Many bloggers struggle to drive traffic to their blogs, and one common mistake I've noticed while visiting many new blogs through their Google profiles is leaving outdated links on their profiles. Ever since Google shut down Google+, which I consider one of Google's biggest missteps, this issue has become more common. Google+ was a fantastic platform for connecting bloggers, sharing blog posts, and resolving blogging challenges, thanks to the wealth of information shared there. Now, without Google+, you can no longer view a blogger's profile directly without clicking on their Google account or visiting their blog URL. Unfortunately, many bloggers still have outdated, nonfunctional blogs linked to their profiles, leading to an increase in bounce rate.
1. Remove Non-Functional Links From Your Google Profile
Go through your Google profile and remove links to old or inactive blogs. Only leave links to blogs that are active and regularly updated.
2. Prioritize Updated Blogs
What is Bounce Rate?
I’ve explained this in a previous post, but here’s a quick recap: bounce rate refers to the percentage of single-page visits on your website, where a visitor leaves without interacting further. It’s calculated by dividing the number of single-page visits by the total visits and then representing that as a percentage. A high bounce rate often indicates that visitors are not engaging with your content.
The Problem
When a visitor clicks on your Google profile and finds multiple links, they might accidentally click on one of your outdated blogs. When they realize the blog is inactive, they often close your profile altogether, without checking other links. Even if they do go back and click on an active link, their initial disappointment may lead to spending less time reading your content, which can still contribute to a higher bounce rate.
How to Fix This Issue1. Remove Non-Functional Links From Your Google Profile
Go through your Google profile and remove links to old or inactive blogs. Only leave links to blogs that are active and regularly updated.
2. Prioritize Updated Blogs
If you manage multiple blogs, make sure the most frequently updated blog appears as the first link on your profile.
3. Include Post Dates
3. Include Post Dates
Display the date on each of your blog posts. This helps visitors see that your blog is active and that the content is current.
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While I was watching a reality TV show about a family who lives and raises their children in the bush, I was struck by the profound implications of their story. This family had built their life in the bush, far from the conveniences and demands of modern society. However, the government burned down their home located on public land, forcing them to relocate. Determined to continue their way of life, they purchased land deep in the forest in Alaska—a remote and inexpensive location—and began rebuilding. But the challenges didn’t end there: they had to endure long drives and build a new cabin just to maintain their lifestyle.
Why am I writing about this? Because their experience reflects a broader issue: the way governments and modern societies treat people who choose to live differently. Across the world, there are indigenous tribes and isolated communities who have been “discovered” by tourists, explorers, scientists, or even random adventurers. Once these groups are identified, governments often step in, claiming they need to introduce modernization, enforce regulations, or teach these people a “better” way of life. This paternalistic approach strips individuals and communities of their autonomy and disregards their unique cultures, traditions, and choices.
In my opinion, if we want to live in a world where human rights truly prevail, then people must be allowed to live the way they choose—whether or not we agree with their way of life. As long as they are not harming others, their choices should be respected. I’ve seen reality shows and documentaries from countries like the United States, Canada, and others, where indigenous tribes and remote communities are filmed without consent, their lives laid bare for public consumption. These invasions of privacy are not just disrespectful; they’re exploitative. Forcing these communities into the global spotlight, altering their way of life, or making them adapt to systems they never asked for is a gross violation of their freedom.
Some families and individuals deliberately reject the conventional trappings of modern society. They do not want to pay electricity bills, take on car or house loans, or be beholden to government systems. They don’t want to live a life of perpetual debt or adhere to societal expectations like attending formal schools or holding steady jobs. Instead, they prioritize simplicity, self-reliance, and connection with nature. Not everyone wants to use cell phones or drink contaminated tap water; some people crave fresh water, prefer planting their own food, and living sustainably. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Forcing them to conform to a system—a system often plagued by corruption, inequality, and coercion—is deeply unjust.
Have you taken the time to reflect on the year from its beginning to its near conclusion? I was at home when I had a deep reflection on Thanksgiving Day. God reminded me of all he has done for me this year, and I just started praising and worshiping him. God has guided every aspect of my life this year. God gave me peace, taught me patience, and shifted my heart from things that added no value to my life—and that didn't point me towards heaven. God provided me with a path to follow, which I will discuss in more detail soon, but overall, my heart is overflowing with joy. I want to thank God that I am among the living, and I am healthy enough to move around and do things. I want to thank God for keeping my parents alive, and I know that my prayer for them for 120 years will come true. I will look back on this post and say, "Yes, indeed, God is great."
Every day should be Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for?
The holiday season has arrived, bringing with it a multitude of concerns for those balancing work and holiday preparations. Many are feeling the pressure of achieving their year-end goals, yet it is essential to prioritize health amidst these stresses.
We all face stress in our lives, including traffic, monthly bills, health worries, and relationship issues. Persistent worry, due to the inextricable link between the mind and body, can negatively affect health and contribute to a variety of illnesses.
While you cannot eliminate all kinds of stress, you can learn how to manage stress and develop resilience—the ability to recover from adversity.
Some people seem to enjoy better and healthier lives because they are inherently upbeat and cheerful. These people frequently transform obstacles and possible setbacks into chances and achievements. This way of thinking is consistent with the idea of "antifragility," which is the capacity to flourish and become more resilient in the face of adversity and stress. According to this perspective, stress is a necessary part of life, and developing antifragility enables people to leverage their strengths to overcome obstacles.
While you cannot eliminate all kinds of stress, you can learn how to manage stress and develop resilience—the ability to recover from adversity.
Some people seem to enjoy better and healthier lives because they are inherently upbeat and cheerful. These people frequently transform obstacles and possible setbacks into chances and achievements. This way of thinking is consistent with the idea of "antifragility," which is the capacity to flourish and become more resilient in the face of adversity and stress. According to this perspective, stress is a necessary part of life, and developing antifragility enables people to leverage their strengths to overcome obstacles.
Happy New Month! Welcome to the month of December. I am so excited about ending the year with clarity, God's leading, success, and vision through His guidance.
Photo by Bich Tran
The Impact of Teenage Pregnancy on Parents
Teenage pregnancy is one of the biggest fears for many parents. Growing up in a large Christian family instilled in us the belief that marriage is honorable, a belief that continues to resonate with me today. The truth is, teenage pregnancy doesn't just affect the teenager involved; it often shapes their lives in challenging ways, leading to a path filled with struggle and stress. While some young parents rise above their circumstances with stories of triumph, others find themselves wishing they had never ventured down that path.
It's crucial to guide and watch over our teens, but we often overlook a significant aspect: the impact on parents when their child either becomes pregnant or is involved in a teenage pregnancy. We rarely discuss the challenges faced by parents whose children are involved in teenage pregnancy. I remember growing up and witnessing a few girls in my community get pregnant. My dad was terrified and warned me to be careful. I could see the fear in his eyes and hear it in his trembling voice, especially since these were girls I grew up with, talked to, and attended Bible study with. His concern came straight from the heart. Thankfully, I heeded his advice, but the experience left me thinking deeply about how much fear and anxiety parents endure.
Often, when teenage pregnancy happens, the focus tends to be on the teenager's future and the societal reactions, but we forget about the parents' pain and heartbreak. Many parents feel judged, ashamed, and even ostracized by their communities. You might say, "Well, why should they care about what society thinks?" But the truth is, as humans, we're naturally conscious of how we're perceived by others. We want to present our best selves to the world, and so do our parents.
When parents react emotionally to the news of a teenage pregnancy, they are sometimes labeled as harsh or uncaring. I've heard stories of people criticizing their parents for their intense reactions, calling them cruel or unloving. Yet, in many cases, those reactions stem from a place of deep pain and disappointment—not just in their children but also in themselves. Parents often feel like they've failed in their upbringing or that their child didn't listen to their guidance. And while it’s true that not all children will heed their parents' advice, it doesn’t take away from the hurt parents feel when things go awry.
The Emotional Toll on Parents
Teenage pregnancy can affect parents in profound ways, but we seldom acknowledge this. Here are some of the emotional and psychological impacts it can have on them:
1. Broken Trust: Parents often feel a deep sense of betrayal, which can affect their trust in their other children as well.
2. Living in Fear: There's a constant worry that the same situation might happen again, either with the same child or with their siblings.
3. Increased Anger: The stress and fear can make them more irritable and prone to outbursts.
4. Shame and guilt: Many parents feel ashamed among their peers and carry a heavy burden of guilt, questioning where they went wrong.
5. Judgment in Religious Communities: For those in religious settings, especially if they hold a position like a pastor, they might be labeled as careless or even unfit for their role, leading to loss of respect and position.
6. Social Withdrawal: Parents may become withdrawn, keeping to themselves to avoid judgment and uncomfortable questions.
7. Loss of Joy: The disappointment and stress can take away their smiles and rob them of their happiness.
8. Diminished confidence: They might lose confidence in their parenting abilities and question their self-worth.
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