2016 saw numerous optimization changes. That’s why there’s no denying that Google can end up making more updates this year.
SEO is undoubtedly the backbone of Internet marketing. Without it, quality content won’t exist and businesses will not flourish online. That being said, many continue to believe various SEO myths that affect the way they do their business online. This is why they either don’t get enough out of it or end up dawning black hats.
Whether you are new to SEO or not, it’s only right that you use it properly. This means forgetting about these 7 SEO myths we’ve written about below. Let’s make the most out of SEO in all its white hat ability.
Doing SEO once is enough
One of the earliest myths of SEO is it only comes after building your website. We’ve already proven that it’s a poor way to use the system. However, another rampant myth spreading around is that doing SEO once is enough.
Sure, smaller businesses may be happy about being searched and found specifically in Google. However, if you want a long-term and enriching relationship with your customers online, then it is a continuous effort.
Always keep an eye on your links, produce new content and keep yourself updated with Google’s changes. This is the only way you will remain relevant not only to your audience but to the search engine as well.
SEO is all about tricks
We often read about “SEO tricks” that are guaranteed to boost your ranking. However, that’s what they are, tricks. They often mean cutting corners and doing it the way Google doesn’t want you to do it.
The truth is search engine optimization takes a lot of work. It has a structure and a system that requires a sense of organization for every user that’s practicing it. Even if you are increasing your ranking by exercising these tricks, sooner or later, Google will find out, and we all know how they are not too keen on those wearing black hats.
Keyword density is the way to go
Throughout all these years, Google has been emphasizing the poor use of keywords. However, many continue to produce thin quality that is jam-packed with keywords that it turns out to be unhelpful to both the company and the user.
It’s time to forget all about keyword density and focus on the strategic use of keywords. From placing it in the URL to your title tag as well as sub-headers, it’s important that your content flows naturally. At the end of the day, you’d want something that is informative, engaging and helpful.
Link building is dead yet again
This is one more relentless myth that appears to never give up. Many believe that link-building is dead. However, it is very much alive and continues to be an integral part of SEO.
The fact is there are many ways to build links the wrong way. There are many ways to do it right as well. From producing fantastic content to linking naturally with websites that are within your industry, it is a time-tested marketing practice that you should never do without. When you have strong links in and out of your website, your rank will increase, and a larger audience will take notice.
An XML site map will boost your rankings
Many think that installing the Google XML Sitemap generator on their WordPress will boost their rankings. However, this is another SEO myth that needs to crawl back into its cave.
The fact is an XML site map isn’t made to boost your rankings. However, it is meant to make your website more crawlable, thereby making it quicker for Google to assess whether or not your website is top-notch. So this doesn’t mean you should go entirely without it. It may not up your rank, but it may increase your website’s visibility.
Social media doesn’t affect SEO
Social media is undoubtedly a powerful vehicle for many businesses online. It gives them the chance to share their content quicker and may perhaps put them in a viral stature. However, the fact is SEO doesn’t use metrics like Facebook or Instagram, but that doesn’t mean it won’t affect your rank.
In the long run, social activity improves indexation and the discoverability of your content. Once you upload a blog post on your Twitter or Facebook, you will be linking to it directly on your website. This will then lead to more people discovering your content. From here, it can help build a larger audience and improve online relevance.
Be sure to steer clear from these SEO myths if you want to stay on the good side of Google and gain online authority.
