When it comes to search engine optimization (SEO), many website owners are still approaching the process incorrectly even with the vast amount of online info describing the right techniques. Here is a list of the worst possible forms of SEO marketing that are still being used today by some.
1. You think that Microsites with Duplicate Content are Still Effective
This used to be a common form of SEO used by website owners to help their websites climb search engine rankings. However, Google penalizes sites containing duplicate content, so now is a good time to stop using this antiquated tactic. Building numerous sites targeting the same keyword is an inefficient use of your time. Focus on one domain and make that domain the best you can. Make it a hub for your brand.
How does Matt Cutts feel about it.
2. You think that Spinning an Article 50 Times Classifies as Marketing
Years ago, spinning an article many times so that it delivered the same message but with different words used to be effective and acceptable SEO. The intelligence level of Google's web crawlers have now increased to the point where this now classifies as duplicate content. Poor thin content with no substance will only hurt you. The user experience is also very horrible.
3. You still Approach Search Engine Optimization with a Quantity vs. Quality Mindset
Trying to acquire a thousand links is not what SEO is all about these days. Instead, engage in quality SEO methods such as delivering high quality content to readers once a week instead of mediocre content each day, social media, email marketing and blog marketing. It's not the mad science project it once was. These days less is more when it comes to search engine optimization.
4. You think SEO is a Silo'd Effort
Although siloing can be used to assist with SEO, it should by no means be relied upon in its entirety to improve site rankings. Instead, update your website regularly and engage with followers on social media. Do this in conjunction with an effective email campaign. Look at your approach like the structure of a business. You have numerous departments that need to communicate. When they don't, things fall apart.
5. You think that Page 1 is the End Game and the only thing to Deliver Success
Many website owners are under the impression that reaching page 1 of search engine results is the holy grail of SEO. This is not always the case, as some really poor quality sites also achieve this status on occasions. You should look at being on page 1 as one particular milestone of many. Sure it is great to be there but if that is all you got you might not be 100% satisfied with the results.
6. You Forget that Marketing Plays a Large Part in SEO
Website owners often think that simply posting great content to their website or blog will help reel in visitors and boost SEO rankings. However, for this to happen, content will need to be marketed on social media as well as other prominent places online. SEO is now marketing. It is the process of creating material your audience bumps into in order to channel back to your website with the goal of generating a conversion. There is a lot of marketing needed to make that happen.
7. You think that Black Hat SEO Methods are still acceptable
Keyword stuffing, adding unrelated keywords to site content and buying links are all black hat SEO methods that were once popular, but are now frowned upon by Google. Instead, use informative content, related keywords and a low keyword density level to engage readers. Don't go down the dark path, you will certainly regret it eventually.
8. You Want to Hire Someone for $5 an Hour to do your SEO
The only thing you will achieve by hiring cheap labor is poor results. If you do need to hire someone to assist you with SEO, do not let the cheapest price be your deciding factor. Instead, look for someone who has built a solid reputation and who is knowledgeable. I'm not saying to break the bank but be realistic. What do you really think $100 per/month is going to get you?
9. You are under the impression that Design has no Impact on SEO
A well-designed website that provides visitors with the answers or information they are looking for will always perform better than one that doesn't. Do not be conned into just "throwing up a site" as your site will not only end up looking like so many others online, your site's SEO will also suffer. Conversion elements and branding are crucial.
10. You think that stuffing your Site with Keywords Actually Works
Using keyword density of more than 2% or simply placing random keywords into existing text is known as keyword stuffing. Aim for a density level of around 0.5% to 1% instead and ensure that keywords are relevant to your text. Always write for humans first, search engines second. If you don't the user experience will be horrible.
Still don't believe us?
- http://www.bruceclay.com/seo/advanced/keywordstuffing.htm
- http://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2012/03/21/dangers-of-keyword-stuffing
- http://moz.com/beginners-guide-to-seo/myths-and-misconceptions-about-search-engines
11. You think Buying Links is Acceptable
While this used to be an acceptable form of SEO, sites who engage in this practice now can be very heavily penalized. Instead, aim your focus towards supplying readers with decent content, engaging in social media and various other quality methods.
12. PageRank is your Only Benchmark to Achieving Success
Although PageRank is used as a means of measuring the links pointing to a particular website page, this should not be your only consideration when building your website and working on SEO efforts. At the end of the day PageRank is just a number, and this number does not dictate success. There are many new websites with lower PageRanks dominating certain industries.
13. You try to Engage in Spam-like Guest Blogging
If you engage in guest blogging, ensure that you provide quality content and that you are sending unique pitches out to potential sites. Canned pitches are extremely easy to detect. #1 rule, always contribute to relevant sites. If you sell tires focus on being a contributor to automotive websites. Posting your tire related content on a foodie site with an author link will only hurt you.
14. You think Social Media will not help you
This is where you are wrong. However, social media is only effective when you engage and interact with readers regularly. Learn to engage with existing followers before trying to increase follower numbers.
15. If you don't Enjoy Marketing, Stop Doing your own SEO!
Instead, find someone who does enjoy the various aspects associated with content marketing and pay them to perform this service for you.
As you can see, these days, your SEO efforts should be focused more on providing quality content than on anything else. Learning to approach SEO in the correct manner will not only make your life easier; it will also ensure that your website achieves the ranking it deserves.