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- What Are Websites? Definition, Types and History Explained
What Are Websites? Definition, Types and History Explained
The History of Websites: From Simple Pages to Complex Digital Experiences
Key Takeaways
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A website is a collection of web pages under a common domain, composed of text, images, videos and linked via navigation elements for seamless browsing.
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Websites serve different purposes: interactive (quizzes, chats), transactional/eCommerce (online stores), or informational (blogs, educational content).
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Core components include home page, individual pages, content, navigation, domain name, hosting, ‘WWW’ prefix and URLs with slugs, all working together to create a complete user experience.
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Site structure types explained: static (fixed HTML/CSS), dynamic (real-time generated via CMS or code), and responsive (auto-adjusting layouts for all devices).
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Different site types impact SEO: informational sites are content-rich and naturally SEO‑friendly; eCommerce and interactive sites can rank well if optimised technically and performance-wise.
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Website history traced from simple text pages (early 1990s) to Flash-based interactivity, then to responsive design and AI/PWAs today, highlighting evolving user expectations and SEO considerations.
Before we go into the history, lets take a moment and talk about websites in general.
What Is a Website?
A website is essentially a collection of web pages that are all grouped together under one common name or address, known as a domain. Each page on a website is made up of text, images, videos, and other elements that are connected to each other through links, allowing users to easily move between them. Think of a website like a digital book or brochure, but instead of being printed on paper, it’s displayed on your screen. A website can be accessed through the internet, and it’s typically hosted on a server, which is a type of computer that stores all of the files and data that make up the website.
Websites can have many different purposes. Some websites are informational, providing content like articles, news, or blogs to keep visitors updated. Other websites are designed for social media interaction, like Facebook or Instagram, where people can share content and communicate with each other. There are also eCommerce websites which are basically online stores that sell your products such as Amazon or eBay. These Ecommerce Websites are built solely to help people buy and sell products online. Some websites offer services, such as banking or booking flights, while others might just be simple, personal sites showcasing hobbies or portfolios.
When you visit a website, your computer or phone sends a request to a web server, which processes that request and sends back the relevant information, like a web page. This process happens so quickly that it seems instant, but behind the scenes, there are many steps being taken to make sure the content appears correctly on your screen.
How Do Websites Work?
When you type a website’s address into your browser (like Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox), it sends a request to the server hosting that website. The server then sends back the data, and the browser assembles all of it into the website that you see. All of this happens in just a fraction of a second, so you don’t even notice the complexity behind it.
The website itself is made up of code—which is a type of computer language that tells the browser how to display the website’s content. The most common code used for websites includes HTML (HyperText Markup Language), which structures the content, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), which styles the content (like colors and fonts), and JavaScript, which adds interactivity (like buttons that change when you hover over them).
Why Are Websites Important?
Websites are a crucial part of the internet and serve as the foundation for many digital experiences. Whether for personal use, business, entertainment, or education, websites provide a platform for information and interaction. Without websites, we wouldn’t be able to shop online, access social media, learn from educational resources, or even just browse for fun. In many ways, websites are the building blocks of the internet.
For businesses, having a website is especially important. It gives companies an online presence and allows them to showcase their products, provide customer service, and communicate with a global audience. A website can act as a digital storefront, and it’s often the first point of contact potential customers have with a brand.
In conclusion, a website is a vital part of the digital world, serving as a gateway for users to access information, communicate, and interact online. From small personal blogs to large corporate sites, websites play a significant role in shaping how we experience and use the internet. As technology continues to advance, websites will keep evolving, becoming more interactive and integrated with new tools and features to meet the needs of users.
The 8 Key Parts of a Website:
To fully understand what a website is, it’s important to know the essential components that make up a website. Each part works together to create the full experience for the user, making it easy to navigate, find information, and interact with the content.
Lets break down all the parts that make up a site:
1. Home Page
The main page that acts as an introduction to the website. It usually provides an overview of what the site offers, with links to other important sections or pages. The home page serves as a starting point, guiding visitors through the site and helping them find the information they need.
2. Web Pages:
These are the individual pages that make up the structure of the website. Each page is dedicated to a particular topic or piece of information. For example, a business website might have separate pages for its services, about the company, and contact information. Web pages are connected through internal links, allowing visitors to jump from one page to another with ease.
3. Website Content
This includes the text, images, videos, and any interactive features that provide value to the user. Content is what makes a website informative, entertaining, or useful. Without good content, a website wouldn’t serve its purpose of informing or engaging visitors. Content is displayed in a way that is easy to read and navigate, so visitors can quickly find what they are looking for.
4. Website Navigation
This is usually a menu or set of links at the top or side of the page that helps visitors easily move from one part of the website to another. Navigation menus can include links to important pages like the homepage, contact page, product pages, or blog. Good navigation is essential for keeping users engaged and helping them find what they need without frustration.
5. Domain Name
This is the unique web address, like www.example.com, that visitors use to find the website. The domain name is the website’s identity on the internet, making it easy to remember and access. Without a domain name, a website would be difficult for users to find because they would need to use long and complicated IP addresses.
6. Hosting
Refers to the service that stores all the files and data that make up the website. Websites are stored on servers, which are powerful computers designed to deliver website content to users. Hosting allows websites to be available to anyone with an internet connection. Without hosting, a website wouldn’t exist in the way we know it today.
7. “WWW”
The “www” you often see at the beginning of a website address stands for World Wide Web. It’s historically a subdomain indicating that the website is part of the global collection of online content accessible via the internet. While technically not always necessary for a website to function today, it’s a common convention.
Whether you use “www” or not for your website doesn’t inherently impact Search Engine Optimisation / SEO or functionality as long as you consistently choose one and properly redirect the other.
8.”URL” and “Slug”
A URL looks like this: https://www.example.com/blog/what-is-seo/
A slug is this part of the full url shown above: /what-is-seo/
All of these elements work together to create a cohesive and functional website. Whether it’s an online store, a blog, or a business site, each part plays an essential role in making the website accessible, engaging, and easy to navigate for users.
The history of websites is a fascinating journey that traces the evolution of the internet and how people interact with it. Over the years, websites have changed drastically, evolving from basic text-based pages to interactive, dynamic digital experiences. Let’s take a look at the key milestones in the history of websites and how they became an essential part of our daily lives.
The 3 Different Types of Websites
In the world of website development, there are many ways to approach building a website, depending on your goals, the target audience, and the kind of user experience you want to provide. While static, dynamic, and responsive websites are the main types based on their structure, there are other classifications based on functionality and purpose.
Some of the key types of websites are Interactive websites, Transactional or eCommerce websites, and Informational websites. These types of websites serve different functions and provide various features tailored to specific needs. Let’s break down each one to help you understand which might be right for your project.
1. Interactive Websites
An interactive website focuses on engaging users and encouraging them to participate or interact with the site’s content. Unlike static websites, which just display fixed information, interactive websites allow users to actively contribute or modify their experience. These types of websites often include features like quizzes, surveys, polls, games, or live chats. For example, a website for an online education platform might allow users to interact with lessons through videos, forums, and assignments.
Interactive websites can also include things like customer feedback forms, live customer service chat, and interactive infographics or product configurators, where users can customise certain features, such as the color or size of a product. These websites are designed to be highly engaging and to hold users’ attention by offering something more than just passive content consumption. Interactive websites are often used by businesses that want to engage their audience deeply, build relationships, or get immediate feedback.
While interactive websites can be more fun and engaging, they are also more complex to develop and may require additional coding, advanced user interfaces, and regular updates to ensure that all interactive features are working correctly. The aim is to make the user feel like they are an integral part of the website, rather than just an observer.
2. Transactional / eCommerce Websites
Transactional websites, often referred to as eCommerce websites, are designed to facilitate the buying and selling of products or services online. These websites allow users to browse products, place items in a shopping cart, and proceed to checkout, all while securely handling payments and orders. eCommerce websites are specifically built for businesses that want to sell their products or services to customers through the web.
The key features of transactional websites include product listings, shopping carts, secure payment gateways, user accounts, and order tracking systems. These websites can range from small online stores selling a handful of items to large platforms like Amazon or eBay that offer thousands of products and handle complex transactions.
The primary purpose of transactional websites is to drive sales, and as such, they are designed to create a seamless and user-friendly experience for customers. With eCommerce websites, it’s critical to have an easy navigation system, high-quality images of products, a smooth checkout process, and strong security measures to protect customer data. eCommerce websites also need to integrate payment systems like PayPal, credit card payments, and even newer methods like digital wallets (e.g., Apple Pay).
eCommerce websites have specific technical requirements, including the integration of a content management system (CMS), payment gateways, inventory management, and sometimes customer review systems. They also need to be optimised for mobile devices, as more people shop from their phones than ever before.
3. Informational Websites
An informational website is designed to provide content that informs or educates visitors. These websites focus primarily on presenting useful and valuable information rather than promoting products or services. Informational websites are often used by businesses, organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to share knowledge, news, or updates with their audience.
Examples of informational websites include blogs, news websites, educational platforms, and nonprofit organizations’ sites that provide details about their causes and initiatives. An informational website could include a mix of articles, videos, tutorials, infographics, and other resources designed to educate or inform the user about a particular topic.
The goal of an informational website is to deliver clear, well-structured content that helps users find answers to their questions. While they may not feature interactive or transactional elements, informational websites can still incorporate features such as newsletters, contact forms, and social media links to further engage visitors and keep them coming back for updates.
For businesses, informational websites can be a powerful way to establish authority in their field, provide customer support, and attract organic traffic through search engines. Informational content also plays a key role in (SEO), as websites that consistently provide valuable content tend to rank higher in search results.
The types of websites we’ve covered—interactive, transactional (eCommerce), and informational—are based on the functionality and the goals of the website. Interactive websites aim to engage users by offering them ways to participate. Transactional websites, or eCommerce sites, are built for online selling and require features like shopping carts and secure payment systems. Informational websites are used to educate or inform visitors about a specific subject or service. Understanding these types of websites will help you make informed decisions when creating or improving your own site, whether your goal is to engage, sell, or inform. Each type offers unique features that align with different objectives, and choosing the right one will depend on the needs of your business or project.
Which Type of Website Is Best for Ranking and SEO
When it comes to SEO, no one type of website is inherently easier to rank than others. The success of your website in search engine rankings depends on a combination of factors, including how well the site is structured, the quality of the content, user experience, and how well it is optimised for search engines.
Let’s break down the different sites from an SEO and rankability point of view:
Ranking Interactive Websites
Interactive websites, which focus on engaging users with features like quizzes, games, or live chats, can perform well in SEO as long as they don’t negatively affect user experience (such as slow load times or JavaScript issues). However, interactive elements can sometimes be harder for search engines to crawl and index, especially if they rely on JavaScript to display key content. While interactive features can increase user engagement, this doesn’t automatically translate into higher SEO rankings unless the underlying content is optimised well and the website is designed with SEO in mind.
Ranking Transactional (eCommerce) Websites
eCommerce websites often contain a lot of product pages and related content, which means they have more chances to rank for different keywords. However, they also come with specific SEO challenges. Issues such as duplicate content (from having multiple product listings) and the need for frequent updates can complicate SEO efforts. While eCommerce websites have a lot of potential for ranking well, they require careful attention to technical SEO, like setting up clean URLs, preventing duplicate content, and ensuring fast load times to stay competitive.
Ranking Informational Websites
Informational websites, which focus on providing content that educates or informs users (like blogs, articles, guides, or news), tend to have a natural SEO advantage. Content-rich sites provide many SEO opportunities for keyword optimisation and can easily rank for long-tail keywords. These sites are typically easier to optimise for SEO because they’re constantly adding fresh content, which search engines love. Informational websites also tend to perform well in organic search results when they provide useful, well-structured, and authoritative content. However, even for informational websites, success depends on ensuring the content is properly optimised for SEO and that the site provides a good user experience.
So, which site is better for SEO and easier to rank?
Technically, informational websites might be considered easier to rank in general because they have more opportunities to create valuable content that can attract organic traffic. However, eCommerce sites can also rank well if they follow SEO best practices and optimise their product listings and technical aspects. Interactive sites might be harder to rank initially because of the potential for slow page speeds and difficulties with search engines crawling certain interactive content.
That said, no website type is inherently easier to rank—it all comes down to how well you execute your SEO strategy. You could have a very interactive or eCommerce site that ranks well if the content is optimised, the user experience is excellent, and the technical SEO is sound.
Ultimately, the key to SEO success is focusing on quality content, site performance, mobile-friendliness, technical SEO, and user engagement. Each type of website has its strengths and challenges, but when properly optimised, they can all perform well in search engine rankings.
The Early Days of the Internet
The story of websites begins in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the internet was still in its infancy. The very first website was created by Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist, in 1991. Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web (WWW) as a way to share research and information between scientists and researchers at CERN, a European research organisation. This first website, info.cern.ch, was a simple page containing links to other pages and documents. It didn’t have images or any design elements—just plain text.
At the time, the internet was not as widely available as it is today, and the World Wide Web was primarily used by academics and researchers. The creation of this first website marked the beginning of what we now call the “internet age.”
The Rise of the Web Browser and the First Websites
In 1993, the web browser Mosaic was developed, and it allowed users to view websites with images, making the internet more accessible and engaging. This helped to boost the popularity of websites, and soon, others started creating their own. Websites in the early 1990s were still quite simple, often just text and basic hyperlinks.
One of the first commercial websites to appear was Amazon, which launched in 1994. Originally an online bookstore, Amazon quickly grew to become the massive e-commerce platform it is today. Other early websites included Yahoo (1994), which began as a directory of websites, and eBay (1995), which allowed people to buy and sell items online.
In the mid-1990s, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) became the standard coding language for websites, and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) was introduced, allowing websites to be styled and designed with more flexibility.
The 2000s: The Era of Flash and Dynamic Websites
As the internet grew, websites became more complex and visually appealing. In the early 2000s, Flash was widely used to create websites with animations, interactive elements, and multimedia content. Websites became more dynamic, featuring videos, animations, and sound. Flash was used by big brands and entertainment companies to create flashy, engaging websites that offered a more interactive experience.
However, Flash came with its drawbacks. It was not mobile-friendly, and websites using Flash would often load slowly. By the mid-2000s, developers began to move away from Flash in favor of newer technologies like JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3, which allowed for faster, more responsive websites that were better suited for mobile devices.
In this era, websites also started to become more interactive. Social media platforms like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter became huge, allowing users to interact with one another and share content. These social networks marked the rise of user-generated content and communities online.
The 2010s: Mobile-Friendly Websites and the Rise of Responsive Design
As smartphones became more popular, websites needed to adapt to different screen sizes and devices. In 2010, the concept of responsive web design was introduced by web designer Ethan Marcotte. Responsive web design allows websites to automatically adjust to fit different screen sizes, whether it’s a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Responsive design became critical as mobile internet usage grew exponentially. Websites that were not mobile-friendly risked losing visitors and ranking poorly in search engines. Google’s search algorithm began prioritising mobile-friendly websites, making responsive design an important aspect of SEO.
The 2010s also saw the rise of content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, which made it easier for businesses and individuals to create and manage websites without needing advanced technical skills. CMS platforms allowed people to create professional-looking websites with minimal coding knowledge.
During this period, websites became much more dynamic, with features like live chats, interactive forms, and multimedia content. The use of video and rich media increased, and websites became more focused on providing engaging user experiences.
The 2020s and Beyond: Artificial Intelligence, Progressive Web Apps, and More
In the 2020s, websites are evolving at an even faster pace. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now being integrated into websites, offering personalised experiences, chatbots, and smarter search functionalities. Websites can now predict user behavior and tailor content accordingly, improving user engagement.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are also changing the way websites function. PWAs combine the best features of websites and mobile apps, allowing users to access the website offline, receive push notifications, and enjoy faster load times. This trend is particularly important as mobile usage continues to dominate internet traffic.
Additionally, voice search is becoming increasingly important for websites, as more users rely on voice assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, and Amazon Alexa. Websites are now being optimised for voice search, making it easier for users to find information through spoken queries.
Security has also become a priority for modern websites. With the rise of cyber threats, website owners are focusing on encryption, data protection, and safe browsing experiences. SSL certificates (Secure Sockets Layer) are now essential for websites, ensuring that user data is encrypted and securely transmitted.
You may want to review: Ways ChatGPT / SearchGPT Elevate your SEO Strategy
Conclusion: The Ongoing Evolution of Websites
From the early days of simple text-based pages to the interactive, dynamic websites we use today, the history of websites is a testament to the rapid growth of the internet and technology. Websites have evolved from basic information hubs to complex, multimedia experiences, and they will continue to adapt to new technologies and user needs.
In the future, we can expect websites to become even more intelligent, personalised, and integrated with emerging technologies like virtual reality, AI, and blockchain. As the internet continues to evolve, so will the way we create and interact with websites, ensuring that they remain a central part of our digital lives.
3 Different Approaches to Websites:
When it comes to creating a website, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is the type of website you want to build. The structure and functionality of your website depend on your goals, the audience you want to reach, and the experience you want to provide for users. There are three main types of websites that are commonly used today: static websites, dynamic websites, and responsive websites.
Each of these types has its own strengths and is suitable for different kinds of projects:
1. Static Websites:
A static website is the simplest kind of website you can create. These websites are made up of pages with fixed content. This means that the information on the page remains the same for every visitor, unless a developer manually updates it. For example, if you build a static website for your business, the homepage, product descriptions, or about us page will look the same each time someone visits, no matter who they are or how often they visit.
Static websites are typically built using basic web languages like HTML and CSS. They don’t have any complicated features or functions, which makes them easy to build and maintain. If you only need to present information, such as a personal portfolio or a small informational website, a static website might be all you need. They are often fast to load and cost less to develop compared to other types of websites.
However, static websites have their limitations. For example, they don’t allow for interaction or frequent updates. If you want to change the content or add new features, you’ll need to do it manually, which can be time-consuming. As the internet becomes more interactive, static websites have become less popular for businesses that want to engage with their audience.
2. Dynamic Websites:
A dynamic website, in contrast, offers much more flexibility and interaction. Unlike static websites, the content of dynamic websites is generated in real-time, meaning it can change based on what the user does. For example, when you visit an online store, the products you see are often based on your previous shopping behavior or current promotions. This is possible because dynamic websites use a content management system (CMS) or server-side programming like PHP or JavaScript.
Dynamic websites are much more complex to build compared to static websites, but they allow for many features that can create an engaging experience for users. They’re often used for websites that need frequent updates or have interactive elements, such as online stores, blogs, news sites, and social media platforms. Dynamic websites can include things like user accounts, shopping carts, or personalised content, which is great for businesses looking to provide a more tailored experience for their audience.
While dynamic websites offer a lot of benefits, they also require more work to maintain. Because they rely on databases and server-side programming, they tend to be more resource-heavy and may take longer to load than static websites. Additionally, they can be more expensive to build and update, especially if you need complex features.
3. Responsive Websites:
In today’s world, having a responsive website is almost essential. With the growing use of smartphones and tablets, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your website looks and works well on any device. A responsive website is one that automatically adjusts its layout and content based on the size of the screen it’s being viewed on. Whether someone is visiting your website on a large desktop monitor or a small mobile phone, the design will adjust to provide the best viewing experience.
Responsive websites use flexible grids and media queries to ensure the content fits and looks good on all screen sizes. This means you don’t need to create separate versions of your website for desktop, tablet, and mobile users. Instead, one website will work across all devices, making it easier to maintain and ensuring a consistent experience for your audience.
The benefit of responsive web design is that it improves user experience and accessibility. No matter what device your audience is using, they’ll be able to navigate your site easily without having to zoom in or scroll horizontally. This is especially important for businesses that want to engage users on the go and ensure that mobile visitors have the same quality experience as desktop users. A responsive design also helps with SEO because Google rewards websites that are mobile-friendly.
Each of these three types of websites—static, dynamic, and responsive—offers different advantages and is suitable for different purposes. Static websites are best for simple, informational websites that don’t need frequent updates. Dynamic websites are ideal for businesses or services that require interactive features or need to update content regularly. Responsive websites, on the other hand, are essential for ensuring that your site works well across all devices and screen sizes. The right choice for your website will depend on your needs, your budget, and the experience you want to create for your users
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Which Type of Approach to a Website Is Better for SEO?
When it comes to SEO, there isn’t necessarily a “one-size-fits-all” answer to which type of website is better for ranking. The type of website you choose (whether it’s static, dynamic, responsive, interactive, transactional, or informational) has an impact on SEO, but more important factors include how the website is structured, how content is optimised, and how user-friendly the site is.
However, we can look at the characteristics of different website types and how they might influence SEO rankings.
Static Websites and SEO
Static websites are relatively simple and don’t change unless a developer manually updates them. While they can be fast to load and easy to build, static websites often fall short in terms of SEO if you plan on targeting a wide range of keywords or need frequent updates. SEO thrives on fresh, relevant, and regularly updated content. Since static websites are fixed, they typically don’t have the built-in flexibility to update or add content regularly, which can hurt SEO efforts in the long term.
However, static websites can still rank well if they’re properly optimised from the start. For instance, ensuring that your HTML is well-structured, including the right meta tags, title tags, and image alt text, can still help your site perform in search engine result pages / SERPs. But for most modern SEO strategies, a static website may be too limited, especially for businesses looking to grow and expand online.
Dynamic Websites and SEO
Dynamic websites tend to offer much better SEO opportunities than static websites because they allow for more interaction, updates, and flexibility. Since dynamic sites are built to handle frequently changing content, they can adapt to changing SEO trends, keyword strategies, and other important elements of SEO. For example, a blog section or a CMS can be updated with fresh content regularly, which is a huge boost for SEO.
Dynamic websites also tend to work better with advanced SEO techniques like custom URL structures, rich snippets, and other schema markup that search engines like Google use to understand the context of content. However, dynamic websites can sometimes be more complex to manage, which may affect how well they perform from an SEO perspective if not properly optimised.
For example, eCommerce websites and news sites are typically dynamic, and these types of sites often perform well in SEO because of their regular updates, product listings, and news feeds that keep them fresh in the eyes of search engines.
Responsive Websites and SEO
A responsive website is particularly important for SEO, especially as Google prioritises mobile-friendly websites. Responsive design ensures that your site looks good and functions well on any device, whether it’s a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. In fact, Google uses mobile-first indexing, meaning that it primarily uses the mobile version of your site to rank it in search results. So, if your website isn’t responsive or optimised for mobile, your SEO could suffer.
A responsive website ensures that users have a good experience regardless of the device they’re using, which directly impacts key SEO metrics like bounce rates, average session duration, and user engagement. If a site is difficult to use on mobile devices, visitors are likely to leave quickly, which can hurt your SEO rankings. Therefore, having a responsive website is critical for improving both user experience and SEO.
Why It Matters for SEO; and How Online Marketing Gurus Can Help You Win the Search Game
From the static pages of the early web to today’s dynamic, AI-powered digital experiences, the evolution of websites has completely transformed how we interact online, and how search engines rank and serve content.
In this What Are Websites blog, we explored the history and inner workings of websites, broke down key components, and compared different approaches to site design and development, all through the lens of SEO. Understanding its evolution isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s essential for making informed, strategic decisions about your online presence.
That’s where Online Marketing Gurus comes in. With over a decade of experience in online digital marketing that is effective, our team of SEO service experts knows exactly how to position your website for long-term success. Whether you’re a local SEO for business looking to boost visibility or a global brand aiming to lead the search results, we offer customised SEO services tailored to your goals and budget.
Backed by data, driven by results, and designed to be cost-effective, our approach ensures every dollar you invest in SEO delivers a real return.
Ready to grow your presence without breaking the bank? Let’s take your SEO to the next level. Get in touch today.
About the Author
Danny Andrawes
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