Chromebook is a laptop that runs on a unique operating system—ChromeOS. From the day it was initially unveiled, in 2011, and to this day, this gadget is primarily purposed for web-based tasks. Compact, lightweight, affordable, and packed with productivity features, this type of laptop is considered a great choice for digital nomads.
Yet, the big question is whether it can handle all kinds of digital nomads’ professions. In particular, is it powerful enough to suit professional SEO needs?
On the one hand, the rise of cloud-based SEO platforms that we’ve seen in the past years has already changed the way professionals in this sector work. Instead of downloading different categories of SEO software for a desktop, you can now have all the tools you need for work in a single place, accessible from a browser.
And the growing number of SEO software reviews, such as those posted on Top10seosoftware.com, highlights the popularity and rapid growth of browser-based solutions.
This could mean that cloud-focused Chromebooks can make the cut for today’s SEO workflow. Let’s see what it can handle for you.
What Tasks in the SEO Workflow Can Chromebooks Handle?
As you already know, ChromeOS is designed primarily for web-based tasks. In terms of SEO, these laptops can excel in the tasks that you typically handle via browser, such as:
- Keyword research
- Competitor analysis
- Content planning
- Content writing
- On-page optimization
- Link-building
- Performance monitoring and analysis
Apart from giving you an opportunity to handle all these tasks in the browser manually, Chromebooks also pair well with a huge variety of cloud-based SEO platforms, browser extensions, and standalone apps available in the Chrome Web Store.
Broad compatibility and seamless integration with a myriad of professional SEO tools can help you automate your daily tasks and support your daily workflow.
Use Browser-Based SEO Tools and Extensions for Chromebooks
The introduction of web-based tools has made a revolution in the habitual SEO workflow. Now, you no longer need a huge collection of desktop SEO software to perform your tasks.
Instead, you can choose an all-rounded platform enriched with all the features and tools you need–all in one place and accessible at any time and from any device via a web browser.
That’s where Chromebooks thrive. As cloud-focused devices, these laptops can give you access to pretty much all cloud-based platforms available out there. The selection is fairly broad. All you need is to research the options and check out a reliable SEO tools comparison to choose a platform that will match your needs.
These platforms can aid you with a variety of tasks, including site auditing, strategy planning, keyword research, rank tracking, on-page optimization, and many others.
Apart from web-based solutions, Chromebooks also give you access to a variety of SEO Chrome extensions. Although extensions typically help you with the same tasks, they hold additional benefits that are not present in web-based platforms. In order to perform a task via a web-based solution, you need to go to your browser, open the needed platform, sign in, and perform the actions you need. With an extension, however, you expand the features of your browser.
For example, if you install the Detailed SEO Extension, you will be able to get a comprehensive SEO analysis of any page in a single click. This eliminates the necessity to perform additional steps, saves time, and boosts productivity.
And there are plenty of popular SEO extensions for the Chrome browser that can do the following tasks:
- Instantly assess domain and page authority metrics of websites.
- Monitor your authority or conduct competitor analysis.
- Get insights into keyword search volume, competition, and cost per click right while browsing in search engines, Amazon, or YouTube.
- Get a complete set of data concerning domain stats, keyword trends, and SEO audit results of a particular webpage.
And there are plenty of other tasks that you can get done with the help of SEO extensions for Chromebook to increase your productivity.
Chromebook for SEO Workflow: Possible Limitations to Be Aware Of
Thanks to access to various cloud-based SEO platforms and extensions, Chromebooks can make a good everyday gadget for search engine optimization specialists.
Nevertheless, we can’t deny the fact that Chromebooks are much more restricted in power compared to full-scale laptops. That is, there might be a few limitations that get in your everyday work.
The main limitations you should be aware of include:
1. Offline Functionality Limitations
Chromebooks are heavily reliant on the Internet connection because they mostly run browser-based platforms, browser extensions, and apps, which often operate solely online. As an SEO freelancer, you might need some offline functionality from time to time, when you have to work outside of the home.
Of course, you can’t add offline functionality to a device that’s bound to the web. However, one possible solution is to invest in a good cellular connection and use it when working outside of the home.
2. Software Compatibility
Indeed, a vast variety of SEO tools and platforms are now either cloud-based or available in the form of apps and extensions. However, when it comes to advanced tools, many of them have limited compatibility that only supports a specific OS or device type (aka desktop).
To solve the problem, you need to assess the available browser-based platforms and extensions to pick ones that offer you the needed functionality. If there is no way to replace incompatible advanced software, you can also use remote desktop services or enable Linux support on your device.
3. Performance Constraints
In order to make them lightweight, manufacturers of these lightweight laptops get rid of extra hardware that adds weight to the device. This can create a few performance constraints that SEOs should keep in mind:
- Limited internal storage space might be insufficient for managing large sets of data. However, you can opt for cloud or external storage solutions.
- Lower-end laptop models may lack CPU power to handle heavy multitasking. To solve the problem you can either opt for more powerful models or plan your workflow accordingly and avoid running multiple tabs simultaneously.
4. Restricted Developer Tools
It’s no secret that SEOs often have to deal with technical elements of the website to improve its performance. Typically, this involves inspecting and tweaking code, which requires access to developer tools.
Although these devices may lack full-fledged development environments, you can use Linux or cloud-based development environments as a workaround for this problem.
Conclusion
Chromebooks seem to be the perfect solution for digital nomads. They are lightweight and easy to take with you anywhere. They also often have a much better battery capacity, which allows for longer and more productive work sessions outside of the home. And they are typically cheaper.
All these benefits make this kind of laptop sound like a great choice for different freelance specialists, including SEOs. Yet, when it comes to handling serious SEO tasks, many people have many concerns about the power and suitability of such devices for their workflows.
As you now know, Chromebooks give you access to a variety of cloud-based platforms and SEO Chrome extensions that can let you handle your daily tasks with ease. There are a few limitations to consider. Namely, some advanced SEO tools might not be compatible with such devices. However, each limitation seems to have a rather easy workaround.
The verdict? Chromebooks can make the cut for digital nomads who specialize in SEO.
