Featured Snippets and Evergreen Content: The Perfect Pair for Long-Term SEO Success

Featured Snippets and Evergreen Content: The Perfect Pair for Long-Term SEO Success

Featured Snippets and Evergreen Content: The Perfect Pair for Long-Term SEO Success

If you’ve ever Googled a question and found an answer box at the very top of the results page, you’ve encountered a Featured Snippet.

Featured Snippets are a powerful tool for driving traffic and establishing authority, but their impact is amplified when paired with Evergreen Content—the type of content that remains relevant over time. Let’s explore what Featured Snippets are, how to use them, and how they can be effectively integrated with Evergreen Content to supercharge your SEO strategy.

What Are Featured Snippets?

Featured Snippets are concise answers to user queries displayed at the top of Google’s search results, often referred to as “Position Zero.” They provide quick, direct information without requiring users to click through, though these snippets often generate higher click-through rates for the featured website.

Types of Snippets

Paragraph Snippets: Answer a question in text form, typically 40-60 words.
List Snippets: Present step-by-step instructions or rankings in bullet or numbered form.
Table Snippets: Display data or comparisons in table format.
Video Snippets: Highlight video answers to user queries.

How to Optimize for Featured Snippets

To secure a coveted Snippet spot, follow these steps:

Identify Target Questions: Use tools like AnswerThePublic or SEMrush to find common questions users ask in your niche.

Provide Clear, Direct Answers: Write concise, 40-60-word answers early in your content, ensuring the response is specific and actionable.

Structure Your Content: Use headers (H1, H2, H3) that mirror user questions, and format answers in bullet points, lists, or tables for better readability. Learn more about headers here.

Leverage Schema Markup: Add structured data to your pages so search engines can better understand and display your content.

Optimize for Voice Search: Write conversationally to capture queries made through voice assistants like Alexa or Siri.

What Is Evergreen Content?

Evergreen Content refers to information that remains relevant and valuable over time.

Unlike seasonal or trending content, evergreen topics consistently attract readers because they address fundamental, long-standing questions or needs. Examples include how-to guides, FAQs, and tutorials.

🐝 Tip: Semrush wrote a great article on Evergreen content which you can read here.

Why Combine Featured Snippets with Evergreen Content?

Combining the two provides answers to timeless questions that users frequently search for.

When optimized correctly, it can: Drive Long-Term Traffic: Evergreen Content ensures that Featured Snippets continue to generate clicks for months or even years.

Build Authority: Featuring reliable, comprehensive answers boosts your website’s credibility.

Enhance User Experience: Delivering concise, helpful answers upfront satisfies user intent.

Using Them Together

Choose Evergreen Topics by Identifying timeless questions or problems in your industry that align with user intent. For example, “How to start a blog” or “Best practices for email marketing.”

Answer Questions Immediately: In each piece of Evergreen Content, include a direct, well-crafted response to a core question near the top of the article.

Expand with Depth: While the snippet itself should be concise, your evergreen article can dive deeper into the topic, offering additional value to readers who want to learn more.

Update Regularly: Keep your Evergreen Content fresh with periodic updates to ensure it remains accurate and optimized for new trends in search behavior.

The Symbiosis of Featured Snippets and Evergreen Content

When you combine the two, you create a search-optimized powerhouse.

Evergreen Content ensures your site remains a reliable source for valuable information, while Featured Snippets bring that content to the forefront of search engine results. Together, they position your website as an authority, drive organic traffic, and meet user intent with precision.

By understanding the role of Featured Snippets and aligning them with Evergreen Content, you can ensure your website stays relevant and visible for the long haul. Start by identifying questions your audience regularly asks, create timeless content that answers those queries, and optimize for Featured Snippets to claim “Position Zero” on Google.

Want to dive deeper into Featured Snippets or Evergreen Content? Stay tuned for more insights, or reach out to Social Nectar for tailored SEO strategies to elevate your brand! 🐝

Using Video on your Website

Using Video on your Website

Video on Your Website: Best Practices and Optimization Tips

Video content is one of the most effective tools to engage your audience, share your story, and boost your website’s performance. Whether it’s showing off your products, sharing testimonials, or explaining a process, video brings your website to life. But adding video the right way—without slowing your site down or creating headaches—takes some planning. Let’s break it down.

Why Using Video is a Must-Have for Your Website

Keeps People Interested: Videos grab attention and keep visitors on your site longer, which search engines love.

Tells Your Story Better: A good video can explain things faster and more effectively than text.

Boosts Conversions: Adding a video to your landing page can increase sales or sign-ups—by a lot.

Helps with SEO: When optimized, videos can improve your rankings in search results, driving more traffic your way.

Should You Embed Videos or Link to Them?

When you add video to your site, you’ve got two main options: embedding it directly or linking out to platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. Here’s what to consider:

Embedding

Pros:

  • Keeps visitors on your site longer.
  • Lets you customize how the video looks.
  • Blends seamlessly with your website’s design.

Cons:

  • Can slow down your site if not done right.
  • Might require a little extra know-how to set up.

Hyperlinking

Pros:

  • Saves your site’s bandwidth by hosting the video elsewhere.
  • Simple to set up, even for beginners.

Cons:

  • Redirects users to another site (and away from yours).
  • Gives you less control over how the video appears.

How to Optimize Videos for Your Website

Optimizing your videos means they’ll look great, load fast, and help your site perform better. Here’s how to do it:

Use Smart Titles and Tags: Add keywords to your video’s title, description, and tags so it’s easier to find online.

Include Captions: Captions make your video more accessible and give search engines more text to work with.

Pick the Right Format: MP4 is a solid choice because it balances quality and file size well.

Host Wisely: Platforms like Vimeo Pro or Wistia can help your videos load faster and look more polished.

Enable Lazy Loading: This means the video only loads when someone scrolls to it, keeping your site speedy.

Why Compressing Videos Matters (And How to Do It)

Big video files can drag down your site’s speed. Compressing your videos shrinks their size without losing too much quality.

Steps to Compress Videos:

Pick a Tool: HandBrake, Adobe Media Encoder, or online options like CloudConvert are all great.

Set the Resolution: Go for 1080p or 720p—they’re perfect for web use.

Check the Quality: After compressing, watch the video to make sure it still looks good.

Our Favorite Compression Tools:

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Web Developers + Videographers

For videos that truly shine, your web developer and videographer need to be on the same page. Here’s why:

Clear Goals: Your videographer needs to know the story you want to tell and how the video will fit into your site.

Smart Framing: Videos should be shot to match your site’s layout—whether it’s a wide banner or a square thumbnail.

Web-Ready Files: Compressed, optimized videos save your developer time and keep your site running fast.

Testing: Together, they’ll ensure your video looks great on all devices and browsers.

Since Google owns YouTube, it does provide some SEO advantages when using YouTube, but it depends on your priorities and needs. Here’s the breakdown:

Advantages of Using YouTube for SEO:

Better Visibility in Search Results:
Google often favors YouTube videos in search rankings, especially for “how-to” or tutorial content. A well-optimized YouTube video can appear in both regular search results and the “Videos” tab.

Higher Traffic Potential:
YouTube is the second-largest search engine globally, so hosting your video there opens the door to a massive audience.

Integration with Google Services:
Videos hosted on YouTube can be easily embedded into other platforms like Google My Business and shared through Google Ads campaigns.

🐝 Tip: Learn how to create a YouTube Business account from our friends at Influencer Marketing Hub, here. 

Why You Might Choose Vimeo Instead:

Branding and Quality:
Vimeo offers a cleaner, ad-free experience with better customization for embedding. If you want your website to feel polished and professional, Vimeo might be a better fit. You can check them out here.

Audience Targeting:
Vimeo tends to attract creatives and niche audiences. If your audience values artistry and quality over mass appeal, Vimeo aligns with those values.

No Competitor Ads:
Unlike YouTube, Vimeo doesn’t show ads for other businesses or your competitors, keeping the focus on your content.

Does It Really Matter for SEO?

If your primary goal is to boost your website’s SEO, embedding a video (regardless of whether it’s from YouTube or Vimeo) can improve engagement metrics like time-on-site, which positively impacts rankings. The hosting platform matters less than optimizing the video itself—keywords, descriptions, and site performance all play critical roles.

Final Recommendation:

  • For SEO-focused goals and maximum visibility: YouTube has the edge.
  • For premium branding and a polished site experience: Vimeo might be worth the trade-off.

Ultimately, consider your audience, goals, and branding to make the best choice! 😊

We’re Here to Help!

Adding video to your site doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve worked with a variety of talented videographers who know how to capture the perfect shots to tell your story. And we’ll make sure the final product is compressed and optimized for a seamless fit on your website. Ready to get started? Let’s talk!

 

Why You Should Be Blogging to Build Your Brand

Why You Should Be Blogging to Build Your Brand

The Power of Blogging to Build Your Brand

Yes, it’s almost 2025 and blogging is still an important tool in your branding kit. In fact, your brand’s online presence is like a virtual handshake—it’s the first impression you make with potential clients and customers. Blogging and copywriting aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the keys to unlocking your brand’s voice, connecting with your audience, educating or entertaining your audience, revealing your expertise to build trust, and optimizing your web copy to drive results. Here’s why blogging to build your brand matters and how to master your copywriting.

The Role of Blogging in Your Brand’s Online Presence

Blogging isn’t just about filling up a website; it’s about telling your brand’s story, answering your audience’s questions, and showcasing your expertise. A consistent blog:

  • Builds Trust: Sharing valuable insights using your expertise positions you as an authority in your niche.
  • Increases Visibility: Blogs optimized for search engines help you show up where your audience is searching.
  • Fosters Connection: Regularly publishing content creates opportunities for your audience to engage with your brand.

How Effective Copywriting Elevates Your Brand

Bloggin (copywriting on your website) is the art of persuasion through words. Whether it’s a catchy tagline, a compelling email, or engaging, informative web copy, strong copywriting does the following:

  • Enhances Communication: Clear and relatable writing ensures your message resonates and in my case, educates.
  • Drives Action: Well-crafted calls-to-action (CTAs) inspire readers to take the next step (this should be determined your overall strategy).
  • Strengthens Your Identity: Your brand’s voice becomes more recognizable and memorable as an authority in your field.

Finding Your Voice: The Core of Authentic Branding

Your brand’s voice is what makes you, you. It’s also what connects the product you’re selling to the audience you want to buy it. It’s the personality behind your words and your entire company.

  1. Know Your Audience: What tone will resonate best with them? Casual and friendly or professional and authoritative? I try to write as if I’m in a conversation with a client: as authentic as it gets!
  2. Stay Consistent: Use the same style across blogs, social media, and web copy. If several people are blogging for you, make sure they’re writing in the voice of the brand.  If an entire team is writing on behalf of the brand, decide if writing in their own voice will benefit the brand.
  3. Be Genuine: Authenticity builds trust; your audience will appreciate honesty.

Think about brands that stand out to you and the voice they use on social media, radio, podcasts or commercials. Is it upbeat and optimistic? Or calm and educational? Now think about what your audience wants from you and how you want your brand to be recognized by them. And Keep it real by being YOU!

Crafting Engaging Blog Content

Every blog post should follow a simple recipe:

  1. A Hook: Start with a headline or intro that grabs attention.
  2. Value-Driven Content: Solve a problem or answer a question your readers care about.
  3. Storytelling: Share anecdotes or examples to make your points relatable. (An example of how I might use storytelling is to write about my clients brands and how we worked together to achieve their goals).
  4. Clear Structure: Use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to enhance readability.
  5. A Strong CTA: Encourage readers to comment, share, or explore more of your content.
  6. Add external links (siting resources outside of your website).
  7. Add internal links (link to other pages on your website that relate to the blog)

Example: If you’re a physical therapist like my client Physio Whitefish, you might write a blog about preparing for Ski Season, then add a link within that blog article to a web page about hip and knee treatments. 

Measuring Success: How to Know Your Blog Is Working

To evaluate your blogging and copywriting efforts, keep an eye on these metrics:

  • Traffic: Are people visiting your blog? Tools like Google Analytics provide insights on where your traffic is coming from and what pages or blog articles people are spending their time reading.
  • Engagement: Track comments, shares, and time spent on your page to see which blog topics are most valuable to your readers.
  • Conversions: Are readers taking action, like signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase? If not, ask yourself:
    • Is the CTA clear?
    • Is the product or service described well?
    • Is it easy to do what you’re asking them to do?
    • If not, pivot and try it again.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls to Writing Content 

No one wants to waste time or effort. Here’s what to steer clear of:

  • Being Too Generic: Your audience wants your unique perspective, not a copy of someone else’s.
  • Inconsistency: Irregular posts can make you seem unreliable.  I overcome this by writing when I have time then I look at my analytics to see which posts are most popular, then I’ll send out a monthly newsletter with links to those articles.
  • Ignoring SEO: Great content deserves to be found!
    • Read an article I wrote teaching you about SEO here.

Pro Tips and Tools for Success

  • Use Content Calendars: Plan your topics ahead to stay consistent. See my recommendations, next.
  • Try Writing Tools: Grammarly and Hemingway Editor can refine your copy.
  • Get Feedback: Share drafts with peers for constructive critique.

 

Content Calendars to Schedule Blogging and Media

Trello

    • Why It’s Great: Trello uses a visual board and card system, making it easy to organize content ideas, assign tasks, and track progress. You can customize boards with due dates, labels, and checklists.
    • Best For: Teams and individuals who love a visual, drag-and-drop interface.
    • Free Plan Available? Yes, with paid options for advanced features.
    • Check out Trello here.

CoSchedule

    • Why It’s Great: CoSchedule is designed specifically for marketers, offering a robust content calendar that integrates with tools like WordPress, social media platforms, and email marketing services. It allows you to plan, publish, and analyze your content all in one place.
    • Best For: Businesses looking for an all-in-one marketing calendar.
    • Free Plan Available? No, but they offer a free trial.
    • Check out CoSchedule here.

Asana

    • Why It’s Great: Asana is a powerful project management tool that can be adapted as a content calendar. You can create detailed task lists, set deadlines, and collaborate with team members effortlessly.
    • Best For: Teams needing a comprehensive project management solution alongside their content calendar.
    • Free Plan Available? Yes, with paid plans for advanced features.
    • Check out Asana here.

Monday

    • Why It’s Great: Monday.com is a versatile work operating system that can be tailored to function as a content calendar. It features customizable boards, automation options, and integrations with popular tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft Teams. Its intuitive interface and visual workflow make it easy to plan and manage your content strategy.
    • Best For: Teams seeking a highly customizable and collaborative content management solution.
    • Free Plan Available: Yes, with paid plans offering advanced features and integrations.
    • Check out Monday here.

🐝 Note: Each of these tools has unique strengths, so the best choice depends on your specific needs and workflow preferences!

Stronger CTAs, Stronger Connections

Your Call-to-Action (CTA) is the bridge between your content and your goals. Here are some phrases that work:

  • “Learn More”
  • “Become an Insider, Subscribe Today”
  • “Get Your Free Guide”
  • “Limited Quantity, Buy Before They Sell Out”
  • “Enter Contest”

Encourage readers to take that next step with you by making sure your CTAs align with your voice and your audience’s needs.

SEO and Optimization: Marrying Creativity with Strategy when Blogging

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is where art meets science. Here’s how to optimize while staying true to your voice:

  • Research Keywords: Tools like Google Keyword Planner help you identify terms your audience is searching for.
  • Write Naturally: Avoid keyword stuffing; instead, weave keywords into your copy organically.
  • Focus on Headlines: Attention-grabbing, keyword-rich titles make all the difference.

🐝 TIP: Balancing SEO with authenticity ensures your content ranks well and feels human. You can read more about SEO here.

Why Blogging and Copywriting Matter

When done right, blogging and copywriting are like a megaphone for your brand’s voice. They help you connect authentically with your audience, optimize your online presence, and ultimately grow your business.

Start small. Be consistent. Stay true to your voice. With these tips, you’ll turn words into one of your brand’s most powerful tools. Naturally, if you’d like a member of our team to write blogs or web-copy for you, we’d love to help!  Send me an email here. 

 

The Cost to Optimize WordPress Site Using Yoast SEO Premium

The Cost to Optimize WordPress Site Using Yoast SEO Premium

The cost to fully optimize every page of a website using the Yoast SEO Premium plugin varies depending on factors like the scope of the website, the number of pages, and the expertise of the SEO professional or agency. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing and factors:

Base Costs for Yoast SEO Premium

The Yoast SEO Premium plugin costs $99/year for one website. This includes access to advanced tools like multiple focus keywords, internal linking suggestions, and the redirect manager​ if you change the name of a page or post.

.

SEO Service Pricing

Per Page Optimization: For professional SEO specialists to fully optimize each page using Yoast Premium, costs typically range from $100–$500 per page depending on page complexity and the content that needs improvement​

.
Full Website Optimization: For websites with 20–50 pages, costs can range from $1,000–$5,000+. This includes setting up Yoast Premium, optimizing content and meta descriptions, technical fixes, and keyword integration​

.
Comprehensive Services

High-end SEO agencies may charge monthly retainers of $2,000–$5,000+ for ongoing optimization and reporting, especially for mid level or enterprise level businesses looking for long-term improvements.

.DIY SEO/AEO versus PRO SEO/AEO

If you’re familiar with SEO and the Yoast plugin, you can reduce costs by optimizing pages yourself. Yoast Premium’s built-in tools and academy access can guide you through the process. Yes, it’s time-consuming watching all of the how-to videos, but if have time, you geek out over stats and you want to see some real-time results, it’s totally worth it.

The final pricing depends on whether you need technical SEO audits, content rewrites, or advanced keyword research alongside Yoast setup. If so, there’s quite a bit of time and expertise involved so be prepared to invest a minimum of $1000 for a multi-page website.

Learn More about DIY SEO

To see if you’re up for the challenge, read my article on DIT Search Engine Optimization here. 

Learn what featured snippets and evergreen content is and how to create it here.

Read about unlocking the power of your keywords to optimize your brand and your website here. 

Learn about AEO/Answer Engine Optimization here.

Or go totally off-topic and learn about Social Media Strategies here.