SEO Myths You Might Still Be Falling For

source

It’s very difficult to keep track of the SEO world. Google update their algorithm about once a year, and it leaves digital marketers in a tailspin! Every year, Google changes everything we thought we knew about SEO. It means techniques and tricks become obsolete within a year.

It’s fantastic that Google seeks to improve and make the search system better. But, it’s pretty annoying for website owners. It means we have to constantly adapt to new techniques, and make sure we stay ahead of the game. Because of these constant changes, there is a lot of confusion when it comes to SEO. There’s a lot of outdated information on the internet. There are lots of mistakes, myths, and downright lies! I pride myself on staying up to date with SEO techniques, so today I’m setting the record straight. Trust me, you need SEO to make your business bigger and better. So learn these myths, and avoid them!

Myth #1 Linking is dead

In the past, the easiest way to get on the first page of Google was through linking. Building lots of links back to your site showed Google that you were a useful and trustworthy source of information. Of course, people started to cheat the system by exchanging links and buying fake referrals. Google cracked down and only indexed real, organic, authority links. It led many to declare link building dead in the water. Nothing could be further from the truth. Google still use high-quality links to determine your authority. In fact, it’s one of the most important factors. Build links, but do so organically, and through relevant content.

Myth #2 You only need one keyword

In order to determine your relevancy, Google analyses your site for keywords. If you’re a dentist, you want to make sure the keyword ‘dentist’ is highly visible. Use it in your titles, headers, metadata, and domain name. But, many marketers still think this is enough. It’s not. Google have placed a huge emphasis on ‘longtail’ keywords. These are supporting words and phrases that help paint a more specific picture of your website. In this case, it would be ‘teeth’, ‘drills’, ‘fillings’ etc. You’ll also want to include location keywords.

Myth #3 Local SEO doesn’t matter

If you’d said this to me last year, I might have believed you. But, in 2014, Google created the ‘Pigeon’ update. It was a change to its algorithm that focused heavily on local search results. It’s a response to the huge increase in mobile internet usage, and the need to find local services. It means local SEO services are more important than ever. If you run a local business, you need to build a profile online and focus on dominating Google. Your strategy should include increasing customer reviews online, harnessing keywords, and strengthening your local links.

Myth #4 Social media doesn’t matter

I can almost forgive you for this one. In fact, one of Google’s leading managers came out and said they don’t take social media following into account. So it doesn’t matter directly to your rank. But, it does matter indirectly. The bigger your social following, the more traffic to your site. The more your content will be shared online. The more likely you are to generate links. Social media matters because it builds your authority.

How many of these myths do you still believe? And do you know any other myths or downright lies? Let me know in the comments!