have internal pumps that can pump water to sinks or other drains without relying on gravity to carry the water away. Whichever configuration you use, there will be regular maintenance involved, such as emptying the tank or periodically cleaning the drain pipe.

 

Regardless of the type or size of humidifier you use, be sure to place it on a level floor and only plug it into an electrical outlet.

 

Installing a dehumidifier reduces the overall humidity levels in your home, making it more difficult for mold, dust mites and mildew to stay in your home. Its absence can help reduce allergy symptoms while protecting children from childhood asthma caused by mold and mildew.