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Back To School Is My New Year

I love seeing all the pictures of kids returning to school in my newsfeed. You can feel the change in the air as the days get shorter, the nights get cooler, and a fundamental shift seems to happen. It feels a lot more like a new year than a random day in the middle of winter ever will. Or maybe it’s just that it isn’t so hot I can finally think straight?

Here at Breaking Even, recent time has been resolving some things to ensure we’re ready for two of Google’s changes for us and our clients.If you don’t enjoy reading tech blogs as much as we do, below is what you need to know about Google Analytics 4 (new code, who this?) and Google’s latest algorithm change.Have a great month from your friends at Breaking Even Communications, Nicole, Jane, Patti, Ben, and Jessica

What You Need To Know About GA4

Google Analytics 4 will fully replace Universal Analytics in July of 2023. We recorded this for friends and clients, so you won’t see this video on our Youtube channel. Still, if you want to know what you need to know about Google Analytics changes as a business owner without spending a lot of time, this video is for you!

Book A Consult With Us About GA4

And the algorithm is changing too?!?

Yup, Google’s algorithm is changing, but that doesn’t mean you have to redo your whole website. It just means that we know Google is prioritizing original content that helps people (versus content that was written just for SEO purposes). So what does that mean for you? Keep doing what you’re doing, and if you’re looking to add to your website:

• Helpful tutorials on how to use your products or services

• Genuine reviews (think different language/formats because robots can tell when you’ve written them all yourself)

• Unique blog posts about hyper-local or hyper-niche content

• Make sure your website and its content are accessible (see below for ideas)

10 Website Accessibility Tips

Whenever I do a live stream about a topic like this, it gets fewer views than it should. But if you care about people getting to your business, you need to care about accessibility. Here are some ways to make your website more accessible, some pretty low-tech even!

1. Check contrast for readability.We thought the white text worked best over a teal background, but nope, it was white. Test your assumptions here:https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/

2. Write alt text for all images.

3. Make access to content keyboard-friendly.You can test this by trying to navigate your entire website with a keyboard (hitting ’tab’ should move to the following linked item on your page).

4. Use the "label" tag or an ARIA attribute for all form fields.Using Gravity Forms because we built your site? Don’t worry, they’re all over it: https://www.gravityforms.com/blog/top-tips-for-creating-an-accessible-form/

5. Check the readability of your pages.https://www.webfx.com/tools/read-able/

6. Make sure font size can be increased without messing up your design.

7. Add transcripts/captions to video files.Note: A survey of U.S. consumers found that 92% view videos with the sound off on mobile, and 83% watch with sound off, according to a new report from Verizon Media and ad buyer Publicis Media.

8. Use different heading sizes to organize content hierarchy.

9. Use dynamic elements and tables carefully. (ARIA can help… and if you’re not sure what a dynamic element is, it’s something on the page that changes without the website visitor having to reload the page (ex: image slideshows).

10. Check your site for individual issues.This Free evaluation tool is a great place to start: https://wave.webaim.org/. It will also point out which issues are more critical than others, which is helpful if you have to implement fixes in phases.

Remember, every step toward accessibility helps you and your business. In addition to assisting people in accessing your site, search engines LOVE when you make things accessible. So consider this a great project that is a win-win for you and your customers/visitors!

If you would rather watch the information than read it, here is the broadcast with this same info and examples:

Business Shoutout

We were in when our friend Zac, Kim Gravel’s producer, came to us looking for a ‘Tiktok first’ marketing approach. Getting to listen to Kim’s podcast and working with her team are just bonuses.

Check Out Kim’s Podcast

One Day Website Workshop with Breaking EvenHave you always wanted to make your own website but had no idea where to start? Join Nicole Ouellette from Breaking Even to set up and get your website up and running from the ground up! We’ve been teaching this workshop for over ten years - come finally, get your website done!September 24, 2022In-person, 12 - 3 pmAnchorspace, 71 Market St., Potsdam, NY

Learn More

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