Frequently Asked Questions for the Curious
We will attempt to answer questions that come up regularly here on our FAQ page, but if you don’t find your answer, please feel free to reach out and ask any questions.
Also, some pages have a section called FAQs on Topic that you can browse at the bottom of the page.
Remember… The only silly or stupid question is the one not asked!
Terms, Phrases, and Definitions – if you are confused by any term pertaining to anything online, please scroll down to the Glossary of Terms below.
How long does SEO take?
This depends on several factors, including your current online presence, your competition, and your site’s current ranking.
Most SEO is done behind the scenes, but you will see its effects on your website and other online spaces, including the amount of traffic you receive.
That said, it usually takes 6 months, but in some cases, as quick as 3 months, while in high-competition areas, you will need 12 months. It is a process and not a quick fix like a Facebook post.
There are two types of SEO: Off-page and On-page. Learn more on our SEO Services Page.
Do I really need a website, or is Facebook good enough?
While having a Facebook page is great for connecting with your audience, it’s not a replacement for a website. A website gives you complete control over your brand, messaging, and content—something you can’t thoroughly do on social media.
Facebook’s algorithms and policies can change anytime, affecting who sees your posts, but a website is yours and always accessible. It also helps you look more professional, appear in search engine results, and gives customers a central place to learn about your business, services, or products.
Ideally, you should have both—a website as your home base and Facebook as a tool to help drive traffic to it.
Why is Mobile-Friendly so important?
Mobile-friendliness is crucial because more people than ever are accessing websites from their smartphones and tablets rather than desktop computers.
If a website isn’t optimized for mobile devices, it can be challenging to navigate, slow to load, and frustrating to use, causing visitors to leave quickly and potentially never return. A mobile-friendly site not only improves the user experience but also boosts your visibility in search engines, as Google prioritizes mobile-optimized websites in its search rankings.
In short, making your site mobile-friendly helps you reach and retain more customers while improving your online presence.
Do I need a blog?
A blog isn’t absolutely necessary, but it can be a powerful tool for your business.
Blogging helps you share useful information, answer common customer questions, and show your expertise—all of which builds trust and keeps people coming back to your website. It also improves your visibility in search engines because fresh, relevant content gives Google more reasons to show your site in results.
Plus, blog posts are great content to share on social media or in email newsletters. So while it’s not a must-have for every business, a well-run blog can definitely help you grow your online presence and connect with your audience.
What is Local Optimization?
Local optimization is the process of making sure your business shows up when people in your area search for the products or services you offer.
It includes things like claiming and updating your Google Business Profile, using location-based keywords on your website, and making sure your business information—like your name, address, and phone number—is consistent across the internet.
This helps your business appear in local search results and maps, which is especially important for small businesses that rely on nearby customers. In short, local optimization helps more people in your community find and choose your business.
Glossary of Terms
Copywriter
A copywriter is one who writes copy. Copy is the words. In the Words of AWAI, “Copywriting is the process of writing persuasive marketing and promotional materials that motivate people to take some form of action, such as make a purchase, click on a link, donate to a cause, or schedule a consultation.”
A copywriter is a professional writer who writes the copy (the words or text) used in advertising and marketing.
This includes the offline as well as the online world. JBL Action Marketing works in both.
In addition, People often confuse a copywriter (explained above) with copyright. Copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original works, be it the written word, paintings, artwork, photography, etc. A complete explanation can be found on Copyright.gov.
Cyberspace
Cyberspace is a concept of the worldwide interconnected digital world, commonly referred to as the Internet. It includes all forms of digital communication, including telecommunications. Wikipedia has a full description that I find quite interesting.
Here at JBL Action Marketing, we like to say, “Don’t get lost in Cyberspace.” Be Found Online!
Digital Audit
There are several types of online audits. Think of an audit as a Health Check-up.
- SEO Site Audit: This includes all the details of your website. It will reveal any broken links, whether headers are correctly tagged/labeled, which images have alt tags, and more. This service is offered on our sister site—see it by clicking here.
- Digital Online Audit: This will show you how everything online is connected to your website and ultimately to your business. Learn more about a full online audit by clicking here.
GBP
Google Business Profile. This is what appears on Google searches, Google Maps, and other places. Learn more here.
HTTP vs HTTPS
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The ‘S’ at the end means Secure. Technically, they are both secure, but HTTPS is a much higher level of security, encryption, and verification protocols.
In today’s world of hacking, it is important to use secure sites, especially when entering information.
Keyword
Keywords or keyword phrases are used to organize digital content so search engines can find exactly what you are looking for. It’s like speaking into your phone, and abracadabra, the results appear in a fraction of a second.
Check out more on Keyword Strategy on our SEO page.
An Example with restaurants: “Restaurants” is a keyword if you are hungry and looking for a place to eat. “Restaurants near me” is better, but the best keyword phrase would be “Italian restaurants in Colorado Springs.”
Mobile Friendly
Mobile-friendly sites are optimized for mobile devices like tablets and cell phones. Screens come in all sizes and shapes, and you want your website to appear clear and readable no matter what type of device someone is using.
Online Presence
This is your overall presence on the World Wide Web. It will include your website, social media accounts, Google Business Profile, other directories, citations, backlinks, blogs and vlogs, articles that you wrote or were written about you, reviews and review sites, and more.
Optimization
Optimizing anything means improving what you have. This is no different for your website, blog, social media, GBP, video posts, etc.
An example is if you have a webpage that was written 5 years ago and you have never touched it again. You or a copywriter can optimize it to improve and update any out-of-date information. This also helps improve your ranking by having new, relevant content on your website and that webpage.
Part of optimization is focused and compelling writing, using proper keywords and a style that fits your intended audience.
SEO
Search Engine Optimization is the process of optimizing content, the written words, on your website, blogs, social media posts, etc. Learn more by clicking here.
SERP
Search Engine Results Page. This is the page that appears when you do an online search on all devices.
URL
URL means Universal Resource Locator. It is the website address typed or spoken into a search bar at the top of your browser. Ex. http://URL.com or www.website.com or ours, https://JBLActionMarketing.com