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Google Keep - A Free Note Keeping App

24/8/2018

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Google has a wide range of extra FREE resources as part of its Google Account (or G Suite if you are a business). Most of you will know about Google Photos, Calendar and Drive however a great feature that not as many people know about is Google Keep.

Keep is a note taking app that is available across all devices that are logged in under your google account. 

For example, my PC, my Surface Pro and my Android phone all use the same google account login. Because of this I can add, edit or update my notes on Keep and immediately those updates are available everywhere I'm logged in to Google. 
Google Keep shown on a laptop, tabled and phone
Google Keep is available across all devices and as an app on your Android phone.
To use it, login to your google (PC steps) and then from your google account, click on the apps button (the 3x3 square near your profile pic) and then choose more and Keep will be shown there.

Alternatively go to keep.google.com

​On your phone you should find keep under your google apps list.
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Features Of Google Keep

Google Keep is basically a note taking app, however its features and much more advanced than a basic level.

​Your notes can have:
  • different colors assigned (I use different colors for clients or personal notes)
  • check boxes so you can see what you've done and mark off completed tasks
  • reminders so you never forget anything
  • images so you can add something to your note (handy for instagram posts)
  • archive ability (so you can archive a note without deleting it)
  • pin to top (will always appear at the top of your Keep lists)

under the more tab (the three little dots):
  • add a label or drawing
  • copy the note
  • show tick boxes (so you can mark items off as you go) or 
  • ​copy to Google Docs
​
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Keeping On Keeping On

You can see from this screenshot of what my Keep looks like how handy it is when you use the colors and check boxes. I have allocated different colors to clients and subjects and there are so many notes in there that are just one off weird things that I know I can search for and find easily. Oh did I mention you can search for stuff in Keep??

I put everything from Movies I want to see to client lists to travel tips to the KM's I'm allowed to do in my car under my insurance policy. So handy and as long as you have given it time to sync, its also available offline!! So handy at an  airport when I'm travelling. 
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My Google Keep!

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SEO Tips: Meta Descriptions And Why They Are So Important

10/8/2018

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A meta description for a web page is the information that appears about that particular page in search results. Looking at the pic above, the text you can see that describes what the page is about is the meta description.

In this case, Yoast describes what a meta description is, where it shows and moves on from there.

Meta Descriptions are a contributing factor in your website's SEO. Google uses the information provided in the Meta Description to establish that page's relevance to the search term used by their clients. However, its not just the SEO factor that is important, the meta description is where you get a chance to convince potential clients that YOU are the best option for whatever it is they are looking for.

Some Q & A's About Meta Descriptions

How Do I Access My Meta Descriptions?

Usually your website developer will either ask for the text you wish to use for each page of your website, or they may develop that meta description as part of their service. I tend to write meta descriptions as a free service to my clients to start and then once their website is up and running, they can send me the text they would like if they want to change it.

Meta Descriptions appear in the <head> tag of your website page and unless your website is completely coded from scratch, there is usually an area in the page settings for your meta description.

How should I word my Meta Description?

I always suggest to clients that this is their one chance to convince possible clients to click through to their website. That's not entirely true, it's not your only chance, but that usually stresses how important meta descriptions can be. People are very busy in today's world and most tend to just scan through for something that peaks their interest so using relevant keywords is vital. What is also vital however is that it reads well (as a sentence not just a list of words) and accurately explains what is on that web page. Google will pitch a fit if you try to direct traffic to your website that has no relevance to your content, and trust me you never want Google deciding you aren't doing the right thing. So well formatted sentence using keywords relevant to that page (not generic words for your website) directed toward what you consider to be your perfect client.

Can I just repeat the first paragraph of my page?

In a word - NO! Consider this, your meta description is not only a paragraph that could drive traffic to your website, its also one part of your SEO for that page. So if you repeat your first paragraph that is diluting your SEO actions because you are using the same keywords, the same phrases and the same content so instead of getting two bites at the apple, you are only getting one. A meta description while used for your clients, is another chance to reinforce to Google that your content is extremely relevant to this search term. If both your first paragraph and your meta description use similar phrases and repeat some (not all) keywords, Google considers that a double whammy and slides you up the list. 

What if I don't add a Meta Description?

Google will grab the first paragraph from your page and use that as the meta description. See - it's important you do your meta descriptions.

How long should it be?

Google upgraded the length of meta descriptions from 170 characters to 320 in around November 2017. However, just to ensure we don't get too comfortable they recently went back to the 155-170 character range. There is no technical length, however keeping to around 170 characters will ensure your meta description isn't cut off.

What should I prioritize?

  • Use them over leaving it to be your page content
  • Content over length - its better to have a better description than have a long one.
  • Don't get tempted to keyword stuff
  • Remember your are directing clients so make sure you are giving them a reason to click through.

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    By Jenny:

    Small business owner, web developer and programmer. 

    I believe in building self contained websites for small businesses that are simple and easy for you to maintain and update.


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  • Home
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