3 SEO Myths That Could Be Hurting Your Search Traffic

If your site is properly optimized for SEO, you can acquire more traffic and leads through search engines like Google.  Unfortunately, there’s a lot of bad data out there, and listening to poor advice can actually hurt your site’s performance.  If you’re SEO is based on bad information, the results can range from low rankings to a ban from Google’s search results.

Here are three myths still being perpetuated that you need to ignore if you want your site to be well optimized.

• Myth #1 – Fill Your Meta Descriptions with Keywords to Rank Higher – Google hasn’t used Meta Descriptions in its algorithms for a long time, yet people continue to stuff their descriptions with keywords.  Don’t do it!  First of all, it’s not helping.  Secon, Google has threatened an over-optimization penalty.  Nobody knows exactly what causes it, but don’t take a chance doing something we know doesn’t help.There is a great opportunity with your meta descriptions – it’s the one chance you get to tell someone what is on your site before they click the link.  Making your meta description high in quality makes your site look more professional.  Write a brief, accurate description of your site’s content that will entice a user to click.  If you do use a keyword once, that could also help, as it will appear in bold if it is a term the user typed in the search box.
• Myth #2 – Location Doesn’t Matter for Search Terms – Where a user is located is critical for search.  Not only will Google bring up different results for the same exact search depending on where a user is located when they are searching, but users utilize different search terms depending on where they are located geographically.  A user in Georgia will likely use a different term than a New Jersey web surfer.  Even in the same region of the country, city dwellers will use different terms for the same search than a counterpart in the suburbs.  Do your research and know your audience.  Utilize Google Trends to see exactly how people are searching in your area.
• Myth #3 – More Is Better – More links does not necessarily mean better rankings!  Yes, linking affects rankings, and you need to strategically create links to your site.  However, buying links or adding links rapidly now sends flags to Google, and is generally unhelpful.  Links purchased in bulk are typically low quality and don’t add value.  There was a time when this type of link building was useful, but this is no longer the case.  Unfortunately, it is still perpetuated by low quality SEO services that allow you to spin content and buy links.  Instead of focusing on quantity of links (which are almost always low quality when in bulk), focus on links of high quality.  Websites related to your industry are best, and websites that are reputable and already ranking well help too.  Take the time to build one quality link instead of 20 spammy links.  It will pay off in the long run.

SEO is still critically important, and is not dead as some would claim.  However, problems can come quickly if you follow the SEO myths that have been perpetuated.  For SEO help or to begin an SEO campaign for your website that goes beyond the myths, give us a call.

About The Author

We specialize in b2b, supporting the clients who are the "The Brands Behind the Brands." These are the supply chain partners of brands, either in Tier 1 or Tier 2 positions, who drive value through the delivery of goods, services and technologies. We enjoy blogging about all things related to Branding, Marketing, Inbound, Tradeshows, etc... And we're always happy to talk about any ideas you may have that might Get You To Your NEXT!