The challenges of SEO are numerous. It can often be a minefield when it comes to what practices should or shouldn’t be undertaken in terms of improving your SEO profile. What you, or who you hire undertakes can have a lasting effect for your website and web pages.
SEO strategies need to be properly planned, systematized, and measured to ensure that costly mistakes be avoided.
Always keep in mind that SEO mistakes can be very difficult to correct, and take considerable time and expense. For this reason, we want to be ultra-careful to avoid making these critical errors in the first place.
Let’s examine 5 ways SEO mistakes can happen, and how they can be avoided.
5 SEO mistakes to avoid no matter what!
Misusing keywords and anchor text – Today the Google algorithm has wised up to the point where it can sniff out attempts to game the rankings with keyword manipulation from a mile away. The best practice today is to use keywords naturally on your pages, utilizing related keywords and synonyms, and diversifying your anchor text accordingly, using natural combinations, naked URLs, and some generic terms like “click here”.
Avoid using Tags – The primary reason you’ll want to avoid the use of tags is that they automatically create a duplicate content issue for you. Use categories instead. And if you use a tag cloud you’ve only added to the problem by using valuable front page real estate as well.
Using Flash on your pages – Even though this may be necessary to achieve some sort of visual effect you’d like to use, you should ask yourself if it’s worth it, as it can be bad for SEO as well as how well your site renders in mobile.
Ignoring Mobile – It’s no longer an option. More than 60% of web users access via mobile, and now Google has even gone to the point of ranking unresponsive sites lower in their mobile search, and labeling them with a rather unflattering tag that this page “May not work on your device”. How nice…
Not taking advantage of internal linking – The best way to secure better rankings these days is to make sure your pages are optimized well, and the primary element here is sound internal linking. Google loves this, and it is a far easier get than valuable external links.
The Google algorithm is rather immense and no one should be claiming that they have a “secret” backdoor formula that can manipulate the search index. Be assured that Google is aware of any blackhat manipulation (or soon will be) and your site could be penalized if these practices have been used in your SEO strategy.
Be safe with your SEO and give Google what it wants. It is a much better long-term strategy for your website and your business.
