Busting the SEO Myths: SEO Reality in 2024
SEO myths are misconceptions about search engine optimization techniques. SEO techniques are ways to configure a website to rank better in the search results. However, no one knows how exactly a search engine works. People can only predict and deduce from the guidelines provided by the search engines.
So, there are a bunch of myths lurking around. These myths can drag down the optimal SEO growth of your organization. If you do not want your company or websites to be one of those, it’s high time you learn about these myths and get a taste of reality.
Myth 01: You Have to Maintain an Ideal Keyword Density
This is perhaps one of the most common SEO myths around. Many beginner SEO copywriters and SEO professionals believe that they should maintain at least a 2% keyword density in any content. Many say that it should be 1% or even 3% or 5%! In reality, there is no ideal keyword density to maintain.
- Instead of worrying about keyword density, write natural content while genuinely trying to help your audience.
- Look out for keyword stuffing! Even if it seems natural to you, using keywords too many times can lead Google to believe that you are using a Black Hat SEO technique.
Keyword stuffing can lead to serious consequences such as penalties from Google. It can work only for a short while as it confuses the search engine to rank higher in the SERP. To avoid keyword stuffing, read your content and see whether the keyword placements sound natural.
Myth 02: Backlink Is the Most Effective Ranking Factor
Backlinks are links from other pages that redirect people to your webpage. It creates a sense of authority and helps your site’s rankings. However, getting backlinks from all kinds of sources might not benefit you in the long run. Backlinks create a connection between your website and other websites. Having connections with too many bad websites can impact your credibility and put a dent in your ranking.
- Backlinks should be from trustworthy sites with a record of credibility.
- Try to earn backlinks from industry leaders or authorities.
- Reach out to the sources of unwanted backlinks and request to remove them. You can also try disavowing the links.
- Do not buy backlinks from any sites.
However, before you disavow a backlink, you need to understand the difference between low-quality backlinks and toxic backlinks. Backlinks with low DA (Domain Authority) are usually considered low-quality backlinks. It’s very common for newer sites to have less domain authority.
On the other hand, toxic links are paid links. These sites exist only to sell backlinks. With time, Google can detect the patterns of these sites and mark label them as toxic. Having toxic backlinks to your site can harm much more than having low-quality sites. Besides, backlinks from illegal sites, such as drugs, gambling, fraud, etc can considerably hurt your SEO performance as well.
Myth 03: Meta Descriptions & Title Tags Don’t Matter
Title tags & meta descriptions are the only two things that are visible on the search result page. However, as it is not an explicit ranking factor, many think optimizing these two wastes time. But that’s not true. For a moment, forget about Google. Think of you as a user. Users often check meta descriptions to judge the relevancy of the webpage. Besides, a compelling title tag is always important to grab more attention.
As for the search engines, sometimes Google indeed ignores the given meta descriptions and shows something else that it deems more suitable. Google can also choose a piece of your content as a snippet and display it at the top of the SERP. However, that shouldn’t be any excuse for you not to optimize meta descriptions & title tags. A well-optimized title & meta description can help Google to better rank your site.
- Do not make your title tag longer than 60 characters.
- Keep your meta descriptions less than 160 characters. This way, the users can see the whole descriptions.
- Don’t forget to include primary keywords in your title tag & meta descriptions.
Myth 04: It’s Not Worth It for Smaller Companies to Invest in SEO
It’s the same attitude that many entrepreneurs think they can not beat the bigger companies with the bigger budgets. But when they put their plans into action, it often works. That’s how new companies are born. It’s the same for SEO.
Yes, having a large budget can give you a more comprehensive SEO strategy, access to many fancy tools, etc. However, if you can find the right balance between budget and effective SEO tactics implementation, even smaller investments can boost your business.
Myth 05: SEO Agencies Can Guarantee You a Quick Improve
Many companies do not get the gist of SEO services and become impatient. If you want to see overnight results, SEO is not for you. If you look around you can probably find many SEO agencies offering quick and considerable improvements. However, they are most likely to opt for black hat techniques. This can increase your traffic for a short instance but cost you dearly in the long run.
- When choosing an SEO agency, check their reviews, case studies, track record, etc.
- Understand the fact that SEO takes time and prepares for a long time commitment.
According to Maile Ohye from Google, SEO might need four months to one year to take effect. Therefore, promises to magically boost your SEO performance in a week will fall short. The ideal time frame can be six months if you want to see some results.
Myth 06: Without Ranking in the Top, SEO Means Nothing
As we said earlier, no one knows how search engines work. So it is not logical to expect precise results for every content. While the ultimate goal should be getting to the top, expecting the top position for every content will only lead to disappointment.
However, surfacing in the first SERP and being one of the top results is important. It can also boost your business activities to a considerable extent.
Myth 07: SEO is A One-time Thing
SEO is not a turn-off and turn-on switch you can tap and forget. SEO was never a one-time thing, and probably it never will be. Many people think that they can optimize their pages once and that will be all. But in reality, you need to constantly optimize your webpages, enhancing value, and aligning with search intents.
- You need to monitor your performance regularly to make sure it appears in the SERP.
- Update your page periodically. In the case of how-to guides, make sure the process you are describing is the most updated one.
- After you properly optimize your website, it won’t go down instantly if you stop optimizing for a few days. However, longer unattended periods will result in lower rankings.
Summing Things Up
We know that these myth-busters might surprise you, but you must remember that common perceptions aren’t always right! These SEO realities can help you understand the SEO landscape.
It is an ever-changing arena where nothing remains constant. Today what is a negligible thing, tomorrow it can be an important ranking factor. In such a complex mechanism, you always need to be aware of the changes.
Steering clear of these myths can save you from SEO tragedy at the least, if not enhance the overall performance of your website.
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