SEO Myths

Confused about SEO? You're not alone. We uncover the truth behind the most common myths.
Talking recently to business owners about search engine optimization, one fact became apparent almost immediately: There is a ton of misinformation out there when it comes to SEO.
We’ve looked at some of the more common myths about SEO Here's what we found.

Myth #1: SEO is a secret

Reality: I'd say the most common myth is that SEO is a deep, dark secret which only a few people actually know about. In reality, there are a lot of simple but effective techniques that you can do to increase your traffic.

A good place to start the process is to look at your analytics or web stats. There are a variety of tools, including some from Google, that spotlight if you have problems being accessed by search engines. These tools are free and can be added onto any website.

Many people either don’t have the time to look at their analytics or simply don’t understand the reports, if you need help to work them out give me a ring - Tel: 01625 821072

I won't charge you to have a chat and will look over your reports and give you an honest opinion about what they are showing.


Myth #2: SEO means optimizing only for Google

Reality: True, Google is the dominant search engine in many parts of the world, accounting for 60 to 90 percent of all search traffic; but if you think all search engine optimization is for Google, you have missed the online marketing boat, do not pass go and do not collect £200.

So, what's the best SEO strategy? While being aware of technological pitfalls and linking advantages is important, stop optimizing for Google and start optimizing for your intended audience. Building search-friendly sites in a content-friendly environment is the best way to win.

Myth #3: Submitting your site to thousands of directories helps

Reality: Web directory submissions do help. However, it's better to cherry pick a handful of the most reputable/authoritative and relevant web directories instead of taking the easy way and shooting yourself in the foot by using an automated process to submit your site to thousands of directories.

Myth #4: SEO is free

Reality: SEO is never, ever free! Most SEO will inevitably result in website updates which will cost money because it’s useless paying for SEO if when your user gets there you have not delivered what you promised. DIY SEO can be even more costly than employing a professional to do it for you.

Myth #5: Keywords need to appear everywhere

Reality: A popular myth (brought on by people reading old SEO information that is not relevant to the current marketplace and optimization software that was programmed many years ago) is that you should put your keywords everywhere to rank as best you can.

The truth is that search engine algorithms favour more natural writing that includes a more diverse and realistic set of text with more variation in it. Some common variation strategies include using both the plural and singular versions of a keyword, changing the order of words in a phrase and adding relevant modifiers to page titles and headings.

Myth #6: PageRank is the critical measure of a site's success

Reality: PageRank was a rather defining aspect of early Google search. This means that sites who focus primarily on PageRank today are missing the bigger picture and overlooking aspects of their website that they have more control over.

PageRank is focused on the issue of a page's importance, whereas a larger component in determining search results is relevance. A key point here is to aim to deliver results that are relevant to the query typed into the search box, the area where the person is searching from and making sure that your site is targeted to your users.

The real answer to “what makes a site successful?” is original and compelling content that gives consistent happy users: people who bookmark and share your site and understand and respect your brand and who can confidently and seamlessly make that purchase.

Myth #7: Inserting keywords in the keyword meta tag will help list your site for that keyword

Reality: Most major search engines do not use the meta keywords tag as a ranking factor and those that do, if the keyword is not also in the copy of the same page, it’s considered a factor which could lower your rankings, not raise it. At best the keyword tag is used by directories or social bookmarking sites when submitting your site. The only really important meta tag is the description as it is displayed in the search results by Google.