The new architecture of the search engine is not the same as five years earlier. Google updates its algorithm continuously- not because of intentions to make your business rank harder but to help users find exactly what they’re looking for. That’s why many SEO strategies that used to be a powerful tool back in days now seems to be a myth.
Although Google keeps updating its algorithm, the basics for SEO remain the same. In particular, pursuing proven SEO tactics such as tapping into the hungry market, producing in-depth content – backed up by facts and stats, link building, optimizing photos and page speeds, etc. is often a win-win scenario to boost search traffic and website rankings.
The conversion of search engine traffic is 9% better than social media traffic. But, to get it right, you have to stop believing in some myths. These myths are only a probable reason to keep content marketers and bloggers away from reaching their goals.
So without further ado, check out these 30 SEO myths that you should shake off before starting your own project.
Myth 1- XML sitemaps will improve your search ranking
Reality: XML sitemaps is not so vital for ranking. However, the main idea behind the sitemaps is that it helps you make your site crawlable, which means Google can locate your fresh content faster.
Myth 2- Metatag has nothing to do with ranking
Reality: Metatags are a great way for webmasters to provide information about their website to search engines. Metatags are especially responsible for making your search result appealing, which ultimately increases your website’s click-through rate.
Myth 3- It’s mandatory to submit the site or page to Google
Reality: This idea is nonsense as Google finds your page automatically. To be clear, Google bots, known as ‘web-crawler’ constantly search for content to index on the web.
Myth 4- Keywords have no alternative for good ranking
Reality: As per the recent update, the Google algorithm analyzes phrases instead of relying on keywords alone.
Myth 5- Meta descriptions are highly important for better SERP ranking
Reality: Although Meta descriptions commonly appear on Google search results snippets, it has nothing to do with ranking (as per the 2009) updates. However, this description can act as a marketing copy, which will, of course, impact your website’s click-through rates.
Myth 6- HTTPS encrypted site isn’t important for SEO
Reality: Google announced that it had begun to use HTTPS in its ranking algorithms, according to an August 2014 update. This means if your website still relies upon HTTP rather than HTTPS, your rankings could suffer as a result.
Myth 7- Keyword stuffing helps content to be discoverable
Reality: This is the myth that comes from SEO plugins like Yoast. The reality is that you will suffer a downgrade if Google algorithm finds that you have been unnaturally using keywords.
Myth 8- Domain age matters
Reality: Well, it might be true for the sites having little to no content, but things will change quickly as soon as we fill the website with some valuable content. There is no such SEO strategy where Google gave priority treatment to older domains.
Myth 9- The more pages, the better keyword ranking
Reality: There is a belief that the more page we have, the better our website ranks. However, this is unconvincing as Google focuses on quality rather than quantity.
Myth 10- SEO Agency or Consultant can help you with better ranking
Reality: Although some SOEs claim that they are associated with Google, that’s a huge lie. In particular, Google never announces who its SEO partners and collaborators are. The fact is no one can guarantee the top Google search engine rankings.
Myth 11- More Links, better ranking
Reality: The past trend for better ranking was building as many links as possible, ignoring the domain authority. But these days, domain authority is what it matters rather than flooding with the links. Being specific, the links are treated as a vote of confidence and recommendation, rather than just a link.
Myth 12- Linking to other websites is a bad practice
Reality: It shouldn’t be a problem if you link to another website that provides more value to your content. However, if the linking is not contextual and done for advertisement purposes, make sure to use the rel=” no follow” link attribute.
Myth 13- Search ranking is hurt by Pop-ups
Reality: As long as it is affecting the user experience, Pop-ups are never a problem. Pop-ups are one of the best SEO strategies to generate leads. Also, it can be a good part of your inbound strategy.
Myth 14- Multiple H1 results bad impression for Google algorithm
Reality: Headings are the means by which users can grasp the meaning of various sections of the page. As per SEO experts, several H1 headings are the easiest ways to make the content accessible to users. On the other hand, using other heading tags like H2, H3 can create a smoother experience for the users, instead of using H1 tags continuously.
Myth 15- The homepage should be filled with a lot of content
Reality: Your home page is a gateway to your business. However, there isn’t any hard and fast rule that the page should be filled with a lot of content with keywords stuffing. The primary issue is whether your homepage explicitly shows who you are, what you do, and what guests should do next.
Myth 16- Voice search is next to none to regular search
Reality: The reality is the voice search is the future of search engine optimization. Popular tech companies, including Google, Amazon, Apple, and Facebook, are all working on their virtual assistant smart speakers. They will favour voice searches rather than regular searches soon.
Myth 17- Optimizing site for mobile can be ignored
Reality: Most internet users come from portable devices like mobile and tablets, as per the recent stats. Importantly, Google doesn’t care if most of your users come from laptops or portable devices. Its algorithm gives equal priority to all the electronic devices having an internet facility.
Myth 18- Google doesn’t give you a second chance
Reality: If you correct your mistakes, Google will forgive you. Specifically, Google will alert you of a penalty in your Google Search Console. Once you have dealt with the matter, you can request reconsideration.
Myth 19- SEO gives instant result
Reality: Like every good thing, SEO takes time. You can see some quick achievements, no doubt, but patience is prudent. The outcome is at least partly contingent on whether your platform is new or established. However, you’re not supposed to forget that age is just a number.
Myth 21- To specify indexable pages use Meta robots tags
Reality: It is correct that the Robot.txt file informs the search engine, which part of the site to crawl and index and which to skip. But that doesn’t mean that Google won’t find your new pages without specifying the Meta robots tag. Besides, the Robot.txt file can be vital if you want to block all web crawlers from all of your content.
Myth 22- Anchor text should contain a targeted keyword
Reality: You will be penalized if you over-optimize your content. Before the Google Penguin update, the keyword in an anchor text was effective for internal linking and external linking. But Search engines are now in the process of penalizing you for this practice.
Myth 23- Google will immediately crawl your fresh content and index it
Reality: It won’t be wrong to confirm that Google bots automatically crawl your webpages. On the other hand, crawling can take between four days and four weeks, particularly if your site is pretty new. In comparison, sharing posts on social media will speed up the indexing of fresh content.
Myth 24- Keyword research is not important
Reality: This is one of the most dangerous myths we get to hear these days. You can’t afford to neglect high-quality keyword analysis for your website.
Myth 25- The paid search can improve the organic result
Reality: There is no apparent relationship between organic search and paid search. Both of them have a different function. In particular, the organic search results come from the index database, while the sponsored links from PPC are focused on the bid and overall investment.
Myth 26- Long-form content improves ranking
Reality: Long-form content will boost rankings for search engines, but it’s not that easy. It is important to focus on the user’s intent and obtain editorial links to mark your presence in this hummingbird age. Long-form content will never assure you #1 ranking position; however, you may achieve a decent SERP ranking with this strategy.
Myth 27- Social media presence has nothing to do with ranking
Reality: Social metrics have an important role in bringing up all the search engine ranking factors and making them work effectively. The positive thing about social metrics is that they can be accurately tracked and measured.
Myth 28- Guest blogging doesn’t add value to your SEO strategy
Reality: There is no technical distinction between guest-blogging and any other type of content. Guest blogging means that the guest has added a piece of content to your blog. So why on earth would it affect your ranking?
Myth 29- Google lists will boost the search traffic
Reality: Google Listing is simply a process by which Google places your business in the area where most clients are found. In specific, you won’t boost your search rankings by listing your business at Google local.
Myth 30- SEO Is Dead
Reality: With all the improvements Google has made every year, SEO is much more relevant in terms of competitiveness to rank among the richest performers. SEO is not dying; it has changed the way things are done.
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