Broken Link Building is another technique that SEO specialists use discreetly – it’s also one of the helpful ones. Why not, when you’re trying to fix a webmaster’s broken link for him?
Broken possibilities
There are lots of things that can happen in the web. A lot of possibilities why a site will go down and incur a ’404 Not Found’ status. Shift happens. And the web is full of it.
Once a site goes down, the links that point to it are immediately invalidated – they become broken links. Not every webmaster is notified when a site they are linking to goes down. The good thing is, you can do the job for them!
The trick behind Broken Link building
First you have to look for sites which might have broken links. You can start off with this type of query in the Google search box:
site:.edu intitle:”Your Niche” -inurl:pdf -inurl:doc -inurl:ppt
What this advanced search query does is find you all the results about “Your Niche” and remove all results that are .pdf, .doc, and .ppt – because we want to focus on webpages where we can get links from. Once you’ve compiled a good list of websites, you can start checking each website with either Xenu Link Sleuth or Screaming Frog.
The results of Xenu and Screaming Frog will show you clearly which of the links have a 404 Not Found status. Checking where that 404 Not Found points to using Webarchive.org’s Wayback Machine can give you an idea what that webpage was about.
Other methods of finding broken links would be:
For Firefox users: You can download Linkchecker to highlight broken links in a webpage that you’re browsing.
For Chrome users: You can download Check My Links Chrome extension to automatically tell you whenever there’s a broken link in a webpage that you’re in.
These methods however, will require you to go through each webpage of the website in order for you to check out all of the possible broken links inside the website. It’s really faster if you use Xenu or Screaming Frog.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Broken Link Building
Monday, October 24, 2011
How does 301 and 302 Redirect affect SEO?
For the non-technical, a 301 and 302 redirect sounds foreign. Here, we’ll be discussing what a 301 and 302 redirect is, how it affects SEO, and how we can use it.
“Redirect” definition from the web: to direct (someone or something) to a different place or by a different route.
To make it simpler, redirecting a page often means you’re assigning a new URL to it. This is not always the case because sometimes when people use redirection, they also change the design, the coding, the navigation, etc… It depends on what purpose you are redirecting the page.
You usually redirect a page for the following reasons:
- The URL is broken or it doesn’t work
- The webpage/site is no longer active
- You have a new webpage/site that you want people to visit instead of the old one
- You’re A/B testing a new webpage in terms of design or functionality
- You’re fixing a webpage and you want to temporarily make a detour for your users for continual website experience
- You want your users to make the best pancakes (just kidding!)
Friday, October 21, 2011
Why is God Unfair?
If you’ve been through life long enough to know that some bad, corrupt people prosper and some good people become poor and miserable, then you’ve already seen life’s unfairness. There is no justice – it has left this world. There is no balance, it has long passed away. And the only one who we can seem to comfortably and perhaps logically cast all the blame to is God.
This entry has been inspired by the message in our Friday nights group in CCF St Francis Square – Love out Loud. I think that the message should have had this part included so I’ll be adding my thoughts here.
God is unfair
That is what we all want to think. Because, who or what else is behind the ‘fairness’ or ‘justice’ of life? After all, if there is a God, shouldn’t it be His responsibility?
Let’s take the first case -what if there is no God? What if we just really came out of the big bang theory? Who do we blame then? Nobody. We have to accept the fact that life’s like that – no greater meaning, no higher reason, no nothing. When we live, we live for 70 good years. When we die, we perish into nothingness. Life’s like that.
But that’s obviously not the case. There is a God – and yes, he is pretty much responsible for everything.
The nature of God
In the Bible God describes Himself as love. He is also found to be patient in many cases. He also says that He is just.
“God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you” - 2 Thessalonians 1:6
Now if God’s nature is to be just – then that must mean He is also fair. Why then is there so much injustice and unfairness in our world today?
If God is just…
Remove from the nature of God patience and love and this is what you get
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” - 2 Peter 3:9
Everyone will perish without God’s patient and loving nature. The justice of God demands fairness. And fairness means paying the consequences for every action and deed.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” – Romans 3:23
We have sinned. That is the fact behind the nature of all human beings. And as payment so that justice can be achieved, this is what God’s moral law demands
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
Death.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
How do you know if you're the Best guy in Pursuing your Girl
How do you know if you’re the best guy for her? Would you feel it? Would you hear it? A whisper perhaps? And once you know it, what do you do? Are you going to wait for more clues?
I posted a short Facebook status saying “If you know you’re the best for her, go for it. You’re not going to make her lose her best man, are you?” – this was sparked by the lyrics of the song ‘Endlessly’ by The Cab as my brother introduced me to it. Funny how life brings back memories in various ways.
It’s been a long while since I posted something about relationships and romance. I guess this is quite a refresher for all of us.
How do you know if you’re the best?
You don’t. There is no blueprint when it comes to relationships. God does not give you a map and leave you to find where the X is. The reason behind that? I dunno. My assumption is that God wants to make it more exciting – and more dependent on Him. The more you seek God’s Will in the aspect of your love life, the more He will reveal it to you.
The only way to really know your love story, is to seek the One who is writing it and ask Him to tell it to you. Our God is the greatest storyteller.
A Simple story
I’ll let you in on a story. There was this guy who prayed for this girl he really liked. One night, he prayed hard. No, he didn’t sweat blood while he was praying. But he prayed hard.
He said “God, if this girl is NOT the one you want me to marry and spend the rest of my life with, please take the relationship away. Cut off everything – even the friendship. Because I don’t wanna waste my time, money, effort, etc… for nothing. But God, if she is the one you want for me, then I pray give me a sign.”
And the sign he asked from God is a dream – that he would dream of her and she would dream of him.
That night, they both dreamt – of each other. And then he thought “This is it.”
A few months after, this guy got busted. WHAT???
There is no blueprint.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Why it's so Hard not to Give in to Temptation
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” - Matthew 6: 24
I found my devotion today interesting and a blessing which is why I have decided to share it with all of you.
Let us note that God did not say you cannot serve God and Satan. He is wiser than that. He knew we could do better than that, can we? We fall short of the little temptations, the small compromises of the pleasures He blessed us with and then we fall off track. It’s the “Okay, I’ll buy it, today’s payday anyway”… Or the “Alright, let’s give-in, we’re truly in love, I’m sure…”
The apostle Paul tells us: “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” - Galatians 1: 10
Going with the flow with what ALL our other peers do and say may not necessarily be the right way of doing things. In fact, sometimes you may be the weakest link in your office/class but you have the strongest link to God. Think about it. Our world has now gone far away from purity just compared to our parents or grandparents.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
How important is Anchor Text to a Backlink?
Linkbuilding is an essential part of SEO. The more links, the merrier. Each link consequently comes with an anchor text. The confusion right now is, does Google still give as much important to anchor text as it does before?
How Google derives a Link’s relevance
Before we go on to conclude the importance of anchor text right now, let’s take a look at how Google derives an individual link’s relevance. Basically, there are three major ways:
Anchor Text
The anchor text is what we want to tackle today. This is the blue underlined text that is clickable and will take you to another webpage to which it is pointing to. There have been many controversies and exchange of ideas surrounding anchor text – some swear by its effectiveness, while others proclaim its death.
Recently, Google has announced that it will gradually reduce its dependence on anchor text until it has minimal effect. Lots of sources have given infographs about the future of SEO factors – and it clearly shows that anchor text is in rapid decline.
Anchor Title
The anchor title is the tool-tip text that appears whenever you mouse-over on a link. The importance and weight of the anchor title is not really as big as the anchor text – but it is one of the most visible factors describing the link and what it is pointing to.
I personally think that Google derives a link’s relevance from an anchor title too albeit not too much.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Saved Festival Concert Manila Philippines 2011
The Saved festival 2011 is now here. The Christian concert involving 8 popular Christian artists is going to be held at the Araneta Coliseum this coming November 26, 2011.
This concert is aimed to call all the Christian Churches around the Philippines to a night of praise and worship. Meet new Christian people in the Saved Concert who are gathered there to sing praises to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Concert Date: Saturday, November 26, 2011, 6pm
Concert Venue: Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon CityTicket Prices:
VIP (PT 101 & 103) (Reserved Seating) = P1500
PATRON (Reserved Seating) = P1200
LOWER BOX (Reserved Seating) = P1000
UPPER BOX A = P700
UPPER BOX B = P500
GENERAL ADMISSION = P250Performing Artists:
Parachute Band
The Parachute Band boys spend most of their year living out of suitcases; trekking to churches and events around the globe. Musically, their sound is fresh and experimental – with pulsing drums, angular guitars and the odd synth-breakdown – but spiritually they consistently seek to usher in the presence of God wherever they go.
Frontman Omega Levine and Drummer/Producer Sam de Jong formed New Zealand’s Parachute Band in 2007, picking up from where the original Parachute Band (1996-2006) had left off. Four years on, the five-piece has toured relentlessly throughout America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Martin James Smith
Born 6 July 1970, Martin James Smith is an English vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter. He was the front man of the Christian rock and worship band Delirious? He co-wrote three songs on Michael W. Smith’s 2004 album Healing Rain and is going to be collaborating with Michael W. Smith on his upcoming album. Martin also co-wrote two songs on Matt Redman’s 2006 album Beautiful News (” Take it to the streets” and “All over the World”). Some of the most recognised songs by Delirious? include “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever”, “History Maker”, “My Glorious”, “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?”, “Shout To The North”, “Deeper”, “Majesty (Here I Am)”, and “What A Friend I’ve Found”.
In 1995, Martin was involved in a near-fatal car accident, and during the weeks of his recovery, he decided to become a full-time musician. This inspired him to write the song “August 30″ which appeared on the King of Fools album from Delirious?. Smith was one of the founding members of Delirious? along with Stewart Smith (no relation) and Tim Jupp, when they formed the band as The Cutting Edge.
Smith also collaborated with the other members of Delirious? for the book I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever.
Quest
A band with Jose Villanueva as the vocalist, Quest is a Filipino Christian band that stands with the slogan:
Faith. Hustle. Believe. Receive. Celebrate. REPEAT… Life of a Champion! Out of the box! Microphone revolutionist!
Citipointe Live
Citipointe Live is the worship team birthed from Citipointe Church Brisbane and have a great passion for the local Church. Devoted to their church vision ‘to unmistakably influence our world for good and for God’, Citipointe Live travel Internationally bringing life changing worship and training to churches and conferences worldwide.Our heart is to see our God glorified across the globe and see people live in the freedom of Jesus Christ.
Gary Valenciano
Edgardo José Martín Santiago Valenciano, better known as simply Gary Valenciano (shortened to Gary V.), is a Filipino musician, composer, actor, producer, and gospel singer who is best known for many songs, especially those that became theme songs for movies.
Gary V is also widely known for his faith in Christ. He is also known for his Christian compositions and songs which he sings himself.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Link Placements
Where you place your link in your website is one of the most overlooked linkbuilding techniques of SEO specialists today. The importance of where your link exists in a page is critical. So what do you need to know about link placements?
Usual parts of a webpage
- Upper Body Content
- Lower Body Content
- Header
- Footer
- Sidebar
There will always be dispute about whether a site-wide link in a sidebar is better than just a single link from the content. In my personal opinion, having a site-wide link is good IF there are many pages from the linking site to you. But if there are few pages and there are lots of other outbound links in that specific sidebar, forget it.
The genius behind link placements
Google knows that people will put links in their sidebar or that attribution links exists in the footer – such as WordPress links. Naturally, the devalue these links because they might not give any real value or reference to the website that they are pointing to.
Having links inside the body of the content is usually the link with importance and which gives reference to the website it points to. No webmaster just puts in links inside the body of the content without any relevance to the link they are pointing to. It makes the article ugly and it will disappoint the reader.
What are your Blind Spots in your Christian walk?
Sometime a few years back some of my friends introduced me to the Johari Window. A Johari Window is a cognitive psychological tool created by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in 1955 in the United States, used to help people better understand their interpersonal communication and relationships. When performing the exercise, subjects are given a list of 56 adjectives and pick five or six that they feel describe their own personality. Peers of the subject are then given the same list, and each pick five or six adjectives that describe the subject. These adjectives are then mapped onto a grid.
Author’s Note: I’ve noticed that my recent conversations with friends had something to do, to a certain extent, with being accountable – hence, this entry. It’s also a memo to myself.
Among the four quadrants, I was most concerned about my blind spots. These are traits I am unconscious of, yet seem to exhibit from another’s point of view. Left unaware, this hidden persona of mine could be disparaging to the relationships surrounding me.
“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15
I would often find myself dismissing symptoms of my self-hidden behavior as something “normal” and non-offensive, and even reason out to the point of resistance – justifying such manifestations. In frustration I often retort, “You don’t understand the whole story!”
Thursday, October 6, 2011
How to deal with Guilt and have a Blameless Conscience
There are those specific moments in your life when you’ve done something wrong. You know it and you feel something tugging somewhere in you – perhaps in your soul. People call it guilt. Most of the time, we don’t want to face it. So how do we deal with guilt? More importantly, how do we achieve a blameless conscience?
This entry is derived from and was inspired by the preaching of pastor Peter Tan-chi on October 2, 2011
Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the LORD does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him.Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!- Psalm 32 of King David of Israel
In this chapter, we see king David telling his story of how it felt to be burdened with guilt. You see, guilt varies on its heaviness depending on the weight of the sin you have decided to do. Guilt crept on to David as he committed adultery with a married woman, Bathsheba, planned the death of her husband Uriah, and took her to be one of his many wives. Did David love her? Yes he did. But that doesn’t justify anything. Love never justifies sin. Only death does – that’s why Christ had to die for our stead.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Contest Campaign Linkbuilding
Contest are one of the most powerful and effective ways to attract people. That’s a simple fact. Who wouldn’t want a free iPad or iPhone? Knowing that, just how do you efficiently use it to attract links to your site?
Get a FREE iPad 2!
Doesn’t those few words ignite some sort of raw excitement in you? Those few words (which we call a ‘copy’) are meant to grab your attention – to what?
To participate.
‘Giveaways’ are never free. They are given in exchange for your participation. They first tell you what’s at stake, and then they’ll tell you what they want you to do. It’s a trade-off. The question is, how successful are you in getting a high participation rate?
There are three factors:
- How enticing is the prize?
- How difficult is it to join?
- When is the contest’s deadline?
Being mindful of these three factors is the determinant between a good contest and a great one. A good contest usually has a few participants and don’t go beyond the first circle of people who joins. A great contest goes beyond that and takes on a viral channel – creating buzz.
The beauty behind a contest campaign linkbuilding technique is that there is a better chance of attaining some sort of virality from your participants. If you can sell the contest to the participants, chances are, they would try to sell it to some degree to their circle of influence.
Take-outs from Contest campaign linkbuilding
There’s more than just one reason to do contest campaigning than just building links. Along the process you also:
- Create brand awareness
- Create brand loyalty to the contestants
- Gather a database of people who might be interested to participate in your future contests
