Google

The BERT Update and Google Natural Language Processing

Say hello to BERT! We’re talking about Google BERT, that is — the Google update that just rolled out in October 2019.

Google themselves told us that 1 in 10 searches will be affected by the update! It might not seem like much, but 10% certainly isn’t a statistic to sneeze at. Website owners and SEO strategists can’t afford to ignore BERT. It’s the latest Google natural language processing update.

Maybe you’re wondering: what is natural language processing? How will BERT affect my site’s SEO?

We’ve got the details you need to know right here. Keep reading to get to know a bit more about BERT!

What Is the Google BERT Update?

BERT stands for “Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers.” That’s fancy talk for describing how this algorithm hones in on NLP (natural language processing). This Google update is all about getting a deeper understanding of how language works in context.

It means that the Google search engine is learning how to pay attention to things like the order in which words are typed into the search bar or the prepositions and smaller connecting words that are used in search queries.

For example, take a search query like “us visa for asian travelers.” Without an understanding of word order, you might end up with results informing U.S. citizens about visa requirements in Asian countries. With the BERT update, the search engine is getting better at understanding the language that is being used here — and in turn delivering results that are more directly targeted to the searcher’s intent.

How Will the Google Natural Language Processing Update Affect My SEO and Content Strategy?

With any SEO strategy, it’s always best to ask yourself “how can I write to a human audience?” — NOT “how can I write to a search engine algorithm?” The BERT update is proof that the search engine algorithms are centered on serving humans, and your content should be too!  

An understanding of natural language processing basics can help you to understand how the machine learning algorithms work. However, your content strategy should continue to focus on providing valuable informations to the real people who are searching for the information that you have to offer them. 

One change that you might need to make to your SEO strategy is to begin focusing on more specific content. The importance of long-form content has been long been touted by SEO specialists. However, long, wordy blog posts won’t do much for your SEO strategy if they aren’t delivering high-quality, highly specific content to your readers. 

BERT is now able to hone in on the more specific inquiries of searchers. Your site should also be honing in on the specific questions that your potential readers will be seeking answers on. 

The Bottom Line on BERT

Whether it’s the Google natural language processing update or the next update coming down the line from Google, there will always be changes and upgrades to search engine algorithms. If you allow yourself to get tangled up in always chasing the latest algorithm, you’ll find yourself fighting a losing battle. 

Instead, focus on creating content for the people who are searching the web for the information that you have to offer them. By putting your readers first, you’ll continue providing high-quality content, no matter what happens with the latest algorithm. 

Explore our site for more informative articles like this one! 

How to Create a Presentation Using Google Slides

Want to make a slick business presentation without turning to PowerPoint or Keynote? If you’re ready to learn how to create a presentation that will impress your co-workers and supervisors, this is the article for you. We’ll show you the best techniques for Google Slides so you can feel confident presenting your reports to any room!

Step 1: How to Create a Presentation

Once you’ve planned your presentation and downloaded a premium Google Slides presentation template, it’s time to learn how to make a slide. Start by getting your Google Drive open and clicking the New button located in the upper left corner. Next, click the Google Slides button from the drop-down menu. 

After a new presentation opens, select a template, or if you’re using one that’s recommended, you’ll need to upload it to your Google Drive first. Simply drag and place the .PPTX file into the Google Drive browser, then double-tap it. Next, select Open with Google Slides and you’re ready to start working on it. 

Step 2: How to Add Text, Images, and Other Media

When learning how to create a presentation, this is one of the most important parts. Your words will help you tell your story while the images you select will determine how your story will be seen. If you’re working with a template, the slides will typically have text boxes and places to drag and place images or videos. 

To add your own text, select the Text box button, click where you’d like to place the text, then begin typing into the box. Similarly, to insert an image, start by selecting Insert > Image from the main menu and upload an image from your computer or find one online using the built-in box. To add audio, select the Audio option to see how to make a slide with music or sound effects. 

Step 3: Set Your Presentation to Play Automatically (or Loop)

If you want to know how to make a PowerPoint on Google Docs that can be published online, you also may want to set it up to automatically play whenever it’s opened. Luckily, Google Slides has an auto-play option for slideshows that are published online. Just click File > Publish to the web option and choose Start slideshow as soon as the player loads box. 

You can also make your Google slideshow play on loops. This allows your presentation to automatically restart when the presentation comes to the end. Click the Restart the slideshow after the last slide checkbox to the left and you’re good to go. 

Step 4: Alter the Look and Feel of Your Presentation

You can always change the look and feel of a presentation even if you’re using a template. What is Google Slides used for if not to share your creative expression? Google’s organization, creativity, and innovative techniques are some of the major differences between G Suite vs Office 365. 

Making changes to your presentation theme allows you to access different master slides and layouts. You’ll be able to change the color or font of the text on any slide. Then you can further adjust your presentation however you need to. 

Step 5: Saving, Restoring or Exporting Your Presentation

With Google Slides, you can save your slideshow very easily. Your presentation automatically exists in the cloud so changes are automatically saved as you work. However, Google slides also stores previous versions of your presentation — click on File > Version History > See Version History on the main menu. 

Get Going on Your Google Slides Today

Now that you’ve seen the simple steps on how to create a presentation, what are you waiting for? It doesn’t matter what template you choose, it’s easy to get it set up on Google Slides. Get started today!

For more tips and tricks, check out some of the other posts on our site. 

SEO for Law Firms: 5 Brilliant Tips to Get Your Law Firm on the Google Front Page

The demand for legal services in the United States is strong. In fact, the nation is expected to add 65,000 new lawyers in the next seven years. While legal professionals are in demand, there is also a fierce competition to attract new clients.

One of the most effective resources to draw new business is Google. This leaves many legal executives wondering how to get the firm’s website on a Google search’s first page.

Read on to learn more about SEO for law firms. SEO is a certain way to drive web traffic and grow your customer base.

1. Start a Blog

The first step to boosting web traffic is starting a legal blog. For starters, this is a place to show off your firm’s legal expertise. Here you can tackle complicated topics and give pro bono legal advice.

A legal blog is where you will execute Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies. Publishing quality content, accompanied by SEO tactics, is a certain way to attract new clients.

2. Use Targeted Keywords

The algorithms that Google uses to rank websites rely heavily on keywords. Envision a scenario in which a prospective client is searching for divorce lawyers near Los Angeles.

Google then searches the web for hyperlinks including the keyword used by the client. Each blog post or webpage on your website should strategically use targeted keywords. In this case, write a blog post about hiring the best divorce lawyers near Los Angeles.

Start off by brainstorming targeted keywords that prospective clients are likely to use. There are tools like Google Keyword Planner that will help you research effective ones. Then generously incorporate these keywords into new blog posts.

3. Authority Anchors

Becoming a legal authority in your specialized field has SEO perks. By producing quality content and building a sterling reputation, online resources are certain to link to your website.

Some refer to this as a backlink. To get the ball rolling, you can pay legal directories a small sum to backlink to your page.

Another easy way to create backlinks is by registering with the Better Business Bureau. Some find success by offering small scholarships so that colleges backlink to your website.

4. Share on Social Media

Increased web traffic has a positive impact on your Google ranking. A proven method for driving traffic to your site is sharing content on social media.

For example, prospective clients may see a preview that says GLM believes a 5X return is required to grow your business. Then, they are redirected to your website when they click on an image or hyperlink.

There are a few different social media platforms that are effective for lawyers. Facebook has the most users and is best for attracting local business.

However, Millennials and Gen Z prefer video content over written articles. Social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram are video-friendly.

A Recap of SEO for Law Firms

SEO is a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website. Steps like using targeted keywords are certain to improve your Google rating.

If you enjoyed this article about SEO for law firms, check out our blog for more great content.

Should You Be Spreading out Your SEO? A Look at Google Site Search Alternatives (The Big Ones and the Niche)

When most people think of SEO, they think Google. And to be honest, that’s fair.

Google gets the lion’s share of all search traffic, bringing in 63% of all search traffic. What’s more, looking at the data shows that Google’s market has shown steady growth for well over a decade.

But Google isn’t the only search engine in town. In fact, there are tons of other, smaller search engines that you could utilize to bring in more traffic.

Curious to learn more?

Here’s what you need to know about SEO and Google site search alternatives.

Bing

People like to make fun of Bing as being the redheaded stepchild of the search engine world, but Microsoft’s search site does rather well for itself.

In fact, the site’s image and video functionality may be better than Google’s.

If you’re looking for a search engine with a solid market share and most of the accessibility of Google, Bing is your go-to.

Bing allows search engine marketing through its Bing Ads initiative, as well as traditional SEO strategies. Users can control their budget and performance without having to pay a minimum fee.

Yahoo!

For those looking for even less competition, Yahoo! is a great option.

Though its web searching tools aren’t as powerful as its brethren, Yahoo! still attracts quite a few visitors thanks to its popular mail client.

Yahoo! uses many of the same SEO strategies, including keyword choice, placing importance on alt tags, and metadata.

DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo champions itself as the search engine of the people. Its main selling point is that it promises never to collect, store, and sell user data to advertisers.

As a result, it, like Google, has shown steady growth over the last several years.

And as the battle for customer data rages on, expect DuckDuckGo to pick up even more visitors.

Baidu

For those targeting an international market, Baidu is a must.

This massive search engine in China’s equivalent to Google, bringing in 8 billion unique search results each month.

And it’s not just for an international market anymore, either. As of a few years ago, Baidu is now available in English, as well.

Though it hasn’t caught on yet in North America, its market value in China alone makes it an easy recommendation.

Ask

If you were around in the late 1990s, chances are you remember toying around with the Internet’s favorite butler, Jeeves, at AskJeeves.

While Jeeves is seemingly gone for good, in his place is a rebranded version of the search engine titled Ask.

It’s smaller, so niche markets should jump on the opportunity to market on Ask.

AOL Search

Like Yahoo! AOL’s search popularity comes primarily from its mail client.

Yet there’s one feature AOL has that its competitors don’t: A partnership with other search engines.

Users who use AOL Search’s ad function can also choose to distribute their ads through Bing, Yahoo, and more.

Check Out These Google Site Search Alternatives

If you’re looking to improve your SEO strategy, consider foregoing Google and choosing one of these Google site search alternatives.

Though they may not have the name recognition, each engine listed has a wide enough audience that they’re worth checking out.

Whichever search engine you choose, make sure your site is ready. Check out our guide on SEO-friendly web designs for more info.