Website Spring Cleaning In 3 Easy Steps

 

Spring means it’s not only time to enjoy the fresh air but also to think about the tradition of spring cleaning.

If it helps reduce stress and eliminate waste in your home (and other aspects of your life), why wouldn’t it be helpful with your website?

Over time, you may make additions to your home, fill your closets, and change rooms to meet emerging needs.

The home you reside in today may not resemble what you moved into years ago.

This can also be said of your website.

Many website owners tend to add content without removing what’s no longer needed.

Pages are created to suit events, marketing plans, and other activities.

They are then often forgotten.

While you may not see or remember this content, searchers may be stumbling upon it and getting a less-than-favorable first impression of your website.

Preventative Maintenance For Your Site

Website cleaning makes three different parties’ lives easier.

A clean website lets you traverse your admin section and review content without sifting through a sea of URLs.

Your users will also feel comfortable visiting your website because the content they want will be easier to access.

Finally, we must do whatever we can to appease crawling search engines.

Search engines can review your site faster (aside from load speed considerations) if you provide only the essential content.

This isn’t a comprehensive website maintenance plan. Rather, these few activities should be easy enough to complete quickly and will leave your site that much cleaner.

I promised you just three steps, so here goes.

1. Assessing The Job At Hand

Our first step in the cleaning process will be to gain a full view of every website page.

A website analysis tool like Screaming Frog can provide an organized list view of all website URLs.

Next, eliminate areas of the export via sorting to reduce pages we do not need to review.

Depending on the nature of your website, this may include non-HTML pages, redirected pages, and non-indexed pages.

 

You may find yourself uncovering some surprising content.

These can include:

·         A large number of old newsletters, blog posts, etc.

·         Outdated resource content.

·         Unintentional page duplication based on technical issues.

·         Old pages created solely for ranking consideration, a.k.a. “Old School SEO.”

·         Irrelevant pages, ex., author or bio content for employees.

This exercise is a great way to see a backend view of your website and often can reveal technical issues that may exist.

2. Cleaning Up The Clutter

Now, it may look like you have a clean website.

However, it’s also a good time to look at how well your content performs.

Your current list of site URLs all appear to be valid, content-filled pages, but do they need to exist?

Some of our spring cleaning exercises relieve our confusion in website management, but let’s take a minute to help the crawling bots out.

In Google Analytics, look at the last years’ worth of website page views to determine what content your visitors want to see on your website.

The reason for 12 months of review is that industry and behavioral seasonality can cause bumps in content demand.

It may be surprising just how many pages are driving page views for your website over a year.

You may see anomalies in parameter generation due to advertising, but you may also notice that some of your perceived “valid” content is not highly consumed.

This view may seem a little bit daunting but pause for a moment to begin your sort.

Perform an export and prepare to look for a few key areas.

We want to look at the content that only has a few yearly page views as well as user behavior.

Pay close attention to the pages with a high exit rate.

This may be due to bad design layout or lacking internal navigation. It may also show that the content is either in need of refreshment or retirement.

3. Sweeping Up On-Page

To this point, we have concentrated solely on URLs.

Now that we have cleaned up unnoticed content waste and lower value content let’s see how we can clean the in-content areas of website pages.

We have cleaned out the long-forgotten closets, but now it is time to look at what lies on the “living room floor” of your most visited website pages.

For this, we will rely on a heatmapping tool such as CrazyEgg or my favorite, LuckyOrange.

From our previous exercise, we reviewed website pageviews based on count.

First, review the most trafficked pages.

Pay special attention to the exit rate column, which is an important indicator of poor page performance.

Under pages of consideration, review user behavior to understand where click behavior shows page area preference.

 

By reviewing your content in both mouse activity, click activity, and scroll depth, you can gain insight into where user attention lies on page.

Some websites still suffer from ancient SEO tactics of extremely lengthy content.

While we have worked to remove full pages of content, you may be ripe for the process of cleaning up in-content areas of website pages.

In Screaming Frog, you can also sort URLs by word count.

This could help you understand where your long form content resides on your website.

All Clear

Through website content review, some content removal, and some polishing, you have now completed what could be a yearly tradition of spring cleaning your website.

Websites should be a functional connection between you and your online audience.

Eliminating unnecessary content can leave you a happier website manager, give your audience a clear path, and make it easier for search engines to crawl your website.

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8 Worthy Books That Can Help You Improve Your Sales

 

Almost any person engaged in a small business, or being a part of a large corporation, always starts with a strategy and prior experience. It usually comes from knowledge in the field of management, analysis, and more. While you can explore various business case studies or apply strategic thinking, it is always trial and error. Do not let it scare you because we all learn this way!

The trick is to research conceptual knowledge that comes from the books. It must be noted that it is not only about increasing your sales and online marketing because you also have to boost your confidence and learn how to overcome failures.

8 Meaningful Books Worth Reading To Boost Your Sales

1. Advanced Selling Strategies (Brian Tracy)

It is a wonderful book to learn about various techniques and theories that help to improve sales. It is applicable for many commercial branches with a focus on actual examples. This book starts with an explanation of a commercial brand image concept. It is what helps to concentrate on emotions, body language signs, and little tips that customers always share.

You will also learn how to represent your business and come up with good descriptions for your products. If you need more assistance, consider the best writing services online to address style, grammar, and uniqueness aspects. Remember that every strategy used for sales should start with your ideas because there is no universal formula! Just read, see examples, yet apply creative thinking first!

2. The Ultimate Sales Letter (Dan Kennedy)

This amazing book analyzes the importance of social media, email messages, and all the essential things that are necessary to seal the deal. Just think about the reasons why our business letters often end up in a junk box. This book may not teach you how to avoid being ignored but it will tell quite a lot about why some sales work and some are just left without due care. It provides numerous examples that will help you apply the concepts to your situation.

3. How To Win Friends And Influence People (Dale Carnegie)

If you want to boost your sales without paying a fortune, this book will become a major influence. It is a guide that explains how to make your sales (and services) look attractive. It tells how to win in a dispute and stay kind to your customers no matter what.

No, it is not only a book about personal development but a set of useful answers to the questions you always wanted to ask. Read it when you need to relax and it will always pay off with better sales and confidence!

4. The Ultimate Sales Machine (Chet Holmes)

It is all about management styles, strategic analysis, and online marketing! Although there are 12 great sales strategies, it offers way more. The book will tell you how to check for those areas that might need improvement. It’s like a checklist that will fit small business managers and salesmen who would like to explore both old and new commercial trends.

5. Secrets Of Closing The Sale (Zig Ziglar)

You might be wondering what was the reason why some deal has worked or why your seemingly successful idea has failed. If you know how it feels and stress about it, this book is for you! It teaches about winning techniques and lets you have an open mind no matter what. It is a fun book to read as Ziglar provides human examples that do not sound too complex to understand. It approaches business and sales just like some art strategy. You will see how to persuade and make people follow you!

6. The Greatest Salesman In The World (Og Madindo)

Sales are always about philosophy because you have to be in a special mindset. It is a wonderful book that you have to read because it talks about ancient secrets and teaches you those valuable salesmanship ideas. If you want to choose something different and finally find inspiration, take your time to find it and do not hurry because the truth will open to those who have an open mind. Most importantly, it will be a wonderful read for people of all ages who want to understand why something sells and how to achieve more.

7. Little Red Book Of Selling (Jeffrey Gitomer)

It’s not about how to sell something but about understanding why people buy something. As you may have guessed, it approaches sales from the other side. It is a great book that is one of the easiest to read and learn. It has numerous answers and quotes that will motivate you to leave your comfort zone and think differently.

8. Sales Scripting Mastery: 7-Step System For Consistently Delivering Successful Sales Presentations (Eric Lofholm)

Don’t let the complex title frighten you because it is a great guide! You will learn how to prepare your sales and find the most efficient solutions to complaints. It’s all about delivery and getting your sales campaigns right. The book has a step-by-step structure, which is quite logical. You can use it as a guide when you encounter challenges or your sales suddenly decrease. You may read a particular chapter and it will always make sense!

Always Stay True To Your Customers

No matter what sales method you may choose, always stay honest and do not advertise more than you can offer. Honesty should be your top priority! Think about the social aspect of your sales, products, and services. Participate in volunteering, learn how to cooperate, and let your sales become personalized.

In simple terms, take care of every person you encounter and show genuine interest. This way even the modest sales will become more meaningful as you will appreciate what you have. It will help you discover your true strengths and discover the most efficient ways to improve.

Mary Barra

 

With fewer than 10% of Fortune 500 companies helmed by women, Mary Barra is a standout—and the most authentic leader I know. Starting as a line inspector at 18, she has spent her entire career at General Motors, ascending to the top post in 2014. One might think that more than four decades with the same employer—like her father before her—signals complacency, but Barra is orchestrating a major pivot at the 113-year-old automaker. 

A staunch believer in the science of climate change, Barra spearheaded GM’s commitment to sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2035 because, as she said, “it’s the right thing to do.” An agent of change, her power lies in empowering others. She urges women to go for it, knowing firsthand that too often they talk themselves out of opportunities simply because they don’t meet an expansive set of predetermined criteria. And she is a signatory of the OneTen coalition, which works to create systemic change that will expand economic opportunity for all. She offers simple advice to those whose voices are routinely drowned out by the cacophony around them: politely, but powerfully, say, “Let me finish.” Mary Barra is just getting started.

 

Source: Mary Barra Is on the 2021 TIME100 List | TIME

Study In Singapore

 

Small but densely populated, Singapore's reputation as a centre of educational excellence has flourished in recent years. Its top universities, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) now rank in 11^th and 12^th place respectively in the QS World University Rankings® 2022. This year, the city gains five places in the QS Best Student Cities ranking, landing the 17^th spot and remaining one of the most desirable student destinations in Asia and indeed the world.

Alongside growing prominence in the global higher education sector, Singapore remains renowned for its prosperity and low levels of crime and unemployment. In keeping with the city’s strong corporate reputation, Singaporean graduates are much sought-after by international employers, especially throughout Asia, and the city comes in joint 29^th in the employer activity indicator.

The downside to Singapore's high standard of living is correspondingly high prices. Singapore is ranked 85th in the world for affordability - nevertheless, tuition fees have decreased in recent years.

One thing you certainly won't need to shell out for in Singapore is central heating; its position next to the equator means it is equally scorching all year round. And if you fancy exchanging the concrete jungle for the real thing, Singapore is surrounded by tropical scenery, both throughout adjacent Malaysia, and in nearby exotic destinations such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Internationally ranked universities in Singapore

World ranking	University
11	National University of Singapore (NUS)
12	Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
511-520	Singapore Management University

More about Singapore

Singapore, one of Asia's main business hubs, climbs up to the 17th place in this year's Best Student Cities ranking. The city improved performance in the desirability and student view indicators signals a shift in student perspective. Singapore has in fact become a friendlier and more vibrant student destination with a great quality of life despite slightly higher costs of living than its Asia-Pacific counterparts.

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology. 

Number of universities ranked by QS	3
Highest-ranked institution	National University of Singapore (NUS) (11th)
Population	5,935,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)	US$14,500
Desirability rank	5th
Employer Activity rank	=29th
Affordability rank	85th
Student View rank	12th

Why study in Singapore?

High-quality education

Singapore is renowned around the world for its academic excellence. Two of its main universities -  the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) - rank among the top 15 globally in the QS World University Rankings® 2022.

Studying in Singapore will without a doubt give you an advantage in the job market not only in the Asia-Pacific, but in other global employment hubs too.

Great quality of life

Singapore's high quality of life earned it a high score for the desirability indicator. Its cutting-edge economy combined with efficient city planning, warm weather and safe environment make it an ideal student city for people from all backgrounds.

Never get bored

Singapore is a city you'll never get bored in. Between skyscrapers, rainforests, natural reserves, restaurants, nightclubs, shopping centres and museums, there's always something to do in this vibrant city. Plus, thanks to its connections, it's extremely easy to travel to other destinations in the Asia-Pacific, such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Cost of living in Singapore

While you might think of Singapore as one of the most expensive cities in the world, it's important to note that living costs are likely to match the high quality of life.

And there's more - Singapore can actually be cheaper to study in than other top study destinations. For example, rent in the Asian city is 14 percent cheaper than in London, with a single apartment costing US$2,000. 

Life & culture in Singapore

Singapore is a highly multi-cultural society. Locals are used to interacting with people from all over the world and are respectful of different backgrounds. It's no surprise that there are four official languages in the city: English (the language of business), Chinese, Malay and Tamil.

Living in Singapore is a safe and enriching experience. Thanks to excellent infrastructure and a plethora of amenities, students have access to various forms of entertainment daily, from a vibrant nightlife to great cuisines from all over Asia. 

Careers in Singapore

Singapore is in the top 30 for employer activity. The city is in fact one of the world's biggest business hubs, home to local and global firms such as United Overseas Bank, Flex, DBS Bank, Singapore Airlines and Singtel.

Singapore also makes it easy for students to make money while studying. In fact, students can work part-time for 16 hours a week for subsidised tuition fees during their course and during vacation periods.

This article was originally published in Universities in Singapore - QS Best Student Cities Ranking | Top Universities

 

 

Mountain-Top Changes

 

Matthew 17:1-9 Mountain-Top Changes

Have you ever had a moment when your life was changed? Perhaps it was similar to the Transfiguration. That moment changed the lives of Peter, James, John and Jesus, just like moments in our lives can change us. The disciples were changed from fearful, anxious, inactive cowards to brave, confident, active champions of the faith. We are also transformed when Jesus touches us, and we need that touch badly. We are also encouraged to offer this touch to a world that needs it badly.

I don’t know about you, but I would love to have been the proverbial “fly on the wall” at the Transfiguration. Just think of the history that was being made! Three of the most important figures in Christianity-Moses, Elijah and Jesus-together at the same time and in the same location! No wonder Peter wanted to build three shelters! It was a significant meeting at a significant time in a significant location among significant participants.

Moses and Elijah-the great lawgiver and the great prophet-were probably chosen to join Jesus and the disciples at the Transfiguration as representatives of the Old Covenant. Moses was the one through whom the covenant came, and Elijah was its prominent reformer.

So what were Moses, Elijah and Jesus talking about? Matthew doesn’t tell us, but Luke’s version tells us that they were talking about Jesus’ death. Both Moses and Elijah foretold of Christ’s death, which was Christ’s purpose. His sacrificial death and resurrection paid the penalty for our sins and allowed believers to be reunited with God. 

Those present at the Transfiguration provide a picture of the coming kingdom of Christ: Moses represents those who died in Christ; Elijah represents whose who will be raptured someday (he had been taken to heaven without dying); the three apostles represent redeemed Israel; and Christ is the King. Jesus’s transfiguration was part of the ongoing story of encountering the mystery of God. Jesus and his words had the same authority as those of Moses and Elijah.

Christ did not come to abolish the Law or the prophets. He did not say that the Law and the prophets had no meaning or value. What he did say was that He fulfilled the Law that we could not keep. The Law had to be kept perfectly. If people broke one law, they broke all of them. In addition, people were not perfect, and they aren’t perfect today.

Mountain top experiences are some of the happiest experiences in our lives, and that’s what the disciples experienced at the Transfiguration. When we are on the top of the mountain, we can listen to and be refreshed by God. We are pulled out of the ordinary life and changed in faith. Only then can we have a Christian life. Unfortunately, we can’t live on the mountain top forever. We have to face the valleys in our lives, and these valleys are the lowest and most disappointing times in our lives. It is at those times when we as believers can feel and see Jesus reaching out, taking us by the hand and saying, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”

 

God interrupted Peter’s brief, awkward speech with His own announcement. Out of the bright cloud-no doubt an appearance of the glory that in the Old Testament signaled the presence of God Almighty-God affirmed Jesus and commanded the disciples to hear him. Although Moses and Elijah stood with him in that moment, all attention was focused on Jesus, God’s only Son. Jesus was superior to both Moses and Elijah. Jesus as God in human form was the greatest in the kingdom. God told the disciples to listen to Jesus so that they could understand his purpose. The disciples recognized in this moment what every believer must acknowledge and what every tongue will someday confess; that Christ alone is Lord, the glory of God the Father.

Some people contradict Jesus, and when they do, they contradict the truth. At the Transfiguration, God made it clear that Jesus speaks the truth with authority, and we should listen to what he has to say. Our love for God is shown in how we listen to God. Our view of Jesus is shown in how we listen to him. Worship is more than Jesus listening to what we have to say about him. It involves listening to what Jesus has to say about us and himself.

The Transfiguration has been seen by some Biblical scholars as a glimpse of the kingdom or a preview of the Kingdom’s power. This glimpse was secured by Christ’s death and resurrection, and was clearly stated when Jesus told the disciples not to say anything about the vision until after His resurrection. The glory of the Transfiguration would then be seen by all of the disciples in the risen Christ. 

All of us need to see God’s glory before we see hard times. We need to remember God’s presence and purpose when we face life’s challenges. The Transfiguration links the seasons of Epiphany and Lent. It reminds us that just like God was with Jesus all the time (and especially in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before his death), God is with us all of the time.

The Transfiguration proved that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God. The response of the disciples is the same response we have. Just as they fell on their faces, we fall on our faces in worship. When we do, Jesus reaches out, touches us and says, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” The Transfiguration assures us that God has affirmed Jesus and our humanity. Jesus recalls our humanity and affirms our nature with His divinity. The Kingdom of God has entered the world in human form through Jesus, and we are called to witness to that Good News.

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