Monday is here! And so are we, sharing tech smarts to make your life a little easier. Did you know every morning, I also send out free tech news? In less than 5 minutes, you’re up to date. Sign up here now, and if you don’t like it, it’s easy to unsubscribe.

⌛ Quick tip: You’re submitting an important report or writing an email that just cannot have a typo. Step 1: Use Grammarly or ChatGPT to find typos. Step 2: Read it out loud. This helps you hear mistakes you might not see. Works like a charm. — Kim

Search engine optimization (SEO) feels like magic if you don't know how it works. Google's algorithm determines what makes it to Page 1 of any particular search — and the traffic flies in.

Fun fact: That algorithm is called RankBrain (I know, quite a name). Why doesn't Google post more about it online? Aside from protecting its secret sauce, Google wants to stop people from gaming the system.

It’s called ‘Google bombing’

That’s the term used to describe manipulating search results for a specific outcome. In many cases, it’s political. (Not talking politics, promise.)

In 2003, searches for "miserable failure" brought up the official biography of then-President George W. Bush as the top result. In July 2018, a search for "idiot" returned images of then-President Donald Trump.

So, what can you do to climb the rankings?

The exact algorithm remains a closely guarded secret, but there are a ton of tested strategies you can try to help your site rank higher.

The power of keywords

Keywords are as important as ever, especially with the rise of voice search. You can’t just guess what terms people will use to get to your site, though. Tools like Google Keyword Planner (free) or Semrush (starting at $130 per month) can help you identify relevant keywords.

▶️ Pro tip: Start with free software or try out a paid version, and don’t be afraid to invest money in help if you can.

Show off your expertise

In our new artificial intelligence (AI) world, Google's algorithm puts more value than ever on content created by real experts.

Always include author bios to show your content creator's knowledge and areas of expertise — or yours, if that’s the case. If you can, create author pages linking to articles on your website authored by the individual.

▶️ Pro tip: Link social media accounts to establish yourself (or your content creator) as an expert in the field.

For you local business owners

Step 1: Get yourself Google My Business. This is to make sure you appear on Google Maps and in search results for inquiries like "coffee shop nearby."

Step 2: List your biz in as many online directories as possible. Start with Yelp, then keep going. It's a lot of work to do alone, though it's certainly possible. There are also services that can do it for you, like Yext (starting at $200 per year).

▶️ Pro tip: Make sure your key business information (name, address and phone number) is consistent across every directory or site.

🥕 Why did the vegan become an SEO marketeer? Because she likes organic growth. (Oh, good one!)

🚨 Attention, Apple users! There's an urgent fix out now for older iPhones, Macs and iPads. If you've got an iPhone 6s, 7 or SE, or an iPad Air 2, check for the iOS 15.7.9 update. Mac owners, especially those with models from 2013 or later, should look for macOS Big Sur and Monterey updates. A sneaky flaw lets hackers send tainted images that can make your device go haywire — think downloading nasty software or pulling you into harmful websites.

Wise to get rid of Wyze: Security cam company Wyze says a web caching issue is why users could see inside other people's homes last week for 30 minutes. Users took to Reddit when they noticed footage that wasn’t their own. Wyze says the issue is fixed. I'd get rid of the cameras. Here’s a great alternative to check out.

Bye-bye, cookies: Google's replacement for third-party cookies, Privacy Sandbox, is finally rolling out. The tech gives websites different ways to show targeted ads instead of relying solely on cookies that follow you around the web. In other words, you’ll have less personal data collection and more privacy. Look for it in Chrome.

👵🏻 Young at heart: A TikTok filter with 9 million videos posted using it simulates precisely what all the Gen Zers will look like 50 years from now, complete with wrinkles, crow's feet, gray hair and under-eye bags. Yes, that's why your niece looks so old now.

Be audit you can be: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says Intuit, the company behind TurboTax, needs to quit calling the product “free.” This initial decision still needs to go through review by the full commission, but let’s face it — the FTC has proof backing this claim.

Every morning, brush your teeth to my Daily Tech Update. You get fresh breath and fresh tech know-how in a minute.

Listen to my podcast, Daily Tech Update, here.

😮‍💨 Ah, room to breathe: Here's a pro tip for Windows users looking for a little digital Zen. Hit Windows + D, and welcome to a pristine desktop space. Toggle between desktops with Windows + left/right arrow. Multitasking made easy!

This, not that: Got kiddos who love to tap around on your iPad? Or maybe you're handing over your device to show a single photo, and you don't want curious fingers swiping around. Activate Guided Access. Just triple-click the home button once in the app you wish to lock onto, then triple-click again to exit and enter your passcode.

🎵 Your new jam: Your Echo, Google Home or other smart home speaker is playing a song and you have no idea who the artist is. No prob. Just say, “Alexa/Google, what’s this song?” for details.

Thumbs-up: Press Ctrl + Cmd + spacebar to access an emoji picker on a Mac. On Windows, it’s Windows key + . (period) to open the emoji keyboard.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure: A site that starts with HTTPS uses encryption for a secure connection — but don’t think that means it’s totally safe. Bad guys can get the right certification to make their scam sites secure. Stick to HTTPS sites, but it’s not the security be-all and end-all. You still have to be on your toes.

OK, that’s AFTER you’ve read this newsletter. But you’re here so you’re doing that!

🦷🥚🚽 While you’re brushing your teeth, cooking eggs or, uh, using the bathroom, update yourself with my Daily Tech Update podcast. In just 60 seconds, I’ll catch you up on the big tech news story of the day.

Use the link below to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.

❓ Have a question for me? Drop it right here, or leave me a voicemail at 602‑381‑8200 ext. 290.

Last week, I told you how to get free books. Since you all loved that site, how about a great way to stop buying expensive eBooks in the Kindle store? You can check out eBooks (audiobooks, too!) for free from your local library. My favorite app for this is Libby. Pro tip: It’s wise to check out that cookbook you’ve been eyeing. Make sure you actually want to cook what’s inside before spending money.

Download Libby or find another option. →

Sorry, but those guys and gals don’t look like the pictures they use in the ads.

Thanks for starting your week with me, friend. Be sure to share this newsletter using your unique link below. I want that $1,200 laptop or iPad to be YOURS. Appreciate you being here with me and the best tech newsletter in the world! — Kim