5 common misconceptions about SEO

SEO or Search Engine Optimization is one of the prime components of online marketing. If you’re running a business with a website, a blog or you’re looking to gain visibility, increase your reach and find new clients then you definitely need to know how to use SEO. However, there is plenty of conflicting information about SEO tactics on the web, and in some cases, you could be using these to your disadvantage.

Before coming up with an SEO strategy that works for your company, it is important to understand how search engine ranking works as well as some of the myths. Luckily, we’re here to go over 5 common misconceptions about SEO.

5 common SEO misconceptions!

1- More keywords, higher ranking

If you didn’t already know, Search Engine Optimization is the process in which search engines rank websites in their listing based on keywords as well as content. Although many online marketers employ keywords, they may not actually understand how to use them to get the best results. Years ago it was common for blogs and websites to try and obtain a better ranking by creating a bunch of low-quality content and filling it with keywords. This may have worked in the past, but it won't work for your company anymore.

To gain ranking in organic reach, your content has to be well written, creative and high-quality. Of course, the content should employ keywords and be optimized to have a high ranking, but these keywords must be well-researched and used in appropriate places such as text, headlines and titles as well as alongside images and videos. Choose one or two keywords per text, and try not to overuse them.

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2- It’s all about the links

Yes, although linking other content to yours or within your blog posts is important, this does not have a huge impact on your SERPs (Search Engine Results Page). Although links matter, there are many other factors that Google will take into consideration when ranking your page and this includes the link content, the keywords within the attached link as well as meta-descriptions. Also worth mentioning is that the quality of the links that you put in your article is much more important than link quantity.

One backlink from a website with high authority is much more valuable than several from low-quality websites. Although buying links to improve search engine results used to be a common practice, it is no longer possible to improve your ranking this way.

In the world of backlinking, not all backlinks are equal. This is because if links are caught running between both pages, they may be flagged by Google. Further, Google has an algorithm in place to sniff out any links that would be considered spam. If a link to your website or one of your own is flagged, this can lead to a penalty. Make sure that before working with a backlink, you investigate the site it's coming from.

3- SEO works immediately

One thing to remember when working in the world of online marketing is that SEO is an ongoing process. For this reason, it is paramount that your content be consistent. Even if you write the most brilliant and creative blog post, it's highly unlikely that thousands of people will automatically flock to your website. Instead, it is crucial for you to continuously optimize content, post and update regularly and work on driving traffic towards your business. If you begin to falter or lose momentum, it will be noticeable in your SERPS.  

Again, even if your website hits the top of the Google polls, you’ll have to continue working to keep it that way. As the technological landscape is fast-paced and always changing, continue researching ways that you can improve your search engine ranking

4- Guest blogging is a waste of time

Many believe that guest blogging has no value when it comes to SEO, but they would be wrong. In fact, guest blogging is a valuable SEO practice. Again, this has a lot to do with the quality of your content. A reputable guest blogger who can provide relevant and useful information to the world wide web will be beneficial for your company. However, make sure to check the credibility of your guest bloggers' work before offering up a post, as bad content will only have a negative effect on your SEO.

Not only this, but a well-known blogger from your field can encourage new relationships with and create trust between yourself and other experts.  If you’re looking for more information on the best way to find guests to take on a post, check out our article: How to recruit awesome guest bloggers for your website!

5- There is a quick SEO solution

In the early days of SEO, many content marketers may have believed that paying for ad space was the only way to get a high Google ranking. Unfortunately, there is no quick solution to find your website on the front page of the Google. Even if you do put down the money to make your way to a higher ranking, you'll still need to create good quality content.

Let,s be real though, if you’re genuinely determined to improve your SEO, then it’s necessary to come up with a thorough strategy. Either working with someone internally or hiring an SEO expert, a strategist should take a cold, hard look at what elements you’re working with and identify a course of action based on the services or products which can drive in the most revenue. Having someone come up with a competent yet realistic SEO strategy based on your actual business model will be the ultimate way to improve your search engine ranking!