The advent of the internet has made it even easier for myths to spread. This even includes myths about the internet itself, Google, and search engine optimization. Some myths are absolutely absurd while others are based in truth but can definitely be misleading (and if taken word-for-word, can result in negative consequences).
Here is an example of how many SEO myths get started: A blogger makes a change to his or her website’s content. After a few days go by, they notice their ranking for a particular keyword has changed. They then assume the change they made to their content led to the change in ranking. However, that may not be true—there are many reasons why his or her ranking may have changed, and there’s a good chance it had nothing to do with the changes made to the site’s content.
This cause-and-effect confusion is not uncommon. So, at Baer Performance Marketing, we thought it was important to discuss some of the bigger SEO myths that have spread through the interwebs:
Myth 1: A site’s keyword density must be perfect.
One should never “stuff” keywords into their site’s content. When trying to create a perfect keyword density (matching it to the exact “ideal percentage point”), content will often become unbearable to read. This will then result in potential customers abruptly leaving your website. Keywords are without a doubt important but should always be used tastefully.
Myth 2: SEO is unrelated to social media.
The first link added to a post made within a Google+ page is a “DoFollow” link, and any posts made within a Google+ page are immediately crawled and indexed. “DoFollow” links pass link equity on to the website that is shared.
Myth 3: Google favors older website domains.
Search engines like Google do, in fact, like older domains because they’ve built up more trust. However, it’s not the website domain Google favors. It’s the older content the domain contains. Search engines only focus on the content present on a particular domain (not the domain’s actual age).
Myth 4: Google search results rarely change.
Google ratings are far from being set in stone. There is always an opportunity to oust that first place position. Seventy-eight percent of Google answers change position every day.
Myth 5: SEO efforts can make any site rank highly.
There are limits to SEO efforts. Any SEO campaign is dependent on the website it is being integrated into. This is because Google works very hard at ensuring only high-quality sites are found within its top results. Factors that determine the quality of a website include the authority of its content, design, and how user-friendly it is.
Myth 6: There are certain words Google doesn’t like.
There are restrictions on words like “gun” or “free” on Google Shopping, but no words are restricted within Google’s organic search results.
Myth 7: Always be sure to pack meta-descriptions with keywords.
Google is very sensitive to spammy SEO efforts. If you force a long list of keywords into your site’s meta-descriptions, there will be negative consequences. Meta-descriptions should be kept to a limit of 140 characters and provide authentic framework to the content they’re describing.
Myth 8: SEO tactics are dead.
SEO is very much alive. However, SEO methods are constantly changing. If your strategy doesn’t continue to evolve, your site will be left behind.
In conclusion, the list of SEO myths will only get longer with every update that is made to search engines’ algorithms. At Baer Performance Marketing, we try our hardest to keep our readers updated with the latest SEO news they need to make an impression in today’s fast-paced world of marketing. If you have any questions, please give our SEO strategists a call at 920-632-7648.
Sources:
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/use-google-increase-search-rankings/
http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/content-marketing-minds-7-seo-myths-busted
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