Tone/Voice:

• Keep the tone informal and friendly.
• Use first and second person (we, you, I).
• Primarily use active voice.
  1. Whenever possible, use the active voice over the passive voice. Ideally, passive voice percentage should be <10%.
  2. Sentences in the active voice are usually clearer and more to the point than sentences in the passive voice.
• Keep the reading level between fourth and eleventh grade.
  1. Reading level is calculated using two factors: the average number of words used per sentence and the average number of syllables per word.
  2. If you have to use more technical terms, be sure to define them when you first use them.
  3. Keep the tone conversational.
  4. Aim for clear, to-the-point sentences and vocabulary words that are not too advanced, obscure, or convoluted.

Keywords:

• Use keywords in article headings (h2s and h3s). Google scans these areas first and ranks them higher.
  1. Here’s an example of a blog post that makes proper use of h1 (article title), h2, and h3 title tags: http://www.bestpickreports.com/blog/post/roofing-101-assessing-your-roof-for-damage-and-simple-diy-repairs
     1. You can see that “Check for Roof Damage” is a better h2, and it is broken down into “Interior Inspection” and “Exterior Inspection” as the h3s.

Incorporating Links:

1. 1. Add 2-3 internal links to relevant articles or other pages on our site where applicable.
      1. Links closest to the top of the article are the ones most likely to get clicked, so try to make the first link in your article an internal link.
   2. When possible, work 2-3 external links of your research sources into the body of the article (but don’t overstuff the article with links).
      1. We don’t want to send traffic away from our site to a source where the user can get all the info they need, so only link out to sources that present an original idea that covers one specific point in the article you’re writing.
      2. You don’t need to credit a source on an idea that is not original–even if it is the site that inspired you to include the idea in your blog. For instance, you may have read on HGTV’s site to soak the soil with water once you’ve planted your fall vegetables, but HGTV is not the originator of this idea, so you don’t need to link to that source.
      3. Link to the direct article you pulled ideas or information from instead of the site’s homepage.
   3. Anchor text: Use keyword-rich anchor text in your links. If people scan the article and read the hyperlink text, will they know what kind of article it links to? Make sure the anchor text is clear and focused. Avoid overly long hyperlinked text. If possible, keep hyperlinked text to at least 2-3 words but no more than 5-7 words.

• Bad: To learn more about different types of paint, read this Best Pick blog post.

• Good: Learn more about different types of interior paint.

• Good: Home theater systems are rising in popularity across the US
• Good: How to make an amazing game room.

Sources:

1. Think about their readers:
   1. What do they want to know?
   2. What do they care about?
   3. What do they need?
   4. Why don’t they have it?
   5. What challenges are they facing, and how can we help them tackle those challenges?
2. Try to source quality, independent blogs over corporate or major news sites (or at least aim for some variety).
   1. Mom-and-pop blogs (with decent DAs) are great sources because they are more likely to notice that we’ve linked to them, appreciate the promotion, and link back to us in return.
   2. Bigger sites already get a lot of traffic and promotion, so they don’t need our help and are less likely to notice and reciprocate.
   3. Acceptable sources:
      1. mom-and-pop blogs
      2. magazine and newspaper websites and affiliated sites
      3. educational sites
      4. HGTV, This Old House, etc.
      5. professional organizations
   4. Sources for ideas, not major information for the blog, and not for inclusion in source list:

1. 1. 1. Wikipedia
      2. Wikihow
      3. eHow
      4. discussion boards
      5. informational sites that recommend/advertise home service companies
   2. Remember to include your source links at the end of the document (include source name and link to article)

Format:

• Keywords
• Title
• Text.
  • Use headers, bullet points and lists to break up the content and make it more readable.
    • Bullet points and lists aren’t required (unless the client specifically requests them), but they are still nice to have if it makes sense.
• Include a call to action at the end of the article that links the information in the article to how the client can help (a relevant page on their site).
  1. Use h2s for major section headers
     1. H2 best practices:
        1. Work in keywords wherever you can.
        2. Outside of the title, the h2 is the most valuable place to include keywords to add clarity and help Google to understand the structure of the article.
        3. H2 headers should be clear so that someone skimming the article can understand their meaning and purpose.
        4. Choose “Five Most Popular Mailbox Designs” over “Design It” or “Design Options”
        5. Choose “How to Build Your Own Mailbox” over “Build” or “Build It”
  2. Use h3s to further organize/structure major sections
     1. H3 best practices:
        1. Use optional h3 headers as subheaders under h2 headers.
        2. H3 headers work well to break up long descriptions.
           1. If you have a list, but the items on the list require a description, put the list item as an h3 header, and then describe it.
        3. The primary purpose of h3s is to organize the article and increase readability.
        4. If you can naturally work keywords into an h3, it can’t hurt, but it’s more important to get keywords into the h2s.
           1. Don’t feel the need to force keywords into your h3s just to get more keywords in.
• Keep all paragraphs short for better web readability. Shoot for three to four sentences, or about five lines or less of text.
• If the blog title is numbered, also number your headings or list items. This will help readers navigate your article.
• Favor numbered or bulleted lists over long paragraphs. Lists are easier for readers to scan and absorb information.
• Be concise and direct with calls to action (instead of “check out <one of our prior articles about sources of lead in the home>,” use “Learn about <sources of lead in the home>”

• Save the blogs as the Blog Title
• Please put Best Pick Reports in the email subject line.
• Send completed articles to [email protected]

https://www.bestpickreports.com/blog/post/get-the-scoop-on-automatic-lawn-sprinkler-systems-2019-update

https://www.bestpickreports.com/blog/post/best-types-of-grass-for-houston-lawns

https://www.bestpickreports.com/blog/post/common-breaker-box-problems

Florida grass types, low maintenance grass types, professional lawn care

Best Grass Types for South Florida Lawns

Grass is an important part of your landscaping. If you’re struggling keeping a well-kept lawn in South Florida, you need to look for Florida grass types that thrive in the heat, humidity and sun of the south. When you start with the right grass type and professional lawn care, your yard can look its best all season long. Read on to find out what types of grass suit the climate of South Florida.

Best Florida Grass Types

Turf grasses are classified as warm-season, cold-season and transition grasses. These six warm-season grasses do best in South Florida.

St. Augustine Grass

• Augustine grass is a dense turf with a green to blue-green color that is quite popular in South Florida.
• This grass grows quickly and needs to be cut when it’s between 2 to 4 inches.
• It does well in the shade but not in high-traffic areas.
• It goes dormant in the winter and can turn brown or tan until spring.
• It needs water to stay green.
• It is not resistant to the southern cinch bug.

Bermuda Grass

• Bermuda grass is popular on golf courses and athletic fields because it withstands high traffic.
• It has a medium to dark green color that adapts to different soils and climates.
• It is drought resistant.
• Bermuda grass is highly invasive; it will creep into nearby gardens and flowerbeds if not properly maintained.
• The recommended mowing height is 0.5 to 2 inches.
• It does not grow well in the shade but it tolerates heat well.

Zoysia Grass

• Zoysia is a dark green grass that handles both the sun and shade well.
• It’s popular for golf courses, because it can take a lot of traffic.
• Zoysia grass is low maintenance and doesn’t need much water or fertilizer.
• It is also disease tolerant and less susceptible to weeds.

Buffalo Grass

• Buffalo grass has a blue-green hue and thrives in high temperatures.
• It grows well in difficult soils and in the sun; it doesn’t like shade.
• Buffalo grass isn’t appropriate for high-traffic areas.
• It won’t stand up to excessive watering.
• Buffalo grass needs to mowed regularly, when it’s from 1.5 to 3 inches.

Centipede Grass

• Centipede grass grows slow and thrives in the shade and sun.
• This grass is lighter in color than other grasses, almost a yellow-green.
• It’s a low-maintenance grass, needing only a little fertilizer and less mowing than most other varieties of warm-season grasses.
• This type of grass doesn’t handle traffic well.
• Centipede grass goes dormant during drought conditions.

Bahiagrass

• Bahiagrass grows well in sandy soil in full sun.
• This grass has a coarse texture and the stems are tough on mower blades.
• Bahiagrass is low maintenance, not requiring much irrigation or fertilizer; it will turn brown in drought conditions but return to its green color when the weather permits.
• It doesn’t grow well in shaded conditions.
• Bahiagrass is sensitive to overwatering.
• It’s recommended to mow weekly, when the leaves get to be between 3 and 4 inches.

Choosing the Best Grass Types for Your Yard

If you’re planting a new lawn, you have to consider the factors that will make your yard look its best. You want to know the soil type, its pH and the irrigation conditions of your yard. Low-maintenance grass types might be your preference, but if you have a lot of shade, you may have to choose grass types that fit the confines of your landscape.

Many of the common grass types that work well in South Florida have other varieties or species that have been adapted for different conditions. For example, Manilagrass is a species of Zoysia that resembles Bermuda. It grows slower than Zoysia and doesn’t do well under colder conditions. However, in South Florida, it can do especially well.

You should think about how you use your lawn. If your children are often outside kicking a ball around, you want a sturdier grass that stands up to traffic. Consider your hardscape needs, too. If you have one area that constantly gets trampled on, instead of grass, place a concrete pathway there. Talk to your professional landscaper and lawn care to make your yard more accessible to your lifestyle.

Caring for Your Florida Lawn

Grass type, irrigation elements and other landscaping features in your yard determine the needs of your lawn. You should speak to your landscaper and professional lawn care team about taking care of your grass, flowers and trees.

Choose Plants That Thrive in South Florida

Softscape elements, such as flowers and bushes on your property, can make your lawn stand out. If you have places where grass hasn’t grown, you might try different plants to avoid having a yard that appears unkept.

Talk to your landscaper about other types of flora that fit the different conditions of your yard. Succulents and tropical plants could fill places where grass is not working for you. By choosing plants that thrive in the Florida climate, you’ll have a natural-looking garden that makes you the envy of your neighbors.

Mow Your Lawn Right

Every grass type requires mowing when the grass gets to different heights. Mowing too frequently can weaken the grass while mowing less often may promote overgrowth. Make sure you understand how to keep your yard looking its best to promote a healthy lawn.

Install Irrigation and Drainage

While it might not seem necessary to install irrigation in your lawn, having a system can make sure all aspects of your landscape gets enough water. Don’t forget to include drainage to keep water from pooling and creating a swamp that is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Your professional landscaper can help you find the right balance.

Hiring a Professional Landscaper

If you like taking care of your lawn but don’t always have the time for it, talk to your landscaper about the best ways to manage all the flora in your yard to keep it looking beautiful all year long. Maintaining a yard, even a small one, can be a daunting task for many people. Your professional lawn care company has the tools, experience and time to keep your property looking its best.

Enjoy your outdoors in any season. Find a Best Pick professional lawn care company today to have the lawn that you dream about.

Resources:

“St. Augustinegrass for Florida Lawns,”  https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh010

“Best Types of Grass for Houston Lawns” https://www.bestpickreports.com/blog/post/best-types-of-grass-for-houston-lawns

“Bermudagrass for Florida Lawns” https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh007

“Six Types of Grass for Florida Lawns” https://sunriseirrigationandsprinklers.com/six-types-grass-florida-lawns/

“Bahiagrass for Florida Lawns” https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh006

“Centipedegrass for Florida Lawns” https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh009

“Zoysiagrass for Florida Lawns” https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh011