Avoid These 12 SEO Mistakes

Search engine optimization best practices are guidelines to follow for maximizing internet visibility. But things change quickly, leaving the door open for impactful SEO Mistakes.

When something stops working or worse – becomes a detriment – it’s time to adjust. Don’t worry: It’s time to make adjustments, not trash everything you’ve done.

Google’s September 2024 Core Update is a good example of some of the changes you may need to implement. Google says e-commerce, finance, and healthcare industries will see the most scrutiny, but all sites will now rank higher or lower with less focus on Conversions and an increased focus on:

• Content quality – Greater usefulness with authority and originality

• E-E-A-T – Higher quality website experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness

• User experience – Improved page interactivity and easier mobile usability

SEO measurements are one way to gauge online revenue. What worked in 2018 may not work today, and the landing pages designed in 2014 may be doing more harm than good. Measurably better SEO may require website improvements or outright overhauls. In addition to adjustments, there are several SEO mistakes you should stop making.

12 SEO Mistakes

You will improve the use of search engine optimization best practices when you modify or eliminate these SEO mistakes:

1. AI generic content – AI creation tools are good but not quite human enough, so using unedited AI content is problematic. E-E-A-T requires credible content by business-knowledgeable writers. Use AI as a data reference or for content ideas.

2. Content duplication – Your service area pages may be geo-targeted, but you’ll get dinged for duplicating content. Every page, despite the identical products and services offered, must be “original.”

3. Content farming – Don’t outsource content to people who don’t know your brand or business goals. Content mills offer great prices, but you might get less than you paid for.

4. DIY SEO – SEO requires specific expertise. It’s difficult to judge credible vs. misleading information, and search engines can penalize your site for mistakes. Slow load speeds and poor content can negatively impact user experience, plus DIY SEO takes time away from what you do best: business development. Most companies consider professional SEO management an investment that can increase revenue.

5. Google Business avoidance – Many businesses stall out when it comes to making a Google Business page. Even if you created a business listing; aka a Google Business Profile, that wasn’t enough. You need a separate Google My Business account to manage your Business Profile.

6. Keyword paging – Creating a landing page for every keyword is another outdated SEO practice. Instead, use content that maximizes search intent.

7. Keyword stuffing – It was dumb then, but it’s penalized today. A good tip is to read your content aloud before including it on your site. Keywords that are forced into the content read very badly. Use relevant-only keywords organically; naturally.

8. Keyword vanity – Vanity keywords often include buzzwords, slogans, or even competitors’ names. If you choose emotional keywords rather than high-performing keywords, they may generate traffic, but not the traffic you need. Vanity keywords are often too broad (You use “designer” for your floral business; it then generates hits for architectural designer, fashion designer, interior designer, etc.).

9. Link buying – This tactic is only effective if you’re careful. It’s not illegal, but you often wind up with no value while “lining the site owner’s pockets.” Global finance, international insurance companies, and casinos heavily invest in backlink-buying. Avoid link-buying, but if you want to try it, links should be relevant to the content and on credible websites.

10. Link spamming – Citing every source feels ethical; it lends trustworthiness and validity to copy. Unfortunately, link-spamming can reduce rankings, and Google could remove your website from searches.

11. Obsessing – Stop logging into Google Analytics several times every day. The numbers for bounce rates, clicks, and views can be valuable but only if they reflect your target audience interaction. They can be deceptively high and low/no-value. Consider partnering with an SEO professional who can provide you with a dashboard and use your time to increase profits.

12. Website speed – Speed kills; slow website speed, that is. It doesn’t matter if a website is show-stopping attractive. Users are looking for information, fast. By the time your pretty pictures and music upload, your unimpressed visitor has moved on.

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Modern Marketing & Media believes professionally developed marketing campaigns and branding solutions can be powerful for your organization. We also believe it’s important for your Tomball business to maintain a competitive advantage while increasing online visibility, credibility, and trust. We want to help make that happen. Let’s explore the exciting possibilities: Call 512-632-5662 or contact Modern Marketing & Media.