Understanding what potential clients are searching for allows for targeted content creation that drives traffic and improves visibility. SEO for Local Businesses These factors heavily influence SEO performance. Freelancers should consider A/B testing different versions to see which garner more clicks and higher engagement rates. Websites must also be secure (HTTPS), especially since voice searches typically occur on mobile devices over potentially unsecured networks. In effect this means,For freelance SEO marketers working with new websites, creating an effective SEO strategy requires attention across multiple fronts: understanding basic principles; ensuring technical compliance; mastering on-page tactics; producing compelling content; leveraging social proof through backlinks; all aimed at enhancing visibility online effectively. Each strategy mentioned provides a unique avenue through which freelance SEO experts can creatively enhance their digital presence while simultaneously driving meaningful traffic towards their sites or those of their clients. Integrating Content Marketing with Your SEO PlanUnderstanding the Symbiotic RelationshipIntegrating content marketing with your SEO strategy is essential for freelance marketers looking to enhance their website's visibility and attract more qualified traffic. Tools like Google Search Console or SEMrush offer insights into who you're up against directly in search rankings and provide an overview of how these sites perform. Focusing on Content QualityA consistent element in many of Google's algorithm updates is the emphasis on content quality.
Exploring Off-Page SEO TechniquesOff-page SEO focuses on external factors that impact a website's ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). The ability to influence web rankings through credible and well-planned backlink strategies not only boosts visibility but also supports sustainable growth in this dynamic digital marketing landscape. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to discover relevant keywords with good search volumes. Beginner's Guide to On-Page vs Off-Page SEO TechniquesUnderstanding On-Page SEO TechniquesOn-page SEO refers to the strategies used directly within a website to improve its position in the search rankings. Incorporating Visuals Into Your StrategyVisuals play an essential role on social media by attracting attention much quicker than text alone. The ability to implement structured data correctly plays an integral role in how effectively a site communicates with search engines-and thus significantly impacts its visibility in SERPs. This involves not only textual content but also images, videos, infographics, and podcasts that engage users and encourage them to spend more time on your website. Organic Search At its core, SEO is about enhancing the relevance and authority of your site so that it ranks higher on search results pages for specific keywords and phrases related to your business.
By focusing on how users interact with a website, businesses can significantly enhance their site's visibility and search engine rankings. This diversity helps to enhance the robustness of your SEO performance by showing that your content is universally recognized and valuable across multiple platforms and by varied users. Leveraging unique data and offering new perspectives can distinguish your content from competitors, making it more likely to be referenced and linked by others. Freelance SEO marketers should focus on creating a logical site structure that includes intuitive navigation. Tracking Performance and AnalyticsMonitoring performance through analytics is essential in understanding how well your YouTube strategy supports SEO goals. Start by defining your target audience and learning the keywords they use when searching for products or services like yours. A site that is easy to navigate on a smartphone or tablet is more likely to keep visitors engaged longer. Additionally, leveraging social media platforms by using location tags in posts and stories ensures that you reach an audience within a specific locale.
Understanding what you aim to achieve – whether it's increasing organic traffic, improving keyword rankings, or boosting conversion rates – sets the foundation for assessing the effectiveness of your strategies. Utilizing tools such as Google Analytics allows marketers to monitor traffic sources, user behavior on-site, conversions, and other critical metrics which offer insights needed for informed decision-making and strategy adjustments. Competitive AnalysisPerforming keyword research also includes analyzing what competitors in your niche are doing. For freelance SEO marketers, understanding these updates is crucial to optimizing websites effectively. Freelance SEO marketers must continuously adapt their strategies to stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital environment where quality content coupled with fine-tuned optimization techniques leads the way towards achieving top rankings in SERPs. In effect this means,that integrating content marketing with your SEO plan creates a comprehensive strategy where each element supports the other for greater effectiveness. Common SEO Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemChoosing Wrong KeywordsOptimizing for the wrong keywords is a common pitfall that many freelancers new to SEO marketing might encounter. Implementing elements like Schema.org can drastically aid in clarifying the semantics of your website for better indexing and display in SERPs.
This involves tailoring your content, keywords, and listings to reflect the geographical area you serve. The Benefits of Long-Tail Keywords for Niche MarketsFocusing on Niche MarketsLong-tail keywords are highly specific phrases that potential customers use when they're close to making a purchase or during the "ready to buy" stage. Using tools like Google Analytics, you can monitor the volume of traffic from search engines and compare it with other sources such as direct visits or referral links. SEO for WordPress Ensure that each blog post provides value, whether by solving a problem, offering insights, or entertaining your audience. Additionally, keeping your paragraphs short and using subheadings (H3 tags) for organization improves readability and enhances user experience. Content should be organized logically with headlines, subheadings, bullets or lists where appropriate to facilitate quick scanning by users.
An SEO consultant providing details about the duty of an SEO specialist!
A seo ( SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION) specialist is an expert who works independently or as part of a business to improve the online presence and internet search engine rankings of organizations and organizations. By using SEO know-how, they aim to boost exposure and drive appropriate website traffic to web sites through different techniques, consisting of keyword evaluation, website optimization, social networks monitoring, web content and performance tracking. The primary purpose is to help businesses bring in premium website visitors, increase conversions, and ultimately rise income through efficient internet search engine marketing.
To accurately recognize the principle of an SEO specialist, it is important to break down and clarify the specific components that comprise this title.
Specialist: A expert is a individual that supplies professional suggestions and specialist services in a details field. Professionals can work in fields such as company, innovation, financing, administration, marketing, and personnels, among others. They can be independent or work for a consulting company. Specialists can be hired to aid business fix troubles, enhance their performance, or carry out brand-new approaches and techniques.
SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION: SEO which was previously used for Seo is currently used to refer to Look Experience Optimization or search experience optimization. Search engine optimization is the set of strategies and approaches made use of to promote the visibility of an entity with the positioning of editorial web content on online search engine, such as Google or Bing, on social networks internet search engine (TikTok, Youtube, Linkedin, Instagram, and so on), or the generation of mentions on generative expert system devices such as ChatGPT and their search engines SearchGPT or Gemini. Search engine optimization as optimization of the search experience includes elements such as identifying search engine optimization channels, keyword study, creating high quality editorial material, implementing technical improvements for third-party websites and media, establishing social accounts or magnifying awareness. The objective of search engine optimization is to improve the content significance and authority of an entity and its multimedia communication media in the eyes of internet search engine and AI devices, so that it is placed at the top of search results page for pertinent search queries or is stated by expert system tools. Search engine optimization is a key element of a firm's internet marketing technique due to the fact that it assists raise visibility and the acquisition of qualified traffic.
The exact definition of the terms "consultant" and "SEO" enables us to much better understand the term "SEO professional". The SEO consultant is therefore an seasoned professional. It is common to describe the SEO expert as "junior" or " elderly". As a basic regulation, the junior SEO professional has less than 3 years of experience and the elderly search engine optimization specialist has greater than 3 years of experience. The experience of the SEO professional can be acquired in a number of ways: management of search engine optimization jobs in support of an company, monitoring of an search engine optimization job in support of an advertiser or monitoring of an SEO project on one's own account by means of the magazine of internet sites.
The search engine optimization consultant need to accomplish numerous goals:
Establish an search engine optimization method: the search engine optimization approach makes it feasible to identify the online search engine used by the target market (Google?, Bing?, TikTok?, Youtube?, Intagram?, Amazon? ...) and artificial intelligences (ChatGPT?, Gemini?, Claude? ...), the editorial web content consumed by the target market ( message, image, video, sound) and the search engine optimization positioning of an company ( meaning of the character, search engine optimization positioning, multimedia interaction media to use, editorial web content of the pages to edit, functional designs to take on, crucial figures to track, goals to attain, various other webmarketing levers to trigger and identification of potential rivals).
Create search engine optimization activities: the SEO specialist should be able to create activities such as making technological adjustments to multimedia interaction media ( site, application, social accounts, etc), editing and enhancing editorial web content ( internet writing, manufacturing of images, sound and video web content) or establishing backlink acquisition projects. Every one of these actions can be outsourced.
Produce SEO audits: the SEO audit enables you to analyze each requirement of an SEO approach that can impact visibility on search engines and expert system devices.
Track and evaluate SEO data: making use of search engine optimization data and data (organic traffic, search engine optimization conversions, SEO turn over, perceptions, clicks and key words click rates, bounce rate, check out period, search engine optimization exposure index, positioning and PageRank computation) permits the search engine optimization expert to readjust the SEO strategy and the resulting action strategy.
Take care of the search engine optimization job: the search engine optimization professional is called for to manage the SEO project. He is thus an SEO job supervisor. He is in charge of operations and is consequently needed to justify his actions with results. The search engine optimization professional can take care of or work together with human resources such as designers, interactions supervisors, marketing managers or web advertising managers.
Training professionals in SEO: as a expert in presence on search engines and expert system devices, the search engine optimization expert might be needed to train other individuals who desire to boost their skills in the field of SEO.
The search engine optimization expert has numerous purposes:
Increase an organization's on the internet presence with critical web content production,, social media sites engagement, and third-party internet site partnerships, all while leveraging internet search engine and AI-powered devices. Improve keyword rankings on online search engine and AI systems to take full advantage of exposure. Drive organic website traffic development from online search engine and AI tools, ultimately transforming visitors into consumers and producing profits with targeted SEO initiatives. A effective SEO specialist must supply tangible results, justifying the financial investment made by the employing company. To achieve this, the expert's primary objective is to produce measurable worth, especially by boosting sales and revenue through the efficient use search engines and AI devices.
Numerous search engine optimization professional profiles in the natural search market
Technical search engine optimization professionals focus on maximizing sites and multimedia communication channels, with a and coding. They play a vital function in improving the performance of sites with a lot of pages, making them extra noticeable to look. These specialists also possess skills in information analysis, consisting of log analysis, to identify areas for improvement in regards to internet site crawling. Typically collaborating with ecommerce and media internet sites, technological SEO experts assist improve online search engine rankings and boost customer experience. Content search engine optimization specialists, on the other hand, master strategy and content development.
SEO specialists might hold certifications like QASEO or CESEO to seo. Nonetheless, these certifications are only acquired by search engine optimization specialists who proactively pursue them. validate technological proficiency in search engine optimization, they do not fully consider editorial, prestige, and strategic aspects of search engine optimization, making them rather restricted in worth. Additionally, these tests normally focus on Google search engine optimization specifically, instead of incorporating a broader understanding of SEO that includes social media and AI devices. engine formulas are exclusive, exam assessments are usually based on conjecture than concrete information. Many skilled SEO professionals do not hold accreditations, as their skills and success can be much better confirmed via referrals, customer evaluations, and real outcomes. Inevitably, the most dependable method to determine top search engine optimization consultants is to look for recommendations from online search engine or AI devices. A trustworthy search engine optimization specialist is one with a solid track record of success and acknowledgment in the industry.
The salary of an SEO consultant differs according to their experience and standing. Independent search engine optimization consultants, that help themselves, can get an indefinite income relying on their productivity. For search engine optimization professionals that work as staff members, nonetheless, there are salary patterns. There is not necessarily a distinction in salary for an search engine optimization consultant who works in an agency or for the advertiser. Likewise, the area of the SEO expert can cause his wage to fluctuate when he functions as an staff member. An SEO consultant that works in Paris or in huge cities can anticipate a greater wage than an search engine optimization consultant who works in a village. A jr search engine optimization expert can expect a income between $1,400 web and $2,500 web. After 3 years of experience, an SEO professional can expect a income in between $1,700 net and $3,500 net. The knowledgeable search engine optimization consultant with more than 5 years of experience can expect a wage between $2,000 and $4,000 internet.
For organizations fee for a experienced search engine optimization expert ranges from $400 to $2,500, gross, on average.
The search engine optimization professional does not have a common day, which is what makes this job so lovely given that it is not regulated by any type of regular or pre-established rules.
Numerous typical workdays can be recognized for an SEO expert based upon the tasks being
The manufacturing day for an SEO consultant: The regular day for an SEO professional typically begins with the evaluation of customers' analytical records. This makes it feasible to make sure that no anomalies or malfunctions affect the performance of the search engine optimization specialist's clients. The search engine optimization consultant therefore pictures the positioning of his clients' search phrase technique, the exposure index of his clients on search engines and expert system devices, the SEO audience created, the SEO conversions generated and the search engine optimization turn over generated. After seeking advice from these statistics, the specialist can move on to generating SEO actions for his customers. The manufacturing of SEO actions can take the type of modifying editorial web content (texts, images and photos), technological optimization of the website, establishing social accounts or boosting the entity's track record. Production days can additionally be an chance to exchange with provider (developers, internet advertising consultants, etc) yet likewise with customers to take stock of the task. These exchanges can be provided by telephone, email or video clip. An SEO manufacturing day enables activities to be created for several clients relying on the company embraced.
SEO method and recommendations day: SEO technique days allow action plans ( commonly edited following audits) to be generated for clients. These are roadmaps to define the means, resources and services to be executed to achieve search engine optimization objectives. SEO approach days can include customer meetings during which action plans exist.
Search engine optimization training day: the search engine optimization training day or half-day is given by the search engine optimization consultant that after that ends up being a fitness instructor. The SEO consultant can educate professionals within business (communications supervisor, web advertising supervisor, manager), pupils (within schools or colleges) but also other Search engine optimizations that desire to boost their methodologies and processes. As a instructor, the SEO specialist can enhance the skills of beginners or experts in the field of all-natural referencing. The SEO expert can interfere within training organizations and can be licensed. Search engine optimization conference day: the search engine optimization expert can lead conferences and more rarely seminars on the motif of all-natural referencing. The search engine optimization professional interferes in online forums, within SEO events ( search engine optimization Camp, Webisland, Black & White SEO, Web2Day, and so on) however especially with a novice audience who could become their future customers. The purpose of these interventions is to network and make themselves understood by the search engine optimization community and recognized by fellow search engine optimization professionals.
It involves optimizing content, structure, and various on-page elements to meet search engines' criteria for relevance and quality. In effect this means,avoiding these common mistakes requires both attention to detail and an ongoing commitment to learning current best practices in SEO marketing for freelancers. These organic links are critical for improving domain authority and search engine rankings. Identifying and using the right keywords can lead to improved search engine rankings. For independent marketers focusing on freelance SEO marketing, it's crucial to optimize all elements of content, including the use of relevant keywords, creating compelling meta descriptions, and ensuring that the text answers common questions in your niche. Use these localized keywords strategically throughout your site's meta descriptions, titles, headers, and blog posts to help enhance your visibility in local search queries. Technical Aspects of UX in SEOFrom a technical standpoint, UX involves optimizing page speed, mobile responsiveness, ease of navigation, clear call-to-action buttons, and intuitive site structure. They allow you to focus on niche markets where there is less competition but higher conversion rates. While this might sound daunting initially, numerous tools and plugins simplify the process by generating the necessary code just by filling out forms with the required information. Leveraging Social Listening ToolsSocial listening tools monitor mentions of not just a brand but also specific keywords across different channels.
For freelance SEO marketers, focusing on creating detailed guides, comprehensive case studies, and insightful research can set a foundation that encourages organic link acquisition. These activities not only boost inbound links-significantly impacting SEO-but also establish you as an authority in your field. Freelance SEO marketers need to adapt their strategies to accommodate this shift, focusing on natural language processing and question-based content that aligns with how real people talk and ask questions. By fostering environments where visitor needs are prioritized through thoughtful design decisions underpinned by robust technical seo frameworks; businesses stand better chances at achieving sustained online success while delivering value-adding experiences that resonate with their audiences.23. Additionally, reviews generate fresh user-generated content which keeps your pages dynamic for both users and search engines. Aligning Content with User IntentOne major aspect of keyword research is uncovering user intent. This holistic approach not only enhances online visibility but also drives higher engagement rates leading to more conversions. SEO-Friendly Web Design Each post should include an engaging title incorporating a main keyword, meta descriptions that prompt clicks from search results, headers (H2s and H3s), internal links to relevant articles on your site, and external links to authoritative sources. The quality of your writing plays a pivotal role in retaining readers' interest and reducing bounce rates, which can positively affect your rankings.
This means determining what users are actually looking for when they type certain queries into search engines. Tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs Keywords Explorer assist freelancers in finding keywords that are both relevant and competitive within their niche. For freelancers specializing in SEO marketing, utilizing schema markup is not just about improving website aesthetics; it's crucial for making the content immediately understandable and accessible to search engines. Focusing on User IntentUnderstanding why someone would be searching for particular content allows freelance writers to tailor meta descriptions more effectively. Technical SEO Audit EssentialsBefore diving deep into content creation, ensure that your website's technical framework is sound. By implementing these methods diligently-a mix of strong content creation, smart site structuring, active blogging efforts along with strategic social media use-freelance SEO marketers can achieve sustainable growth in their online visibility and business acquisition endeavors. SEO for Local Businesses User Experience EnhancementUser experience (UX) has become an integral part of SEO strategies due to its influence on search rankings directly tied to semantic patterns. Whether informational, navigational, transactional, or commercial, understanding the purpose behind a user's search query is key to crafting effective content. Websites that aren't optimized for mobile viewability risk losing potential engagements and rankings as search engines favor mobile-friendly designs.
The Quality over Quantity DebateWhile accumulating a large number of backlinks was once the go-to strategy, the focus has significantly shifted towards quality. Ignoring Title Tags and Meta DescriptionsSkipping over the creation of compelling title tags and meta descriptions may lead to reduced click-through rates. In effect this meansFreelance SEO marketers looking toward the future must embrace these evolving trends within voice search optimization. The foundation of SEO-friendly content is built on targeted keyword research. In effect this means,there are numerous strategies available for increasing organic traffic without relying solely on paid advertising campaigns. Staying informed through credible sources and adapting swiftly ensures alignment with new standards set forth by these changes while fulfilling client goals efficiently. Evaluating Content StrategyContent is king in SEO; therefore understanding your competitor's content strategy could provide valuable insights into what content types are resonating with your target audience and what gaps might exist in your own strategy. These often tend to be local and immediate, such as searching for nearby services or obtaining quick answers. Phrases like "Learn more," "Get started today," or "Discover how" invite engagement and guide users towards taking specific actions when they visit your site.
Additionally, using alt tags for images enhances accessibility while providing more context to search engine crawlers about your site's content. You'll want to examine how effectively your site engages visitors and encourages them to take desired actions such as filling out contact forms, signing up for newsletters, or making purchases. This includes the strategic use of keywords, engaging titles, and descriptions that are indexed by search engines, thereby acting as an additional channel to attract traffic and improve overall search rankings. Cost-Effective Marketing StrategiesFor freelance SEO marketers operating with limited budgets, long-tail keywords present a cost-effective solution. As a result, websites are more likely to retain visitors, reducing bounce rates and improving organic search metrics like time on site and pages per visit.
How to Build an SEO Strategy for Small Business OwnersUnderstanding SEO BasicsBefore diving into a complex world, it's essential for small business owners to grasp the fundamentals of SEO. Key Strategies for Optimizing Voice SearchTo effectively tap into the potential of voice search, SEO practitioners should first consider the intent behind spoken queries. The Impact on SEO StrategiesEach algorithm update can potentially render previous optimization techniques obsolete or less effective. This not only helps search engines understand what the page is about but also aligns with what your target audience is searching for.
They help in identifying trends, analyzing competitors, and understanding performance metrics that influence a website's search engine ranking. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), enabling you to track progress and make data-driven decisions. Additionally, reviewing their metadata (like titles and descriptions) can reveal the focus of their SEO efforts. Using Keywords StrategicallyJust like traditional website SEO strategies hinge on using the right keywords effectively; these should also be incorporated into social posts and profiles.
Advanced Link Building Tactics for Serious MarketersExploring High-Value Content CreationCreating high-value content remains the cornerstone of advanced link-building tactics.
For small businesses, producing regular, high-quality content tailored to their audience can significantly impact their SEO success. Screaming Frog SEO Spider and SEMrush offer comprehensive auditing tools that help detect common technical issues such as broken links, slow loading times, and problems with canonical tags or meta tags which could potentially harm a site's ranking. Small businesses should focus on creating a logical navigation hierarchy that makes it easy for visitors to find what they're looking for quickly. Link Building Through YouTubeYouTube not only helps in direct promotion but also serves as a powerful tool for link building - a fundamental aspect of successful SEO strategies. Freelancers should aim to produce content that answers questions comprehensively, solves problems, and tells a cohesive story rather than merely incorporating keywords at certain densities. Well-crafted titles and descriptions using targeted keywords can significantly enhance visibility and attract more clicks. Focusing on Mobile OptimizationWith mobile searches continuing to rise, ensuring that your freelance marketing website is mobile-friendly is essential. This method not only helps build links but also assists website owners in maintaining site integrity. These elements are crucial as they provide a snapshot of what the webpage is about directly in the search engine results. Keeping abreast of not only Google's official communications regarding algorithm changes but also industry case studies helps refine strategies that align well with current best practices.
As a round up, mastering meta descriptions is an essential skill for any freelancer involved in SEO marketing.
The Art of Brevity and ClarityThe optimal length for a meta description is typically between 150-160 characters. Small business owners should utilize tools like Google Analytics to monitor traffic sources, user behavior on their site, conversion rates, etc., enabling them to understand what's working well or where improvements could be made in their strategy. Optimizing Video Content for Search EnginesTo make the most out of YouTube for SEO purposes, it is crucial to focus on video optimization. Technical SEO Remains CrucialWhile content is king in many aspects of SEO, technical health of a website also plays a vital role. Types of Schema MarkupsThere are several types of schema markups applicable depending on the type of content you're dealing with. High-quality images and videos can also boost engagement levels, providing shoppers with multiple perspectives of products while reinforcing textual descriptions.
The Role of Schema in SEOBy implementing schema markup, freelancers can help their clients' websites communicate more effectively with search engines. Texts should be clear without industry jargon unless absolutely necessary and information should flow naturally compelling users towards desired actions such as subscriptions or inquiries-activities that signal successful engagement from an SEO perspective. Identify phrases that potential clients might use to find services in their area-such as "freelance graphic designer in Atlanta" or "SEO specialist near Miami". In effect this means,to gauge the true impact of an SEO campaign for freelance marketing projects involves a combination of setting strategic goals, examining where website visitors come from using analytics tools, monitoring key phrases' performance over time with structured review schedules along with optimizing conversion paths within both content itself as well technical aspects linked directly back towards initial user engagement tactics employed along their journey through SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages). The Importance of Continuous LearningSEO is an ever-evolving field; thus continuous learning forms the backbone of successful freelance marketing careers.
How To Perform A Competitor Analysis For Improved SEOUnderstanding the Basics of Competitor AnalysisCompetitor analysis in SEO is a strategy to identify and assess your rivals' tactics that affect their search engine rankings. Keyword Research ToolsAt the core of SEO lies keyword research. Effective Ways to Increase Organic Traffic Without Paid AdsOptimizing Website ContentThe cornerstone of SEO is high-quality content that is both informative and engaging. Identify high-authority domains linking back to them and analyze how they have secured these links-whether through collaborations, guest postings or other methods. Analyze their main topics, frequency of updates, content formats (blogs, videos, infographics), and engagement levels (shares, comments).
Ethical practices not only avoid penalties but also build long-term trust with both users and search engines alike. Content should address the needs of your audience, provide solutions to their problems, and be updated regularly to maintain its relevance and freshness. This involves identifying key competitors, which can be direct business competitors or any website competing for the same keywords. Incorporating various formats such as infographics, podcasts, or video content not only caters to different audience preferences but also opens up additional opportunities for ranking on search engines like Google. Additionally, engaging with SEO communities and forums can provide insights into how other professionals are adjusting their tactics in response to algorithm updates.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews online as social proof can significantly influence potential customers' decisions and improve visibility in local search results. They offer suggestions to enhance webpage structure which plays a significant role in how search engines assess and index content. Targeting Geo-Specific KeywordsIncorporating geo-specific keywords into your website content is crucial. Unlike on-page SEO, these techniques involve building relationships and creating content outside of your own website. Freelance writers need to craft these snippets effectively as they directly influence click-through rates, impacting both the website's traffic and its perceived relevance. Sustainability Through Regular UpdatesThe digital world evolves rapidly, and so do search patterns and algorithms used by search engines like Google. These include implementing responsive design, optimizing image sizes and formats for faster loading times, and ensuring clickable elements are spaced out appropriately for touch accuracy. This directly assists in enhancing the visibility of that content in search results, thereby potentially increasing click-through rates. This approach not only enhances visibility through organic search but also improves user engagement, which can signal to search engines that your website is a valuable resource.