Shrikant Portfolio

Tag: web developer

  • From Blank Space to Page One: Crafting SEO-Friendly Blogs

     

    Taylor once sang, “I’ll write your name.” For many businesses, the challenge is not writing itself but writing in a way that Google actually notices. You can spend hours filling up a blank page, but unless your content is optimized for search, it may never reach your audience.

    That is where SEO-friendly blogging comes in. Blogs are more than words on a page. They are powerful tools that bring consistent traffic, establish your expertise, and convert readers into clients.

    For context, I am Shrikant Bodke, a web developer and digital marketer with six years of experience helping brands in India and the UK climb Google rankings. I have worked on small business websites as well as enterprise SEO strategies, and one thing has always been clear: blogging done right is still one of the most reliable ways to rank on Google.

    Let us explore how you can take your blog from a blank space to page one.

    Why Blogs Still Matter in 2025

    Some people believe blogs are outdated in the age of reels, shorts, and AI-generated content. The truth is, blogs remain a central part of search. Here is why:

    • Blogs target long-tail keywords that people actually search for.
    • They position you as a trusted voice in your niche.
    • They create opportunities for internal linking across your site.
    • Blogs add a steady flow of content, which Google rewards.
    • They provide material you can repurpose for social media, newsletters, or videos.

    I have seen this play out in real projects. On one client site, we started publishing two long-form blogs every week. Within three months, traffic doubled. Even now, those same blogs bring in leads because they were built to last.

    If you want to understand how blogs connect to the bigger SEO picture, I recommend reading my post on building long-lasting Google rankings.

    And since AI is reshaping how we create, tools like ChatGPT are making it faster to brainstorm, outline, and draft. I wrote about this in AI in Web Development: Saving Time and Helping Us Focus on What Matters, where I explained how automation can free us to focus on strategy instead of repetitive tasks.

    Start With Keyword Research

    Strong blogs start with strong keywords. Do not just chase what looks popular. Go after what your audience is actually searching for.

    Here is a simple process:

    1. Brainstorm seed topics based on the problems your audience faces. For example, “Why is my site not ranking?” or “How do I make my WordPress site faster?”
    2. Use SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to expand those ideas with search volume and competition data.
    3. Focus on search intent. If someone types “SEO blog examples”, they want to learn. If they type “hire SEO blog writer India”, they are ready to buy.
    4. Balance difficulty with opportunity. Competing with giants like HubSpot on generic keywords will not work. Focus on long-tail searches where you can stand out.

    📌 Example: Instead of only writing for content writing services, aim for best SEO blog writing services in India or how to optimize blogs for UK audiences.

    Craft Titles That Rank and Engage

    A blog title is your first impression. It determines if readers click or scroll past.

    • Place the primary keyword early in the title.
    • Keep it clear and direct.
    • Add a hook or benefit to make it stand out.

    Compare:
    ❌ “Writing That Shines”
    ✅ “How to Write SEO-Friendly Blogs That Rank on Google”

    Taylor’s song titles are short, simple, and memorable. Think of Love Story, Style, or Enchanted. That is exactly how your titles should feel.

    Structure Your Blog Like a Journey

    Nobody enjoys reading an unbroken wall of text. Both Google and readers prefer structured writing.

    Here is an effective blog format:

    • Introduction: Hook, context, and promise.
    • Body: Organized into clear H2s and H3s. Each section should answer one question.
    • Examples: Real-world cases or insights.
    • Conclusion: Wrap-up and call to action.

    Formatting tips:

    • Use short paragraphs.
    • Add bullet points and lists.
    • Include images with proper alt text.

    For more insights, visit Google Search Central’s guide on creating helpful content.

    Write for People First and Then Optimize for Google

    Write naturally first, then optimize after. Over-optimizing makes content unreadable and hurts trust.

    Best practices:

    • Place the main keyword within the first 100 words.
    • Use natural variations of the keyword throughout.
    • Add internal links to related posts like SEO and content writing services.
    • Reference trusted sources such as Search Engine Journal.
    • End with a clear call to action.

    👉 Example CTA: “Need help optimizing your blogs? Explore my content writing services and let us create content that ranks.”

    Why Long-Form Content Wins

    Short blogs can work for quick updates, but when it comes to ranking, long-form content almost always performs better.

    Reasons include:

    • They allow in-depth coverage of a topic.
    • Google sees them as more authoritative.
    • They naturally cover a wider range of related terms.
    • They earn backlinks because they are seen as valuable resources.

    Aim for 1200 to 1500 words for most blogs. For in-depth guides, going over 2000 words is fine.

    I have seen this in practice. When we expanded client blogs to over 1200 words, the bounce rate went down and time on page went up. Google noticed, and rankings improved.

    If you are interested in how AI is making it easier to create long-form content without losing quality, check out How AI Tools Are Transforming Software Development. While that article focuses on developers, the same lessons apply to content creators.

    Build Authority With Internal Links

    Internal linking is one of the simplest but most powerful SEO tactics. It connects content and spreads authority across your site.

    For example:

    Promote Your Blog After Publishing

    Publishing is just the beginning. Promotion is what brings readers in.

    Ways to promote:

    • Share on LinkedIn with key takeaways.
    • Post highlights on Instagram or Twitter.
    • Send the blog to your email subscribers.
    • Repurpose sections into videos or carousels.
    • Pitch it for backlinks on related sites.

    Taylor does not just release an album and stay quiet. She promotes across channels, builds anticipation, and engages her audience. That is exactly how you should treat your blogs.

    Conclusion: From Blank Space to Page One

    Turning a blank page into a blog that ranks requires effort, but the payoff is worth it. With the right keywords, engaging titles, thoughtful structure, and long-form depth, you can write blogs that both Google and your readers value.

    If you ever wonder whether blogging still matters, remember this: Google’s index is like Taylor’s discography. It grows every day, but only the work that resonates truly stands out.

    Your goal is to make sure your blog belongs in that playlist and that readers keep hitting replay.

  • The Archer and the Algorithm: Mastering SEO Strategy

    Introduction: SEO as The Archer’s Quest

    Taylor once sang “I wake in the night, I pace like a ghost, the room is on fire, invisible smoke”. That’s exactly what it feels like when you’re chasing Google rankings.

    You know your content deserves the spotlight, but the algorithm keeps you pacing in the shadows.

    SEO in 2025 isn’t just about throwing content online — it’s about aiming every arrow with strategy, precision, and creativity. In this guide, we’ll explore SEO strategy 2025 step by step: from keyword research to technical optimization, from content to backlinks.

    🎯 Step One: Know Your Target (Keyword Research & Search Intent)

    Why Keywords Still Matter in 2025

    • Google’s algorithm is smarter than ever, but keywords remain the bridge between your content and your audience.
    • The trick is choosing low-competition, high-relevance keywords that align with what your audience actually wants.

    Tools to Use

    • Google Keyword Planner (free, great for India & UK markets)
    • Ahrefs & SEMrush (deep insights on competition & SERPs)
    • AnswerThePublic (discovering audience questions)

    Best Practices

    • Choose long-tail keywords (e.g., “SEO strategy for small businesses in UK”, “technical SEO checklist 2025”).
    • Focus on search intent: is your audience researching, comparing, or ready to buy?
    • Example: A UK business owner might search “SEO consultant UK”, while an Indian startup might search “SEO expert for small business India”.

    👉 If you’re unsure where to begin, read my guide: You Belong With SEO: Making Sure Google Can’t Shake You Off.

    🎯 Step Two: Hone Your Bowstring (Technical SEO Tips 2025)

    Your website’s structure is the bow. If it’s weak, the arrow won’t fly far.

    Core Technical SEO Elements

    1. Page Speed & Core Web Vitals
      • Use Google PageSpeed Insights & Lighthouse
      • Optimize images (WebP format)
      • Enable caching & use a CDN
    2. Mobile Optimization
      • 60%+ of searches in India & UK are mobile-first.
      • Use responsive design & test with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
    3. Crawlability & Indexing
      • Submit XML Sitemap to Google Search Console
      • Fix broken links & 404 errors
      • Use clean URL structures (/seo-strategy-2025/)

    👉 Want hands-on steps? Check my blog: Why Web Performance Matters and How You Can Make Your Site Faster.

    🎯 Step Three: Sharpen Your Arrows (Content Optimization)

    In Swiftie terms, every blog is a track on your album. To hit the top, your content needs to resonate with your audience.

    Content SEO Best Practices

    • Use primary keyword in H1 + naturally across content
    • Break content into H2/H3 sections with secondary keywords
    • Write meta descriptions that entice clicks
    • Add internal links (guide users deeper into your site)

    Content Formats That Rank in 2025

    • Long-form blogs (2,000–3,000 words) – like this one.
    • How-to guides (step-by-step tutorials).
    • Case studies & success stories – show results.
    • Visual content – infographics, short videos.

    👉 Example: My blog How AI Tools Are Transforming Software Development naturally earned backlinks because of timely, practical insights.

    🎯 Step Four: Take the Shot (Backlinks & Authority Building)

    Backlinks are your opening acts — they add authority and tell Google your content is worth promoting.

    Link Building Strategies in 2025

    • Guest posting on niche blogs (SEO, web dev, marketing)
    • Digital PR (share case studies, tools, unique data)
    • HARO (Help A Reporter Out) → journalists love SEO insights
    • Partnerships & collaborations (cross-posting content)

    External reference: Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to Link Building.

    🎯 Step Five: Measure Your Aim (SEO Analytics & Tracking)

    You can’t improve what you don’t measure.

    Key SEO Metrics (India & UK markets)

    • Organic traffic growth (via GA4, GSC)
    • Keyword rankings (Ahrefs, SEMrush)
    • Engagement rate (scroll depth, time on page)
    • Conversions (leads generated from blog → services page)

    Local SEO Focus: India vs. UK

    India SEO Strategy

    • Target terms like “SEO expert India”, “SEO services for startups in India”.
    • Use Indian directories & Google Business Profile.
    • Case studies highlighting Indian SMEs & startups.

    UK SEO Strategy

    • Focus on “SEO consultant UK”, “SEO services for small businesses UK”.
    • Mention GDPR compliance, local case studies.
    • Build backlinks from UK marketing agencies, business blogs.

    Key Takeaway: Aim With Intention

    SEO isn’t about luck. It’s about strategy and precision. The Archer doesn’t shoot into the void — every arrow is calculated.

    Your website can do the same. With the right blend of:

    • Keyword targeting
    • Technical optimization
    • Quality content
    • Strong backlinks

    You’ll not just hit Google’s first page — you’ll own your niche in 2025.

  • Web Development Basics: Beginner’s Guide to HTML, CSS & JavaScript

    Web development is the process of building and maintaining websites and web applications that are accessible via the internet or a private network. If you’re just starting out, here’s a structured roadmap to help you understand the essentials and begin your journey in web development.

    What is Web Development?

    Web development refers to all the work involved in creating websites or web applications, from simple static pages to complex platforms like e-commerce stores or social networks. It includes both the design (how things look) and the development (how things work) aspects, but the term “web development” typically focuses on the coding and technical side.

    How the Web Works: The Fundamentals

    Before diving into coding, it’s helpful to understand how the web functions:

    • Websites are collections of web pages stored on servers and accessed via browsers (like Chrome or Firefox).

    • IP Addresses are unique identifiers for devices on the internet, but we use domain names (like google.com) for convenience.

    • HTTP/HTTPS are protocols that define how data is transferred between your browser and web servers. HTTPS is the secure, encrypted version.

    • Browsers interpret code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to display web pages to users.

    The Three Pillars of Web Development

    1. HTML (HyperText Markup Language)

    • Purpose: Structures the content of web pages—think of it as the skeleton1467.

    • What you do: Use HTML to add headings, paragraphs, images, links, and lists to your page.

    • Example:

      xml
      <h1>Welcome to My Website</h1>
      <p>This is my first web page!</p>

    2. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)

    • Purpose: Styles and visually formats your HTML content—like adding colors, layouts, and fonts467.

    • What you do: Use CSS to make your website look attractive and user-friendly.

    • Example:

      css
      body {
      background-color: #f0f0f0;
      font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
      }
      h1 {
      color: #3333cc;
      }

    3. JavaScript

    • Purpose: Adds interactivity and dynamic behavior to your website (like forms, animations, and games)1467.

    • What you do: Use JavaScript to respond to user actions, validate forms, and create engaging experiences.

    • Example:

      javascript
      document.getElementById("myButton").onclick = function() {
      alert("Hello, world!");
      }

    Front-End vs. Back-End Development

    Aspect Front-End Back-End
    What it does User interface and experience Server, database, and application logic
    Main languages HTML, CSS, JavaScript PHP, Python, Node.js, Ruby, Java, etc.
    Runs on User’s browser Web server

    • Front-End: Everything the user sees and interacts with.

    • Back-End: The behind-the-scenes logic, databases, and server operations.

    Getting Started: Your First Steps

    1. Set Up Your Environment:
      Install a code editor (like VS Code) and a few browsers for testing.
    2. Create Your First Web Page:
      Start with a simple HTML file, add some content, and open it in your browser.
    3. Style with CSS:
      Link a CSS file to your HTML and experiment with colors and layouts.
    4. Add Interactivity with JavaScript:
      Try simple scripts to make your page interactive.
    5. Publish Your Website:
      Once you’re comfortable, you can use free hosting services to put your site online.

    Learning Resources

    • MDN Web Docs: Structured tutorials and challenges for beginners.

    • W3Schools: Step-by-step roadmaps and interactive examples.

    • BrowserStack & HubSpot Guides: Beginner-friendly explanations and tips.

    Conclusion

    Web development is a dynamic field that starts with understanding how the web works and mastering the core languages: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. With practice, you’ll be able to build and launch your own websites, setting the foundation for deeper learning and specialization in areas like back-end development, frameworks, and advanced web technologies.

  • WebAssembly Basics: Making Web Apps Faster and Smoother

    Imagine a Faster Web

    Wouldn’t it be cool if web apps ran as smoothly as the apps on your phone or PC? That’s exactly the kind of experience WebAssembly brings to the table. Known as Wasm, it lets our browsers run code almost as fast as native software. In this post, I’ll break down what it is, how it works, and why it’s such a game changer for devs like us.

    What Is WebAssembly?

    Alright, let’s keep it simple. WebAssembly is a new way to run code in the browser. Usually, we build our frontend using JavaScript, which is great for most things. But once we need to do something heavy like image processing or advanced logic, JavaScript can feel a bit slow.

    That’s where WebAssembly comes in. You can write code in languages like C, C++ or Rust, and then compile it into a .wasm file. This file runs really fast inside the browser. It doesn’t replace JavaScript, though. It works alongside it. So you use JS where it fits, and use Wasm when performance matters.

    Think of it like giving your browser a high-performance turbo mode.

    Why WebAssembly Is Worth Learning

    Let’s be honest. We’ve all used web tools that felt sluggish. Maybe a photo editor that couldn’t keep up, or an online game that lagged too much. WebAssembly fixes that. It makes these kinds of apps way more responsive.

    Here’s what makes it powerful:

    • Speed: Runs code almost as fast as native apps. Great for stuff like graphics, simulations or crunching numbers.
    • Language Flexibility: You’re not tied to JavaScript. Use languages that are better suited for performance-heavy tasks.
    • Better UX: Faster apps mean happier users. That’s always a win.

    Basically, WebAssembly gives us the power to build fast, powerful apps right inside the browser without needing to build desktop software.

    How to Get Started with WebAssembly

    It might look complicated at first, but it’s not that bad once you try it. Here’s the usual flow:

    1. Write your code in C or Rust.
    2. Use something like Emscripten to compile it into a .wasm file.
    3. Load that file into your web project using JavaScript.

    Here’s a basic command to compile a C file:

    emcc file.c -s WASM=1 -o file.html

    And here’s a simple JS snippet to load the WebAssembly module:

    fetch('module.wasm')
  .then(response => response.arrayBuffer())
  .then(bytes => WebAssembly.instantiate(bytes))
  .then(results => {
    results.instance.exports.myFunction();
  });

    Just like that, you’ve got native-level performance baked into your frontend.

    Wrapping It Up

    WebAssembly is a solid step forward in how we build on the web. Whether it’s games, complex tools or anything that needs raw speed, Wasm lets you stay in the browser while giving your users a much better experience.

    You’re not replacing JavaScript. You’re giving it a power-up.

    If you haven’t tried WebAssembly yet, now’s a great time to start experimenting. Even if you don’t use it everywhere, just knowing how and where to plug it in can seriously level up your projects.

  • Why Web Performance Matters and How You Can Make Your Site Faster

    Ever clicked away from a site just because it took forever to load? Yeah, me too. And we’re not alone—research shows that if your site doesn’t load within 3 seconds, most visitors bounce. As developers, this should be a wake-up call. Speed isn’t just a nice-to-have, it directly impacts how users experience your site, how Google ranks you, and how well your site converts.

    So let’s look at why performance actually matters, and how you can start making things faster without losing sleep.

    Why Web Performance Should Be a Priority

    In today’s world, nobody has the patience for a laggy website. Whether you’re shopping, reading, or checking out someone’s portfolio, a slow site is a huge turn-off. It kills the vibe.

    What’s worse? Google doesn’t like it either. Page speed is a ranking factor now. So if your site’s dragging, you’re not just frustrating users—you’re probably slipping in search results too.

    In short: performance = user experience = better results. Simple.

    Quick and Simple Ways to Speed Up Your Site

    Making your site faster doesn’t always mean diving deep into hardcore optimization. These are easy wins you can start with right now:

    – Optimize Your Images

    Images are often the biggest culprit behind a slow-loading site. Use compressed formats like WebP or AVIF. And don’t skip lazy loading—it delays image loading until the image is actually visible on the screen. That way, you’re not loading everything at once.

    <img src="image.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Optimized Image">

    – Minify Your CSS and JavaScript

    No one likes bloated code. Minifying removes extra spaces, comments, and junk that browsers don’t need. The result? Smaller files and faster loads.

    npm install -g minify
minify yourscript.js

    There are also plugins for most CMS platforms if you’re not working with raw code.

    Use a CDN (Content Delivery Network)

    CDNs store your content across multiple servers worldwide. So when someone visits your site, they get data from the server closest to them. It’s faster. It’s more efficient. It just makes sense—especially if you’ve got a global audience.

    Reduce HTTP Requests

    Every little thing on your site—scripts, styles, images—needs a separate request. The more you have, the more your browser has to juggle. Try combining CSS and JS files, using fewer custom fonts, or limiting unnecessary animations.

    Think of it like cleaning up your desk. Fewer items = faster access = smoother workflow.

    Wrap-Up: It’s All About Experience

    Speed isn’t just about performance scores. It’s about giving people a better experience. A snappy, responsive site keeps users around longer, boosts conversions, and helps your SEO.

    Start small—optimize a few images, minify your scripts, and look into a CDN. These little tweaks stack up, and before you know it, your site feels smoother, faster, and way more professional.

    Trust me, once you feel the difference, there’s no going back.

  • The Power of Flexbox: Simplifying Responsive Web Design

    Introduction

    Flexbox, short for “Flexible Box Layout,” is a one-dimensional layout model that offers more control over the alignment, spacing, and distribution of items within a container. It’s a go-to tool for responsive design, enabling easy alignment and flexible layouts. In this post, we’ll explore how Flexbox simplifies responsive design and when to use it instead of other layout techniques.

    1. The Basics of Flexbox

    To create a flexbox layout, you need to define a flex container using display: flex; . Flexbox arranges items along a single axis, either horizontally or vertically.

    CSS:

    .container {
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-around;
    align-items: center;
    }

    .item {
    background-color: lightcoral;
    padding: 20px;
    }

    HTML:

    <div class=”container”>
    <div class=”item”>Item 1</div>
    <div class=”item”>Item 2</div>
    <div class=”item”>Item 3</div>
    </div>

    2. Aligning Items Flexibly

    With Flexbox, you can easily control the alignment of items using properties like justify-content and align-items. These properties define how items are spaced and aligned within the container.

    .container {
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    align-items: flex-start;
    }

    This layout ensures that items are evenly distributed across the container and aligned to the top.

    3. Responsive Flexbox

    Flexbox is inherently responsive. By default, flex items shrink to fit smaller screens, but you can use media queries to create breakpoints for more specific control.

    CSS:

    @media (max-width: 600px) {
    .container {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: center;
    }}

    HTML:

    <div class=”container”>
    <div class=”item”>Item 1</div>
    <div class=”item”>Item 2</div>
    <div class=”item”>Item 3</div>
    </div>

    Conclusion

    Flexbox is a powerful tool for creating responsive, dynamic layouts with minimal code. Its simplicity and flexibility make it an ideal choice for many modern web design challenges, especially for one-dimensional layouts.

  • HTML5 Updates You Should Actually Use: Simple Wins for Better Web Projects

    HTML5 is the heart of every website we build today. As developers, we always appreciate anything that saves time and makes things cleaner. And thankfully, HTML5 keeps evolving in that direction. Whether you’re handling forms, working with media, or adding visual elements, these new features are super handy. Here’s what’s new and how you can actually put it to use in your next project.

    1. Smarter Input Types for Forms

    Forms can be a headache, but HTML5 makes them way easier. Instead of relying on JavaScript or extra libraries, we now have built-in input types that just work out of the box. Here are a few I keep using: 
    <input type="date">     <!-- Adds a native date picker -->
<input type="color">    <!-- Let users choose colors visually -->
<input type="range">    <!-- Slider control, great for volume or brightness -->
    And here’s how they look together: 
    <form>
  <label for="birthday">Birthday:</label>
  <input type="date" id="birthday" name="birthday">

  <label for="favcolor">Favorite Color:</label>
  <input type="color" id="favcolor" name="favcolor">

  <label for="volume">Volume:</label>
  <input type="range" id="volume" name="volume" min="0" max="100">
</form>
    They’re great because they reduce user error and make your forms feel more modern without needing plugins.

    2. Built-In Audio and Video Support

    No more outdated plugins or embedding YouTube links just to play a video. HTML5 supports native multimedia, and it works really well. Here’s how you can add a simple video or audio player: 
    <video width="320" height="240" controls>
  <source src="movie.mp4" type="video/mp4">
  Your browser does not support the video tag.
</video>

<audio controls>
  <source src="audio.mp3" type="audio/mpeg">
  Your browser does not support the audio element.
</audio>
    Clean, simple, and it just works across modern browsers. Perfect for tutorials, product videos, or podcasts on your site.

    3. Drawing with the <canvas> Element

    If you’ve ever wanted to add custom graphics, small animations, or effects, HTML5’s <canvas> is worth trying. It lets you draw right in the browser using JavaScript. Here’s a quick example: 
    <canvas id="myCanvas" width="200" height="100"></canvas>
<script>
  const canvas = document.getElementById('myCanvas');
  const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
  ctx.fillStyle = 'red';
  ctx.fillRect(10, 10, 150, 80);
</script>
    This creates a red rectangle, but you can take it much further with charts, games, or animated visuals.

    Final Thoughts

    HTML5 is doing a lot of the heavy lifting for us. With the new input types, native multimedia, and the <canvas> element, we get more done with less code. These features aren’t just “nice-to-haves”, they genuinely improve UX and streamline development. If you’re building anything in 2025, these are tools you’ll want in your kit. Try them out in your next project and see how much smoother things get.