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  • How to Get Your Products Found in ChatGPT: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Consumer product discovery is transforming through AI integration. Conversational models like ChatGPT now function as shopping assistants, fielding queries about product recommendations. Without optimization for AI systems, businesses risk missing these crucial discovery moments.

    Understanding ChatGPT and Product Discovery

    SEO Foundation Transfers to AI

    Existing search engine optimization efforts provide substantial groundwork for AI discoverability. Clean product data, well-structured websites, quality content, and authentic customer reviews aren't new concepts, yet their importance amplifies across discovery channels.

    How ChatGPT Processes Information

    ChatGPT synthesizes information from training datasets rather than live web browsing. When users request recommendations, the system evaluates intent, desired attributes, and context, drawing patterns between product descriptions, reviews, specifications, and related content.

    Foundation Steps for ChatGPT Visibility

    Optimize Product Data

    • Standardize naming conventions across all platforms
    • Provide exhaustive specifications including dimensions, materials, and features
    • Articulate clear value propositions addressing specific problem-solving capabilities
    • Include descriptive alt text for product images

    Technical Website Requirements

    • Implement semantic HTML structure
    • Ensure mobile responsiveness
    • Optimize page loading speeds
    • Create logical site navigation
    • Submit updated XML sitemaps

    Test Current Visibility

    Ask ChatGPT direct questions: Can it identify your products? What information appears in responses? Compare competitor positioning to identify gaps.

    Strategic Enhancement Approaches

    Structured Data and Schema Markup

    Implement Product schema markup to explicitly communicate:

    • Product name, description, brand, SKU
    • Pricing and availability
    • Ratings and reviews
    • Associated media

    This data dictionary enables AI systems to rapidly parse and accurately categorize product information.

    Comprehensive Product Descriptions

    • Incorporate long-tail keywords addressing specific use cases
    • Connect features directly to resulting benefits
    • Weave answers to anticipated customer questions naturally
    • Maintain unique descriptions across product variants
    • Vary sentence structure for readability

    Leverage User Reviews and Content

    Reviews provide authentic quality signals. Encourage reviews, respond to feedback, and display testimonials prominently. These elements demonstrate product credibility and customer satisfaction.

    Content Strategy Impact

    Develop supporting content addressing broader contexts:

    • Blog posts exploring problems your products solve
    • Comprehensive FAQ sections answering common questions
    • How-to guides demonstrating product utility

    This contextual content helps AI understand applications, benefits, and target audiences beyond isolated product pages.

    Advanced Tactics

    Community Engagement

    Participate authentically in forums and communities where target audiences discuss relevant needs. Establish brand authority through genuine helpfulness rather than promotion.

    Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation

    • Regularly test product visibility through ChatGPT queries
    • Analyze how AI describes and positions your offerings
    • Track brand mentions across AI-generated content
    • Monitor OpenAI announcements regarding model updates
    • A/B test description variations and content approaches

    Conclusion

    Achieving ChatGPT product discovery requires sustained effort optimizing digital presence for AI systems. Begin by testing current visibility—asking ChatGPT about your offerings reveals immediate gaps and priority areas. The future of shopping is increasingly conversational and AI-driven, making proactive optimization essential for competitive positioning.

  • Web Writing to Build Trust & Drive Action

    Every day, qualified prospects visit your website, spend 30 seconds looking around, and then leave to check out your competitors. They want to believe you can help them, but your website doesn't give them clear reasons to trust you or obvious next steps to take.

    The problem isn't your expertise or your offering. It's how you're communicating online.

    People read websites differently from any other medium. Nielsen Norman Group's eye-tracking studies show that web visitors scan in an F-pattern, reading the first few words of headlines and the opening sentences of paragraphs before deciding whether to stay or leave. They're not reading every word – they're hunting for specific information that answers their immediate questions.

    This means your web writing must work twice as hard as traditional copy. It has to build credibility quickly while making it obvious what visitors should do next. Here are four rules that accomplish both.

    Rule 1: Lead With Outcomes/Benefits, Not Features

    Most business websites start by explaining what they do (features) instead of what customers get (outcomes or benefits).

    Your prospects don't care about your credentials or your therapeutic approach until they know you understand their problem. Lead with the outcome they want, then explain how you deliver it.

    🔴 Instead of: "I'm a licensed clinical social worker specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care for adults."

    🟢 Try: "I help adults overcome anxiety and depression so they can feel confident in their relationships and at work. Most clients notice meaningful improvements within 6-8 sessions."

    The second version immediately addresses potential patients' struggles and sets realistic expectations about the process.

    Quick application: Rewrite your homepage headline to start with the problem you solve or your clients' desired outcome. Use a specific timeframe if appropriate for your practice.

    Rule 2: Structure Content For Scanners, Not Readers

    Nielsen Norman's research confirms what you probably suspected: web visitors don't read paragraphs like they read books. They scan headlines, bullet points, and the first sentence of each section to decide if the content is relevant.

    This means your page structure matters as much as your actual words. Break up long paragraphs, use descriptive subheadings, and front-load important information.

    🔴 Poor structure: "Our comprehensive approach integrates various evidence-based therapeutic modalities to address each client's unique needs through individualized treatment planning that considers both immediate symptoms and long-term wellness goals."

    🟢 Better structure: "I help with:

    • Anxiety that interferes with work or relationships

    • Depression that makes daily tasks feel overwhelming

    • Life transitions that leave you feeling stuck

    My approach: Short-term, practical therapy focused on real changes you can make starting this week."

    The second version gives scanners multiple entry points and helps them quickly assess whether you address their specific situation.

    Quick application: Add descriptive subheadings every 2-3 paragraphs and break up any paragraph longer than 4 lines.

    Rule 3: Make One Clear Ask Per Page

    Confused visitors don't convert. When people land on a page offering five different ways to engage, most choose none.

    Each page should guide visitors toward one primary action. Supporting information is fine, but make the main path obvious.

    🔴 Confusing page: Contact form + phone number + email address + online scheduler + "request information" button + newsletter signup + insurance verification form

    🟢 Clear page: One prominent "Schedule a free 15-minute consultation" button with supporting text: "We'll discuss what's bringing you to therapy and whether we're a good fit. No commitment required."

    The second approach removes decision paralysis and reduces the anxiety many people feel about starting therapy.

    Quick application: On each page, pick the one action that's most valuable for your business. Make that option prominent, and move everything else to secondary positions.

    Rule 4: Use Social Proof That Addresses Specific Concerns

    Generic testimonials don't build much trust because they don't address your prospects' specific doubts about working with you.

    Instead of collecting praise about how "caring" or "professional" you are, gather proof that speaks to the outcomes people want and the concerns that hold them back.

    🔴 Generic testimonial: "Dr. Smith is very professional and helped me a lot. I would recommend her to anyone."

    🟢 Specific testimonial: "I was nervous about trying therapy again after a bad experience with another counselor. Dr. Smith made me feel heard from the first session and gave me practical tools I could actually use. After three months, my panic attacks went from daily to maybe once a month." – M.R.

    The specific version addresses therapy skepticism (common concern), mentions the collaborative relationship (trust-building), and includes a measurable improvement (credibility) without violating patient privacy.

    Quick application: Ask current clients to describe the specific concern that brought them to you and the concrete change they've experienced. Always get written permission and consider using initials only.

    Making It Work For Your Business

    Good web writing follows a predictable pattern: hook attention quickly, address the visitor's main concern, explain what you'll do about it, prove you can deliver, and make the next step obvious.

    Most websites get one or two of these elements right but miss the others. The result is qualified prospects who leave without engaging because they can't quickly determine if you're the right solution.

    Start by auditing your homepage against these four rules. Does it lead with client outcomes? Can visitors scan it easily? Is there one clear next step? Does your social proof address specific concerns people have about your services?

    Small changes to how you present information online can dramatically increase the number of visitors who become customers. Businesses that get this right don't just convert more traffic, they attract better-qualified prospects who are ready to move forward.

    Ready to improve your website's content? Contact Garrett Digital for an audit that will identify opportunities to increase engagement and conversions.

  • GA4 Add-to-Cart Tracking for Fonteva: A Starter

    Organizations that use Fonteva, such as associations, nonprofits, and membership groups, sell registrations, memberships, and products through a cart, even if the site doesn’t feel like a typical store.

    GA4’s e-commerce events are the best way to measure this activity and send conversions to Google Ads, LinkedIn, or your ad platform of choice. The problem is that Fonteva doesn’t send GA4 events by default, and it's a single-page app (SPA), so “fire on /cart” pageview rules don't work.

    This guide shows how to implement GA4’s add_to_cart in Google Tag Manager (GTM) without changing Fonteva’s code. We watch page elements and SPA route changes, send GA4’s recommended parameters, and avoid duplicates. It’s a first step toward full-funnel tracking (view_cart, begin_checkout, purchase).

    The ideal long-term approach is a first-party data layer in Fonteva or Lightning, but this gets you started now.

    Glossary

    • SPA (Single-Page App): The site loads once and then swaps screens with JavaScript instead of loading new pages.

    • Route: The screen an SPA shows. In Fonteva, the route usually includes everything after the # in the URL, for example #/store/browse/detail/….

    • SPA Hop: A screen change inside the app without a full page load. You see the #… route change.

    • Cart Modal (Mini-Cart): A pop-up that appears on the product page immediately after an add. It confirms the add and offers View Cart or Checkout.

    • Stash: A temporary snapshot of the item a user is adding (id, name, price, quantity). We save it at click time to know what the user selected.

    • Clear: This is the step where we immediately remove the stashed snapshot after sending GA4, so later actions do not double-count.

    • Session Storage (sessionStorage): Small, per-tab storage in the browser that disappears when the tab closes. It’s perfect for our short-lived, per-interaction stash.

    Why This Works for Fonteva

    • Fonteva often keeps users on the product route and opens a cart modal after an add. If you only watch for a cart URL, you miss the real add moment or count it late.

    • We store the selection on click to preserve the correct item, price, and quantity, even if the DOM changes.

    • We fire add_to_cart when the cart modal is visible, which is the first reliable signal that the add succeeded.

    • We clear the stash immediately to prevent duplicate fires when someone later clicks View Cart or navigates into the cart.

    What We’ll Build

    • Variables that assemble GA4-ready items[], value, and a simple pending flag.

    • Two small HTML tags will be used to store the item on click and clear it after sending GA4.

    • A GA4 Event tag for add_to_cart.

    • Triggers that are SPA-safe: Element Visibility for the cart modal and History Change as a fallback.

    Everything below is ordered for a clean implementation and QA path. Names are suggestions; consistency helps.

    One-Time GTM Updates

    Enable these in GTM → Variables → Configure:

    • Click Element, Click Text, Click Classes, Click Target

    • New History Fragment, Old History Fragment, New/Old History State, History Source

    • Page URL, Page Path, Page Hostname, Event

    Note: The page URL does not include the hash. Use the New History Fragment to test routes like #/store/browse/detail/…

    Step 1: Create Variables

    1) Currency (Constant)

    • Name: Currency – Constant

    • Value: USD

    • Reason: GA4 expects a currency with monetary events.

    2) Pending Flag (To Check if in The Middle Of An Add?)

    Custom JavaScript variable JS – Fonteva Pending Add (bool):

    function(){
  try { return sessionStorage.getItem('fonteva_pending_add') === '1'; }
  catch(e){ return false; }
}

    Reason: Gates the modal and history triggers so they only fire when a product add just started.

    **3) Product Items Array (for **

    add_to_cart

    )

    Custom JavaScript variable JS – Fonteva Items Array:

    function () {
  try {
    var frag = (location.hash || '').replace(/^#/, '');
    if (/^\/store\/(cart|checkout)(\/|$)/i.test(frag)) { return []; }

    var s = sessionStorage.getItem('fonteva_item');
    if (s) { var o = JSON.parse(s); if (o && o.item_id) return [o]; }
  } catch (e) {}

  var nameEl = document.querySelector('.pfm-detail_discount_label');
  var rawName = nameEl ? nameEl.textContent.trim() : (document.title || '(unknown)');
  var parts = rawName.split(' - ');
  var variant = parts.length > 1 ? parts.pop().trim() : undefined;
  var baseName = parts.length ? parts.join(' - ').trim() : rawName;

  var priceEl = document.querySelector('.pfm-detail_discount_price .FrameworkCurrencyField') ||
                document.querySelector('.pfm-details_sub_price .FrameworkCurrencyField');
  var price;
  if (priceEl && priceEl.textContent) {
    var p = priceEl.textContent.replace(/[^0-9.]/g, '');
    price = p ? parseFloat(p) : undefined;
  }

  var qty = 1;
  var selects = Array.prototype.slice.call(
    document.querySelectorAll('.pfm-detail_quantity select.slds-select')
  );
  if (selects.length) {
    var sel = selects.find(function(s){ return s.offsetParent !== null; }) || selects[selects.length-1];
    var v = (sel.value || '').trim();
    if (/^other$/i.test(v)) {
      var wrap = sel.closest('.pfm-detail_quantity') || document;
      var inp = wrap.querySelector('input[type="number"], input[type="text"]');
      if (inp && inp.value) {
        var n = inp.value.replace(/[^0-9]/g, '');
        qty = n ? parseInt(n, 10) : 1;
      }
    } else {
      var n2 = v.replace(/[^0-9]/g, '');
      qty = n2 ? parseInt(n2, 10) : 1;
    }
  }

  var idMatch = location.href.match(/\/(?:detail|merch_new)\/([^/?#]+)/i);
  var itemId = idMatch && idMatch[1] ? decodeURIComponent(idMatch[1])
                                     : baseName.replace(/\s+/g, '_').toLowerCase();

  var item = { item_id: itemId || '(unknown)', item_name: baseName || '(unknown)', quantity: qty };
  if (typeof price === 'number') item.price = price;
  if (variant) item.item_variant = variant;
  return [item];
}

    Reason: GA4’s add_to_cart expects items[]. We provide a single object for the item being added.

    4) Product Value (Price × Quantity)

    Custom JavaScript variable JS – Fonteva Value:

    function () {
  try {
    var frag = (location.hash || '').replace(/^#/, '');
    if (/^\/store\/(cart|checkout)(\/|$)/i.test(frag)) { return undefined; }
  } catch(e) {}

  try {
    var s = sessionStorage.getItem('fonteva_item');
    if (s) {
      var o = JSON.parse(s);
      var q = parseInt(o && o.quantity, 10) || 1;
      var p = (o && typeof o.price === 'number') ? o.price : undefined;
      if (typeof p === 'number' && isFinite(p)) {
        var v = p * q;
        return Math.round(v * 100) / 100;
      }
    }
  } catch(e) {}

  try {
    var priceEl = document.querySelector('.pfm-detail_discount_price .FrameworkCurrencyField') ||
                  document.querySelector('.pfm-details_sub_price .FrameworkCurrencyField');
    var price;
    if (priceEl && priceEl.textContent) {
      var num = priceEl.textContent.replace(/[^0-9.]/g, '');
      price = num ? parseFloat(num) : undefined;
    }
    var qtyVar = {{JS - Fonteva Quantity}}; // insert via GTM picker if present
    var q2 = parseInt(qtyVar, 10) || 1;
    if (typeof price === 'number' && isFinite(price)) {
      return Math.round(price * q2 * 100) / 100;
    }
  } catch(e) {}

  return undefined;
}

    Reason: GA4 monetization reports and Ads imports rely on a numeric value.

    Step 2: Add Two Small HTML Tags

    A) GA4 – Product Stash (Custom HTML)

    Attach to the product button click trigger in the next step.

    
(function () {
  try {
    var now = Date.now();
    var lastTs = parseInt(sessionStorage.getItem('fonteva_item_ts') || '0', 10);
    var pending = sessionStorage.getItem('fonteva_pending_add') === '1';
    if (pending && (now - lastTs)

    Reason: We snapshot the user’s selection at click time to send the correct data when the modal confirms the add.

    B) GA4 – Product Clear (Custom HTML)

    No trigger of its own; we will sequence it after the GA4 event.

    
try {
  sessionStorage.removeItem('fonteva_item');
  sessionStorage.removeItem('fonteva_pending_add');
  sessionStorage.removeItem('fonteva_item_ts');
} catch(e){}

    Reason: Clearing immediately prevents double-counting when someone later opens the cart.

    Step 3: Create Triggers

    1) Product Add Button (For Stash Only)

    Trigger name: Click – Add to Cart – General

    Type: Click – All Elements → Some Clicks

    Click Element matches CSS selector:

    .pfm-details button[data-name="addToCart"],
.pfm-details button.FrameworkButton[aria-label="Add to Order"],
.pfm-details button[data-label="Add to Order"],
.pfm-details button[data-name="addToCart"] *,
.pfm-details button.FrameworkButton[aria-label="Add to Order"] *

    Reason: We only stash here. No GA4 events fire on this click.

    2) Cart Modal Visible (ensures the add to cart completes and is captured)

    Trigger name: Add to Cart – Cart Modal Visible

    Type: Element Visibility

    • Element selector: .addToCartModal .LTEShoppingCart, .slds-modal__content .LTEShoppingCart

    • Fire: Once per element

    • Minimum percent visible: 1

    • Minimum on-screen duration: 200 ms

    • Observe DOM changes: checked

    Some visibility events (AND):

    • New History Fragment contains /store/browse/detail/

    • JS – Fonteva Pending Add (bool) equals true

    Reason: Many Fonteva adds happen without a route change. The modal confirms the add succeeded.

    3) History Fallback (safety net, de-dupe)

    Trigger name: Add to Cart – History

    Type: History Change → Some History Changes

    • History Source equals hashchange

    • New History Fragment matches RegEx ^/store/(cart|checkout)(/|$)

    • JS – Fonteva Pending Add (bool) equals true

    Reason: It caters to edge cases where a route change confirms the addition. Restricting to hashchange prevents duplicate fires.

    Step 4: Build The GA4 Event

    Tag name: GA4 – add_to_cart

    Type: GA4 Event

    • Event name: add_to_cart

    Parameters:

    • items → {{JS – Fonteva Items Array}}

    • value → {{JS – Fonteva Value}}

    • currency → {{Currency – Constant}}

    Triggers (OR):

    • Add to Cart – Cart Modal Visible

    • Add to Cart – No History

    Tag Sequencing:

    • Fire a tag after → GA4 – Product Clear

    • Setup tag → none

    In GA4 → Admin → Events, mark add_to_cart as a Key Event and import it into Ads platforms.

    QA Checklist

    • On the product page, select a quantity that is not one and click Add to Order. Only GA4 – Product Stash should fire.

    • When the cart modal appears, GA4 – add_to_cart should fire on the Element Visibility event, then GA4 – Product Clear.

    • GA4 DebugView should show add_to_cart with a populated items[0] object, a numeric value, and currency set to USD.

    • Clicking View Cart should not fire another add_to_cart.

    If the GA4 tag does not fire on the modal, open the Element Visibility event, click the tag, and use Why Not. Confirm the selector matches your modal, and the New History Fragment contains /store/browse/detail/. Ensure that Observe DOM changes is checked.

    What This Unlocks

    • Real add-to-cart data in GA4 Monetization reports, ready to mark as a Key Event and sync to Google Ads and LinkedIn.

    • A pattern you can extend to view_cart and begin_checkout using cart-level variables, and purchase on the confirmation page with a transaction ID (ideally via a data layer push for accuracy).

    Why This Matters

    For membership-driven organizations, registrations and dues often fund the mission. GA4 is powerful, but only when standard events flow in with item-level detail. This GTM build provides reliable add-to-cart data without a development sprint and is fully compatible with a future first-party data layer.

    Recap — Everything We Added

    Variables

    • Currency – Constant (USD)

    • JS – Fonteva Pending Add (bool)

    • JS – Fonteva Items Array

    • JS – Fonteva Value

    Tags

    • GA4 – Product Stash (Custom HTML)

    • GA4 – add_to_cart (GA4 Event)

    • GA4 – Product Clear (Custom HTML; sequenced after GA4 event)

    Triggers

    • Click – Add to Cart – General (stash only)

    • Add to Cart – Cart Modal Visible (Element Visibility)

    • Add to Cart – History

    If you want this implemented, QA’d, or documented for your organization, we can help.

  • Product Page SEO: A Guide for E-commerce

    Product page SEO involves optimizing individual product pages to rank higher in search results for relevant keywords. This comprehensive guide covers strategies for driving qualified traffic and improving conversion rates through search engine optimization.

    Why Product Page SEO Matters

    Qualified Traffic: Optimized product pages attract customers actively searching for specific products, creating genuine sales opportunities.

    Conversion Improvement: Well-organized pages with clear information reduce purchase friction. Research indicates approximately 20% of purchase failures stem from inadequate product information.

    Competitive Necessity: As competitors optimize their listings, product page SEO becomes essential for maintaining visibility and market share.

    Key Optimization Strategies

    Keyword Research

    Focus on long-tail keywords reflecting actual customer language. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush help identify search terms showing purchasing intent rather than research-focused queries.

    Titles and Meta Descriptions

    Product titles should be descriptive and keyword-rich while remaining under 160 characters for meta descriptions. Front-load essential information to maximize clarity.

    Product Descriptions

    Prioritize customer benefits over technical specifications. Structure descriptions to address:

    • Opening benefits that hook the reader
    • Key features and what they mean for the customer
    • Care instructions or usage guidelines
    • Clear calls to action

    Visual Content

    Include multiple product angles, lifestyle photography, zoom functionality, and optimized alt text. Videos demonstrating product usage significantly boost engagement metrics.

    User Reviews

    Customer reviews provide fresh content, authentic keywords, and social proof. Encourage reviews through follow-up communications and display ratings prominently on product pages.

    Technical Elements

    URL Structure

    Keep URLs short, descriptive, and hierarchical. A good product URL might look like /category/product-name/ rather than /p?id=12345.

    Schema Markup

    Implement product, offer, and review schemas for rich snippets in search results. This can display pricing, availability, and ratings directly in Google.

    Internal Linking

    Connect related products and collections logically. This helps both users discover more products and search engines understand your site structure.

    Page Speed

    Optimize images, minimize code, and leverage CDN services. Slow product pages directly hurt both rankings and conversions.

    Mobile Responsiveness

    Ensure full functionality across all devices. More than half of e-commerce traffic comes from mobile devices.

    Out-of-Stock Management

    Rather than deleting unavailable product pages, maintain them with:

    • Clear stock status messaging
    • Back-in-stock notification signups
    • Related product suggestions
    • Expected restock dates when available

    This preserves SEO value you've built and captures demand for when products return.

    Ongoing Testing

    Monitor these key metrics regularly:

    • Organic traffic to product pages
    • Conversion rates by traffic source
    • Bounce rates and time on page
    • Search console impressions and click-through rates

    A/B test titles, descriptions, images, and calls-to-action for continuous improvement.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • Duplicate content: Using manufacturer descriptions that appear on dozens of other sites
    • Keyword stuffing: Cramming keywords in ways that compromise readability
    • Ignoring technical SEO: Skipping schema markup, canonical tags, and proper indexing
    • Poor pagination: Not handling category pages with many products correctly
    • Missing HTTPS: Running e-commerce without proper security certificates

    Conclusion

    Effective product page SEO combines keyword research, compelling copywriting, technical implementation, and continuous optimization. Success requires treating optimization as an ongoing process rather than a one-time effort, with priority given to highest-traffic and highest-revenue pages.

  • GeneratePress vs. Kadence: Which Theme is Right for You?

    You're looking for a WordPress theme that works and gets regular updates with new features. GeneratePress and Kadence keep coming up in conversations, and for good reason. Both are celebrated for their speed, flexibility, and robust feature sets. But which one fits your specific needs?

    Your theme choice affects more than just aesthetics. It impacts loading speed, SEO performance, daily workflow, and your ability to scale as your business grows. Think of it like picking the foundation for a custom home – you want something reliable, efficient, and capable of supporting whatever you build on top.

    Here's what sets both themes apart from thousands of other WordPress options: They provide a stable, fast, and highly customizable foundation rather than a bloated, feature-heavy package loaded with unnecessary elements. This approach is why they've built such dedicated followings among developers, agencies, and business owners.

    Let's compare GeneratePress and Kadence in the areas that matter most. By the end, you'll clearly understand their strengths and differences and which aligns with your goals and technical comfort level.

    GeneratePress: The Minimalist's Foundation

    GeneratePress is often called the minimalist's dream theme. It's a lightweight, performance-focused solution designed to be a blank canvas for developers and DIY website builders. The core theme weighs less than 10KB, which is remarkably small in today's web landscape.

    This minimal approach means GeneratePress works seamlessly with popular page builders like Elementor, Beaver Builder, or Divi, but it also provides a solid foundation for those who prefer building within the native WordPress Customizer. Its core strength lies in simplicity and the rock-solid foundation it provides for virtually any type of website – from simple blogs to complex e-commerce stores.

    Kadence: The Well-Equipped Workshop

    Kadence takes a different approach, offering more features out of the box while still maintaining impressive performance. It's designed to empower users with an intuitive, block-based building experience leveraging the WordPress block editor (Gutenberg).

    Think of Kadence as a well-equipped workshop – it provides a broader array of specialized tools that are immediately available, but each tool is carefully crafted to avoid unnecessary bulk. Kadence balances powerful customization capabilities and ease of use, making it particularly appealing to users who want a robust visual building experience without sacrificing speed or flexibility.

    Block Building Systems

    Both themes have companion block plugins that significantly expand their building capabilities within the WordPress editor. Understanding these systems is crucial for making an informed choice, as they represent different philosophies for modern WordPress development.

    GenerateBlocks: Lightweight Block Building

    GenerateBlocks is GeneratePress's companion block plugin that adds essential building blocks to the WordPress editor while maintaining the theme's performance-first philosophy. Unlike bloated page builders, GenerateBlocks provides just the core blocks you need:

    • Container Block – Flexible wrapper for creating sections and layouts

    • Grid Block – Responsive grid system for organizing content

    • Headline Block – Enhanced heading block with advanced typography controls

    • Button Block – Customizable buttons with extensive styling options

    • Query Loop Block – Display dynamic content from posts, products, or custom post types

    The plugin follows GeneratePress's minimal approach – each block generates clean, semantic HTML without unnecessary CSS classes or inline styles. This keeps your code lightweight and your site fast. GenerateBlocks Pro adds advanced features like custom CSS, dynamic content, and additional styling options, but even the free version provides substantial functionality for most users.

    GenerateBlocks's integration with GeneratePress's global styling system makes it particularly appealing. Colors, fonts, and spacing settings from your theme automatically apply to blocks, ensuring design consistency without extra configuration.

    Kadence Blocks: Comprehensive Visual Builder

    Kadence Blocks takes a more comprehensive approach, transforming the WordPress editor into a full-featured visual builder. The free plugin includes over 15 custom blocks covering virtually every design need:

    • Advanced content blocks – Tabs, accordions, testimonials, icon lists, and more

    • Layout blocks – Rows, columns, and advanced grid systems with visual controls

    • Media blocks – Enhanced galleries, video backgrounds, and image comparisons

    • Marketing blocks – Forms, countdown timers, and conversion-focused elements

    • Design blocks – Spacers, dividers, and advanced heading options

    Each block comes with extensive styling options that are accessible directly in the editor. You can adjust colors, typography, spacing, borders, and animations without leaving the content creation interface. The visual approach makes it easy to see exactly what you're building as you work.

    Kadence Blocks Pro expands this further with dynamic content capabilities, custom post type integration, advanced form features, and additional design blocks. The Pro version also includes a growing library of pre-built page and section templates that you can import and customize.

    The key difference is philosophy: GenerateBlocks focuses on essential building blocks that work seamlessly with GeneratePress's minimal approach, while Kadence Blocks provides a comprehensive visual building system that maximizes the block editor's potential for complex designs.

    Performance: Speed and Efficiency

    Speed isn't just nice to have – it's essential. Google considers page speed as a ranking factor, and users increasingly abandon sites that don't load quickly. Both GeneratePress and Kadence understand this reality and engineer performance into their core architecture.

    GeneratePress: Lean and Lightning Fast

    GeneratePress has built a legendary reputation for its minimal footprint. The free theme often weighs less than 10KB, which is almost unheard of in modern WordPress themes. This tiny size translates directly into several performance benefits:

    • Fewer HTTP requests – Less data to load means faster initial page rendering

    • Minimal resource usage – More server capacity available for content and functionality

    • Better optimization headroom – Performance plugins have less code to optimize

    • Excellent baseline scores – Sites often achieve high performance ratings before additional optimization

    Tools like GTmetrix and Google PageSpeed Insights typically show excellent scores for GeneratePress sites, even before you implement additional optimization techniques.

    This performance advantage becomes even more pronounced when you add premium features or third-party plugins. Since the base theme uses so few resources, there's more "headroom" for additional functionality without negatively impacting load times.

    Kadence: Optimized Performance with Rich Features

    Kadence also delivers impressive performance metrics, which is remarkable considering its richer feature set and deeper integration with the block editor. While slightly larger than GeneratePress due to its additional built-in functionality, Kadence consistently achieves high scores in performance testing.

    The theme accomplishes this through modern optimization techniques:

    • Smart loading features – CSS and JavaScript only load when needed

    • Efficient code structure – Clean, well-organized code that browsers process quickly

    • Modern web standards – Built with current performance best practices

    • Resource optimization – Images and assets load efficiently across devices

    In real-world testing, Kadence sites regularly achieve excellent scores in performance audits, proving you can have both comprehensive features and impressive speed when the underlying code is properly optimized.

    Design and Customization Options

    Many users make their final decision here. How easily can you transform a basic theme into your unique vision? Both themes offer powerful customization options, but they approach the challenge differently.

    GeneratePress: The Customizer's Canvas

    GeneratePress primarily leverages the native WordPress Customizer for its design controls. You'll feel immediately comfortable if you're already familiar with the Customizer interface. With GeneratePress Premium, the Customizer transforms into a comprehensive design control center:

    • Typography controls – Complete font management with Google Fonts integration

    • Color systems – Global color palettes with advanced color picker tools

    • Layout configurations – Flexible grid systems and container options

    • Spacing controls – Precise margin and padding adjustments

    • Responsive settings – Different configurations for mobile, tablet, and desktop

    You can control virtually every element of your site, from global settings like headers and footers down to specific layouts for individual posts, custom sidebars, and navigation menu styling. The level of granular control available is impressive, allowing for precise customization without touching a single line of code.

    GeneratePress Premium also introduces "Elements," which represents a significant leap in functionality. Elements allow you to create custom layouts, hooks, and blocks that can inject dynamic content or design elements anywhere on your site based on specific conditions. Want a custom header that only appears on blog posts? Or a special call-to-action section that shows only to first-time visitors? Elements makes these advanced customizations possible without requiring custom PHP development.

    Kadence: Block-Powered Visual Design

    Kadence takes a more visual, block-centric approach to design, deeply integrating with and significantly enhancing the capabilities of the WordPress block editor. The Kadence Blocks plugin dramatically expands what you can accomplish within Gutenberg, transforming it into a powerful visual builder.

    This combination creates an integrated building experience:

    • Visual workflow – Design directly in the editor with real-time preview

    • Advanced styling controls – Colors, fonts, spacing accessible within each block

    • Pre-built patterns – Professional section templates ready to customize

    • Responsive design tools – Optimize layouts for different screen sizes

    • Seamless integration – Theme and blocks work together as a unified system

    The workflow feels intuitive and visual. Instead of navigating through Customizer panels, you're directly manipulating content blocks and seeing changes in real time. This approach particularly appeals to users who prefer a hands-on, visual building experience without the complexity of learning a separate page builder interface.

    Kadence also features a sophisticated header and footer builder that works within the Customizer but provides a much more visual, drag-and-drop experience. You can create complex navigation layouts, add custom elements like social media icons or search bars, and configure multiple header rows through an intuitive interface that shows you exactly what you're building.

    Premium Features Comparison

    While both themes provide solid foundations in their free versions, their premium counterparts unlock comprehensive toolkits that transform them from simple themes into powerful website development platforms.

    GeneratePress Premium Features

    GeneratePress Premium isn't just an upgrade – it's a carefully designed suite of modular add-ons that significantly enhance the theme's capabilities without adding unnecessary bloat. The modular approach means you can activate only the features you actually need, keeping your site as lean as possible.

    Key premium features include:

    • Site Library – Professionally designed starter sites across multiple industries

    • Elements – Custom hooks and layouts with sophisticated conditional logic

    • Advanced Colors & Typography – Granular control with responsive options

    • Precise Spacing Controls – Pixel-perfect margin and padding adjustments

    • Layout Configurations – Custom layouts for different page types and content

    • WooCommerce Integration – Enhanced e-commerce styling and functionality

    The Elements feature deserves special attention as it provides incredible power for custom layouts, conditional content, and site modifications without requiring theme file edits or custom PHP development.

    Kadence Pro Features

    Kadence Theme Pro extends the already robust free theme with a suite of powerful features designed to enhance the visual, block-centric building experience. The Pro version builds naturally on Kadence's core philosophy of providing comprehensive tools within a unified, intuitive interface.

    Premium features include:

    • Header Addons – Social icons, search bars, cart icons, and extra header rows

    • Hooked Elements – Inject custom content with visual conditional logic

    • Ultimate Menu – Mega menus with custom content and advanced styling

    • WooCommerce Addon – Extensive e-commerce customization and layouts

    • Fixed Elements – Sticky headers, floating buttons, and promotional banners

    • Custom Post Type Support – Enhanced layouts for specialized content types

    The WooCommerce integration is particularly impressive. It provides extensive styling and layout options specifically designed for e-commerce, including custom product page templates, enhanced shop archives, cart and checkout customization, and product gallery enhancements.

    Learning Curve and Daily Use

    How quickly can you get up and running with each theme, and how intuitive is the day-to-day building and maintenance process?

    GeneratePress: Elegant Simplicity

    GeneratePress prides itself on straightforward setup and logical organization:

    • Clean installation – Professional appearance immediately after activation

    • Intuitive Customizer – Familiar WordPress interface with logical organization

    • Live preview – See changes in real-time as you customize

    • Starter sites – Professional templates to accelerate development

    • Flexible workflow – Works with any page builder or content creation method

    The Site Library in GeneratePress Premium is particularly valuable for beginners. Instead of starting with a blank slate, you can import a complete, professionally designed website that matches your industry or style preferences, then customize it to fit your specific needs.

    Kadence: User-Friendly Power

    Kadence is engineered with a strong emphasis on user-friendliness, particularly for users who want to embrace the block editor as their primary building tool:

    • Visual block editor – Enhanced Gutenberg with powerful custom blocks

    • Drag-and-drop headers – Intuitive navigation builder within Customizer

    • Pre-built patterns – Professional sections ready to insert and customize

    • Real-time editing – See changes immediately as you build content

    • Starter templates – Complete websites optimized for block-based building

    The tight integration between the theme and the Kadence Blocks plugin creates a seamless, visual building experience that feels more like a comprehensive page builder than a traditional theme.

    Support and Community

    Both themes provide excellent support, though they approach it slightly differently based on their user bases and development philosophies.

    GeneratePress Support & Community

    GeneratePress has built a reputation for exceptional support quality and responsiveness:

    • Expert support team – Knowledgeable responses with specific code examples

    • Creator involvement – Tom Usborne actively participates in community support

    • Comprehensive documentation – Detailed guides for every feature

    • Large community – Extensive tutorials and solutions across multiple platforms

    • Regular updates – Consistent improvements and new feature development

    Because of the theme's popularity among developers and its developer-friendly architecture, countless tutorials, code snippets, and solutions are shared across blogs, YouTube channels, Facebook groups, and developer forums.

    Kadence Support & Community

    Kadence also provides high-quality support that has earned strong user loyalty:

    • Responsive support team – Quick, personalized responses to user questions

    • Well-organized documentation – Comprehensive guides with video tutorials

    • Active community – Growing user base sharing patterns and solutions

    • Regular development – Consistent updates and new block functionality

    • WordPress integration – Strong relationships with core WordPress development

    As a newer theme with a strong focus on the block editor, Kadence has attracted a rapidly growing, enthusiastic user base. The community is particularly active in sharing block patterns, design ideas, and creative solutions.

    Pricing

    When evaluating premium themes, pricing structure and long-term value are important considerations. Both themes offer capable free versions, but their premium features unlock the real power and flexibility that make them standout choices.

    GeneratePress Pricing

    GeneratePress Premium pricing offers two clear options:

    • Annual License – All premium features, site library, updates, and support for unlimited sites

    • Lifetime License – One-time payment for lifetime access, updates, and support

    The lifetime license represents outstanding value in the WordPress theme marketplace, especially for agencies, developers, or users who plan multiple projects over several years.

    Kadence Pricing

    Kadence pricing provides several tiers to match different needs:

    • Theme Pro – Annual license for enhanced theme features

    • Blocks Pro – Annual license for advanced block functionality

    • Essential Bundle – Theme Pro + Blocks Pro + Custom Fonts plugin

    • Full Bundle – Complete Kadence ecosystem with all plugins

    • Lifetime Full Bundle – One-time payment for lifetime access to everything

    The bundle options typically offer better value, especially if you plan to use multiple Kadence tools or want access to future products as they're released.

    Setup and Ongoing Support

    While both themes are user-friendly, getting the most from either option often benefits from professional guidance. When you work with Garrett Digital for website design, we assess your specific business needs, recommend the optimal theme choice, and create a setup that works for your goals now and scales with future growth.

    Our approach goes beyond just choosing a theme. We consider your content strategy, user experience requirements, performance goals, and long-term business objectives to ensure every decision supports your success.

    For ongoing peace of mind, our WordPress Hosting & Maintenance plans handle all the technical details that keep your site running smoothly. This includes licensing fees for premium themes and plugins, weekly software updates, the fastest WordPress hosting available, plus content updates if you choose our mid-tier or premium plans. You focus on your business while we ensure your website stays secure, fast, and current.

    Which Theme Fits Your Needs?

    Both GeneratePress and Kadence are exceptional themes that will serve you well. Your choice should align with your specific workflow preferences, technical comfort level, and project requirements.

    Choose GeneratePress If You:

    • Prioritize ultimate performance – Every kilobyte matters for your site speed

    • Prefer working with external page builders – Elementor, Beaver Builder, or Divi

    • Want modular functionality – Load only the features you actually need

    • Need granular control – Precise customization through the Customizer

    • Value proven stability – Years of reliable performance and updates

    • Prefer lifetime licensing – Excellent long-term value proposition

    Choose Kadence If You:

    • Love the block editor workflow – Want to maximize Gutenberg's potential

    • Prefer visual building tools – Drag-and-drop design directly in WordPress

    • Need robust e-commerce features – Comprehensive WooCommerce integration

    • Want features ready immediately – Rich functionality out of the box

    • Appreciate intuitive interfaces – User-friendly design and customization

    • Value growing ecosystems – Integrated suite of complementary tools

    Both themes provide stable, scalable foundations that will serve your website well for years to come, especially when properly configured and maintained by experienced professionals who understand how to leverage their full potential for your specific business goals. If you need guidance choosing the right theme and building a website that truly works for your business, we're here to help.

  • Google Ads Reps Won’t Stop? Why They Keep Calling & How to Deal

    Why the Calls Keep Coming

    Google outsources much of its outreach to call-center vendors such as Teleperformance and Regalix. The reps send emails from @google.com or @xwf.google.com, and their pay depends on how much extra ad spend or automation they persuade you to add, not on your results. When you accept a “recommendation,” they edge closer to the quota while your account can drift off the rails.

    Insider Details

    The pattern is clear: more accepted “recommendations” means faster quota progress for the rep and more risk for you.

    Others Experiences

    • HR gets the sales pitch – a rep called a client’s HR desk, claimed urgent campaign issues, and tried to book a meeting even though HR handles no marketing (thread).

    • “Talk to me, or I’ll call your clients” – a rep warned an agency owner that refusing to meet would result in direct calls to the agency’s customers (thread).

    • Broad-match blow-up – Lisa followed a rep’s broad-match plan; spend doubled in a week, sales froze, and recovery took a month.

    • Agency bypassed by email – a strategist emailed a business owner claiming the agency had “denied” a critical update, nudging the owner to drop the partner (article).

    • Unwanted daily calls – community posts show strategists ringing three times a day despite repeated opt-out requests (support thread).

    My Experience

    I have asked these reps to stop calling me and my clients, but the calls keep coming. Every few months, I spend another hour hoping for an honest, strategic conversation, and each time I hear the same script: automate more, spend more, trust us.

    One rep even admitted he did not know how to set up Dynamic Shopping Remarketing (the feature that shows past visitors the exact products they viewed) and couldn't connect me to anyone who did.

    Polite requests get ignored, and some reps turn aggressive. After years of the same routine, I now block every number and mark every rep email as spam.

    Update on August 5, 2025

    Most recently, on August 5, 2025, I asked for specific instructions on how to make adjustments for a client's Google Shopping ads campaign. I was scheduled with a Google Ads rep who was knowledgeable and helpful and didn't try to push changes that led to more spending.

    Proceed with caution, especially if you go into or receive a call without knowing what you're doing or asking for. If you go into or receive a blind call from Google Ads, you must have some concrete goals in mind. And don't just let them increase the budget or accept the recommendations in Google Ads.

    A Google Ads campaign involves a lot of strategy, and to be fair, most of these reps don't have adequate training and experience to understand the nuance or bigger impact of some of the recommendations they're making.

    ActionWhat to DoReport and blockMark rep emails as spam. On your phone, block the number and label it spam or fraud.Put it in writingReply once, request no further contact, and keep the email for your files.Warn colleaguesAsk staff to forward every Google rep message to you or your agency.Escalate misconductIf a rep threatens or ignores do-not-contact requests, file a complaint through Google Ads support.

    The Impact

    • Time drain – repeated calls and emails steal hours you could spend on real work.

    • Trust erosion – when a rep tells your CEO there are “serious account issues” and undercuts your in-house staff or agency experience.

    • Real money lost – bad advice on broad match or Performance Max has cost advertisers thousands in a single month.

    • No real support – Google dropped its phone help line in 2020, yet the pushy sales calls continue.

    We Just Want Real Support

    Years ago, big spenders worked with Google account managers who knew the platform and wanted mutual success. Today, most advertisers hear from Google third-party contractors reading scripts that put Google’s profit first. Until incentives shift, awareness is your best defense. Recognize the pattern, block the noise, and lean on a data-driven strategy from someone you trust.

    Google’s ad division booked 237.85 billion dollars in 2023 revenue. With resources like that, advertisers deserve better than quota calls.

    And to be fair, Google has set up this system and these reps to fail. The Google Reps are real people who are trying to do the job assigned to them. It's unfair of Google, and they must reform their policies and procedures to help provide better service to their customers and a better work experience for their staff.

    References

    Want someone who manages your account instead of reading scripts? We offer Google Ads management focused on real results, not Google's quotas.

  • Why Opening Links in New Tabs Hurts User Experience

    Opening a link in a new browser window or tab might seem helpful. But most of the time, it disrupts the user experience, causes confusion, and can harm accessibility. Here's why it's better to let links open in the same window, and when it's sensible to make an exception.

    The Impact on Your Site

    When links unexpectedly open in new tabs, users lose their place. They can't use the back button and suddenly have to juggle multiple browser tabs on mobile, which is even more frustrating.

    This leads to:

    • Shorter time on site

    • Fewer pages viewed

    • Higher abandonment rates

    • Confused visitors who may not return

    Search engines notice these signals. Poor user experience metrics can affect your rankings over time.

    User Flow

    People expect links to work consistently. A link suddenly opens in a new window or tab, breaking their mental model of how websites work. According to the Nielsen Norman Group, a leading UX research firm, this unexpected behavior creates friction and reduces trust.

    Users want control. They know how to right-click or Cmd+click when they want a new tab. When you force it, you decide for them.

    The problem is worse on mobile. Managing multiple browser windows requires switching between apps or views. When users are on the go or multitasking, this added complexity often leads them to abandon the task entirely.

    Accessibility Concerns

    Opening a new window without warning can confuse screen readers and assistive device users. They suddenly find themselves on a new page with no simple way to return.

    Equalize Digital, a trusted leader in accessibility, points out that this practice violates accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1). Assistive technologies need consistent and predictable behavior to help users with disabilities.

    This matters for inclusivity and legal compliance. If someone can't navigate your site effectively, you exclude potential customers.

    When a New Tab/Window Makes Sense

    There are limited cases where opening a link in a new window helps:

    • Help documentation that users need while completing a form

    • Reference materials they need to view alongside your content

    • Video tutorials they're following step-by-step

    Even in these cases, always warn users. Add text like "(opens in new tab)" so they know what to expect.

    Simple Decision Framework

    Ask yourself: Will users lose important work or context if they click this link?

    • No: Use same-window navigation (default)

    • Yes: Consider a new tab with a clear warning

    • Unsure: Same window—let them choose

    Common Problem Areas

    E-commerce Sites

    Product links, size guides, and shipping information often create unnecessary new tabs. Consider modal overlays for quick-reference content like size charts to keep the shopping flow uninterrupted.

    Healthcare & Service Sites

    Privacy policies and terms of service linked from forms shouldn't open new tabs. Doing so disrupts the very action you want users to complete. If forms reset when users navigate back, that's a separate problem to fix.

    Blog Content

    External references and source links don't need new tabs. Readers who want to explore multiple sources know how to manage their tabs.

    Best Practices

    • Make same-window the default for all links

    • Use new tabs sparingly and only when they genuinely help

    • Always warn users with "(opens in new tab)" text

    • Write clear link text so users know where they're going

    • Be consistent across your entire site

    • Test on mobile where tab management is most difficult

    Why We Recommend Same-Window Links

    At Garrett Digital, we focus on clarity, consistency, and user control. Opening links in the same window supports all three principles.

    It creates a smoother experience, respects user preferences, reduces confusion, and keeps visitors engaged with your content.

    We only suggest new-window links when there's clear evidence that they improve the user journey—which is rare. Otherwise, we keep it simple and let users stay in charge.

    The fix is straightforward: remove target="_blank" from your links unless necessary. Your web developer can quickly audit and update your site's link behavior, improving user experience immediately.

    The Bottom Line

    Forcing links to open in new tabs solves a problem your users don't have. They know how to open new tabs when they want them.

    Focus on creating clear navigation, well-organized content, and smooth user flows. Let your visitors control their browser. They'll stay longer, engage more, and be more likely to convert.

    Sources

  • How to Prioritize Content Ideas That Drive Traffic and Results

    You've spent weeks researching keywords, analyzing competitors, and brainstorming content ideas. Your spreadsheet overflows with possibilities. But when Monday morning arrives, you stare at that list, paralyzed by choice. Which idea deserves your time first?

    Most content creators make this decision based on gut feeling or whatever topic seems exciting that week. This approach wastes resources and rarely moves business metrics. Smart content prioritization solves this problem by using data to guide decisions.

    What is Content Prioritization?

    Content prioritization ranks your ideas based on potential impact, required effort, and strategic value. This process helps you identify which pieces to create first, which existing content needs updates, and which ideas to shelve.

    Modern search engines evaluate content differently than they did five years ago. Google now prioritizes comprehensive answers over keyword density. Your content must solve real problems for real users, not just target search terms.

    Why Prioritization Matters

    Search algorithms keep evolving toward a better user experience. Google's systems can detect thin content, keyword stuffing, and topics that don't match search intent. Content that answers genuine questions performs better than content optimized purely for rankings.

    Meanwhile, your competition improves daily. Established sites invest in better research, design, and user experience. Random content creation puts you at a disadvantage against competitors who plan strategically.

    Every article, video, or guide requires significant investment in research, writing, editing, and promotion. Prioritization ensures this investment generates measurable returns.

    How to Use Data to Prioritize Content

    1. Audit Existing Content Performance

    Start with your current content library. Google Search Console reveals two types of underperforming pages that present immediate opportunities:

    High-impression, low-click pages often rank on pages 2-3 of search results. Minor titles, structure, or relevance improvements can boost these pages into the top 10. For instance, if your WordPress hosting comparison gets 500 impressions but only 10 clicks, you're likely ranking just outside positions 1-10.

    Low-impression pages either lack proper indexing or miss search intent entirely. These pages may need complete rewrites or removal from your site.

    To identify these opportunities:

    • Open Google Search Console's Search Results report

    • Filter by pages and sort by impressions or click-through rate

    • Examine query data for each underperforming page

    • Evaluate whether these pages target the right topics and match user intent

    2. Research Current Rankings

    Search your target topics in an incognito browser window. Study the top 15-20 results to understand what Google rewards right now, not what worked months ago, according to SEO tools.

    Document these ranking factors:

    • Content formats (comprehensive guides, product comparisons, quick answers)

    • Average content length and depth

    • Question coverage and user intent matching

    • Page structure, headings, and visual elements

    Then evaluate your competitive position:

    • Can you create genuinely better content?

    • What angles do current search results miss?

    • Which structural elements seem to boost rankings?

    Live search results reveal actual user intent better than any keyword tool.

    3. Categorize Ideas by Business Value

    Organize each content idea in a tracking spreadsheet with these columns:

    • Content type and format

    • Funnel stage (awareness, consideration, decision)

    • Primary topic and search intent

    • Estimated creation effort

    • Business value (lead generation, education, conversion support)

    Prioritize content targeting decision-stage searches that align with business goals. A detailed software comparison might have lower search volume than a broad industry guide, but it attracts visitors ready to make purchasing decisions.

    4. Update Before Creating New Content

    Refreshing existing content often produces faster results than creating new pieces. Focus your update efforts on:

    • Posts ranking in positions 11-50

    • Content published more than 18 months ago

    • Pages with declining traffic trends

    • High-impression pages with poor click-through rates

    • Pages receiving minimal search visibility

    Sometimes rewriting a weak introduction or updating outdated information can improve rankings by several positions. Existing URLs already have an indexing history and accumulated backlink authority.

    5. Plan Internal Linking Structure

    Before creating new content, determine how it fits into your site architecture:

    • Will it support a main service page or product category?

    • Which existing posts should link to this new content?

    • What internal linking opportunities will this content create?

    Strategic internal linking increases session duration, improves crawl efficiency, and signals topical relationships to search engines. Before publication, every new piece should connect to at least one relevant existing page.

    6. Build Topic Authority, Not Just Keyword Rankings

    Google evaluates your site's overall expertise in specific subject areas. Instead of optimizing individual posts for isolated keywords, develop comprehensive topic coverage.

    Group related content ideas into thematic clusters. Plan supporting articles that naturally link to cornerstone content. This approach builds topical authority over time and improves visibility across related search queries.

    For example, instead of just targeting "garden tool reviews," develop authority around tool maintenance, seasonal gardening guides, beginner tutorials, and expert comparisons.

    7. Score and Rank Each Idea

    Create a simple scoring system once you've gathered performance data and competitive intelligence:

    • Business value (1-5 scale)

    • SEO opportunity (1-5 scale)

    • Creation effort (1-5 scale, where 5 requires maximum resources)

    • Content gap size (1-5 scale, based on current result quality)

    Prioritize ideas with high business value and manageable creation effort. Focus on topics where you can demonstrably outperform existing results.

    Strategic Content Planning Drives Results

    Effective content prioritization relies on data analysis, not intuition or trends. Success requires understanding your current performance, evaluating competitive landscapes, and making strategic resource allocation decisions.

    Skip the analytics review, and you're operating blind. Ignore current search results, and you're planning based on outdated information.

    Invest time in analysis and ranking before creation. This approach builds sustainable content strategies that generate results today and continue performing as search algorithms evolve.

    If you'd like help developing your content strategy or improving SEO performance, contact Garrett Digital today.

  • Ad Rank & Google Ads: What You Need to Know

    Getting better results from your Google Search Ads campaigns isn’t just about increasing spend. Ad Rank plays a key role in where your ads appear and how much each click costs.

    Google wants to show users the most relevant ads. When your ads and landing pages align with what people are actually searching for, you can improve your Ad Rank even on a smaller budget.

    What Is Ad Rank?

    Ad Rank is Google’s score that decides where your ad appears in the search results and whether it shows up at all. When someone searches, Google runs an auction comparing your Ad Rank against competitors.

    You can measure how Ad Rank affects performance using these metrics:

    • Search Impression Share Lost to Rank – how often your ad didn’t show due to low ranking

    • Top Impression Rate – how often your ad showed at the top

    • Quality Score – Google's rating based on click-through rate, ad relevance, and landing page experience

    Higher Ad Rank usually means better placement, more clicks, and more conversions.

    How Google Calculates Ad Rank

    Google uses several real-time factors at each search:

    • Your bid – the maximum you’re willing to pay per click

    • Quality Score at auction time – based on how likely people are to click your ad, how relevant your ad is, and how useful your landing page is

    • Auction competition – how many other advertisers are targeting the same search

    • Search context – includes the user’s location, device, and time of search

    • Ad extensions and assets – extra information like links, callouts, or business info

    Quality Score is the one part of Ad Rank you can view directly in your Google Ads account. You can turn on the Quality Score column at the keyword level to monitor performance. Each keyword gets a score from 1 to 10. A 10 means your ad and landing page are highly relevant and likely to get clicked. A 1 means poor alignment or user experience.

    Quality Score breaks down into three parts:

    • Expected Click-Through Rate (CTR) – how likely users are to click your ad

    • Ad Relevance – how closely your ad matches the user’s search

    • Landing Page Experience – how useful and relevant your landing page is

    You’ll see a rating of “Below average,” “Average,” or “Above average” for each of these.

    Google only shows ads that meet its minimum relevance standards. Ads with helpful content and strong extensions often get better placements even at lower bids.

    Ad Rank is recalculated for every search, so your ad position can change between impressions.

    Elements That Affect Ad Position

    1. Your Bid

    Your bid sets a ceiling on what you're willing to pay. But higher bids don’t guarantee top position. A lower bid can outrank a higher one if your ad and landing page are more relevant.

    At the same time, a low-quality ad can lose even with the highest bid.

    2. Quality Score

    Each keyword in your account gets a score from 1 to 10 based on:

    • Expected click-through rate

    • Ad relevance

    • Landing page experience

    These scores are updated over time and impact your position. Better scores lower your cost per click and improve placement.

    3. Competition

    Google compares your ad against others trying to appear for the same search. The most relevant and useful ads get priority. This means even well-funded advertisers can lose position if their ads perform poorly.

    4. Search Context

    Google adjusts your rank based on:

    Context FactorWhat It IncludesSearch termsThe exact query typedLocationWhere the person is searching fromTimeTime and day of the searchDeviceDesktop, phone, or tablet

    You can review your performance by device, time, and location inside your campaign reports.

    5. Ad Extensions

    Extensions like sitelinks and callouts make your ads more useful. They also give you more space on the page, pushing competitors down.

    The impact of these extensions is factored into your Ad Rank, so they can improve your position without increasing your bid.

    How Quality Score, Ad Rank, and Ad Position Work Together

    These three terms are closely related but have different roles:

    • Quality Score shows how well your ad matches what people are searching for

    • Ad Rank uses that Quality Score, bid, and other factors to determine placement

    • Ad Position is the actual spot your ad appears in the search results

    A strong Quality Score makes it easier to earn better positions and pay less per click.

    How to Improve Your Ad Position

    You can increase your Ad Rank without just raising your budget. Focus on these three areas:

    1. Raise Your Bids (When Needed)

    If you're using manual bidding, try raising your max CPC by 10 to 20 percent. For smart bidding strategies like Target CPA or Maximize Conversions, you can adjust your targets upward.

    Always review keyword performance before increasing bids.

    2. Improve Quality Scores

    • Check keyword-level Quality Scores

    • Use ad copy that matches the keywords people are searching for

    • Make sure your landing pages are focused and directly related to your ads

    • Replace low-performing keywords with more relevant options

    Example: If your ad promotes “blue running shoes,” the landing page should highlight that exact product.

    3. Use Extensions

    Ad extensions give your ads more visibility and more chances to attract clicks.

    Key extensions to use:

    • Sitelinks – links to specific pages

    • Callouts – short benefit phrases

    • Structured snippets – product or service categories

    • Location extensions – show your business address and map

    Assign 4 to 6 relevant extensions to each ad group for best results.

    Ad Rank is Key to Google Ads Performance

    Ad Rank affects your visibility, your cost, and your results. A better rank leads to better placement, more qualified traffic, and lower costs per click.

    Benefits of a high Ad Rank:

    • Better ad visibility

    • Lower CPC

    • Higher conversion rates

    • Improved return on ad spend

    Start by reviewing your Quality Score and checking how much impression share you're losing to rank. Then make small, focused changes to your bids, ad copy, and landing pages.

    If you want help reviewing your campaign, Garrett Digital offers tailored solutions to improve performance and get more value from your Google Ads spend.

  • How to Write Product Descriptions That Sell

    A product description should do more than fill space on a product page. It should help potential buyers understand the product benefits, address pain points, and move them closer to a purchase decision. Too many e-commerce businesses settle for vague copy, reused specs, or content that doesn’t connect with the buyer.

    Effective product descriptions combine strategy, clarity, and empathy. Here’s how to write one that not only converts but also improves the user experience and SEO of your product pages.

    Why Product Descriptions Matter

    According to the Nielsen Norman Group, a leading UX research firm, about 20% of purchase failures happen because of poor or missing product details. Customers want clarity. If they don’t get it, they hesitate or bounce.

    Baymard Institute’s extensive e-commerce UX research backs this up. Their testing shows that high-converting sites offer specific, easy-to-scan copy that makes the benefits of your product obvious. That leads to better engagement and fewer abandoned carts.

    Great product descriptions also help search engines index your product pages accurately. Including power words and related synonyms like “gothic” or “sword” in a dagger earring listing, for example, improves both organic search visibility and internal search results.

    The Anatomy of a High-Converting Product Description

    While every product is different, a good product description template will typically include:

    • A clear headline or first sentence with the key benefits

    • Short paragraphs and a bulleted list of product features or selling points

    • Details that reflect your buyer persona and address their pain points

    • Sensory words or emotional triggers to build interest

    • SEO-friendly synonyms and natural keywords

    • A sense of urgency or call to action

    1. Focus on the Benefits First

    Many stores lead with specs. But potential buyers care more about what the product solves.

    Weak
    Steel septum clicker with 16g gauge and hinge clasp.

    Better
    This sleek 16g septum clicker locks in easily and stays comfortable all day. It’s made from polished surgical steel to resist irritation and shine through wear.

    Another example:

    Weak
    Acrylic heart-shaped ear plug. 0g. Red or pink.

    Better
    Add a bold pop of color with these acrylic heart-shaped plugs. Lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for healed lobes. Available in bright red or soft pink to match your mood.

    2. Use Natural Language and Customer Vocabulary

    Skip internal jargon and reflect how your customers actually talk and search.

    Instead of
    Ergonomic aluminum housing with dual-functionality interface.

    Try
    Fits naturally in your hand, with easy-to-reach buttons that make setup quick and stress-free.

    Even high-end products benefit from approachable descriptions. Avoid over-explaining and instead match your tone to your buyer persona.

    3. Anticipate Buyer Questions

    Write as if your customer is standing in a shop holding the product. What would they ask?

    • Will this fit or match my style?

    • Is it safe for my skin or healing piercing?

    • How do I use it?

    • What makes this better than similar options?

    Example
    Not sure if it’ll work with your jewelry? This attachment fits all standard 14g barbells and is safe for healed piercings.

    Another before and after example:

    Before
    Internally threaded labret with prong-set CZ gem.

    After
    Show off your style with this internally threaded labret. The flat back keeps it comfy for all-day wear, while the prong-set CZ catches light without snagging. Ideal for lip, ear, or tragus piercings.

    This revision improved conversions by focusing on comfort, wearability, and clarity.

    4. Make It Scannable and Easy to Read

    Use a mix of short paragraphs and a bulleted list. Break up product features and key benefits clearly.

    Example structure

    • Lightweight and durable surgical steel

    • Secure hinged closure

    • Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin

    • Available in multiple sizes and colors

    Use bold only to label parts of your bulleted list, not inside regular paragraphs.

    5. Include Helpful Synonyms and Descriptive Phrases

    Strong descriptions use synonyms to help search engines and people. If you’re describing a gothic dagger-style earring, naturally include related terms:

    • Gothic-inspired

    • Sword-like silhouette

    • Blade or dagger design

    • Edgy or alternative look

    Example
    This gothic earring takes inspiration from dagger and sword shapes. The pointed silhouette adds edge to your outfit and grabs attention, whether you're dressing up or down.

    Synonyms like these support product page SEO, internal search, and better customer understanding.

    6. Balance Emotion with Technical Details

    Use emotion to connect, then logic to reassure. Buyers often make decisions based on feeling and justify them with facts.

    Instead of
    Titanium barbell with anodized finish.

    Try
    This feather-light titanium barbell feels smooth and secure. Its anodized finish won’t fade and keeps its vibrant color, even with daily wear.

    Follow with specs in a clean and easy-to-scan format:

    • Material: Implant-grade titanium

    • Gauge: 14g

    • Threading: Internally threaded

    • Finish: Anodized matte or polished

    7. Use Clear CTAs and Social Proof

    Wrap up with a helpful call to action or note of urgency.

    Examples

    • 200+ five-star reviews and counting

    • Order today — low stock in some colors

    • Your new favorite piece is one click away

    Use a Repeatable Template

    If you manage a large e-commerce business with hundreds of SKUs, create a consistent product description template. It will help your team scale writing, maintain tone, and keep product pages useful.

    Example Template layout

    • One-sentence intro with a strong benefit

    • A short paragraph with sensory details or social context

    • A bulleted list of technical details or key features

    • Optional care instructions or compatibility

    • Call to action or urgency trigger

    Good Product Descriptions Sell Products

    A good product description answers questions, builds confidence, and guides people toward a purchase. It should feel like part of the conversation between your store and your buyer.

    Want help writing high-converting product descriptions? Or need an audit of your product pages to see where you're losing customers? Let’s connect.