Latest news with #Bojangles
Time Business News
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Backlinks, Biscuits, and Bounce Rates: The Unlikely Recipe for SEO Success in Columbia, SC
Let's talk about biscuits and bounce rates—two things that should never be dry, but only one of them involves keywords, CTR, and Google's ever-fickle affection. Welcome to my world, where SEO in Columbia, SC is less about keyword stuffing and more about slow-roasted, context-rich strategy with a Southern twist. My team at Web Design Columbia (WDC if you're feeling friendly) has been in the SEO kitchen long enough to know that ranking a site isn't a bake-and-wait process. It's an unpredictable soufflé that responds to Google's latest mood swings, user behavior patterns, and, weirdly enough, the resolution of your image files. We've been doing this for nearly two decades—yes, since before Google even introduced the 'did you mean' feature. Back then, SEO meant hiding white text on a white background. Now it's about trust, authority, mobile readiness, and an obsession with structured data so strong you'd think we were training a robot butler. But here's what's different about SEO in Columbia, SC: it's not just about getting seen. It's about being understood by algorithms and the guy searching for tire repair while eating a Bojangles biscuit at 8:30 a.m. in Cayce. Over the years, numerous clickbait think pieces have declared SEO dead. (Spoiler: It's not.) What has changed is the shape it takes. From voice search optimizations to algorithm updates that now favor user experience over raw keyword volume, SEO is no longer a one-dimensional game. In fact, according to a recent Search Engine Journal report, 61% of marketers say improving SEO and growing their organic presence is a top inbound marketing priority. This brings us to Columbia, South Carolina. While we may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of tech innovation, we're quietly rewriting the rules of smart, sustainable SEO. And by 'we,' I mean the developers, writers, designers, and caffeine-powered strategists at WDC who spend their days testing schema markup against the latest Google Search Console glitches and their nights wondering why Moz's domain authority scores change more often than our weather forecasts. Columbia, the heart of South Carolina, has all the ingredients for SEO brilliance: a diverse business landscape, a surprisingly fast-growing tech scene, and an audience that actually reads local content. We've universities, startups, nonprofits, and family-owned hardware stores all vying for page-one glory. In that fight, SEO in Columbia, SC has evolved into a fascinating hybrid—one that borrows from enterprise-grade tactics while staying grounded in human-centered storytelling. We've seen success with structured data integration, local citation curation, and a little trick called 'relevance stacking,' which—despite sounding like something from a Marvel script—is just a fancy way of saying 'making your site matter on multiple fronts.' But we've also seen what doesn't work. Sites overloaded with plugins, DIY SEO setups that ignore crawl budgets, and misguided efforts to rank for terms like 'best plumber universe Columbia SC 2025'—yes, that happened—usually fall flat. Here's a fun fact: Google's RankBrain now adjusts search result rankings based on inferred intent, time on site, and click-through patterns. That means you can't just optimize for 'Columbia dentist' anymore and consider it a job well done. You need to think like the algorithm but write like a human who occasionally misplaces their car keys and Google's 'weird bump on tongue' at 2 a.m. That's where WDC shines. We've built and managed content strategies that focus on nuanced query paths, conversational phrasing, and long-tail keywords that attract real traffic. This is the kind of approach that increased the local medical supply company's page views by 92% over three months, without spending a dime on ads. Still, even we get stumped. When Google's September 2023 Helpful Content Update rolled out, half the industry panicked. The other half—ourselves included—recalibrated. We had to rethink AI-written drafts, emphasize clarity over cleverness, and lean into E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). If you're not building those signals into your site, your rankings will crumble faster than a biscuit in sweet tea. We often tell clients that their website is like a house. Good design is like curb appeal, content is like interior décor, but what about SEO? That's the plumbing. You don't see it until it's broken. SEO in Columbia, SC often suffers not from harmful content, but from bad technical architecture—slow load times, messy mobile layouts, broken image links, or JS errors that block crawlers from indexing key pages. To fix that, we dig deep. And yes, I mean command-line deep. We've optimized AlmaLinux 9-based servers, fine-tuned Cloudflare CDN setups, and configured HTTP/2 and Brotli compression just to shave milliseconds off a time-to-first-byte (TTFB). All of this happens behind the curtain, but it impacts rankings in an obvious way. And while I love a good tool like Ahrefs or Semrush (we use both), there's still no replacement for human debugging. A robot can show you a crawl error. It can't tell you that your JavaScript modal is murdering your CTA visibility. Let's get spicy. One of the most significant flaws in modern SEO is the worship of tools. Everyone uses the same data sets from the same APIs. That's how you end up with hundreds of companies all trying to rank for the exact five keywords, none of which are relevant to how their customers search. We sidestep this issue with something radically simple: we ask your customers how they search. Then we build from that. We call it qualitative SEO, and it's a blend of psychology, storytelling, and common sense. One client told us their customers never searched for 'financial services,' but constantly used 'money help near me.' We adjusted their keyword targets and saw an eightfold increase in organic leads within six weeks. This is the heart of our SEO philosophy in Columbia, SC—stop chasing data; start chasing humans. There was once a company here in Columbia that hired an agency promising 500 backlinks in 30 days. You already know where this is going. Their rankings tanked, their domain was penalized, and worst of all, they were stuck in a 12-month contract with zero recourse. The truth? Not all backlinks are created equal. Google's 2024 spam policy update now penalizes sites that use AI-generated guest posts just to gain links. Meanwhile, links from legitimate, context-rich domains (like a respected local news outlet or a regional chamber of commerce) hold even more value than they did five years ago. At WDC, we build those connections the right way: through partnerships, sponsorships, genuine content, and, yes, articles like this one. Let's address the elephant in the SEO room—Google's algorithm changes are like moody teenagers. One week, they love you for your page speed, the next, they ghost you because you updated your meta description incorrectly. The March 2024 Core Update alone caused significant shake-ups, resulting in a loss of traffic for thousands of sites globally. Reddit threads turned into therapy sessions, and even some Fortune 500 companies saw double-digit drops in organic impressions. But here's the odd truth: Columbia didn't flinch. Or at least, SEO in Columbia, SC didn't. At Web Design Columbia, we've always treated SEO like jazz—improvised but rooted in structure. We didn't chase every trend. Instead, we focused on timeless fundamentals: content depth, site clarity, user behavior signals, and real-life engagement. That's why many of our clients saw either minimal impact or, in a few delightful cases, massive gains, while others across the U.S. were left rewriting entire sites. Of course, there were hiccups. One client's SEO manager insisted on switching everything to AI-written FAQs without proofreading. Their bounce rate skyrocketed. One question read: 'Can dogs vote in South Carolina?' So yes, automation is tremendous—but also, yikes. If your business doesn't show up on the local map pack, you're invisible. More than 40% of mobile searches now include 'near me' phrasing, and almost all of them are tied to location intent. That means ranking in Columbia isn't just about keywords anymore—it's about geography. We've worked hard to master this local frontier. We've optimized Google Business Profiles (GBP) to an extreme level—adding Q&As, product catalogs, service areas, appointment booking buttons, and even custom images with embedded GPS EXIF data. And while all of that might sound overkill, SEO in Columbia, SC is a competition, and the map pack is a three-slot race. We've seen firsthand how accurate business citations, reviews with relevant keywords, and geotagged content can boost a client from obscurity to local domination. However, there's a caveat: GBP is buggy. Updates disappear. Hours get changed by 'Google users.' Reviews vanish or get flagged. We've developed internal monitoring tools just to babysit GBPs. It's a blessing, but also a babysitting gig you didn't ask for. Visual search is changing the way people interact with the web. Tools like Google Lens and Pinterest Lens are becoming smarter every month. Globally, there are over 8 billion visual searches per month. People are now taking pictures of signs, menus, products, and even furniture to search, rather than typing at all. So, how does this affect SEO in Columbia, SC? Here's the twist: Columbia's abundance of small retail shops, boutiques, and service providers are goldmines for visual search—if their image SEO is done right. We optimize alt tags, compress media using AVIF or WebP formats, and ensure all visuals are served responsively. When done right, it allows a local clothing store to appear when someone snaps a photo of a similar outfit in Charlotte. We also work with AI tools like Google Vision AI to 'preview' how Google classifies our images—just in case it accidentally labels your dentist chair as a 'leather recliner.' Let's get technical for a moment. Schema markup, also known as structured data, helps Google understand your content. Think of it like metadata on steroids. We've used it to enhance listings with star ratings, FAQ dropdowns, product pricing, and even job postings. But structured data isn't magic. Some schema types still aren't fully supported in search results. Others conflict with Google's guidelines (especially if you fake reviews or try to auto-generate stars). A competitor in Columbia once tried to fake 5-star reviews using the 'Review' schema—it worked for a week until their entire page was delisted. SEO in Columbia, SC, benefits from schema done correctly. We customize JSON-LD tags for each page, run structured testing in Search Console, and avoid pushing markup that isn't supported in rich results. It's a bit like SEO seasoning—you want to sprinkle, not pour. There's something magical about mid-sized markets. They're not flooded like NYC or LA, and that means your SEO efforts go further. Columbia has just enough competition to keep things interesting, but not so much that a small business needs a $10,000/mo retainer just to rank for 'best cupcakes.' In fact, that's where Web Design Columbia stands out most. We've worked with clients whose monthly SEO budget was lower than the cost of a Netflix family plan—and still delivered results. We don't cut corners; we just know which ones matter. We also know the terrain. We know that West Columbia users search differently from Forest Acres users. We've observed the behavior of USC students compared to business professionals near Gervais Street. And we build SEO strategies accordingly. If there's one thing I've learned from nearly 20 years in SEO, it's this: every time Google makes things more complicated, it's also an opportunity for the smart, the nimble, and the downright stubborn to win. And stubborn is something we do really well in South Carolina. SEO in Columbia, SC, isn't about keeping up with global trends. It's about understanding them, adapting them, and applying them with a uniquely local mindset. It's about getting your content in front of the people who actually matter—your customers—without trying to trick Google or fake authority. Whether you're selling cupcakes, cleaning HVACs, or running a law firm, Columbia's search landscape is ready for you to show up. And if you want a partner who's been doing this since Wi-Fi was still considered magic, see what Web Design Columbia can do for you. There's no secret sauce. There's just a team that cares, prices that make sense, and strategies that don't crumble at the first algorithm update. And if you're ready to taste what better rankings look like (served with a side of Southern charm), come check out the latest SEO tricks by Web Design Columbia. We promise not to talk about biscuits too much. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bojangles Introduces Watermelon Sweet Tea to Kick off Summer
Limited-time drink launches with "TeaTime" promo code for golf fans and more to try the new product for free CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the weather heats up, Bojangles is putting a fresh twist on its iconic beverage with the launch of Watermelon Sweet Tea. This limited-time offering blends our Legendary Iced Tea®, steeped the old-fashion way, with real watermelon juice for a new, refreshing flavor perfect for the summer season. Watermelon Sweet Tea is ideal for on-the-go summer road trips, afternoon pick-me-ups or pairing with your favorite Bojangles treats. To celebrate the launch – and the excitement of the PGA Championship in Bojangles' hometown of Charlotte – fans everywhere can enjoy a free Watermelon Sweet Tea at participating locations from May 15–22 by using the promo code TEATIME at checkout. It's a sweet way to kick off summer and toast one of golf's biggest events. To mark the occasion, the chain hosted a "Tea Time" event in Charlotte, where guests enjoyed golf games, giveaways and free Watermelon Sweet Tea. PGA TOUR golfer Chesson Hadley was also onsite for a meet-and-greet to celebrate the new menu item. Photos from the event are linked here. "Our Legendary Iced Tea pairs beautifully with the unique flavors of our food, so we decided to add a juicy twist to an already iconic Southern beverage," said Marshall Scarborough, VP of Menu & Culinary Innovation at Bojangles. "Our Watermelon Sweet Tea blends refreshing watermelon juice with our tea for a light and fresh taste while still delivering that legendary experience our fans know and love." Bojangles encourages fans to visit their local restaurant to pair the new drink with other limited-time, seasonal favorites like Bo-Berry Cookies and Sausage Bo-Berry Biscuits. For those on the go, Watermelon Sweet Tea is also available for delivery or pickup through the Bojangles app. About Bojangles, is a Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in breakfast and Southern-style chicken, biscuits and tea all made from scratch. Founded in 1977 as a single location in Charlotte, the beloved brand has grown to more than 800 company-owned and franchised restaurants in 18 states. For more information about Bojangles' handcrafted approach to food and community impact, visit To join in on the fan fun, follow Bojangles on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. MEDIA ASSETS HERE View source version on Contacts Media Contacts: Katie Combs, Luquire (kcombs@ 704-807-2280)Stacey McCray, Bojangles (smccray@ 704-940-8736)
Business Wire
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Bojangles Introduces Watermelon Sweet Tea to Kick off Summer
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the weather heats up, Bojangles is putting a fresh twist on its iconic beverage with the launch of Watermelon Sweet Tea. This limited-time offering blends our Legendary Iced Tea®, steeped the old-fashion way, with real watermelon juice for a new, refreshing flavor perfect for the summer season. Watermelon Sweet Tea is ideal for on-the-go summer road trips, afternoon pick-me-ups or pairing with your favorite Bojangles treats. To celebrate the launch – and the excitement of the PGA Championship in Bojangles' hometown of Charlotte – fans everywhere can enjoy a free Watermelon Sweet Tea at participating locations from May 15–22 by using the promo code TEATIME at checkout. It's a sweet way to kick off summer and toast one of golf's biggest events. To mark the occasion, the chain hosted a 'Tea Time' event in Charlotte, where guests enjoyed golf games, giveaways and free Watermelon Sweet Tea. PGA TOUR golfer Chesson Hadley was also onsite for a meet-and-greet to celebrate the new menu item. Photos from the event are linked here. 'Our Legendary Iced Tea pairs beautifully with the unique flavors of our food, so we decided to add a juicy twist to an already iconic Southern beverage,' said Marshall Scarborough, VP of Menu & Culinary Innovation at Bojangles. 'Our Watermelon Sweet Tea blends refreshing watermelon juice with our tea for a light and fresh taste while still delivering that legendary experience our fans know and love.' Bojangles encourages fans to visit their local restaurant to pair the new drink with other limited-time, seasonal favorites like Bo-Berry Cookies and Sausage Bo-Berry Biscuits. For those on the go, Watermelon Sweet Tea is also available for delivery or pickup through the Bojangles app. About Bojangles, Inc. Bojangles is a Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in breakfast and Southern-style chicken, biscuits and tea all made from scratch. Founded in 1977 as a single location in Charlotte, the beloved brand has grown to more than 800 company-owned and franchised restaurants in 18 states. For more information about Bojangles' handcrafted approach to food and community impact, visit To join in on the fan fun, follow Bojangles on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bojangles reopens Sanford restaurant nearly 1 year after fire
Editor's note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. A shuttered Bojangles fast food restaurant in Sanford is back in business nearly one year after a fire caused its closure. The corporate-owned, Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits eatery reopened to the public May 13 at 101 S. Oregon Ave. 'It's about bouncing back, saying thank you and bringing the Sanford community together over food they know and love,' Bojangles CEO Jose Armario said in a press release. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal's website. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Southern Fast Food Chain Bojangles Opens First Location in Major Northeast Expansion
New Jersey's culinary scene is getting hit with a deep-fried Southern twist. While the Garden State has long been dominated by Italian restaurants and menus filled with local specialties including tomato pie and Taylor pork rolls, it is now officially also home to the area's first location of Bojangles, a beloved fast-food restaurant that originated in Charlotte, North Carolina, nearly 50 years ago. In February, the Asbury Park Press reported that a Bojangles restaurant would be moving into the new Market Place at Neptune, a former bottling warehouse for Coca-Cola that has since been turned into a popular pitstop for local shoppers and on-the-go diners on the Jersey Shore. But plans clearly changed in the months since then, as New Jersey Digs reports that Bojangles' first Jersey outpost is now open in Piscataway, located just a few minutes away from New Brunswick. That Neptune restaurant is still a go—as are planned locations in Marlboro and Vineland, too. It's part of the brand's fairly aggressive push into the Northeast, though it's worth noting that it's not the restaurant's first attempt at this kind of expansion. reports that a Bojangles did previously exist in Newark, New Jersey, but that it closed 'years ago.' So think of this as Take 2. Bojangles, which is known for its bold, Cajun-flavored fried chicken and made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, currently boasts just over 800 locations. According to it current sits in the 28th spot on its list of the 50 Most Popular U.S. Fast Food restaurants, just between Shake Shack (which it beat) and Zaxby's.
