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Our IT guru, Dave, has recently advised us of some significant things that are affecting both how the public uses Google to locate information on a case, and how Websleuths fares in Google ratings.
One very major issue is that every time we have to edit a thread title, it is giving Websleuths a black eye in Google search ratings. Websleuths staff are in the process of re-learning how to title threads to ensure they will show up higher in Google searches. Extra details that were previously used in thread titles are now being minimized and those specific details will now show in the Opening Post of a thread instead of in the title.
WS staff are having to learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and how to ensure Websleuths comes up in more Google hits and higher in Google ratings to keep us relevant in the true crime discussion community. Change is inevitable and with Dave’s ongoing advice Websleuths and the cases we feature here will become more and more visible in cyberspace. The benefit to that is twofold .. it brings more awareness to the specific cases at Websleuths, and gives Websleuths better visibility in overall ratings.
If we previously titled a thread something like:
AZ – William Smith, 8, red hair, last seen with weird man carrying briefcase, did not attend school Monday, Phoenix, 3 May 2021
You might now see that thread titled simply:
William Smith - missing from Phoenix AZ
In other words “less is more”. Including the age, the word "briefcase" or "3 May 2021" might preclude the thread from showing up in a Google Search. The public may not remember how old the child was or the date they disappeared, etc.
If we have to change information in the thread title, (i.e. age 8 to age 9), it drives WS further down in the search results. By contrast, using the search term "William Smith missing from Phoenix" will bring up more results higher in the hits and Websleuths will be there as a go-to spot to discuss the case. Thread titles aren't just about it being convenient for WS members .. we want to bring as much attention as we can to cases people are searching for. More specific details unique to the cases can be inserted into the Opening Post.
A separate issue is links. Hyperlinks need to tell us something. Those that say “click here” or “for more info” tell us nothing and are not acceptable. A link should be more informative and something that will pop up in a Google search. Using William Smith as an example, a hyperlink would be better worded as search for William Smith continues in Phoenix or William Smith found Phoenix.
Another issue is broken links that Websleuths has acquired after existing for almost a quarter century. This results in more black eyes. Dave is investigating how to resolve the issue and is always in the background working hard to ensure that WS is as current as it can be on the web.
Bear with us as we go through this transition to improve not only how these important cases are found on the internet , but also to improve Websleuths positioning within Google searches and ratings. Websleuths staff are in ongoing meetings with Dave to discuss and learn about these various issues so there may still be other changes, but the above is the basics for now.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
One very major issue is that every time we have to edit a thread title, it is giving Websleuths a black eye in Google search ratings. Websleuths staff are in the process of re-learning how to title threads to ensure they will show up higher in Google searches. Extra details that were previously used in thread titles are now being minimized and those specific details will now show in the Opening Post of a thread instead of in the title.
WS staff are having to learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and how to ensure Websleuths comes up in more Google hits and higher in Google ratings to keep us relevant in the true crime discussion community. Change is inevitable and with Dave’s ongoing advice Websleuths and the cases we feature here will become more and more visible in cyberspace. The benefit to that is twofold .. it brings more awareness to the specific cases at Websleuths, and gives Websleuths better visibility in overall ratings.
If we previously titled a thread something like:
AZ – William Smith, 8, red hair, last seen with weird man carrying briefcase, did not attend school Monday, Phoenix, 3 May 2021
You might now see that thread titled simply:
William Smith - missing from Phoenix AZ
In other words “less is more”. Including the age, the word "briefcase" or "3 May 2021" might preclude the thread from showing up in a Google Search. The public may not remember how old the child was or the date they disappeared, etc.
If we have to change information in the thread title, (i.e. age 8 to age 9), it drives WS further down in the search results. By contrast, using the search term "William Smith missing from Phoenix" will bring up more results higher in the hits and Websleuths will be there as a go-to spot to discuss the case. Thread titles aren't just about it being convenient for WS members .. we want to bring as much attention as we can to cases people are searching for. More specific details unique to the cases can be inserted into the Opening Post.
A separate issue is links. Hyperlinks need to tell us something. Those that say “click here” or “for more info” tell us nothing and are not acceptable. A link should be more informative and something that will pop up in a Google search. Using William Smith as an example, a hyperlink would be better worded as search for William Smith continues in Phoenix or William Smith found Phoenix.
Another issue is broken links that Websleuths has acquired after existing for almost a quarter century. This results in more black eyes. Dave is investigating how to resolve the issue and is always in the background working hard to ensure that WS is as current as it can be on the web.
Bear with us as we go through this transition to improve not only how these important cases are found on the internet , but also to improve Websleuths positioning within Google searches and ratings. Websleuths staff are in ongoing meetings with Dave to discuss and learn about these various issues so there may still be other changes, but the above is the basics for now.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.