Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most lucrative fields in the digital realm. It is partly because search and email are the two most executed internet activities. Partly because search converts lead 9% more effective than social media and because of that, this is where SEO myths are born.
Statistics have always been considered to support any information and the facts and figures for the relevance and outcomes of SEO just keep on coming. There is a reason why it is given a top priority by all marketers regardless of the size of their businesses.
However, SEO is not a simple task because of the number of steps involved in the process. Let’s begin by reviewing some of the SEO myths that surround search engine optimization and ones that you might consider to be true.
The reality of things is considerably different because while it is very important, proper SEO requires some knowledge and detailed work in order to execute. Now, coming to the point of dispelling some of the beliefs about this trade that might be bogging you down, we discuss some of the most important ones.
SEO Myth #1: Google Hummingbird rendered keyword targeting useless
Google introduced a complete revamp of its search algorithms with the Hummingbird update. This version made SEO objectives more focused on what the searcher and end-user might want. Versus picking out specific keywords that are loaded in the content.
This doesn’t mean that keywords have become absolutely pointless. This is the myth of keywords not showing up in the highlighted form of search results on Google. This is a clear indication that they are still relevant.
Google Hummingbird encourages websites to focus more on consumer intention and not cramming keywords into the content. This latest update wants developers and content creators to get behind the mind of the searcher. With this, they can focus on what motivates the search of specific keywords and then add content relevant to that.
SEO Myths #2: Social Media has no role in SEO
This is not entirely an SEO myth but it is something that people believe to an enormous extent and it is entirely NOT true. Google has stated that their algorithms don’t take into account the follower numbers that a particular brand has. Because of the amount of data that is shared on these platforms is impossible to cope up with. However, social media activity benefits your SEO rankings in other ways.
Social media generates a circle of visitors that can lead to clicks on your website allowing it to rank higher on search engines. It should come as no surprise that we keep referring to Google to define search engines. The company holds a staggering 65-70% share of the search engine market. That is why most websites focus on optimizing their content for Google and they are not wrong.
Coming back to the point, social media can be used to highlight your website and the content on it allowing users to visit it and thus contribute towards better rankings.
SEO Myths #3: Loading content with keywords is the key
This is one of the most common SEO myths that marketers and content creators believe in. Often we come across content that looks like it has been deliberately loaded with keywords. Sometimes these aren’t even required and in other times won’t even fit.
This practice is a result of the belief that more keywords will allow Google to pick and place the respective website amongst the top searches for any results. Some marketers even think that adding a top-ranked keyword in the URL name will make an enormous difference to the rankings. This, unfortunately, couldn’t be further away from the truth.
The truth, however, lies almost at the opposing end. This is because Google has now started focusing on more in-depth concepts in order to rank search results. Instead of just randomly picking out websites with the most keywords. This means that in order to create search engine optimized content, websites have to develop content that focuses on customer intention and not keywords.
SEO Myths #4: Search Engine Optimization is all you need for targeting consumers
The amount of effort that goes into search engine optimization makes people believe that it is sufficient to generate leads and therefore drive revenues. This again is not true.
The reason is that SEO in itself is influenced by a number of things. External links, guest blogging, references, images, and effective content have a great impact on ranking.
While we’re on the subject, another SEO myth that people believe is that blogging is a dead art. People assume no one has the time to go through long boring text posts anymore. While this is partly true, it is not entirely accurate.
80% of marketers still believe that blogging is one of the most effective marketing tools. Furthermore, the average post that shows up on the first page of a Google search is more than 1,000 words long.
SEO Myths #5: SEO is simply not worth the effort
SEO is extremely relevant today and it is absolutely worth every bit of effort. Why? Because of the results that it generates. However, the important aspect is the proper execution of the effort. If things are not done systematically and strategically, then at the end of the day, SEO might not be worth the effort at all. Don’t fall into this trap!
Is your company looking to ramp up results-driven SEO efforts? Margaux Agency is your trusted partner when it comes to achieving those real marketing outcomes. Schedule a strategy session with Margaux today?
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