Human Friend Digital

In this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey dive into the world of keyword difficulty—a crucial concept for anyone navigating SEO. Jacob breaks it down: keyword difficulty measures how hard it is to rank in Google’s top search results for a specific keyword, with tools like SEMrush offering a score from 0 to 100.

The conversation highlights the importance of competition in determining keyword difficulty. It’s not just about how relevant your content is—it’s about how many others are vying for the same spot. Ranking for a competitive term like "SEO marketing" is like trying to win a national chess tournament, whereas targeting a niche like "cat trees" offers more room to succeed.

Jacob also emphasizes the power of long-tail keywords, which are longer, more specific phrases with lower competition. They may not have as much search volume, but they can be much easier to rank for.

As always, it’s a balance of effort and strategy. If you’re a small business, you’ll want to focus on niche markets with lower keyword difficulty. It’s about picking the right race—and knowing how to run it.

SEM Rush

https://www.semrush.com

To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/

In this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey break down one of the most essential aspects of SEO: Google indexing. They discuss how Google’s “spider bot” crawls the web, visiting sites to gather information, and the importance of being indexed—because if Google can’t find your site, it won’t show up in search results.

Jacob explains the key factors that impact whether or not a site gets indexed. Things like “no index” tags, technical issues, or even slow Google response times can affect how quickly (or if) your site gets added to Google’s vast database. Tools like Google Search Console can help monitor this, but it’s a slow and often frustrating process—likened to the DMV of the internet.

They also touch on best practices like using proper meta tags, URL structures, and schema markup to ensure that your site is not only indexed but indexed correctly. Jacob and Jeffrey make it clear: if your site isn’t indexed, it’s as good as invisible online.

Google Search Console:
https://search.google.com/search-console

Yoast:
https://yoast.com/

IndexNow:
https://indexnow.org/

Schema:
https://schema.org/

Schema JSON Creation Tool:
https://technicalseo.com/tools/schema-markup-generator/

Test Your Schema Before Going Live:
https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data

To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/

In today’s episode of Human Friend Digital, we’re diving deep into the acronym-packed world of website launches. You’ve heard of DNS, CMS, CDN, and SSL, but do you really know what they mean? Jacob and Jeffrey are here to make sense of it all, keeping things laid-back while tackling some essential topics. From the basics of the Domain Name System (DNS) to how a Content Delivery Network (CDN) like Cloudflare speeds up your website, we’re covering it all without getting too technical.

We also give a special shoutout to the little-known heroes of internet privacy, like the team at Let’s Encrypt, who have made SSL certificates accessible to everyone. Whether you're a seasoned web developer or just curious about what happens behind the scenes when you click on a URL, we’ve got you covered.

Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Let’s Encrypt – Free SSL certificates for securing websites.
• WP Engine – Managed WordPress hosting platform with built-in CMS and SSL options.
• Cloudflare – A popular Content Delivery Network (CDN) for faster websites.

To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/

In this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey venture into the wilderness—literally. Jeffrey, an experienced backpacker, shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of multi-day hikes. He talks about the essential gear—like water filters and bear bags—and the lessons learned from years on the trail, including the importance of proper preparation and the occasional misstep, like forgetting your hiking boots.

Through personal stories, Jeffrey highlights the beauty of remote trails and the unique bond formed with friends who tackle the wilderness together. It’s a refreshing departure from their usual tech discussions. Yet, the parallels are clear—whether it’s a mountain trail or a digital project, success comes down to careful planning, the right team, and embracing the journey, no matter what it throws your way.

AllTrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/

LifeStraw:
https://lifestraw.com/

Pictured Rocks:
https://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm

To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/

Breaking Free of the Cookie Empire

In this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey dive into the challenges and opportunities of moving toward a cookie-less world in online advertising. Building on last week’s conversation, they explore how cookies have evolved from simple trackers to invasive tools that gather extensive user data, raising serious privacy concerns.

Jacob reintroduces Plausible Analytics, a privacy-friendly alternative to Google Analytics that avoids cookies by using temporary user IDs based on device and behavior data. The discussion also covers the use of UTM tracking, an old-school method that allows advertisers to measure campaign effectiveness without relying on cookies.

The episode emphasizes the importance of businesses taking steps to protect user privacy now, even before regulations catch up. It’s a practical guide for those looking to stay ethical while still gaining valuable insights in digital marketing.

UTM Builder:
https://utmbuilder.net/

Plausible Analytics:
https://plausible.io/

The Wired article that Started our Conversation: https://www.wired.com/story/webxray-online-privacy-violations

Link to Last Week’s Episode:
https://humanfriend.digital/webxray-and-the-fight-for-digital-privacy/

To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/

Watch Out: Not All Cookies Are Good for Your Digital Health

In this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey dive into the world of online privacy, sparked by a revealing Wired article about webXray. This tool, developed by former Google engineer Tim Libert, uncovers the hidden ways our data is tracked across the web. It’s a powerful resource that gives users– and regulators– a clearer view of how their information is being collected and used.

As they discuss the article, the conversation turns to the troubling reality of how big tech companies handle privacy– or rather, how they often don't. The hosts highlight that companies would rather pay fines than actually protect user data. They also point out how U.S. privacy laws lag behind those in Europe, leaving American users vulnerable to more invasive tracking practices, and explore the ethical implications of tracking cookies and the need for businesses to rethink their approach to data collection.

Despite the grim realities, the episode shines a light on the potential for change. Tools like webXray offer a path toward greater transparency and accountability. Jacob and Jeffrey emphasize that businesses should start embracing ethical digital marketing strategies now, before they’re forced to by regulation.

In the end, this episode isn’t just an exploration of privacy issues– it’s a call to action. It challenges listeners to think critically about how their data is used and to push for stronger protections in the digital landscape.


Wired Article:
https://www.wired.com/story/webxray-online-privacy-violations

webXray:
https://webxray.ai/

Link to our Episode on Web Analytics:
https://humanfriend.digital/an-intro-to-website-analytics-tools/

GDPR:
https://gdpr-info.eu/

CAN-SPAM Act:
https://www.fcc.gov/general/can-spam

Target Pregnancy Story:
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/shopping-habits.html

NASA and Boeing Starliner Issues:
https://www.npr.org/2024/08/08/nx-s1-5067763/nasa-delays-next-crew-launch-to-buy-time-at-the-space-station-for-troubled-starliner

To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/

Understanding the Hidden Language of HTTP Errors

This week on the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Acronym Soup Edition, Jacob and Jeffrey unpack something we’ve all encountered but few of us understand: HTTP error codes. We’ve all seen that dreaded “404 page not found,” but what does it really mean? And what about all those other cryptic numbers that sometimes flash across our screens?

Jacob kicks things off by explaining that HTTP error codes are like the language of the internet’s back-end, letting us know when things go awry. These codes are grouped by hundreds—200’s mean everything’s working smoothly, 300’s involve redirects, 400’s signal client errors like our infamous 404, and 500’s point to server-side issues.

It’s a conversation that explains those frustrating moments when a webpage doesn’t load and gives us a glimpse into the complex world of website management. Tune in to learn how these error codes affect your online experience and what they really mean behind the scenes.

To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/

In this latest Human Friend Digital Podcast episode, Jacob and Jeffrey talk to a commercial photographer whose work you are probably well acquainted with but had no idea - TJ Vissing. As a photographer and part owner of OMS Photo, TJ has worked with notable brands such as Hershey’s, Wendy’s, and P&G.

In our discussion, TJ walks us through the nature of commercial photography and delves into the meticulous planning and collaboration required to produce these visuals. It's not just about snapping a photo; it involves a whole team – photographers, food stylists, retouchers, and more – all working in harmony to create images that grab your attention in milliseconds.

We also explore the substantial investment needed for high-quality photography and how small businesses might justify these costs to remain competitive. TJ provides insights on transitioning from DIY photography to professional shoots, stressing the importance of first creating strong graphic and web design before combining it with excellent photography.

This episode offers a deep dive into the hidden efforts behind those perfect pictures and gives practical advice for businesses looking to elevate their visual marketing game. Tune in to understand the artistry and strategy behind commercial photography and how it can transform your brand.

Hit play and enjoy!

To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/

In the latest episode of Acronym Soup, hosts Jacob and Jeffrey delve into the essential acronyms of digital marketing: PPC, CPC, and CTR.

Firstly, PPC, or Pay-Per-Click, is a model where businesses pay for each click on their ads, commonly seen in Google Ads and social media platforms. Secondly, CPC, or Cost-Per-Click, indicates the cost incurred for each click, which can vary depending on keyword competitiveness. Lastly, CTR, or Click-Through Rate, measures the percentage of ad impressions that result in clicks.

Jacob and Jeffrey stress the importance of understanding these metrics for successful digital marketing campaigns. They also underscore the value of collaborating with experienced professionals to optimize PPC efforts and ensure maximum return on investment.

For anyone venturing into the digital marketing arena, this series is here to help.

To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/

In this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, hosts Jacob and Jeffrey dive into the fascinating world of Dune and its parallels with today’s AI advancements. They chat about the Spice Melange, a substance in the Dune universe that grants superhuman abilities, replacing advanced AI tech that was banned long ago. This spice is crucial for everything from space travel to the abilities of the Bene Gesserit and Mentats.

They draw intriguing comparisons to modern AI, discussing its potential and the ethical dilemmas we face as it becomes more integrated into our lives. The conversation wraps up with a call for proper governance to prevent any one entity from monopolizing this powerful technology. And, of course, they share their favorite moments from Dune, appreciating Frank Herbert’s visionary storytelling.

To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/