PW Media | Jan 23, 2023

Don’t Be Fooled! The 4 Biggest SEO Myths to Avoid

Make informed decisions about your SEO strategy based on facts, not myths.

There has been a significant shift in how businesses market themselves in recent years. More and more companies are converting to digital marketing for better ROI, targeted reach, and flexible customization. One of the biggest drivers behind successful online marketing is understanding SEO.


There's no denying that SEO can be confusing, which can help myths get started. SEO is constantly changing as Google and other search engines update their algorithms for matching search queries to the most relevant websites. What worked last year might not work this year, so it's hard to keep up with the latest best practices.


In this article, we'll dispel the four most common myths about SEO so you can focus on creating quality content that appeals to your target audience.


What SEO Is

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is an organic marketing strategy that ranks a blog, website, or webpage. 


SEO primarily functions to increase website traffic, ultimately capturing new leads and building a larger audience through targeted keywords. The result is an improved SEO score, allowing your website to show higher on a search engine’s search results. 


SEO can be implemented across several platforms and search engines. Two of the biggest that capture the largest audiences are Google and YouTube. Google comprises over 90% of all online search queries.


So, how does it work? Therein lies the rub.


The quote, “It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma,” may seem appropriate here since SEO is a bit like a black box. Search engine algorithms are in constant flux. Hundreds of updates are performed yearly to better determine a website’s relevance and value to users seeking reliable information. The complex formulas used for algorithms are proprietary to the search engines that create them, and trying to figure them out can be difficult. 


However, you can implement tried-and-true strategies to optimize your SEO efforts to increase visibility and authority in the algorithmic eyes of search engines like Google and Bing. 


Some of the most common and effective SEO strategies include:



The Birth of SEO Myths 

So, where do these myths come from? In some cases, they’re simply the result of outdated information that doesn’t reflect changes in how SEO works. In other cases, they may be intentional misinformation spread by companies who want to sell you something (such as an “SEO-optimized” website template).


Following SEO myths and bad advice can seriously hurt your rankings. 


Some SEO myths are more enduring than others. Know your facts and base your strategy on SEO tactics that are proven to work. 

Top 4 SEO Myths to Avoid

It’s imperative that you remain up to date with the latest SEO best practices, ensuring that you don’t proceed with outdated, untrue, or largely ineffective SEO tactics. 


Don’t waste time and money on preventable mistakes! Below are the top four SEO myths you’ll want to avoid.


1. Google Will Penalize You for Any Duplicate Content on Your Website

Duplicate content is one of the most widely discussed topics in SEO circles. The idea that Google penalizes websites for it is a pervasive myth—which Google plainly states. Duplicate copy does not mean Google will punish you.


In search results, Google's algorithm prioritizes original content over duplicate copy. However, it is possible to lose ranking positions or even be removed from search engine results pages (SERPs) if identical content is published across multiple sites. Google doesn't want its SERPs to be cluttered with duplicate information. It wants the user experience to be tailored and unique so users get value from clicking on each result. 


2. Don’t Bother with Link-Building 

Whoa. Hard stop here. 


Link building is an integral part of any SEO strategy because it helps to improve your website's visibility and organic traffic.


Link building is the process of acquiring links from other websites to your own. The value of these links lies in the fact that they are an important ranking factor for search engines. A website with more links is seen as more authoritative and trustworthy and will rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).


Various techniques can be used to build links, such as guest posting, promoting your content on social media, online directory submissions, broken link building, and resource page link building. 


However, not all links are created equal. For a link to be valuable, it needs to come from a high-quality website relevant to your own. 


3. Keyword Research is a Waste of Time

Uh, say again? 


Keyword research is the staple of any good SEO strategy. But with the rise of voice search and other changes in how people use the internet, some believe that keyword research is no longer relevant. Here’s why they’re wrong – keyword research is still essential to a successful SEO strategy.


One of the main reasons keyword research is still necessary is because it helps you understand what potential customers are searching for. Understanding what keywords people use to find products or services like yours can ensure your website and content are optimized for those keywords. This will help you attract more visitors to your site and improve your chances of converting them into customers.


Identifying high-ranking, niche, high-volume, and long-tail vs. short-tail keywords will help attract the most relevant traffic you’re seeking to target.


4. SEO Is a One-Time Thing

SEO is not a "one-time" thing. This is among the biggest myths about SEO. The reality is that SEO is a marketing strategy that requires ongoing effort and process.


The landscape of SEO is constantly changing. Search engines make algorithm updates regularly based on user needs and behaviors, which can impact your ranking. So you need to be prepared to adjust your strategy as needed.


Achieving a high ranking is great, but staying on top depends on keeping up with your SEO strategy and maintenance. Your competitors are also trying to improve their ranking, so you must remain vigilant to outrank them. 


Make Better Decisions by Knowing the Facts

Understanding the difference between SEO myths and facts is critical to developing an effective digital marketing strategy. With the ever-changing landscape of the internet, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends and best practices. However, staying informed and understanding SEO basics can boost your digital marketing efforts and produce results.


If you are looking for a digital marketing company to help you increase your online visibility while saving you time and money, then PW Media can help. We have the experience and expertise to create a customized plan to help you boost rankings and reach your target audience. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you grow your business.

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