Each year, Google answers more than two trillion search queries — which translates to more than three million searches per minute. This means that for every minute a business is not properly optimized for search engines, it is missing out on thousands of potential visitors and customers. Search engine optimization (SEO), the process of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to a website through search engines, is a must for small businesses that engage in marketing online.

Here are 5 best practices for maximizing your results using search engine optimization.

The terms search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimization (SEO) are widely used in the marketing industry. Digital marketers define both terms as the marketing of a business online, using both paid advertisements that appear on search engine results pages (SERPs) as well as unpaid methods (SEO). Search engine marketing is a strategy for promoting increased website traffic and visibility. The bulk of SEM is conducted primarily through paid advertising.

Chris Williams is an enterprise cloud consultant at GreenPages Technology Solutions in Kittery, ME. According to his LinkedIn profile, Williams holds “too many certifications.” In fact, he is a certified AWS Solutions Architect Professional, an AWS Community Hero, a VMWare Certified Implementation Experty, a VMware vExpert, and more.

Williams is an expert in digital transformation who assists customers in deploying cloud solutions. He is also a subject matter expert for Skye Learning, appearing in Introduction to Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity.

Many people use the terms "data" and "information" interchangeably; however, there is a slight distinction between data governance and information governance. Information governance has more to do with all the processes and systems that gather and use knowledge, enhance it, and share it through the organization. Data governance is a subset of that, and it specifically focuses on the gathering, storing, and usage of data—especially personal data—concerning customers, employees, and partners. This data includes financial information, PII, phone numbers, emails, etc.

When applying for a job, it is best practice to write a cover letter, even if the job posting only asks for your resume. Resumes generally follow a specific format and only allow for an abbreviated version of your qualifications. To a hiring manager, they can all start to look the same. The cover letter offers you the opportunity to stand out from the rest of the pack and make a more human appeal for the job. 

Writing a cover letter should take time and consideration. A hastily written and untailored cover letter could make your well-crafted resume worthless. Check out our latest infographic for five simple tips for writing a successful cover letter.

For many people, grammar is something we absorb over time through reading and listening. We reflect our grammar knowledge in our writing without necessarily knowing why we're correct (or incorrect)—and oftentimes, that's enough to get by.

However, communication is key in the business world. Miscommunications slow down timelines, waste resources, and strain relationships. On the flip side, well-crafted emails, clear presentation slides, and effective business reports help you and your company succeed.

You don't have to be a grammarian to improve your business writing. Here are three strategies to better communicate in the workplace:

Stress can be a major factor in job-related illnesses and poor performance. When a high-stress situation arises or an employee appears to be at risk of stress-related illness, managers should be prepared to handle the issue with care and confidence. Employers can offer proactive and reactive stress management advice to their workers to help prevent small issues from growing into larger problems, and employees can also learn to manage their own stress by using several proven techniques. Check out our latest infographic for ten tips to help you manage stress.

Cindy Hale is a transformational leader in the healthcare industry. She is Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Engagement at Walden Behavioral Care (WBC), a mental health system with 15 hospitals and clinics. Prior to her role at WBC, she held numerous senior-level positions in marketing at organizations like KHJ Brand Activation and Boston Children’s Hospital.        

Skye Learning is excited to feature Cindy Hale in its Certificate in Leadership for Women in Business. The courses within this certificate investigate body language, communication, leadership, management, negotiation, networking, mentorship, and work-life balance through a women-centric lens.

In the digital age, small businesses have limitless choices in how to market to their target audiences. Small businesses can use a variety of social media platforms, from Linkedin to YouTube. They can announce new product lines and directly respond to customer questions on Twitter for everyone to see. They can use geofilters on Snapchat to transform a person's face into a cyborg, dog, superhero, or taco. These marketing options are available even for businesses with limited budgets, and the possibilities are limited only by the marketer’s creativity.

Of course, it’s difficult to make a noticeable splash in a large body of water, and the internet is a virtual ocean. To be successful, a social media marketing campaign must be crafted and delivered strategically.

Skye Learning is excited to spotlight Kadesh Simms, a subject matter expert for Skye’s aPHR™ Exam Prep Course. Simms has an MBA in human resource management, the SHRM-SCP credential, and over ten years of experience working in HR, project management, education management, and urban education.

Simms is Associate Vice President of Human Resources at IvyGate International Education Group. Her HR department serves more than 50 employees in over 15 U.S. states. She also collaborates with IvyGate’s global headquarters in Beijing, China.