The event, “Getting SEO Measurement Right in 2024” provided an opportunity for attendees from the digital marketing discipline to understand more about the latest issues and trends, as well as hear updates and top tips on how to address these; important for maintaining a competitive edge in digital marketing.

The focus was on SEO hot topics for 2024 ‘so far’, including Cookie Consent, Bot Traffic, Google Results, the shift to GA4, and the AI impact on SEO – and conveniently, Google formally announced the release of their AI Overview the evening before. Thank you Google!

Cookie Consent Impacts and Problems

With increasing regulations around data privacy, the topic of Cookie Consent was the first major highlight to resonate with attendees – a dry and not normally exciting topic brought alive by the shared recognition. When it comes to this topic, businesses often ask, “Do I have to?” and the short answer is YES. According to gov.uk following the EU directive, “You must get the user’s consent before you set any cookies that are not strictly necessary.” The impact is usually a significant drop in recorded traffic numbers, affecting data analysis in perpetuity. Effective cookie consent management is essential to have a reliable baseline for digital marketing let alone maintaining user trust.

Bot Traffic Ruining Tracked Data in Google

Bot Traffic is spam traffic leading to short term spikes, with clear footprints such as time on site time (low), traffic from, er ‘unusual’ countries (Poland, Russia, etc). It is clearly automated, clearly not real or genuine to website tracking of user experience. It is an inconvenient mess, making month on month (MoM) and year on year (YoY) comparisons difficult, often invalid. Techniques were shared to block in GA (Google Analytics), but alas the effectiveness in tackling this issue can be low without reasonable attention. Cressive shared hints and tips to deal with bot traffic, but one inevitable consequence is greater reliance upon GSC (Google Search Console) as a reliable source of data – no bad this arguably for SEOs. It is less affected compared to GA, however not immune. 

Google Results and Congested SERPs

The landscape, format and content of Google Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) continues to change, and it is becoming increasingly cluttered considering both paid and free results such as products, FAQs, mobile scrolling, news etc – a collage of fragmented snippets. This creates both challenges and opportunities. To make the best use of Google Results latest updates for digital marketing promotion, maps, business listings, videos and Wikipedia, and all the wide variants and options require consideration. Wikipedia is often overlooked, but it is one of the best ranking websites for many searches. Additionally, you can target Featured Snippets. Google says, “Featured Snippets are special boxes where the format of a regular search results is reversed, showing the descriptive snippet first.” The increasing complexity of SERPs demands management and this can be automated using Cressive DX’s reporting, to record and highlight visibility in responding to and managing all search results.

The Forced Shift to GA4 and End of UA (now aka “GA3”)

One of the most significant events of the year is the transition from UA (Universal Analytics) to GA4 (Google Analytics). This shift changes the way data is collected and interpreted. Much has been, and is being, written on this subject so the focus on the briefing was on the more surprising impact and options. Many businesses didn’t have trouble with this transition, many others faced challenges, and few switched to alternative analytics tools such as Matomo or Adobe Analytics because of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – a European Union regulation on information privacy. The limitations and enforced changes to digital marketing analytics interpretation caused by this shift to GA4 are found in every SEO engagement currently and will be ongoing impact. The demise of UA/GA3 at the end of June necessitates a change in focus and management.

Read our article “GA4 and UA – What’s the Difference?” highlighting the shift to GA4 in more detail. 

AI, AI Overview and the Impact on SEO

Perhaps the fastest trending topic of the year is AI & SEO and its impact. It is changing often and rapidly, that by the time you finish reading this article, there can be a new AI update or release… The evening before the briefing meeting saw Google announce the new AI Overview ‘search result snippet’.

Google rolled out AI-Powered Overviews (SGE – Search Generative Experience) to US search results, powered by the new Gemini model. We can be certain of some immediate responses to interpreting SERPs and result snippets – by both users and for SEO, and Cressive shared actions that can be employed today to deal with and better manage SEO in response. We proactively research and incorporate AI into both the consulting SEO services and SEO software so we harness the latest innovations as well as react to the constant changes. The next wave of SEO has begun and Cressive remains determined to stay at the forefront of changes in digital marketing, and share these to the benefit of our clients.

At Cressive DX, with more than 3 decades of combined experience we guide businesses through these difficult transitions and challenges. We use our proprietary software and proven industry expertise, to turn your data into insights and insights into high value solutions. Best-practice brand control leads to better Digital Brand Performance. 

This was the first Breakfast Briefing organised by Cressive DX offering comprehensive information on 2024 SEO hot topics to attendees, but it won’t be the last. See you in the next event in Q3.

Originally published 25 June 2024 on LinkedIn.

The post “Getting SEO Measurement Right in 2024” – Breakfast Briefing Q2’24 appeared first on Cressive DX.

The post Global Activity with a Local Impact appeared first on Cressive DX.

You’re ready to gain the skills and experience needed to advance your career – and we have a rare software engineering opportunity for you.

As a Python Software Engineer, your product responsibility goes hand in hand with backend development and front end skills in our Guildford-based team. We are partners to high profile brands, building world-class digital marketing and reporting solutions, through proprietary software.

A market leading app needs the latest technologies and the best people. As a key part of our Technical Team you’ll be responsible for product modules and the platform, learn from the best minds in the industry, in an ambitious yet relaxed (“non-City”) environment.

Role/Responsibilities

• Expand and support the company products using software development skills
• Responsible for back-end development with a mix of front-end
• Write, test and debug features as well as integrate to third party web services
• Coordinate user requirements and translate them into technical solutions
• Learn best practice design, documentation, implementation, security, and optimisation
• Support marketing leading SEO reporting products;

Skills/Experience

• Proficient in writing effective and scalable code using Python3 and the Django framework
• Experience with relational DBMS / PostgreSQL
• Experience in technologies such as RabbitMQ, Celery, and AWS
• Experience with front-end technologies (Javascript, CSS and HTML)
• Good understanding of event driven architectures
• Understand event driven architectures and API integration services inc. Google, Facebook, Salesforce
• Strong communication skills in written English, organisational and time management, and a sense of humour.

You/Us

You have energy and passion, 3 to 5 years of experience, and desire to be a key part of our team, that will nurture learning and growth and provide strong opportunities to progress. Likely from a Computer Science, Engineering or relevant background.

We take our work seriously but not ourselves. We work for global brands, but have fun working in a close team. We care about and give back to our local community and charities.

We partner with high profile brands and build their world-class digital marketing and reporting solutions. An expert yet relaxed environment, we’re proud of our small company culture with big company ambition.

Package: Competitive salary + bonus + pension + 25 days holiday + Surrey lifestyle

Location: Surrey Technology Centre, Guildford, Surrey GU2, hybrid but more office than home (please note, NB so will suit someone local).

Please no agencies, thanks.

Apply now to: jobs@cressive.com, Ref: SE2304

Please email a CV highlighting, with examples, your match to the role and skills. We’ll consider applicants as they apply, so don’t delay. Cressive DX is committed to equal opportunity for all, and collect personal data as per GDPR privacy.

Related: Web Developer Surrey, Front End Developer Guildford, Web Developer jobs in Guildford, DevOps jobs in Surrey

The post Software Engineer for MarTech (Django, Python, AWS), in Surrey appeared first on Cressive DX.

Role

• Lead and support best practice technical SEO implementation and reporting
• Responsible for long term digital marketing engagements with our partner brands
• Research strategic methods and analyse detailed technical data and content
• Provide technical services and collaboratively help build SEO software solutions;

You

• Hands-on knowledge of SEO on-site, on-page and off-page
• Experience of international SEO, multiple site SEO in large project engagements
• Proficient in use of Google Analytics, Google Search Console and Google Tag Manager
• 2-5 years of relevant experience, with energy and passion, you’re different like us
• Ready for a new challenge, to apply your skills, learn more, and make a real difference;

Us

• We help global client brands happy (inc. Nestle and NatGeo)
• We automate SEO and make world-class digital marketing reporting solutions
• We work from home primarily but meet regularly in our open office environment
• We care, we work sustainably, and we support local charities.

Please email a CV with examples of your work. We are interviewing now. Look for tech easter eggs on https://cressive.com.

We are committed to equal opportunity for all, and collect personal data as per GDPR privacy.

Package: Competitive salary + bonus + benefits + share options + 25 days holiday + a Surrey lifestyle

Location: Home working + Surrey Technology Centre, Surrey Research Park, GU2

Apply to: jobs@cressive.com

Ref: SEO23

Related: SEO Consultant, Google Analytics Consultant, Digital Marketing Executive, SEO jobs Guildford, SEO job Surrey.

The post SEO Specialist / Consultant, in Surrey appeared first on Cressive DX.

As part of our Tech Team you’ll be trained in the latest technologies and our products, and learn from some of the best minds in the industry, in an ambitious yet relaxed environment.

Role/Responsibilities

• Expand as well as support the company product using software development skills
• Writing, testing and debugging features as well as integrating to third party web services
• Responsible for and support both front-end and back-end development on a global scale
• Coordinate with internal teams to understand user requirements and translate them into technical solutions
• Learn best practice design, documentation, implementation, security, and optimisation
• Support marketing leading SEO and SEO reporting products;

Skills/Experience

• Proficient in writing effective and scalable code using Python3 and the Django framework
• Experience in databases and SQL, as well as back-end technologies inc. RabbitMQ, Celery, AWS
• Experience with front-end technologies (Javascript, CSS and HTML)
• Good understanding of event driven architectures
• An understanding of API integration services inc. Google, Amazon, Facebook, Salesforce
• Strong communication skills in written English, organisational and time management, and a sense of humour.

You/Us

You have energy and passion, 1 to 5 years of experience, an outstanding individual, you will be a key part of our team that will nurture your learning and growth, providing strong opportunities to progress.

We partner with high profile brands and build their world-class digital marketing and reporting solutions, through proprietary software. We provide extensive training in fast changing digital marketing.

From a Computer Science, Engineering or relevant background, you will fulfil your potential as together we pioneer digital marketing performance reporting.

An expert yet relaxed environment, we’re proud of our small company culture with big company ambition. Yet we are kind and caring, evidenced by our sponsoring local charities.

Package: Competitive salary + Bonus + Pension + Share options + 25 days of holiday + Surrey lifestyle

Location: Surrey Technology Centre, Guildford, Surrey GU2, but primarily from Home

Apply now to: jobs@cressive.com

Ref: FSDT2303

Please email a CV highlighting, with examples, your match to the role and skills. We’ll consider applicants as they apply, so don’t delay. Cressive is committed to equal opportunity for all, and collect personal data as per GDPR privacy.

Related: Web Developer Surrey, Front End Developer Guildford, Web Developer jobs in Guildford, Web Developer jobs in Surrey

No agencies please, thanks.

The post Full Stack Developer in MarTech, Guildford appeared first on Cressive DX.

Role

• Support best practice digital marketing, SEO and social media reporting
• Support long term digital marketing engagements with our partner brands
• Research strategic methods and analyse detailed technical data and content
• Provide data analysis services and collaborate in our expert team;

You

• Have energy and a genuine passion for digital marketing (and you’re different, like us)
• A working knowledge of SEO and social media, experience with Google Analytics and online data research
• Excellent communication skills with written English, with organisation and time management skills
• Love a new challenge, will learn a lot, and make a real difference to the company, our clients, our community.

Us

• We help global client brands happy (inc. Nestle, Abbott and NatGeo)
• We automate SEO and make world-class digital marketing reporting solutions
• We work from home primarily but meet regularly in our open office environment
• We care, we work sustainably, and we support local charities.

Please email a CV with examples of your work. We offer the Placement each year, keen to arrange this as soon as possible. We are committed to equal opportunity for all, and collect personal data as per GDPR privacy.

Package: Competitive renumeration + 25 days of holiday + a Surrey lifestyle

Location: Home working + Surrey Technology Centre, Surrey Research Park, GU2

Apply to: jobs@cressive.com

Ref: SEOPLAC23

Related: SEO Placement Surrey, Digital Marketing Placement Guildford, Surrey University Marketing Placement.

The post SEO or Digital Marketing Student Placement, preferably from University of Surrey appeared first on Cressive DX.

After our sponsorship of Will Bosi we are looking forward to Sport Climbing in Tokyo.

Cressive prides itself in helping others, supporting local business, and sponsoring those who work hard to achieve their dreams.

Keep dreaming, keep working.

Everyone at Cressive

The post Good luck to Team GB appeared first on Cressive DX.

Thanks to all the sponsors and organisers operating in 2020 conditions. For more information see https://surrey-research-park.com/news-events/innovation-awards-2020/.

See Cressive on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1108070/admin/.

The post Winner of Innovate Awards 2020 appeared first on Cressive DX.

Role

• Lead and support best practice technical SEO implementation and reporting
• Responsible for long term digital marketing engagements with our partner brands
• Research strategic methods and analyse detailed technical data and content
• Provide technical services and collaboratively help build SEO software solutions;

You

• Strong hands-on knowledge of technical SEO on-site, on-page and off-page
• Experience of enterprise SEO and international SEO
• Proficient in use of Google Analytics, Google Search Console and Google Tag Manager
• 2-5 years of relevant experience, with energy and passion, you’re different, like us
• Ready for a new challenge, to apply your skills, learn more, and make a difference;

Us

• We help global client brands happy (inc. Abbott and NatGeo)
• We automate SEO and make world-class digital marketing reporting solutions
• We work from home primarily but meet regularly in our open office environment
• We care, we work sustainably, and we support local charities.

Please email a CV with examples of your work. We are interviewing now. Look for tech easter eggs on https://cressive.com. We are committed to equal opportunity for all, and collect personal data as per GDPR privacy.

Package: Competitive salary + Bonus + Benefits + Surrey lifestyle

Location: Home working + Surrey Technology Centre, Surrey Research Park, GU2

Apply to: jobs@cressive.com

Ref: TSEO2020

Related: SEO Consultant, Google Analytics Consultant, Digital Marketing Executive, SEO jobs Guildford, SEO job Surrey.

The post Technical SEO Specialist / Analytics Consultant, in Surrey appeared first on Cressive DX.

Sue Stuart-Smith’s book The Well Gardened Mind on gardening and mental health reminds us how important it is to reconnect with nature. Especially during the current testing times, keeping mentally well has been a challenge for all of us. Discovering the glorious restorative powers of nature combined with brilliant story telling by Sue is exactly what we need for a well gardened mind. Sue together with her husband, garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith, has designed gold medal winning gardens and created The Barn Garden, one of the most spectacular and well reputed gardens around the world.

The Kanneh-Masons need little introduction. Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason is mother to 7 exceptional children and a former lecturer at Birmingham University. Her memoir House of Music is her story as a mother and what it took to raise a musical family facing class and racial division. Sheku, third eldest of the seven, was the first Black musician to have won BBC Young Musician in 2016. Their life and continuity musicality in lock down shown on the BBC was an inspiration. We are thrilled Kadiatu will be joined on stage by daughter Konya who will give a short recital.

We ‘hope’ to host these two special authors on October the 8^th, pending Boris rules. The Guildford Book Festival 2020 runs from 4th till 11th October, with tickets available now.

The post Guildford Book Festival 2020 in its 31st Year appeared first on Cressive DX.