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  • Out-of-Stock Products: SEO Best Practices for E-commerce

    In e-commerce, products go out of stock; it’s normal. However, how you handle those product pages affects more than inventory management. It impacts your search rankings, traffic, and customer experience.

    The wrong move can lead to broken links, lost revenue, or a drop in organic visibility. The right strategy can preserve rankings, improve user experience, and keep customers engaged until the product is back.

    Here’s what to do when a product runs out of stock and how to avoid common SEO mistakes.

    Why Keep Out-of-Stock Product Pages Live

    When a product goes out of stock, the easiest option might be to remove the page or replace it with something new. However, that can cause problems for both users and SEO.

    1. The Page Might Already Be Ranking

    If a product page has earned backlinks, internal links, or organic traffic, deleting it removes a valuable asset. Even if the product isn’t currently available, the page still carries ranking authority.

    2. Customers Still Find and Click

    People may still find the product in search results or through external links. If the page is gone, they’ll land on a 404 or irrelevant page, both of which hurt trust and usability.

    3. Google Needs a Clear Signal

    Removing pages without redirects or structured data creates confusion for search engines. Google may keep trying to index a non-existent page or downgrade the quality of your site if too many 404s appear.

    When a Product Is Temporarily Out of Stock

    Keep the Page Up

    Leave the product page live. Add a clear “Out of Stock” message near the add-to-cart button. If possible, include an estimated restock date.

    Suggest Alternatives

    Show related or similar products directly on the page. This helps customers continue shopping and reduces bounce rates.

    Add a Restock Notification Option

    Let users sign up to be notified when the product returns. This is good for customer experience and builds your email list with high-intent shoppers.

    Use Structured Data

    Add the ItemAvailability Property in your product schema markup. Use OutOfStock or PreOrder to clearly communicate availability to Google.

    Schema.org Reference

    Keep Internal Links Active

    If other product or category pages link to this product, don’t break those links. They still send SEO value, and users may follow them while browsing.

    When a Product Is Permanently Discontinued

    If the product doesn’t come back, update the page accordingly, but don’t delete it right away.

    Use a 301 Redirect (If You Have a Close Match)

    Redirect the discontinued product page to a similar item or the parent category. This will increase link equity and help customers find a substitute.

    Only do this if the new page is a relevant match. Otherwise, it may frustrate users and confuse search engines.

    Use a “Noindex” Tag (If There’s No Match)

    If there’s no good replacement, leave the page live but add a noindex meta tag. This tells search engines to drop the page from their index without removing it from your site.

    You can still use the page for customer communication or as a stepping stone to other products.

    Mark It Discontinued in Schema

    Use Discontinued in the structured data to signal that the product is no longer for sale. This helps search engines display accurate information and prevents issues with rich results.

    Mistakes to Avoid

    Deleting Pages Without Redirects

    Removing a product page without redirecting it leads to 404 errors. Too many 404s can affect crawl budget and overall site health. Always redirect or clearly mark a page as discontinued.

    Redirecting Every Out-of-Stock Product

    Not every unavailable product needs a redirect. Only use 301s for products that are gone permanently and have a close match. Otherwise, leave the page live and mark it appropriately.

    Leaving Empty or Vague Pages

    A product page that says nothing but “Out of Stock” isn’t helpful. Add relevant details, suggest alternatives, and give users something to do next.

    Forgetting Mobile Usability

    If you’re adding restock notifications or alternative product carousels, make sure they work well on mobile. Many users will hit these pages on their phones, and poor formatting can increase bounce rates.

    Summary: Your SEO and UX Checklist

    For temporarily out-of-stock products:

    • Keep the product page live

    • Add a clear out-of-stock message

    • Offer restock notifications

    • Show similar or related products

    • Mark the status with schema markup

    For permanently discontinued products:

    • Use a 301 redirect to a relevant product or category

    • Or, add a noindex tag if there’s no alternative

    • Update schema with Discontinued availability

    Done Right, These Pages Still Add Value

    Out-of-stock pages don’t have to be dead ends. When managed properly, they can:

    • Retain existing search rankings

    • Keep customers on your site

    • Collect emails for future marketing

    • Improve site health by reducing unnecessary 404s

    In short, your product page can still work for you—even when the product doesn’t.

    Need Help With SEO or Product Page Strategy?

    Garrett Digital helps e-commerce businesses improve site structure, search visibility, and product content. If your store struggles with SEO issues around inventory, we can help you create a plan that works. Let’s talk.

  • Optimizing E-commerce Category Pages for Users & SEO

    Category pages in e-commerce are essential for your online store, as they are important steps in your customer's shopping journey. These pages display your products and contribute to your site's search engine optimization (SEO) and overall user experience. When optimized well, category pages can greatly enhance your visibility in search results, improve shoppers' navigation, and ultimately lead to more conversions and sales. This guide will cover e-commerce category pages, including types, elements, optimization techniques, and trends.

    Types of E-Commerce Category Pages

    Understanding the different types of category pages is crucial for organizing your e-commerce store effectively and providing an optimal shopping experience for your customers. Let's explore the two main types of category pages and when to use them:

    Category Listing Pages (CLPs)

    CLPs serve as the digital roadmap of your e-commerce store, acting like a table of contents in a large cookbook. These pages overview your product range and guide visitors to specific categories or subcategories. CLPs typically include:

    • Featured items or collections

    • Best-selling products

    • Promotional banners

    • Links to subcategories (PLPs)

    CLPs are essential for larger stores with diverse product ranges. They help customers navigate through broad categories before diving into specific product listings. For example, on a large kitchenware website, a CLP might showcase categories like "Cookware," "Bakeware," "Small Appliances," and "Cutlery," each leading to more specific PLPs.

    Product Listing Pages (PLPs)

    PLPs are more detailed pages that showcase specific products within a category or subcategory. These pages typically include:

    • Product images

    • Brief descriptions

    • Pricing information

    • Customer ratings

    • Filtering and sorting options

    PLPs allow customers to compare products within a specific category and make informed purchasing decisions. Continuing with our kitchenware example, a PLP for "Cookware" might list various pots, pans, and cooking sets.

    When to Use CLPs and PLPs

    The need for both types of pages depends on the size and complexity of your e-commerce store:

    • Small stores with limited SKUs: For instance, if you're selling Joe's Blazin' brand men's running shoes with only 12 SKUs, you might only need PLPs. CLPs aren't necessary for smaller e-commerce stores with a limited product range.

    • Large stores with diverse product ranges: Stores with numerous products across various categories benefit from having both CLPs and PLPs. This structure enhances navigation and supports better SEO through targeted keyword usage.

    Platform Considerations

    It's worth noting that many popular e-commerce platforms, like Shopify, primarily support one level of category pages (PLPs) by default. Setting up both CLPs and PLPs may require additional configuration or customization, which can be complex for new users.

    Examples of Effective CLPs and PLPs

    To better understand how these pages work in practice, consider examining the category pages of major retailers like Best Buy, Nieman Marcus, Academy, and REI. These stores effectively use CLPs and PLPs to create a seamless shopping experience. Implementing the appropriate category page structure for your e-commerce store can improve navigation, enhance user experience, and potentially boost your search engine rankings.

    Category Listing Pages We Like

    Category Listing Page on the Bestbuy.com websiteCategory Listing Page on the Bestbuy.com website

    Category Listing Page on the Nieman Marcus websiteCategory Listing Page on the Nieman Marcus website

    Category Listing Page on the Academy websiteCategory Listing Page on the Academy website

    REI Category Listing Page ExampleREI Category Listing Page Example

    Product Listing Pages We Like

    Essential Elements of E-Commerce Category Pages

    To create effective and user-friendly category pages, ensure you include these crucial elements:

    Descriptive Page Title and H1 Header

    Your page title and H1 header should accurately describe the category contents while incorporating relevant keywords. While they can be similar, they don't need to be identical. For example:

    • Page Title: "Women's Running Shoes: Comfort and Performance | YourStore"

    • H1 Header: "Women's Running Shoes for Every Runner"

    Optimized Meta Description

    Craft a compelling meta description that summarizes the page content and entices users to click. Include relevant keywords and highlight unique selling points. For instance: "Discover our wide selection of women's running shoes, designed for comfort and performance. From trail runners to marathon trainers, find your perfect fit. Free shipping on orders over $50!"

    Advanced Filtering Options

    Implement filters that cater to your specific product category and user needs. For example:

    • Shoe store: Size, width, brand, color, price range, running surface (trail, road, track)

    • Electronics store: Brand, price range, screen size, processor type, RAM, storage capacity

    Product or Subcategory Listings

    Display your products or subcategories in an organized, easy-to-scan format. Include:

    • High-quality product images

    • Descriptive product names

    • Price information

    • Average customer ratings

    • "Best Seller" or "New Arrival" tags where applicable

    Category Description

    Include a brief, keyword-rich description of the category to provide context for users and search engines. Place this near the top of the page, above the product listings. For example: "Explore our collection of women's running shoes, designed to provide superior comfort and performance for runners of all levels. From cushioned road runners to responsive trail shoes, find the perfect pair to support your running goals."

    Sorting Options

    Offer various sorting options to help users find products that match their preferences:

    • Best sellers

    • New arrivals

    • Price (high to low and low to high)

    • Customer ratings

    • Relevance (based on search terms)

    Breadcrumb Navigation

    Implement clear breadcrumb navigation to help users understand their location within your site structure and easily navigate back to broader categories. For example, Home > Women's Shoes > Running Shoes

    By incorporating these essential elements, you'll create category pages that are not only user-friendly but also optimized for search engines, helping to drive more traffic and conversions for your e-commerce store.

    Keyword Research for Category Pages

    Understand User Intent

    Focus on keywords that align with the search intent of users looking for products in your category. For example, if you're optimizing a page for running shoes, consider keywords like "running shoes for beginners" or "lightweight marathon shoes."

    Use Keyword Research Tools

    Leverage tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to identify relevant keywords with good search volume and manageable competition. These tools can provide valuable insights into search trends and related terms.

    Analyze Competitor Keywords

    Examine the keywords your competitors are ranking for in similar categories. This can help you identify opportunities and gaps in your own keyword strategy.

    Consider Long-Tail Keywords

    While broad category terms are important, don't overlook long-tail keywords. These more specific phrases often have less competition and can attract highly targeted traffic. For instance, "women's waterproof trail running shoes" is more specific than just "running shoes."

    Incorporate Product-Specific Terms

    Include keywords related to specific products, brands, or features within your category. This can help capture searches from users looking for particular items within your category.

    Balance Search Volume and Relevance

    Aim for a mix of high-volume keywords and more targeted, lower-volume terms. This approach can help you attract a broad audience while also catering to niche searchers.

    Update Your Keyword Strategy Regularly

    Search trends and user behavior change over time. Regularly review and update your keyword strategy to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

    By conducting thorough keyword research and strategically incorporating these keywords into your category pages, you can improve your visibility in search results and attract more qualified traffic to your e-commerce store. Remember to use these keywords naturally in your page titles, meta descriptions, headers, and category descriptions for the best results.

    Optimizing Page Titles and Meta Descriptions

    Page titles and meta descriptions play a crucial role in improving click-through rates and search engine rankings. Let's explore how to optimize these elements effectively.

    Crafting Effective Page Titles

    A well-written page title tag should be concise and descriptive and include relevant keywords to attract the right audience.

    • Example of a Page Title that Needs Improvement: "Shoes"

    • Example of an Effective Page Title: "Women's Running Shoes for All-Day Comfort"

    Writing Compelling Meta Descriptions

    A good meta description should provide a compelling summary of the page's content and entice users to click through to your website. Focus on the features and benefits of your products or highlight your store's unique value propositions.

    • Example of a Meta Description that Needs Improvement: "Find the best shoes here."

    • Example of an Effective Meta Description: "Discover our range of women's running shoes designed for all-day comfort and support. Shop now for free shipping and easy returns."

    Best Practices for Optimization

    • Keep titles concise: Aim for 50-60 characters to ensure they display fully in search results.

    • Include primary keywords: Place important keywords near the beginning of the title.

    • Make meta descriptions actionable: Use compelling language that encourages clicks (e.g., "Shop now," "Discover," "Find").

    • Highlight unique selling points: Mention free shipping, easy returns, or exclusive offers in the meta description.

    • Maintain relevance: Ensure the title and description accurately reflect the page content to avoid high bounce rates.

    Avoid Common Mistakes

    • Don't keyword stuff: Use keywords naturally and avoid overuse.

    • Avoid duplicate titles and descriptions: Create unique metadata for each page.

    • Don't use all caps: This can appear spammy and reduce click-through rates.

    Using specific and engaging language in your page titles and meta descriptions can improve your site's visibility in search results and attract more qualified visitors to your e-commerce category pages.

    Content Strategy for Category Pages

    Writing Compelling Category Descriptions

    Category descriptions provide context for users and search engines alike. Here are some tips for creating effective descriptions:

    • Keep it concise: Aim for one to two paragraphs that quickly convey the essence of the category.

    • Explain the content: Clearly describe what users will find within the category.

    • Highlight key features and benefits: Emphasize what sets your products apart in this category.

    • Incorporate relevant keywords: Naturally include important search terms without overstuffing.

    Example of an effective category description: "Discover our collection of women's running shoes designed for all-day comfort and performance. Find the perfect pair for your running style and goals, from lightweight trainers to supportive long-distance shoes. Shop top brands known for their innovative tech and stylish designs."

    Optimizing Product Names

    When possible and appropriate, incorporate descriptive words into your product names. This strategy can provide additional context and improve searchability. For example:

    • Instead of: "XYZ Running Shoe"

    • Try: "XYZ Ultra Comfort Lightweight Women's Running Shoe"

    This approach helps users quickly understand the product's key features and can improve your category page's overall relevance for specific search queries.

    Leveraging User-Generated Content

    Incorporate customer reviews, ratings, and photos within your category pages. This content adds authenticity and can influence purchasing decisions. Consider featuring:

    • Top-rated products

    • Customer testimonials

    • User-submitted photos of products in use

    Enhancing Visual Content

    Use high-quality images and videos to showcase your products effectively. Consider adding:

    • Lifestyle images showing products in use

    • 360-degree product views

    • Short video clips demonstrating product features

    Internal Linking Strategy

    Implement a thoughtful internal linking strategy within your category descriptions and throughout the page. This can include:

    • Links to related categories or subcategories

    • Featured product links

    • Links to buying guides or relevant blog posts

    • Use breadcrumbs to improve user experience and SEO

    By implementing these content strategies, you can create category pages that are informative and engaging for users and optimized for search engines. Remember to regularly update your content to keep it fresh and relevant to your audience's needs and current trends.

    User Experience on Category Pages

    When optimizing category pages, prioritizing usability is crucial. Here are key factors to consider for creating an effective and user-friendly product category page:

    Visual Appeal

    Ensure that your category pages are visually attractive. Use high-quality images, a clean layout, and consistent branding to create an engaging experience. A visually appealing page can capture users' attention and encourage them to explore your products further.

    Easy Navigation

    Implement clear navigation menus. These menus should be intuitive and help users easily navigate your site. Use dropdown menus, breadcrumbs, and clear category labels to guide users through your product hierarchy.

    Logical Filters and Sorting Options

    Provide logical filters and sorting options. These tools allow users to narrow down their search within the category quickly. For example, filters can include price range, brand, size, and color, while sorting options can include relevance, price, and customer ratings. Ensure these options are easy to use and relevant to your product category.

    Page Load Times

    Optimize page load times. Fast-loading pages enhance user experience and reduce bounce rates. Use techniques like image optimization, caching, and minimizing code to improve load times. Aim for a load time of under 3 seconds to keep users engaged.

    Mobile Responsiveness

    Ensure that your category pages are mobile-responsive. Users access websites on various devices, so your pages should adjust seamlessly to different screen sizes, providing a smooth experience on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Test your pages across multiple devices to ensure consistency.

    By focusing on these elements, you can create category pages that are not only user-friendly but also effective in guiding users to find exactly what they are looking for, ultimately improving engagement and conversion rates on your e-commerce site.

    For a website selling running shoes, an effective category page might include:

    • High-quality images of different shoe styles.

    • A navigation menu with links to other shoe categories.

    • Filters for brand, size, color, and price.

    • Sorting options for bestsellers, new arrivals, and customer ratings.

    • Fast page load times and a responsive design for mobile users.

    Analyzing Category Page Performance

    Understanding your category pages' performance is crucial for improving user experience and driving conversions. Let's explore key metrics and tools to help you analyze their effectiveness:

    Google Analytics

    Google Analytics provides valuable insights into user behavior on your website. Focus on these key metrics:

    • Conversion Rate After Landing on a Category Page: This indicates how successfully the page drives conversions. A higher rate suggests the page effectively engages visitors and encourages action.

    • Total Revenue or Number of Conversions from Category Page Landings: This measures the financial impact of the category page on your overall e-commerce business, helping you understand its direct contribution to revenue.

    Google Search Console

    Google Search Console is vital for understanding your category pages' performance in organic search. Use it to:

    • Segment Page Categories: Analyze performance separately using URL filters or regular expressions.

    • Identify Improvement Opportunities: High impressions but low click-through rates indicate your page appears in search results but isn't attracting enough clicks.

    • Monitor Search Rankings: Track improvements in rankings as you implement optimization strategies. Better rankings typically lead to increased clicks and conversions.

    Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

    When analyzing category page performance, pay attention to these KPIs:

    • Click-through rates (CTR) from search results

    • Time on page

    • Bounce rate

    • Pages per session

    • Average order value for conversions originating from category pages

    By regularly analyzing these metrics and using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console, you can gain insights into the effectiveness of your category pages and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach allows you to make informed decisions about optimizing your category pages for better user experience and increased conversions.

    Latest Trends in E-Commerce Category Pages

    Staying updated with the latest trends in e-commerce category pages can significantly enhance user experience and drive conversions. Here are the top four trends to consider:

    1. Personalized Experiences

    Category pages are increasingly using personalization to cater to individual user preferences. This includes recommending products based on browsing history, previous purchases, and user behavior. Personalized experiences make shopping more relevant and engaging for users, increasing the likelihood of conversions.

    2. Dynamic Filtering and Sorting

    Advanced filtering and sorting options allow users to find products that meet their desired criteria quickly. Features like dynamic filters that adjust based on available products and user preferences are becoming more common. These tools make it easier for shoppers to narrow their choices and find exactly what they want.

    3. Enhanced Visual Content

    High-quality images, videos, and 360-degree product views are being used to create more engaging and interactive category pages. This helps users visualize products and makes the browsing experience more immersive. Enhanced visual content can impact purchasing decisions by providing a richer product experience.

    4. User-Generated Content (UGC)

    Incorporating user-generated content such as reviews, ratings, and customer photos on category pages builds trust and provides social proof, influencing purchase decisions. UGC makes the shopping experience more authentic and helps potential buyers make informed decisions based on real customer experiences.

    Why Optimized Category Pages Are Important

    Optimizing e-commerce category pages is crucial for boosting visibility, attracting targeted traffic, and driving conversions. Regularly analyze user behavior and data insights to improve these pages and ensure long-term success for your e-commerce business.

    Resources

    For more on optimizing your e-commerce category pages, check out these resources.

  • Creative Ways to Find Clients for Your Therapy Practice

    In today's mental health landscape, simply being a skilled therapist isn't always enough to consistently attract clients. While a strong online presence, particularly a well-optimized website, forms the foundation, exploring creative avenues to connect with potential clients can significantly boost your practice growth.

    Expanding your reach often requires thinking outside the traditional referral box and actively engaging with your community. Let's explore practical and innovative methods to help you connect with individuals seeking your support.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Establish a Robust Online Presence: Your website is your digital cornerstone. Optimize it not just for search engines, but for a user-friendly experience that clearly communicates your expertise and services.

    • Become an Active and Valued Community Resource: Engaging authentically within your local community builds trust and positions you as a go-to expert for mental well-being.

    • Guide Potential Clients with Clear Calls to Action: Make it easy for website visitors and social media followers to take the next step and connect with your practice.

    Engage with Support Groups:

    Support groups offer a unique opportunity to connect with individuals facing specific challenges and their support networks. Your expertise can be invaluable in these settings.

    Alcohol and Drug Dependency Groups: These groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), often welcome professionals who can offer insights into addiction, recovery, and related mental health concerns.

    • Offer targeted presentations on topics relevant to their journey, such as "Understanding and Managing Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions in Recovery" or "Building Healthy Coping Mechanisms After Relapse Prevention."

    • Volunteer to facilitate specialized sessions on related topics like managing anxiety or improving family communication, always respecting the group's guidelines and focusing on support and education.

    • With the group's permission, provide relevant and helpful resources, such as informational handouts on stress management or local mental health services.

    • Consider contacting a local AA or NA chapter and offering to lead a one-time workshop on "The Role of Trauma in Addiction and Recovery."

    Caregiver Support Groups: Individuals caring for loved ones with serious illnesses like cancer or dementia often experience significant emotional strain. Your support can be a lifeline for them.

    • Facilitate skill-building workshops focused on practical techniques, such as "Effective Communication Strategies for Caregivers" or "Time Management and Self-Care for Busy Caregivers."

    • Offer psychoeducation on the signs and symptoms of burnout and provide actionable strategies for prevention and coping.

    • Collaborate with local hospitals or disease-specific organizations that host caregiver support groups. Offer to be a regular guest speaker or facilitator.

    • Connect with an Alzheimer's Association chapter and offer to run a series of workshops on "Managing Stress and Grief While Caring for a Loved One with Dementia."

    Connect with Your Local Community:

    Becoming a visible and trusted member of your local community can lead to organic connections and referrals.

    Host Value-Driven Workshops or Webinars: Position yourself as a knowledgeable resource by offering events that address common mental health concerns.

    • Focus on specific niches relevant to your community. Consider "Managing Test Anxiety for High School Students" at a local library or "Overcoming Postpartum Anxiety for New Parents" at a community center.

    • Ensure attendees leave with tangible strategies and resources they can implement immediately.

    • Partner with local businesses or community organizations to promote your events to their networks.

    • Host a free webinar on "Simple Strategies for Better Sleep" and partner with local yoga studios or wellness centers to promote it to their clientele.

    Forge Meaningful Partnerships with Local Businesses: Think creatively about businesses whose clients might benefit from your services.

    • Wellness centers, gyms, and yoga studios: Offer to lead introductory workshops on the mind-body connection or the mental health benefits of exercise.

    • Primary care physicians: Explore opportunities for cross-referrals. Offer to provide brief mental health screenings or educational materials for their patients.

    • Co-working spaces: Many professionals experience stress and burnout. Offer lunchtime workshops on work-life balance or managing professional anxiety.

    • Partner with a local gym to offer a monthly workshop on "Managing Performance Anxiety and Building Mental Resilience" for their clients.

    Attend Relevant Local Conferences and Events: Networking within your professional community and with related fields can open doors to collaborations and referrals.

    • Research local healthcare conferences, wellness expos, or community events where your target audience or potential referral sources might be present.

    • Engage actively in conversations, share your expertise, and build genuine connections.

    • If the opportunity arises, presenting at a local conference can significantly raise your visibility and establish you as an expert.

    • Attend a local small business expo and connect with other professionals who may encounter clients struggling with stress or work-related mental health issues.

    Optimize Your Website for Local SEO:

    Ensuring your website is easily discoverable by local searchers is crucial for attracting clients in your area.

    Strategic Use of Location-Based Keywords: Integrate terms your ideal local clients might use when searching for therapy services.

    • Consider search phrases like "anxiety therapist near me," "counseling services in [your neighborhood]," or "therapist for teens in [your city]."

    • Weave these keywords naturally into your page titles, headings, body content, and image alt text.

    • If you're in a specific neighborhood, your website content should naturally include phrases like "Therapy in [Neighborhood Name]," "Counseling near [Local Landmark]," or "[Specific Issue] Treatment in the [Zip Code] area."

    Consistent and Prominent Location Details: Make it easy for potential clients (and search engines) to know your location.

    • Display your full address, phone number, and city clearly on every page, ideally in the footer.

    • Include a detailed location map, directions, and parking information on your contact page.

    • Briefly mention your connection to the local community and any specific neighborhoods you serve on your "About Us" page.

    Maximize Your Google Business Profile (GBP): This is a powerful tool for local visibility in search results.

    • Ensure all information, including business hours, services offered, website link, and contact information, is accurate and up-to-date.

    • Choose the categories that best describe your therapy specialties relevant to your service area.

    • Regularly post updates about your practice, upcoming workshops, blog posts, or special announcements.

    • Encourage and respond to reviews from your clients professionally and promptly.

    • Include high-quality images of your office space and consider adding a brief introductory video.

    • Implement Local Schema Markup: This code helps search engines better understand your business details, potentially enhancing your local search listing. You can use online schema markup generators or consult a web developer to implement this correctly.

    Use Strong Calls to Action (CTAs):

    Clear and compelling CTAs guide your website visitors and social media followers toward engaging with your practice.

    • Use verbs that encourage immediate action, such as "Schedule a Free Consultation," "Book Your Introductory Session Today," or "Download Our Free Guide."

    • Ensure CTAs are visible on key pages where potential clients are likely to take action, such as your homepage, service pages, blog posts, and contact page.

    • Offer value behind your CTAs for your audience, such as "Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation to Discuss Your Needs," "Download Our Free E-Book on Managing Anxiety Symptoms," or "Sign Up for Our Newsletter for Weekly Wellness Tips."

    Offer Free Consultations:

    A free initial consultation can lower the barrier to entry for potential clients and allow them to experience your approach firsthand.

    • Clearly highlight this offering on your website and in your marketing materials.

    • Frame it as a "Discovery Call" or "Initial Connection" for individuals seeking therapy.

    • Inform potential clients about the length and purpose of the consultation.

    • Focus on building rapport and assessing fit with individuals seeking therapy.

    • End with a clear next step for booking a full session if it feels like a good fit.

    Actionable Steps to Grow Your Practice:

    Here's a focused plan to help you implement these client-attraction strategies:

    • Enhance Your Local SEO Foundation: Review your website for natural inclusion of relevant local keywords. Ensure your address, phone number, and city are consistently displayed. Optimize your Google Business Profile with up-to-date information, posts, and photos.

    • Strategically Engage with Your Community: Identify one or two local support groups or organizations that align with your specialization and explore collaboration opportunities. Based on their needs, brainstorm one workshop or presentation you could offer to your local community.

    • Optimize Your Website for Conversions: Review the CTAs on your key website pages. Are they clear, compelling, and strategically placed for your audience? Ensure your free consultation offer is prominent and the scheduling process is easy for local clients.

    • Build Meaningful Local Partnerships: Identify 2-3 local businesses whose clients might benefit from your services and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

    By implementing these refined strategies, you can move beyond basic marketing and cultivate meaningful connections within your community that lead to sustainable growth for your therapy practice.

  • GA4 on SuiteCommerce, attribution issues

    Has anyone installed GA4 for SuiteCommerce? Have you compared Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Universal Analytics (UA)? Specifically, attribution?

    Comparing GA4 to UA: Major issues with attribution

    Google Ads (CPC) attributed revenue and sessions are 95% less in GA4 than in UA. Conversely, organic attributed sessions and revenue are far higher in GA4. I have some Google Sheets with tables to compare overall sessions, revenue, and attribution by source and can share those if helpful.

    I’m certified in GA4, and I realize the attribution models in GA4 are different compared to UA, but changing the attribution models never causes a 95% drop.

    I installed GA4 using the SuiteCommerce Google Tag Manager Editor bundle.

    I posted in the NetSuite Professionals forum but am posting here as well, hoping my site might be more visible for those searching the web for these issues.

    If you're having similar issues, please reach out to me.

  • Monitor Top Ranking Organic Keywords in Real Time with UptimeRobot

    Google rankings are in constant flux. With only 10 organic result slots on the first page, even a single website making it into the top 10 can displace your site. The shift can have a profound impact on your business, particularly if it happens across numerous searches that bring visitors to your web pages.

    This guide shows you how to set up real-time monitoring for your most important keywords using UptimeRobot—giving you early alerts when your rankings change.

    How Real-Time Tracking Can Alert You More Quickly

    When your page falls from the first page of Google results, the impact is immediate:

    • People simply stop finding you (first-page results get over 90% of all clicks)

    • Your competitors grab your visitors

    • Your income takes a hit before you even realize what happened

    By the time monthly reports show ranking changes, you've already lost weeks of potential business.

    The Pace of Search Changes

    Search rankings change faster than most realize:

    • Google makes thousands of algorithm updates yearly

    • Your competitors are constantly tweaking their content

    • New competitors emerge regularly

    • Breaking news can shift what people search for

    Using UptimeRobot gives you an edge—you'll know about changes much sooner than waiting for traditional SEO tools to update.

    Finding Your Most Valuable Keywords to Track

    Before setting up monitoring, you need to identify which keywords actually matter to your business:

    Open Google Search Console and look for:

    • Keywords already bringing you traffic

    • Terms where you rank on page one (positions 1-10)

    • Words that match what you sell or offer

    Focus on the keywords that directly impact your business goals.

    Keyword TypeWhy It MattersExampleProduct termsDirect sales potential"buy blue widgets online"Category pagesCatch people early in buying journey"best widgets for home"Problem-solversHigh conversion potential"how to fix widget problems"Local termsPerfect for local businesses"widgets near me"

    Keywords to Skip

    Save yourself time by NOT tracking:

    • Your brand name (you'll almost always rank for this)

    • Super competitive terms you're unlikely to rank for

    • Extremely low-traffic keywords

    • Terms unrelated to your actual business goals

    Setting Up UptimeRobot for Keyword Tracking

    UptimeRobot isn't just for checking if your website is online—it can monitor your search rankings too. Here's how to set it up:

    Step-by-Step Setup

    • Sign up for a free UptimeRobot account at uptimerobot.com

    • Click "Add New Monitor"

    • Choose "Keyword" as your monitor type

    • Name it something simple like "Keyword – Google Search"

    • Create your search URL: https://www.google.com/search?q=your+keyword (replace "your+keyword" with your actual keyword, using plus signs between words)

    • Type your website domain as the keyword to find

    • Set alerts for when your site drops off page one

    • Pick how often you want checks (12 or 24 hours works well)

    • Choose email for notifications

    • Hit "Create Monitor" and you're done!

    If you get stuck, double-check your keyword and URL formatting.

    What Your Alerts Will Tell You

    When UptimeRobot spots a change, you'll get a simple email that says something like:

    "Your website is no longer found on page 1 for 'blue widgets for sale'"

    That's your cue to remain calm, but start doing some sample Google Searches and look at other tools like Google Search Console to investigate further.

    How This is Different Than Other SEO Tools

    You might wonder why you'd use UptimeRobot alongside your existing SEO tools:

    Timing Makes a Difference

    If you're impacted by a Google algorithm update, the sooner you know the more quickly you can take action.

    Most SEO tools update rankings:

    • Weekly

    • Daily

    UptimeRobot can check every:

    • 24 hours

    • 12 hours

    • 5 minutes (on paid plans)

    Using a tool like UptimeRobot can give you more prompt data when your rankings for a handful of your most important organic keywords fall off the first page of Google. Then you can go to other tools to see if this is temporary, and if it's indicative of a wider problem.

    Real-World Applications

    This approach works especially well for:

    • Small businesses that depend on a few key terms

    • E-commerce sites selling seasonal products

    • Service businesses in competitive local markets

    • Sites that have recently experienced Google penalties

    What to Do When You Get an Alert

    Getting an alert is just the starting point for investigation:

    First Steps When Rankings Drop

    • Check if Google made a major update (search "Google update + today's date")

    • See if your page has technical issues (broken links, slow loading)

    • Look at what's now ranking in your place

    • Check if your content needs refreshing

    Potential Fixes to Consider

    • Update your title and description to better match search intent

    • Add fresh information to outdated content

    • Fix technical issues like broken images or links

    • Improve page loading speed

    • Add helpful content that answers questions better than competitors

    Don't go start making major changes without more in-depth analysis. Something you should do is keep a timeline of events for your website, where you note important redesigns, or changes to content or the structure of your web pages. This can be reviewed to see if rankings changes align with any site changes.

    Maintaining SEO Health Between Alerts

    UptimeRobot catches sudden drops, but you still need regular check-ups:

    Monthly SEO Maintenance

    Do these quick checks monthly to stay ahead:

    • Run your top pages through Google's Page Speed test

    • Look for content older than 12 months that needs updating

    • Check Google Search Console for any new errors

    • Make sure your site still works well on mobile phones

    • Look for broken links using a free checker

    These simple habits prevent most problems before they cost you rankings.

    Integrating This With Your Broader SEO Strategy

    UptimeRobot is just one piece of your SEO toolkit:

    ToolWhat It DoesHow Often to UseUptimeRobotAlerts for sudden ranking dropsConstant monitoringGoogle Search ConsoleShows overall performance trendsWeekly check-insBasic SEO toolsDeeper keyword researchMonthly analysisContent calendarPlanned updates and new contentOngoing

    Think of UptimeRobot as your early warning system, while your other SEO work is your regular maintenance.

    Keep These Things in Mind

    People often make these mistakes with their monitoring:

    • Tracking too many keywords at once (start with your top 5-10)

    • You want to set alerts so they only check once or twice a day at max. Sometimes things shift temporarily in Google, so you often might wait a few days to see if they shift back.

    • Forgetting to check if the alert is a real problem or just a temporary blip

    • Don't go start making major changes without more in-depth analysis

    • Never updating the keywords they track as business goals change

    Remember that if you drop out of rankings during a Google algorithm change, there may still be hours, weeks or months of work to troubleshoot, understand, and make the significant improvements required to overcome the change.

    Get Started Today

    The sooner you set up monitoring, the sooner you'll catch potential issues:

    • Find your 3-5 most valuable keywords

    • Set up UptimeRobot following the steps above

    • Create a simple plan for what to do when alerts come in

    • Set a calendar reminder to review your keywords quarterly

    This whole process takes less than 30 minutes but can save you thousands in lost business.

    Need Help Staying Ahead of Google?

    If you want to keep your site performing its best in organic search while actually meeting your visitors' needs, get in touch with Garrett Digital. We help businesses stay one step ahead of algorithm updates and competition—without the technical headaches.

  • Assigning a Primary Category / Breadcrumb in SuiteCommerce

    Assigning a primary category in NetSuite SuiteCommerce Advanced sets a breadcrumb path on your e-commerce product (item) pages which helps Google, search engines, and users understand your site better. Here's how to assign a primary category (or add breadcrumbs to products pages) in SuiteCommerce.

    • Log in to NetSuite SuiteCommerce at https://www.netsuite.com/portal/home.shtml
    • Go to Lists > Website > Commerce Categories.
    • Click Edit next to the Commerce Category that corresponds to the primary category of the item you want to assign a primary category for. Productivity tip: If you want to do many of these, you can Ctrl or Cmd-Click to open them in new tabs.
    • Click the Items heading.
    • Click the first item you'd like to assign from the list, then click under the Primary Category heading to reveal a checkbox (screenshot below). Check the box, then click OK to save.
    • Click the next item where you'd like to assign a primary category.
    • When finished, click Save.

    Primary Category checkbox in SuiteCommerce Advanced

    How can I tell if a Primary Category is assigned in SuiteCommerce?

    The easiest way to tell if a primary category is assigned to the items (products) on your website is to look at the product page on your website. If a primary category is assigned, you'll see a proper breadcrumb path, as shown below.

    SuiteCommerce product with a primary category selected

    If there is no primary category assigned, you'll see Home > Product in the breadcrumb path, as shown below.

    SuiteCommerce product with no primary category selected

    Why breadcrumbs are important to user experience and SEO

    Breadcrumbs are important for user experience and SEO. Breadcrumbs help a user understand where they are on your site, and quickly navigate to other sections of your website. If the user lands on a product that isn't quite what they want, they can quickly move up a level to look at related products in the same category. Breadcrumbs help search engines understand your website hierarchy and improve internal linking which helps visibility in organic search results.

  • SuiteCommerce: Setting up 301 redirects

    How to set up 301 redirects in NetSuite SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA)

    • Log in to NetSuite SuiteCommerce at https://www.netsuite.com/portal/home.shtml
    • Go to Setup > SuiteCommerce Advanced > Redirects.
    • Click New, then select your website from the Domain Name drop-down.
    • Enter the URL to redirect from in the Redirect From URL field. Only include everything after website.com, (i.e. /blue-widget).
    • Enter the URL to redirect to in the Redirect To URL field. Enter the protocol, www (if-applicable), and website.com, (i.e. https://www.google.com/all-widgets).

    Importing Redirects via CSV

    You may also import redirects into SuiteCommerce using a CSV file with the following column headings and data.

    • Domain name – This should match the domain name in your NetSuite configuration and generally follows this pattern: www.website.com
    • Redirect From URL – This is the URL you want to redirect from. Use everything after the .com, starting with a slash (/). I.e. /widget
    • Redirect To URL – This is the URL you want to redirect to. On this one, enter the entire URL, including the https:// and www. I.e. https://www.website.com/new-widget

  • SuiteCommerce Advanced: Bounce Rates after 2018.2 GTM Editor Bundle

    A few clients recently began using the NetSuite GTM Editor bundle on SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA) version 2018.2. The clients reported unusually low bounce rates in Google Analytics after implementation of the GTM Editor bundle. After some analysis, we discovered an issue with how events are configured by the GTM Editor bundle. Anyone else? Shoot me an email to discuss.

  • Basics of SEO at WordPress Austin Meetup

    Garrett presented this talk to the Austin WordPress Meetup Group on October 16, 2017. A description of the talk along with the slides is included below.

    Learn the basics of SEO and how to optimize your WordPress website to improve visibility in search engines. Garrett will talk about the SEO tasks you should take care of ASAP and will provide an overview of SEO and local SEO. Garrett will also review popular SEO WordPress plugins and settings.

    	- [Slides from SEO talk at Austin WordPress Meetup](https://www.slideshare.net/garrettn/seo-improving-content-discoverability-and-wordpress-80905685)

	- [Tools and Software mentioned in the talk](https://www.garrettdigital.com/tools/)