7 Misconceptions about SEO Practices in 2018
SEO is nothing new yet it’s still something a lot of us can carry some dated notions or misconceptions about. As search engine optimization undergoes updates and with the array of philosophies out there about approaching SEO, it can be difficult knowing what to believe and what applies in the present time frame. Evidently, that results in a lot of people getting their SEO strategies wrong. Here are the top 7 misconceptions we have found some customers have about search engine optimization.
#1 – It’s all about keywords
It is, but it really isn’t. SEO uses short-tail and long-tail keywords in text-based content and in coding to have a page rank on search engines. Some marketers will argue that keywords are all that matter. As search engine optimization has undergone updates over the years, keywords have increasingly become less of a priority and other KPIs, metrics, and design factors have been on the rise.
#2 – Spend less and see rewards
SEO is very cost-effective however it takes time to work and it is something that needs to be maintained over time. Thereby, in the long run, even with its high return on investment, it’s going to take more than pennies. Low budget SEO work is not something that will get you big results nor should it be expected.
#3 – SEO is so easy!
Though search engine optimization strategies may seem simple, they are not. There are things a site owner can do without the help of an SEO expert, yes, however there are many variables at play. An experienced SEO marketer will be able to advise on the correct directions to go in, what strategies to take to get there, and can provide insight into the next set of changes that are expected to be around the corner.
#4 – Link building is spamming
Link building is not spam, though it can be in certain cases. Creating relevant, valuable content through link building should be the focus. Intuitive, informative links can significantly help in boosting search relevance and assist in domain authority.
#5 – SEO is a scheme that cheats search engines
Search engine optimization is not a way to ‘cheat the system’. It is something that search engines such as Google highly value. There’s nothing deceitful about SEO though some strategies are, yes, not well-intentioned. If Google finds a site to be employing deceitful SEO practices, they are penalized and potentially even blocked from ranking. Thus, this means working with an experienced SEO strategist to ensure all strategies being used are permitted.
#6 – You need to be worried about Google penalties
As long as SEO strategies follow best practices, there is no reason to worry about being penalized in any way by search engines like Google. Know that in order to be penalized, what you need to have done is purposefully egregious. Though things may happen along the way, such as a strategy not working or a ranking dropping, it’s highly unlikely for a site to be severely penalized for an unknowing mistake.
#7 – SEO is the same for everyone
Search engine optimization ranking strategies will not be the same for every site. Though some strategies will be similar, not all will be. There is no step by step guide for SEO to make sure a site ranks. The results will always be different, as will the challenges. Search engine optimization is an art onto itself and it takes an experienced SEO company to know what strategies to target, how to execute, and what level of investment is required before you can achieve high quality results.
