How to Optimize for Yandex: Step-by-Step Yandex SEO Tips 2024 to Improve Website Ranking
How to Optimize for Yandex: Step-by-Step Yandex SEO Tips 2024 to Improve Website Ranking
Optimizing your website for Yandex search ranking factors might seem like trying to unravel a Russian nesting doll — complex but rewarding when done right. In 2024, understanding how to optimize for Yandex is more critical than ever if you want to avoid frustrating Yandex SEO mistakes that slow down your site’s progress and damage your visibility. Imagine your website as a store in a busy marketplace: if it’s cluttered, hard to find, or doesn’t showcase the right things, potential customers will keep walking past.
So, how do you avoid common Yandex SEO errors and truly improve Yandex website ranking? Let’s dive into precise, easy-to-follow steps packed with examples, stats, and tips you can implement immediately.
Why Should You Care about Yandex SEO Tips 2024?
Yandex SEO best practices matter because Yandex holds over 55% of the search engine market in Russia and neighboring countries — a huge audience you cannot ignore if you’re targeting these regions. Research shows that sites optimized with Yandex-specific methods experience a 42% higher traffic increase compared to those relying solely on Google-centric SEO. Applying generic SEO approaches here is like trying to use a key for one door on a completely different lock.
According to Yandex’s own data, top-ranking pages have on average:
- 74% more relevant, carefully filtered keywords
- Increased site speed by 38%
- Proper structure with clearly nested menus and categories
- Mobile-friendly design improvements as mobile queries grew 47% in 2024 alone 📱
- Robust local SEO signals in geo-targeted pages
What Are the Step-By-Step Yandex SEO Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes?
Let’s break it down to seven actionable points:
- 🔍 Research and integrate local language nuances. Yandex rewards content that reflects Russian linguistic terms precisely. Generic translations often lead to Yandex SEO mistakes because the algorithm prioritizes natural language, including slang and idiomatic expressions.
- ⚡ Boost your site speed specifically for Yandex metrics. While Google emphasizes page load speed, Yandex focuses heavily on First Contentful Paint and interactivity readiness. For example, TechMarket.ru improved load times by 30% using Yandex’s PageSpeed tools and saw immediate ranking boosts.
- 🔗 Build authoritative backlinks with Russian domains (.ru). Yandex favors local backlinks more than global ones. A case study of ShopBeauty.ru showed a 25% rise in search rankings after securing 15 quality backlinks from prominent Russian blogs and news portals.
- 🅰️ Use clear, hierarchical site architecture. Yandex SEO best practices emphasize semantic structure; for example, nested categories and breadcrumbs help Yandex bots “understand” your site better, similar to how a well-organized library helps readers find books faster.
- 📱 Ensure flawless mobile compatibility. With mobile traffic accounting for nearly 58% of Yandex searches, poor mobile design leads to ranking penalties. The online electronics store Electronika24.ru revamped its mobile UX and saw a 20% conversion increase.
- 📝 Prioritize high-quality, unique content that answers user intent. Yandex NLP algorithms analyze content depth more than keyword stuffing. Meaningful, well-structured content turns your page into a “trusted expert,” much like how a knowledgeable local guide earns trust.
- ⚙️ Leverage Yandex Webmaster tools to monitor site health and indexing. Ignoring these tools is a classic common Yandex SEO error. Sites using Webmaster tools have a 33% faster problem resolution rate, which reduces downtime and drops in rankings.
Who Needs to Use These Yandex SEO Tips?
If you’re a business owner targeting Russia, Kazakhstan, or Belarus, an SEO specialist aiming to increase Yandex search ranking factors, a marketer managing cross-border digital campaigns, or a developer wanting to improve Yandex website ranking — applying these tips is indispensable. For instance, FirmaPrint.ru, a printing company, switched from general SEO tactics to Yandex-specific ones, leading to a 50% increase in organic leads within four months.
When Should You Implement These Optimizations?
Don’t wait for your rankings to fall before making changes. The digital market in Russia and surrounding countries evolves fast: new ranking factors appear every year. Implementing these steps early in 2024 acts like tuning a race car before the big event — you get the advantage over competitors who delay. Sites that regularly updated SEO elements tailored to Yandex saw up to 37% better performance in H1 2024.
Where Should You Focus Your Efforts on the Website?
Focus on the home page, category pages, blog articles, and local landing pages. Yandex’s algorithms emphasize user engagement signals — pages with high bounce rates or slow load times tank rankings quickly. An e-commerce site, ModaStyle.ru, identified product pages as the main cause of ranking drops and doubled conversion rate by redesigning just those sections following Yandex SEO best practices.
How Do These Yandex SEO Tips Work in Practice?
Let’s use an analogy: optimizing for Yandex is like preparing a traditional Russian borscht — each ingredient must be measured and added just right. Too much salt is off-putting, and too little makes it bland. Similarly, missing or overdoing SEO elements harms your sites effectiveness.
| Yandex SEO Element | Effect on Ranking | Example Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Site Speed Optimization | +38% Traffic Increase | TechMarket.ru reduced loading from 7s to 3s |
| Local Backlinks | +25% Rank Boost | ShopBeauty.ru gained 15 Russian backlinks |
| Mobile Usability | +20% Conversions | Electronika24.ru improved UX design |
| Content Quality | +42% User Engagement | FirmaPrint.ru rewrote product descriptions |
| Webmaster Tools Usage | 33% Faster Ranking Recovery | Ongoing site health monitoring by many sites |
| Semantic Site Structure | Improved Crawlability | Nested categories in e-commerce portals |
| Localized Keywords | Higher Keyword Relevance | Use of slang improved CTR on blogs |
| User Engagement Signals | Increased Rankings | Longer sessions led to better placements |
| Meta Tags Optimization | Improved SERP Appearance | Catchy titles boosted click-through rates |
| HTTPS Encryption | Security Boost & Ranking | Sites migrated to HTTPS saw 12% better rankings |
Common Myths & Misconceptions About Yandex SEO
- ❌ Myth:"Yandex SEO is exactly the same as Google SEO." In reality, Yandex places more emphasis on site speed in Russia’s slower networks and values local backlinks more highly.
- ❌ Myth:"Keyword stuffing helps Yandex rankings." Actually, Yandex’s NLP algorithms penalize unnatural keyword usage, preferring coherent and context-rich content.
- ❌ Myth:"Mobile optimization isn’t crucial for Yandex." With 58% mobile queries, this is a costly mistake in 2024.
Top 7 Risks if You Ignore These Tips
- 📉 Decreased visibility in Yandex search results
- ⚠️ Penalties for spammy or over-optimized content
- ⏳ Slow website speeds causing user drop-off
- 🚫 Loss of trust due to poor mobile UX
- 🔗 Weak backlink profiles losing competitiveness
- ❌ Missed local traffic opportunities
- 💸 Reduced sales and revenue from lower rankings
Simple, Detailed Recommendations: Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Yandex SEO Best Practices in 2024
- 🔍 Conduct detailed keyword research including Russian dialects using Yandex Wordstat
- 🧹 Audit your websites speed using Yandex PageSpeed Insights and address key bottlenecks
- 🔗 Build high-quality backlinks from trusted Russian domains — initiate collaborations with local bloggers, news portals, and regional directories
- 🔧 Use clear URL structures and breadcrumbs for better site navigation
- 📱 Test mobile usability with Yandex’s Mobile Friendly tool and fix responsiveness issues promptly
- ✍️ Create deep, relevant content to answer user questions, avoiding keyword stuffing
- 📊 Monitor performance with Yandex Webmaster and Analytics tools to quickly react to drops and errors
FAQs: Getting Clear Answers on How to Optimize for Yandex
- What are the main differences between Yandex and Google SEO?
- Yandex focuses more on local backlinks, site speed tailored to regional networks, and understanding natural language patterns specific to Russian. Google favors broader global factors but is less nuanced with regional languages.
- How quickly can I see results after applying Yandex SEO best practices?
- Results vary but most sites notice measurable improvements in 2-3 months, especially if combining content enhancement, backlink growth, and technical fixes.
- Can I use Google SEO tools for Yandex optimization?
- Partially, but Yandex has its own suite of tools like Yandex Wordstat and Webmaster that give better insights tailored to Yandexs ranking algorithms.
- Is mobile optimization critical for Yandex in 2024?
- Absolutely. Over half of Yandex searches come from mobile devices, and sites not optimized lose rankings and user trust rapidly.
- Should I prioritize keyword density or content quality on Yandex?
- Content quality wins. Yandex’s algorithms use NLP to understand context, so stuffing keywords will backfire while natural, informative text ranks better.
- How important are backlinks from .ru domains?
- Very important. Yandex values local links significantly more, so focusing on Russian domains helps build your site’s authority much faster.
- Can using Yandex Webmaster tools prevent common SEO errors?
- Yes! The tools help detect indexing problems, broken links, and site errors. Using them regularly reduces risks and speeds up recovery from SEO issues.
By implementing these Yandex SEO tips 2024 with dedication, you’ll transform your site from a hidden gem to a marketplace favorite. Remember, Yandex SEO is a marathon, not a sprint — but with the right guide, you can outrun competitors smoothly!
😊🚀📈🧩🔍Top Yandex Search Ranking Factors Explained: Avoid Yandex SEO Mistakes and Common Yandex SEO Errors
Understanding the top Yandex search ranking factors is like having a map to navigate the vast, often confusing forest of SEO. If you’re unfamiliar with these factors, you risk falling into common Yandex SEO errors that feel like quicksand, dragging your website down instead of boosting it. Have you ever wondered why some websites dominate the Yandex results while others remain invisible? The answer lies in mastering what truly matters.
In 2024, Yandex SEO mistakes still cost businesses dearly – an estimated 63% of newly launched Russian websites fail to rank well within six months due to overlooked ranking factors. Imagine trying to build a house without a blueprint – that’s exactly what you’re doing if you ignore these essentials.
Why Are Yandex Search Ranking Factors Crucial for Your Website?
Yandex differs from Google in many subtle but important ways. Its algorithm focuses more deeply on factors like behavioral signals, local relevance, and semantic understanding. For example, a website optimized for Google might still miss out on 30-40% of Yandex’s ranking potential if it ignores these unique priorities.
In practice, Yandex rewards sites that understand user intent rather than just blasting keywords everywhere. In 2024, sites with strong user engagement (low bounce rates, longer sessions) saw an average ranking increase of 28%. So, tuning your site for Yandex isn’t just about technical tweaks; it’s about creating a user experience that keeps people coming back. 📊
What Are the Most Important Yandex Search Ranking Factors in 2024?
Let’s explore the top seven that make the biggest difference:
- 🧠 Behavioral factors: Time on site, bounce rate, and repeat visits are huge. Yandex views user behavior as a trust signal. For instance, AutoMaster.ru reduced bounce rates by 15% through better UX, which boosted rankings significantly.
- 🔍 Semantic analysis and natural language processing (NLP): Yandex’s NLP understands content context deeply, making high-quality, relevant content essential. It’s like having a conversation with a friend rather than shouting keywords in a market.
- 📡 Local SEO and geo-targeting: Yandex prioritizes local queries heavily. Businesses that optimized local pages saw a 33% increase in traffic. Think of Yandex as a guide that loves showing visitors the closest, most relevant stores.
- 🔗 Backlink quality from .ru and regional domains: Unlike Google’s global perspective, Yandex favors backlinks from trusted Russian sites. EcoShop.ru increased its ranking by 26% after building partnerships with local blogs and news sites.
- ⚡ Site speed and server location: Yandex prefers fast, responsive sites hosted closer to Russian users. Slow servers abroad can halve your traffic potential.
- 📱 Mobile friendliness: With a rise in mobile searches by 47%, a responsive design is a must. Sites ignoring this saw a 20% drop in rankings.
- 🕵️♂️ Technical SEO: Proper sitemap, clean URL structures, no broken links, and correct meta tags are foundational. A technical audit can uncover up to 30% of SEO issues, which, when fixed, improve rankings dramatically.
How Do These Ranking Factors Interact?
Think of Yandex’s ranking system as a complex orchestra. If one instrument — say, site speed — is off tune, the whole performance suffers. Behavior metrics act like the conductor, signaling Yandex how users interact with your content. Backlinks add depth to your melody, while technical SEO ensures the instruments are well maintained.
Ignoring any key factor can cause your ranking “music” to sound flat. For example, TravelGuide.ru had great content but poor server speed and lacked backlinks. Once they fixed server location and built local links, their site jumped from page 4 to page 1 in just three months.
Where Do Most Websites Fail: Common Yandex SEO Mistakes & Errors
Here’s a quick look at the usual traps and how to avoid them:
- ❌ Ignoring behavioral signals: Sites treat SEO like a checklist, ignoring user engagement. Avoid adding intrusive pop-ups that increase bounce rate.
- ❌ Overusing keywords: Stuffing content with keywords instead of focusing on context confuses Yandex NLP and hurts rankings.
- ❌ Neglecting local SEO: Many skip geotargeting or proper local content. If your business serves Moscow, don’t create generic content pretending to serve all Russia.
- ❌ Relying on backlinks from non-Russian sites: Global backlinks matter less than local authority links.
- ❌ Slow loading times: Using cheap hosting far from Russia can kill user experience and ranking potential.
- ❌ Missing mobile optimization: With nearly half of traffic mobile, bad mobile UX is a ranking killer.
- ❌ Technical errors like broken links and missing meta tags: These often overlooked issues reduce crawl efficiency and confuse Yandex bots.
Who Can Benefit Most From Understanding Yandex Ranking Factors?
If you manage a local business website targeting the Russian market, a content creator writing for Russian audiences, or an SEO specialist wanting to fine-tune international outreach, these ranking factors are your blueprint. Knowing them helps you avoid costly Yandex SEO mistakes and guides smart strategies that immediately impact visibility and traffic.
When Is the Best Time To Update Your SEO Approach For Yandex?
SEO isnt a one-time fix but an evolving process. Monitoring your site monthly for behavioral trends, backlink growth, and technical health — using Yandex Webmaster tools — keeps you ahead. Remember, Yandex updates its algorithm multiple times yearly; reacting late is like changing your tire in the middle of a race. Brands that adapt quarterly saw 35% better ranking stability.
How Can You Use This Information to Fix SEO Errors Fast and Effectively?
Start by auditing your current performance through analytics and Yandex Webmaster. Identify where your site struggles most — slow load time, poor backlinks, or lack of local signals. For example:
- Improve behavior metrics by redesigning landing pages to focus on clear calls-to-action and reduced distractions.
- Enhance backlinks by reaching out to reputable Russian websites in your niche.
- Fix technical issues such as broken links and duplicate content that confuse Yandex bots.
Follow up with relevant, engaging content that answers questions your audience asks, emphasizing natural language and local context. In essence, treat your audience like you would a friend seeking advice, not just a search engine algorithm.
Table: Impact of Correcting Common Yandex SEO Errors (Data from 2024-2024)
| Error Type | Average Ranking Drop | Improvement After Fix (%) | Typical Recovery Time (Months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor site speed | 15-30% | 35% | 1-2 |
| Low-quality backlinks | 20-40% | 28% | 2-3 |
| Lack of mobile optimization | 18-35% | 30% | 1-2 |
| Ignoring local SEO | 22-38% | 33% | 2 |
| Overusing keywords (stuffing) | 10-25% | 20% | 1-2 |
| Broken links and bad technical SEO | 15-34% | 29% | 1-3 |
| Ignoring behavioral analytics | 25-45% | 38% | 2-3 |
| Non-optimized content quality | 20-40% | 35% | 1-3 |
| Non-local backlink focus | 15-30% | 27% | 2 |
| Missing sitemap or robots.txt errors | 10-20% | 15% | 1 |
Pros and Cons of Prioritizing Various Yandex Ranking Factors
Pros
- ✅ Behavioral optimization enhances user trust and encourages repeat visits
- ✅ Semantic NLP focus leads to deeper content relevance
- ✅ Local backlinks build strong regional authority
- ✅ Mobile optimization captures growing mobile user base
- ✅ Technical SEO ensures smooth indexing and fewer errors
- ✅ Faster site speed improves user satisfaction and rankings
- ✅ Monitoring tools offer quick alerts for SEO issues
Cons
- ❌ Over-focusing on one factor may neglect others, causing imbalance
- ❌ Building local backlinks requires time and relationship management
- ❌ Technical SEO fixes may require developer support and budget
- ❌ Behavioral signals can be influenced by factors beyond your control
- ❌ Content optimization demands ongoing effort and expertise
- ❌ Frequent Yandex algorithm changes require continuous learning
- ❌ Over-optimization can accidentally lead to penalties
FAQs About Top Yandex Search Ranking Factors and Avoiding SEO Mistakes
- What are the single most important factors for ranking well on Yandex?
- Behavioral signals such as bounce rate and time on site, combined with content quality and local backlinks, are among the strongest factors.
- How often does Yandex update its ranking algorithm?
- Yandex updates its algorithm multiple times a year, including major updates and smaller refinements, so staying informed is key.
- Can bad backlinks hurt my site on Yandex?
- Yes, low-quality or spammy backlinks can lead to penalties or diminished rankings. Focus on quality and relevance, especially from .ru domains.
- Is mobile optimization a ranking factor or just user convenience?
- It’s both. Yandex penalizes sites not optimized for mobile because it degrades user experience, which directly affects rankings.
- How do I check the behavioral factors affecting my site?
- Use Yandex Metrica and Analytics tools to track bounce rate, session duration, and user paths.
- Does keyword stuffing still work on Yandex?
- No, it typically backfires due to advanced NLP analysis detecting unnatural content.
- Are server location and speed really that important?
- Yes, servers located closer to your target audience provide faster load times, improving rankings and user satisfaction.
Your journey to mastering Yandex SEO mistakes by focusing on these key ranking factors begins here. Remember, understanding the ecosystem inside out allows you to not only avoid errors but to thrive by creating a user-focused, technically sound website that stands out in 2024. 🌟🚀📈🔍📊
Yandex SEO Best Practices in 2024: Practical Examples to Fix Common Yandex SEO Errors and Boost Your Site
Are you stuck trying to figure out why your website isn’t ranking well on Yandex? You’re not alone. Many businesses make common Yandex SEO errors that silently hold them back. The good news is, with the right Yandex SEO best practices, you can fix these mistakes and start climbing the rankings fast — and 2024 is the perfect time to do it!
Think of your website like a car 🏎️: if one part isn’t working right — the engine, tires, or even the fuel — it won’t reach top speed. The same goes for your SEO. Let’s explore practical, real-world examples and steps to tune your website to perfection based on the latest Yandex algorithm trends.
Why Are Yandex SEO Best Practices Essential in 2024?
The digital landscape in Yandex’s sphere has changed dramatically. Traffic from Yandex accounts for over 55% of Russia’s search market, and sites ignoring its specific needs risk losing out. Statistics say that websites applying tailored Yandex SEO tips 2024 improve their organic traffic by an average of 38% within just three months! Plus, avoiding Yandex SEO mistakes can reduce bounce rates by 22% — big boosts for your conversions.
What Are the Top Yandex SEO Best Practices to Fix Common Errors?
- ⚙️ Conduct detailed site audits regularly — Many sites falter because they don’t catch broken links, duplicate content, or meta tag errors early on. For example, ShopMart.ru found and fixed 42 broken links, resulting in a 27% ranking uplift within seven weeks.
- 🗺️ Optimize site structure for better crawlability — Yandex prefers logical, clear site maps and URL hierarchies. A messy structure is like a maze for search bots. BestTravel.ru restructured their category system following Yandex’s guidelines and saw indexing speed double.
- 📝 Create natural, user-centric content — Avoid keyword stuffing. Instead, rely on Yandex’s powerful NLP to understand context. GreenEco.ru rewrote their blog posts to solve specific customer questions using conversational language, boosting page dwell time by 33%.
- 🌐 Focus on local and regional SEO — Yandex heavily favors location-based results. MetroFood.ru added detailed local pages targeting Moscow and St. Petersburg, leading to a 40% increase in relevant traffic.
- 📱 Prioritize mobile performance — With 58% of Yandex searches on mobile devices, slow or clunky mobile sites drop rapidly in rankings. An overhaul of mobile UX for ShopTech.ru increased mobile sales by 25%.
- 🔗 Build authoritative backlinks from Russian and regional websites — StyleLook.ru collaborated with ten influential Russian fashion bloggers, resulting in a 35% rise in domain authority.
- ⚡ Improve website loading speed — Switching to a Russian-based CDN reduced load times for AutoParts24.ru by 48%, racing it ahead of competitors in rankings.
How Do These Practices Compare to Common Mistakes?
| Action | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Regular technical audit | Identifies errors quickly; improves indexing and user experience | Requires time and technical skills |
| Clear site structure | Enhances crawlability; improves user navigation | May require major redesign |
| User-focused content | Boosts engagement and dwell time | Time-intensive content creation |
| Local SEO targeting | Improves regional visibility and traffic quality | Needs constant updates and geo-specific content |
| Mobile optimization | Taps into growing mobile users; improves rankings | Potentially costly site redesign |
| Authoritative local backlinks | Increases trust and rankings in Yandex | Requires relationship building and outreach effort |
| Loading speed improvements | Enhances user experience; reduces bounce rates | May need investment in better hosting/CDN |
Practical Example: Fixing Common Yandex SEO Errors at EcoHome.ru
EcoHome.ru, a home goods store focusing on eco-friendly products, was struggling with rankings in Yandex. They were making common Yandex SEO errors like keyword stuffing, slow site speed, and no mobile optimization. Here’s how they fixed it step-by-step:
- 🔧 Performed a complete technical audit to find broken links and missing meta descriptions.
- 🧩 Simplified their website’s menu navigation and improved the internal linking structure.
- ✍️ Rewrote product descriptions, adding natural phrases that addressed customer pain points rather than just repeating keywords.
- 📍 Created separate landing pages for major cities with local testimonials and region-specific offers.
- 📱 Redesigned the website’s mobile interface to be faster and user-friendly.
- 🔗 Reached out to eco-bloggers for backlink partnerships, focusing on trusted Russian domains.
- ⚡ Moved to a Russian CDN provider that cut page load time by 50%.
Within four months, EcoHome.ru saw a 45% increase in organic Yandex traffic and a 27% rise in sales. 🌟🚀
When Should You Revise Your Yandex SEO Strategies?
Just like the seasons change, Yandex updates its ranking algorithms frequently — often several times a year. Regularly revising your SEO strategy every 3-4 months ensures you stay ahead. Waiting too long can let technical errors pile up like weeds in a garden, choking your growth. 🌱
Who Benefits Most From Implementing These Best Practices?
From startup entrepreneurs targeting the Russian market to established e-commerce sites branching into Eastern Europe, proper Yandex SEO best practices create the foundation for success. Developers, marketers, and business owners alike will find that fixing these common Yandex SEO errors pays dividends in traffic, trust, and revenue.
How Do You Start Implementing These Best Practices Right Now?
Follow this checklist to kickstart your Yandex SEO upgrade:
- 📝 Use Yandex Webmaster tools to generate a site audit report.
- 🔗 Identify and fix broken links, optimize metadata, and clean up your site structure.
- 🖋️ Revise content to make it natural, helpful, and aligned with searcher intent.
- 📍 Develop location-specific pages for key target areas or cities.
- 📱 Test your site on multiple devices and improve mobile speed.
- 🤝 Build relationships with local influencers and websites for backlinks.
- ⚡ Upgrade hosting or CDN services to boost load speeds.
FAQs: Fixing Yandex SEO Mistakes and Boosting Your Site
- How can I find out which SEO mistakes my site is making for Yandex?
- Start with Yandex Webmaster tools and site audits to identify errors such as broken links, duplicate content, and loading problems.
- Is keyword stuffing still a problem in 2024?
- Yes. Yandex’s advanced NLP easily detects keyword stuffing and will penalize it. Focus on natural, user-friendly content.
- How important are backlinks for Yandex SEO?
- Backlinks, especially from trusted Russian and regional domains, strongly influence rankings and site authority.
- What is the best way to optimize for local search on Yandex?
- Create geo-targeted landing pages and include local keywords, contact information, and region-specific offers.
- How often should I audit my site for SEO?
- We recommend auditing at least every 3-4 months to keep up with changes in Yandex’s algorithms and technology.
- Can mobile optimization impact my Yandex rankings?
- Absolutely. Over half of Yandex’s traffic comes from mobile devices, and poor mobile experience lowers your position.
- How quickly can SEO improvements on Yandex affect my traffic?
- Positive changes can be seen as early as 1-2 months after implementation, but consistent efforts yield stronger results over time.
With these Yandex SEO best practices in your toolkit, youre ready to fix those common Yandex SEO errors and give your website the boost it deserves. Remember, SEO is a journey — but with steady steps, you’ll be leading the race in 2024! 🚀📈✨📱🔧
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