Attorney Hackers News Recap: Ahrefs Free Tier, Featured Snippets, and Shared Hosting

Welcome to this week's episode of Attorney Hackers News Recap, where we cover the latest news and debates in the digital marketing industry. In this episode, we'll discuss Ahrefs' new free tier and question whether they're collecting your data, the recent change to featured snippets and how it affects website traffic, and the impact of shared hosting on your website's rankings in Google.

Ahrefs Launches Free Tier

Ahrefs, the popular SEO tool, has launched a new free tier called Ahrefs Webmaster Tools. This service offers limited access to Site Explorer, which allows website owners to see their domain's backlinks, traffic, and organic search keywords.

Some may wonder if Ahrefs is offering a free tier as an attempt to collect data from users. However, the company has stated that they will not collect data from individuals who use their free service.

Featured Snippets Update

Google has been reducing the amount of featured snippets displayed in search results. Previously, featured snippets would display content at the top of the search engine results page (SERP), but now Google has reverted to displaying traditional organic results with a link at the top of the page.

Even though Google has made this change, the number one result on the SERP is still the same, indicating that Google is still using the featured snippet algorithm, but not displaying the information. This change presents an opportunity for small publishers to compete for the number one spot on the SERP as ranking is determined mainly by on-page factors.

Shared Hosting and Rankings

A recent case study has shown that shared hosting may have a negative impact on website rankings in Google. John Mueller, a Google Webmaster Trends Analyst, reacted to the study, stating that shared hosting may cause site speed issues, which can negatively affect rankings.

Website owners on shared hosting can take steps to improve site speed by optimizing images, using caching plugins, and upgrading to a better hosting plan.

Ahrefs Launches Free Webmaster Tools: What You Need to Know

Ahrefs, a top-tier SEO analysis tool, has just released a free version of their popular service, called Ahrefs Webmaster Tools. Here's what you need to know about this tool:

Limited Access

The Ahrefs Webmaster Tools is a free service that gives users limited access to site explorer and the Ahrefs site audit tool for their own site(s) only. It is important to note that this tool does not replace the paid subscription. While users can perform basic site audits and track dropped links, they cannot do full keyword research or outreach link building. However, it is still a useful tool for website owners looking to conduct basic audits of their website's health.

How It Works

The Ahrefs Webmaster Tools is a soft-as-a-service product that crawls up to 5,000 pages on a user's website, identifying broken images, slow pages, long title tags, missing meta descriptions, and other issues that affect site performance. It generates a site health score between zero and 100 and runs weekly. If a user makes modifications to their site and their health score drops, the tool allows them to identify the issue and take corrective action.

Free vs. Paid Subscription

Ahrefs is a premium tool with several price plans starting from $99 per month. While it is an excellent source of SEO data, not everyone can afford to pay such a high subscription fee. The Ahrefs Webmaster Tools is an excellent way for newcomers to familiarize themselves with the tool's functionality before subscribing to its premium versions.

Data Controversy

Although Ahrefs is a trusted SEO tool, the launch of Ahrefs Webmaster Tools has raised some concerns among users. One issue is the new way of verifying a user's website ownership, which includes connecting to the user's Google Search Console. Users worry that Ahrefs might display their site data to other users, including information on traffic volume, pages, and other vital data. However, Ahrefs has not yet confirmed using this data or how they would use it.

On the other hand, Ahrefs acquires its data from many sources, including buying data from other providers that may include GSC data. Therefore, the concern might not be exclusive to Ahrefs but a part of the industry's common practice.

Ahrefs and Their Premium Product: What You Need to Know

After years in development, Ahrefs has finally released their highly-anticipated premium product. But what exactly does this mean for users of the popular SEO tool? Here's what you need to know:

Harvesting Data

Ahrefs is not only collecting data from Google Search Console, but also from sources like Facebook Pixel. They may then sell this data to third-party tools, such as Elementor, who use it to display advertising to their users. This presents a potential business model based on data.

Training Internal Algorithms

Ahrefs is using various sources of data to train their internal algorithms, including GSC data. With this data, they are calculating factors like traffic estimation and search ranking positions. However, the calculations involved are quite complex and require input from data scientists with extensive knowledge of the field.

Storing Search Queries

One of the main functions of Ahrefs' premium product is to store search queries, impressions, clicks, average position, and time frame. These metrics are then blended with data from other sources to improve the accuracy of the tool.

Accuracy Issues

Ahrefs has faced issues with accuracy in the past, particularly when using data from sources like Jump Shot. To resolve this, they have removed Jump Shot data from past data as well as current metrics. This has resulted in smoother, more accurate data curves.

Connecting GSC for Better Calculations

Connecting your Google Search Console account to Ahrefs can help them make better calculations for your site, pages, and keywords. However, it should be noted that the impact of doing so is still relatively unknown and may not make a significant difference at the individual site level.

Theoretical Scenarios

There are some theoretical scenarios in which connecting GSC to Ahrefs may cause issues, such as inaccurate traffic estimation metrics or showing competitors previously unexplored keywords. However, these scenarios are not a significant concern for most users.

Overall, Ahrefs' premium product presents an exciting opportunity for businesses looking to improve their SEO. While there may be some uncertainties involved, the potential benefits of using this tool far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Managing Multiple Websites

Managing multiple websites can be both a lucrative and challenging endeavor. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of having a portfolio of websites.

Benefits of Managing Multiple Websites

• Increased Income: Managing multiple websites can provide a significant source of income. By diversifying your portfolio, you can increase your chances of success and generate more revenue streams.
• Increased Opportunities: Managing multiple websites can expose you to more niches and industries, thus providing you with new and exciting opportunities.
• Ability to Scale: If you are able to efficiently manage multiple websites, you have the ability to scale your business and reach a larger audience.

Drawbacks of Managing Multiple Websites

• Decreased Quality: Managing multiple websites can decrease the quality of your content and overall site optimization. It can be difficult to keep up with the demands of multiple sites and maintain the same level of quality across all sites.
• Resources: Managing multiple websites can be a resource-intensive endeavor. You will need to invest in hosting, design, and content creation for each site.
• Time: Managing multiple websites can require a significant amount of time and effort. This can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.

It is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of managing multiple websites before diving into this type of venture. It may be more beneficial to focus on one site and make it the best it can be rather than spreading yourself thin across multiple sites. However, if you have the resources and ability to manage multiple sites efficiently, it can be a profitable business model.

The Power of Focus in Website Growth

When it comes to website growth, the power of focus cannot be underestimated. Income School, a group of individuals who know what they're doing when it comes to SEO, recently reviewed four to five sites and found that by allowing one person or group to focus on a single website, they were able to quadruple revenue and double their traffic in just eight months.

This highlights the importance of having someone dedicated to a website, rather than spreading their efforts thin across multiple sites. It's essential to focus on creating quality content, strategically targeting low competition keywords, and growing traffic without worrying about complex monetization.

It's also worth noting the power of Thrive and our advertising monetization. Income School recommends it and uses it because of its ease of use and effectiveness. By simplifying the monetization process, website owners can focus on traffic growth, content creation, and other important aspects of website growth.

While affiliate marketing is still relevant, many people are beginning to combine it with ads since it's easier to monetize and removes much of the complexity associated with managing a website.

The Debate on Shared Hosting and SEO

Shared hosting has been a popular choice for many website owners looking to save money, but there has been an ongoing debate regarding whether it negatively impacts SEO. A recent study by Reboot Online tested ten sites using an imaginary query and found that those hosted on dedicated Amazon web servers with their own IP outperformed those on shared hosting with questionable sites, such as hacking and porn sites, sharing the same IP.

However, John Miller, a Google employee, called into question the relevance of this study since the query was made up and not reflective of real-life situations. He also stated that there is no algorithmic penalty for being in a "bad neighborhood."

The importance of this finding is still up for debate, but it highlights the need for website owners to be mindful of their hosting choices. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, it's important to consider potential risks and choose a reputable and trustworthy hosting provider.

One alternative to shared hosting is Vulture Performance Servers on Cloudways, which provides dedicated hosting at an affordable price. WP Crafter has a step-by-step guide on how to set this up for your website, and it's worth considering for those seeking a more high-performance option.

How to Make the Most of Shared Hosting and a Case Study on Email List Monetization

Shared hosting is often the go-to option for beginner website owners due to its affordability. However, as your site grows and gains more traffic, it may be necessary to move to a more powerful hosting option. But is it necessary to do so? The answer is not always straightforward, as there are many factors at play.

Pros and Cons of Shared Hosting

Pros:

• Affordable
• Perfect for small websites with low traffic
• Great for beginners who are still learning

Cons:

• Limited resources
• May experience slower loading times and poor customer service
• Not suitable for larger sites with heavy traffic

While shared hosting may have its limitations, it is still a great option for beginner website owners on a budget. Remember, there are other factors that can impact the success of your website, so don't get caught up in the hype of expensive hosting options.

A Case Study on Email List Monetization

Email marketing is an effective way to engage with customers and drive sales. However, building a profitable email list is not as easy as it seems. A recent case study on MarketingExamples.com demonstrated the challenges of email list monetization.

In this case study, the website owner had an email list of 22,000 subscribers and aimed to make $2,000-$3,000 per month after 90 days. After 45 days, they had only made $11. The owner attempted to promote coupon sites, which pay per click and referral commission, but had little success.

Lessons Learned:

• Open rates and engagement are key to monetization
• High-paying offers, such as hosting services or blog creation, may be more profitable than low-paying coupon referrals
• Success takes time and experimentation

The case study serves as a reminder that email list monetization takes time and effort. Don't be discouraged if your initial attempts don't yield results. Keep testing and optimizing for success.

Unconventional Link Building Tactics

Building backlinks is crucial for improving your website's search engine rankings. While traditional methods include guest posting and outreach, there are some unconventional tactics that can yield excellent results. One such tactic is using royalty-free images to build links.

The strategy involves uploading images to free websites like Unsplash and subsequently performing a reverse image search to locate websites that use the image. From there, you can reach out and politely request photo credit, which may yield a backlink to your site.

Lessons Learned:

• Unconventional tactics can yield great results
• Politeness goes a long way in outreach
• Visual content can be a powerful link building tool

Overall, these unconventional tactics take time and effort, but can be a valuable addition to your link building strategy. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and experiment with new methods.

By keeping these lessons in mind, you can get the most out of your website and marketing efforts. Remember, success doesn't happen overnight - it takes time, effort, and creative thinking.

Unique Tactics for Press Releases

When it comes to promoting your website or product, press releases can be a powerful tool. However, it's essential to create a unique pitch that journalists will find interesting and engaging. One helpful resource for learning how to do this is MarketingExamples.com/SEO/Press. This website offers valuable insights on creating a unique pitch and breaking down the different elements of a press release. Here are some key takeaways:

• The subject line of the email is the headline that journalists can use.
• Write a hook for the journalist to grab their attention.
• Include a bullet point list of facts and other relevant information.
• Pay attention to the nuance of the pitch.

The site offers other useful examples and creative ideas to make your press releases stand out. Additionally, their Twitter account is highly active and offers a lot of interesting information and examples.

Member of the Month

If you're a member of either Authority Hacker Pro or the Authority Site System, then you can participate in the new Member of the Month competition. This is a way to encourage activity and provide recognition for members who give excellent advice. For example, some members have spent a lot of time crafting almost like blog posts within the community. The Member of the Month competition is a way to highlight and reward these efforts.

Staying up to date with the latest news and changes in the digital marketing industry is crucial for any attorney looking to improve their online presence. ahrefs' new free tier provides a great opportunity for website owners to access limited seo tools. the change in featured snippets presents a chance for small publishers to compete for the number one spot on the serp. on the other hand, shared hosting may have a negative impact on a website's rankings in google. by staying informed about the industry's trends, website owners can make informed decisions to optimize their online assets. The ahrefs webmaster tools is an excellent tool for website owners to conduct basic site audits of their website's health. even though it has limitations compared to the premium version, it is free and worthwhile for those who cannot afford the subscription fee. however, users should be aware of the controversy surrounding data privacy. ahrefs has not revealed how they'll use the data, and users should be cautious when connecting their google search console accounts. There are pros and cons to managing a portfolio of websites. it is ultimately up to you to weigh these factors and decide if this is the right path for your business goals. While it may not be necessary to switch from shared hosting, website owners should be aware of the potential impact on seo and make a conscious and informed decision.

In conclusion, promoting your website or product requires creativity and originality in your tactics. The above resources can provide useful insights and tips for creating a unique press release and receiving recognition for your efforts within the community. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and try new things to get noticed. Lastly, don't forget to drop any news you think we might have missed in the comments for our new Question of the Week segment. Thanks for reading and see you next week!