Will the search engine be no more? Here’s what’s coming next, thanks to AI.
3 ways to boost your site’s SEO right now
Search engine optimization (SEO) feels like magic if you don’t know how it works. Google’s algorithm determines what makes it to page one of any particular search — and the traffic flies in.
Fun fact: That algorithm is called RankBrain (I know, quite a name). Why doesn’t Google post all the secrets online? Aside from protecting its secret sauce, Google wants to protect against people having too much info to game the system.
It’s called ‘Google bombing’
That’s the term used to describe manipulating search results for a specific outcome. In many cases, it’s political. (Not talking politics, promise.)
In 2003, searches for “miserable failure” brought up the official biography of then-President George W. Bush as the top result. In July 2018, a search for “idiot” returned images of then-President Donald Trump.
So, what can you do to climb the rankings?
The exact algorithm remains a closely guarded secret, but there are a ton of tested strategies you can try to help your site rank higher.
The power of keywords
Keywords are as important as ever, especially with the rise of voice search. You can’t just guess what terms people will use to get to your site, though. Tools like Google Keyword Planner (free) or Semrush (starting at $130 per month) can help you identify relevant keywords.
Pro tip: Start with free software or try out a paid version, and don’t be afraid to invest money in help if you can.
Show off your expertise
In our new artificial intelligence (AI) world, Google’s algorithm puts more value than ever on content created by real experts.
Neighbors bashing you online? Check Nextdoor's top trending discussions
The web is chock full of hilarious snippets and screenshots of neighbors gone wild across the country, all documented in the Nextdoor app.
Like the house blasting “Sweet Child O’ Mine” for three days straight. Hey, there are worse songs. Or how about those friendly people around the corner offering free (already cut open) avocados and expired salad dressing? Umm, pass.
Hidden Google Maps features to save you time and money
Have an older car? You don’t want to shell out for a brand-new one — especially not in this economy. Here are 10 upgrades to revamp your ride.
It’s getting warmer, and you’re probably itching to hit the road. With gas prices still high, who doesn’t want to save money? And while you’re at it, getting to your destination faster would be nice, wouldn’t it?
Check this site to see how much time your city wastes commuting
Workers in the U.S. spend an average of 52.2 minutes per day driving to and from work. This figure can vary widely from region to region, though. Tap or click here for our favorite ways to maximize gas mileage.
TomTom, an industry leader in location data and studies, has released a tool that can show you exactly how long your city’s residents sit in traffic at the beginning and end of the day. These figures are weighted by travel time per 10 kilometers, and the results are kind of surprising.
AI doctors are here, EV fire mistake & "Netflix and Chill" rules
Plus, Tony is a pro photographer. He has 53 years worth of pics and no way to organize them. I help sort things out. Humane’s AI-powered pin looks to beat the iPhone, but will it win? How to check traffic before you drive, and the best charging cords that don’t break the bank.
One trick to access Google Maps or Apple Maps even when you don’t have cell service
Remember picking up roadmaps at the gas station and keeping a stash in the glove compartment? Those days are behind us, thanks to all the ways to get GPS in our cars. Some vehicles come with the software, but you can always add a device even if yours doesn’t. Or you can use your phone.
Agree or disagree? Researchers say this is the most stressful time of day
Did you know that the time of day may impact how you’re feeling? It sounds crazy, but the effect is so real that it’s been shown to impact school performance in children.
Read on to find out what one team of researchers in the U.K. has learned about the most stressful time of day.
Quick tech tricks to make the busy holiday season easier
For some people, the holidays are all about relaxing at home. If you have extra time on your hands, do yourself a favor and organize your messy photo collection. Tap or click to see how I get the job done.
Are you visiting family? Look for your favorite old photos hanging on their walls or tucked away in albums. Tap or click for an app to scan them without any glare.
Find out what traffic is like before you drive
Want to prepare for a future road trip? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a trick to predicting traffic months in advance.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Best hidden map feature that will save you money on gas
With gas prices soaring, you’ll want to find any savings at the pump. Even a few cents make a difference when you can easily spend nearly $100 to fill up your tank.
Big-box stores such as Sam’s Club and Costco offer fuel services to members. It typically costs less to fill up your car at one of these locations than at a regular gas station. But remember that membership isn’t free. Tap or click here to learn if a big-box membership is worth the reduced gas price.
$100 for a tank of gas? Top 10 most expensive vehicles at the pump
Gas prices have been hitting record highs, and it’s getting more difficult to justify a leisurely drive to nowhere.
People have been turning to or considering alternative fuel vehicles to reduce the impact of the climbing cost of gas. Electric cars don’t need gas to operate, so it should be cheaper to own one, right? Not exactly. Tap or click here for our report on the cost of ownership for an EV.
Before you scan a random QR code, read this warning
Quick Response codes, or QR codes, can be helpful to direct mobile phone users to a website quickly. You don’t need to remember the URL, as you only need to point your phone’s camera at the uniquely-generated square.
A simple way to fix one of Alexa's most annoying behaviors
Virtual assistants like Alexa are helpful gadgets to have around the house. They can help you with the weather, the traffic on the road, or daily reminders. Tap or click here for three great Alexa tricks. But while they do have volume controls, their responses can be rather loud.
Super easy way to report potholes, downed trees and other nuisances
Navigating through traffic with bad drivers can be stressful enough. Tap or click here for three map apps that are better than Google if you have multiple stops.
But you don’t need the added frustration of dodging potholes and downed trees. While there isn’t much you can do about other drivers’ skills, you can report potholes.
Microsoft's new Flight Simulator: How to get it, cost, specs
If you’ve been hesitant to travel in recent months due to the pandemic but are missing the feeling of flying, we have good news for you. You will now have the option to hop on any flight path you want to and check out the world views while still staying socially distant.
10 hidden Google search features you should be using
Google it. It’s hard to imagine a time when that expression didn’t exist, but now Googling things is just another routine part of life.
People use it every day as a source for just about anything you can imagine, but because there’s so much out there, sometimes it’s a struggle to find really specific information. That’s OK, because Google has a lot of options to help you narrow your search — if you know how to use them.
Over 100 free resume templates for Microsoft Word
When you’re applying for jobs, have to create a killer resume to make a good first impression. It can be hard to make a resume that’s organized and appealing. Luckily, these 100 free resume templates can make it easy.
See real-time air control traffic around the world
Have you ever wondered how many planes are in the air at any given time? You probably figured the answer is “a lot,” but never really knew the actual number. You probably also have no idea just how crowded the sky really is, nor do you have an idea of where the plane is going and how fast it is getting there.
Listen to police and emergency radio broadcasts
One of the most valuable things in an emergency is real-time information. You can plan and strategize all you want, but up-to-date information could be the most useful tool you have. For any and all emergency situations you’ll want an emergency radio, and for everything else, you’ll want to check out your options for police scanners.