Hi everyone!
I received an error message from Google Search Console regarding core web vitals: LCP issue: longer than 2.5s (desktop). This issue started on May 30th. Eve
You may ask site support to check your server performance response times. You may need to work on optimizing your images, minifying CSS and Javascript, etc. Help tab top menu.
Hi Abie,
Thank you for the quick response. The images are optimized with Imagify. I will contact site support.
I received the following message from Site Support: "Please note that these score keeps varying through the day so you do not need to worry about it.
We also checked your website using Google PageSpeed tool and it shows a fine score for mobile and desktop. "
See more comments
Search console says: lcp issue?
Hi everyone!
I received an error message from Google Search Console regarding core web vitals: LCP issue: longer than 2.5s (desktop). This issue started on May 30th. Eve
Hi Debora
Are you using Lazy Load?
If you are, lazy loading images above the fold can cause a problem for LCP figures.
:-)
Richard
Hi Richard,
Thank you for your response.
Lazy load is enabled in WP Rocket for images, frames, and videos.
That's good, Debora,
and it might be worth turning lazy load off (at least temporarily) for images, to test if it makes a difference for LCP. Give it a couple of days to settle down for testing.
I use Optimole for delivering WebP images and for lazy loading because it can be used to not lazy load the first few images if you wish to improve LCP.
:-)
Richard
You may ask site support to check your server performance response times. You may need to work on optimizing your images, minifying CSS and Javascript, etc. Help tab top menu.
Hi Abie,
Thank you for the quick response. The images are optimized with Imagify. I will contact site support.
I received the following message from Site Support: "Please note that these score keeps varying through the day so you do not need to worry about it.
We also checked your website using Google PageSpeed tool and it shows a fine score for mobile and desktop. "
See more comments
Hi everyone,
I use WebP images on my website and the Imagify plugin for image optimization. Many images can't be optimized due to an error saying, "The backup directory
Sure! If you're getting an error message saying "The backup directory is not writable" when trying to optimize images with the Imagify plugin, don't worry; it's fixable.
Here's what you can do:
1. Check the permissions: Make sure the backup directory has the right settings to allow Imagify to store files properly. It should have write permissions, usually set to 755 or 775.
2. Create the backup directory: If the backup folder doesn't exist, create it manually using your FTP client.
3. Set correct ownership: Ensure the backup folder has the correct ownership, which is often your account username or the web server user.
4. Contact the support: If you still can't resolve the issue, reach out to the support team. They can help you with any server-related configurations causing the problem.
Following these steps should help you fix the issue and optimize your WebP images successfully using Imagify.
Israel
Hi Israel,
Thank you for the detailed answer. I couldn't solve it myself, so I reached out to Site Support, and they fixed it.
Hi Jeff,
For a while, I also used Smush, but it conflicted with the WPRocket plugin, so I replaced it with Imagify.
I did some digging, but I am uncertain. The folder should be writable, typically with permissions set to 755 or 777. You can adjust the permissions using an FTP client or reach out to support for their assistance.
You need to click the fifth button option in PM messages. Or help tab top menu and site support.
See more comments
Problems with image optimization?
Hi everyone,
I use WebP images on my website and the Imagify plugin for image optimization. Many images can't be optimized due to an error saying, "The backup directory
Sure! If you're getting an error message saying "The backup directory is not writable" when trying to optimize images with the Imagify plugin, don't worry; it's fixable.
Here's what you can do:
1. Check the permissions: Make sure the backup directory has the right settings to allow Imagify to store files properly. It should have write permissions, usually set to 755 or 775.
2. Create the backup directory: If the backup folder doesn't exist, create it manually using your FTP client.
3. Set correct ownership: Ensure the backup folder has the correct ownership, which is often your account username or the web server user.
4. Contact the support: If you still can't resolve the issue, reach out to the support team. They can help you with any server-related configurations causing the problem.
Following these steps should help you fix the issue and optimize your WebP images successfully using Imagify.
Israel
Hi Israel,
Thank you for the detailed answer. I couldn't solve it myself, so I reached out to Site Support, and they fixed it.
Hi Jeff,
For a while, I also used Smush, but it conflicted with the WPRocket plugin, so I replaced it with Imagify.
I did some digging, but I am uncertain. The folder should be writable, typically with permissions set to 755 or 777. You can adjust the permissions using an FTP client or reach out to support for their assistance.
You need to click the fifth button option in PM messages. Or help tab top menu and site support.
See more comments
Hello everyone!
When updating old blog posts, if I rewrite them and alter the text to make it more readable, will it affect the backlinks linking to that article?
Hey Debora,
As everyone has alluded to, it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever.
Here's another way to look at it:
Within each of your articles you'll typically have an external link pointing to another website's article on a fairly similar topic.
Essentially, you have provided that website, and that article, with a backlink.
How often do you go back and check your external links on your website to see if the article you have linked to is still the same?
My guess, NEVER.
It works exactly the same the other way around.
Generally, most webmasters will not go back and check an article they have linked to.
The only time this may occur is if a webmaster has some type of BROKEN link checker software, e.g. ahrefs, semrush, etc.
Then the only reason they would REMOVE that backlink is because their software is showing the article they are linking to as "no longer available".
However, if this software shows that are links are "clean" there is absolutely no reason to go and check the individual articles that you (or they) are linking to.
No one has time to check 1,000+ external links on a regularly basis, so as I say, the only time backlinks are likely to affected is if the person linking to you sees a 404 error (likely to occur because you have DELETED the article. When you amend the article those linking to it will NOT be aware that you have amended it).
This is also why "aged-domains" are often highly sought after.
They will typically retain some of the domain authority and the backlinks pointing to them EVEN THOUGH there is no longer a website attached to that domain name.
So, once more, NOPE, makes absolutely no difference.
Partha
Thank you, Partha,
You guessed right—I never go back to check the articles I'm linking to. I'll go ahead and update my old blog posts.
Hi - in Search Console, you can see the Linking Text that the other websites are using to link to your posts.
So, you can see what you should ideally still leave in place.
Thank you, Diane,
I'm going to preserve the linking text since I don't want to lose those backlinks.
No, updating or rewriting the text of a blog post will not directly impact the backlinks that point to that article. Backlinks are connections between one website's page to another website's page and are independent of the specific text on a page.
However, keep in mind that any changes to your content should continue to be relevant to the backlinks that you've received. As an example, if you've garnered backlinks based on specific content or keywords, and you change those significantly, it might affect how those linking to you perceive the value of your content. If they find your content to be no longer relevant, they might decide to remove their backlink, which would then impact your SEO.
Also, if your URL structure changes while updating the blog post (for example, if you decide to change the slug or permalink), then it can break the existing backlinks. To avoid this, make sure to set up proper 301 redirects if you're modifying any URLs.
Remember, updating blog posts with fresh, high-quality content is a great practice for maintaining or improving SEO, as Google appreciates updated and relevant content.
Thank you for the thorough answer.
I plan to keep the URL, slug, and permalink. I'd like to add more content and improve readability while also keeping the post relevant.
My writing skills have evolved since I wrote those articles, and I think it's time to edit them.
Thats the way Debora. It really is quite funny looking back on our 1st pieces of content compared to our newest. It is a great motivator to see how far we have all come in the way of content writing :)
Hello Debora,
No, it won't affect your backlinks. I clear my cache after each old post update.
To do this, I go to details on my site manager and click "clear cache" under "site speed"
Thank you,
I'm going to update them, and it's good to know that I can make changes without messing things up.
Unless you change the backlinks, however, if sites had links to you, those won't change unless you have changed their reference.
However, if the reference needs updating, that would be a priority.
You need to assess what is right.
Have you considered redirects?
You may already know this; you can edit all except changing the URL. If the URL changes to Google, it will be a new post, and any ranking done would be lost.
Hi Abie,
I plan to update the body text and keep the URL
Should I look up the references of the linking sites and keep those phrases?
See more comments
How will updating old content impact the backlinks to those articles?
Hello everyone!
When updating old blog posts, if I rewrite them and alter the text to make it more readable, will it affect the backlinks linking to that article?
Hey Debora,
As everyone has alluded to, it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever.
Here's another way to look at it:
Within each of your articles you'll typically have an external link pointing to another website's article on a fairly similar topic.
Essentially, you have provided that website, and that article, with a backlink.
How often do you go back and check your external links on your website to see if the article you have linked to is still the same?
My guess, NEVER.
It works exactly the same the other way around.
Generally, most webmasters will not go back and check an article they have linked to.
The only time this may occur is if a webmaster has some type of BROKEN link checker software, e.g. ahrefs, semrush, etc.
Then the only reason they would REMOVE that backlink is because their software is showing the article they are linking to as "no longer available".
However, if this software shows that are links are "clean" there is absolutely no reason to go and check the individual articles that you (or they) are linking to.
No one has time to check 1,000+ external links on a regularly basis, so as I say, the only time backlinks are likely to affected is if the person linking to you sees a 404 error (likely to occur because you have DELETED the article. When you amend the article those linking to it will NOT be aware that you have amended it).
This is also why "aged-domains" are often highly sought after.
They will typically retain some of the domain authority and the backlinks pointing to them EVEN THOUGH there is no longer a website attached to that domain name.
So, once more, NOPE, makes absolutely no difference.
Partha
Thank you, Partha,
You guessed right—I never go back to check the articles I'm linking to. I'll go ahead and update my old blog posts.
Hi - in Search Console, you can see the Linking Text that the other websites are using to link to your posts.
So, you can see what you should ideally still leave in place.
Thank you, Diane,
I'm going to preserve the linking text since I don't want to lose those backlinks.
No, updating or rewriting the text of a blog post will not directly impact the backlinks that point to that article. Backlinks are connections between one website's page to another website's page and are independent of the specific text on a page.
However, keep in mind that any changes to your content should continue to be relevant to the backlinks that you've received. As an example, if you've garnered backlinks based on specific content or keywords, and you change those significantly, it might affect how those linking to you perceive the value of your content. If they find your content to be no longer relevant, they might decide to remove their backlink, which would then impact your SEO.
Also, if your URL structure changes while updating the blog post (for example, if you decide to change the slug or permalink), then it can break the existing backlinks. To avoid this, make sure to set up proper 301 redirects if you're modifying any URLs.
Remember, updating blog posts with fresh, high-quality content is a great practice for maintaining or improving SEO, as Google appreciates updated and relevant content.
Thank you for the thorough answer.
I plan to keep the URL, slug, and permalink. I'd like to add more content and improve readability while also keeping the post relevant.
My writing skills have evolved since I wrote those articles, and I think it's time to edit them.
Thats the way Debora. It really is quite funny looking back on our 1st pieces of content compared to our newest. It is a great motivator to see how far we have all come in the way of content writing :)
Hello Debora,
No, it won't affect your backlinks. I clear my cache after each old post update.
To do this, I go to details on my site manager and click "clear cache" under "site speed"
Thank you,
I'm going to update them, and it's good to know that I can make changes without messing things up.
Unless you change the backlinks, however, if sites had links to you, those won't change unless you have changed their reference.
However, if the reference needs updating, that would be a priority.
You need to assess what is right.
Have you considered redirects?
You may already know this; you can edit all except changing the URL. If the URL changes to Google, it will be a new post, and any ranking done would be lost.
Hi Abie,
I plan to update the body text and keep the URL
Should I look up the references of the linking sites and keep those phrases?
See more comments
Hello everyone.
Google AdSense has slowed down my website drastically. Since the earnings are small, would it be better if I deactivate it and continue working on my we
@DeboraM, I feel your pain and it's understandable that you are considering other options for worthwhile returns.
Google AdSense is by far the most reasonable ad network when it comes to getting accepted in the program as they don't need any prior traffic volume to join the program.
However, the more lenient the platform is, the lesser you get for displaying ads on your site. That makes Google AdSense more of a game of numbers i.e. more page views for your site, more returns from ad placing.
So, it zeros down on increasing those page views. My recommendation, 2.1K shows that your site has potential, just work on adding valuable content. With time, it will pay off.
Hi Peshkats, thank you for the quick response. My biggest concern with AdSense is that it has slowed down my website a lot. I am afraid that this will affect my rankings and traffic.
Yes, there's a bit of a trade-off, some ads can slow down your website but the effect should be minimal as usually most ads load after your entire page has loaded.
Usually, what I do when determining on which page I should serve ads, I do it page by page as I monitor my Core web vitals in my search console to see if there's a major effect or not.
For pages that shift drastically, I exclude them in the Adsense URL exclusion tab.
See more comments
Hello everyone.
Google AdSense has slowed down my website drastically. Since the earnings are small, would it be better if I deactivate it and continue working on my we
@DeboraM, I feel your pain and it's understandable that you are considering other options for worthwhile returns.
Google AdSense is by far the most reasonable ad network when it comes to getting accepted in the program as they don't need any prior traffic volume to join the program.
However, the more lenient the platform is, the lesser you get for displaying ads on your site. That makes Google AdSense more of a game of numbers i.e. more page views for your site, more returns from ad placing.
So, it zeros down on increasing those page views. My recommendation, 2.1K shows that your site has potential, just work on adding valuable content. With time, it will pay off.
Hi Peshkats, thank you for the quick response. My biggest concern with AdSense is that it has slowed down my website a lot. I am afraid that this will affect my rankings and traffic.
Yes, there's a bit of a trade-off, some ads can slow down your website but the effect should be minimal as usually most ads load after your entire page has loaded.
Usually, what I do when determining on which page I should serve ads, I do it page by page as I monitor my Core web vitals in my search console to see if there's a major effect or not.
For pages that shift drastically, I exclude them in the Adsense URL exclusion tab.
See more comments
Hi everyone.
I got approved by AdSense today, but I don't know how many ads to put in a post and where they would be in the best place. Do you have any suggestions?
Than
That's done for you by Google, however you may use the Ad Inserter plugin to organize your ads How To Use The Ad Inserter Plugin
that's something to experiment with...
but one word of advice is to not allow auto ads or they will take over your site and make it look very spammy....
i do use ad inserter plugin to place ads as you can choose down to a post which ads are there.... Use Ad inserter plugin to control ads on your site
I'd rather place the ads myself than have Google do it automatically. I downloaded Ad Inserter, now I need to learn how to do this the right way. Thanks for the tutorial.
See more comments
How to place google ads correctly?
Hi everyone.
I got approved by AdSense today, but I don't know how many ads to put in a post and where they would be in the best place. Do you have any suggestions?
Than
That's done for you by Google, however you may use the Ad Inserter plugin to organize your ads How To Use The Ad Inserter Plugin
that's something to experiment with...
but one word of advice is to not allow auto ads or they will take over your site and make it look very spammy....
i do use ad inserter plugin to place ads as you can choose down to a post which ads are there.... Use Ad inserter plugin to control ads on your site
I'd rather place the ads myself than have Google do it automatically. I downloaded Ad Inserter, now I need to learn how to do this the right way. Thanks for the tutorial.
See more comments
Hi Debora
Are you using Lazy Load?
If you are, lazy loading images above the fold can cause a problem for LCP figures.
:-)
Richard
Hi Richard,
Thank you for your response.
Lazy load is enabled in WP Rocket for images, frames, and videos.
That's good, Debora,
and it might be worth turning lazy load off (at least temporarily) for images, to test if it makes a difference for LCP. Give it a couple of days to settle down for testing.
I use Optimole for delivering WebP images and for lazy loading because it can be used to not lazy load the first few images if you wish to improve LCP.
:-)
Richard
Hi Richard,
I turned it off and will keep my eye on the metrics.
Thank you,