5 Things You Should Probably Stop Believing About SEO

SEO is not confusing. (That should be number one on this list, but it isn’t.) It’s only as complicated as you choose to make it.

With the ongoing battle between “Black Hat SEO vs. White Hat SEO”, it doesn’t matter so much which side you stand on—or if you hang with the “Silver Hat” crowd instead—so much as you can recognize the SEO lies, myths, and misconceptions rather than wasting your time with bad advice.




SEO Myth # 1: SEO is time consuming because search engine algorithms keep changing.

If you are black hat, this is probably true. By constantly looking for ways to cut corners or “game the system”, you will be caught in an ongoing battle. This type of SEO is more reactive, while a proactive approach doesn’t have to worry about the next Google update.

To be fair, that last statement is only partly true. When you hire an SEO agency, it is your responsibility to know what is done because even ethical website owners can be affected when search engine algorithms change. Yet a golden rule of thumb is to focus on maintaining a quality website, built for humans, and make sure you only hire professionals who share the same perspective to avoid taking any shortcuts that can backfire later.

SEO Myth # 2: Just about every single guideline regarding SEO content.

There are some good guidelines to follow when publishing content on the web, but they have been bent all out of shape to create “false guidelines” that may be hurting more than they are helping.

For example:

• “I need to publish __ new article(s) every ___ month.”

There has never been a credible source to verify that SEO is affected (negatively or positively) by how many articles you publish, or how often. However, you do want to publish fresh content to keep your website from going stale. So there is no set quota to fulfill, and the priority should always be quality over quantity.

• “Each page needs to be a minimum of 500 words.”

Again, there is no credible source confirming that a specific word count is helpful to SEO. On the contrary, word-counting can be problematic. Once again, you are focusing more on a quota and less on the quality. When a point can be made in 350 words, adding 150 words of fluff will only water it down and that can actually have a negative impact.

• “I need to keep the keyword density for long tail keywords below 2%, and primary keywords below 4%.”

The keyword density percentage guidelines you follow may vary, but it’s still a lie. There is no specific formula that will give you maximum optimization without going overboard.

However, going overboard will hurt you so avoid keyword stuffing. Duh.

Just like counting words, you also don’t want to count keywords. Use all forms of keywords naturally, and do use strategic keyword placement but don’t worry so much about fitting into a specific percentage. That just leads to too much formula and not enough reader engagement!

SEO Myth # 3: There is one right way to do SEO.

Let me guess… your way, right?

Sorry to burst your bubble, but there are several methods and strategies that work. Otherwise, there would be no conflict at all between the different hat colors. The truth is also that what works for one website may not work for another.

There is no “single system” that guarantees you will get the number one spot in search engine results. The best you can do is find what does work for you and maintain it.

SEO Myth # 4: SEO is finally dead.

It sure does make an attention-grabbing headline, usually followed by an ulterior motive to push the next big thing. The truth is, as long as search engines are the leading source of information… SEO will always be the leading way to connect your website with an audience that’s looking for you. There is no better way to get exposure to a targeted audience of qualified buyers.

Now there are new trends that do matter, such as social media or mobile marketing. But no trend will ever replace search engine optimization. Period.
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5 Things You Should Probably Stop Believing About SEO | Complete Link Building Services