Unveiling Half Truths & Myths Surrounding Search Engine Optimization

In pursuit of constantly augmenting the experience of its search engine, Google rolls out its algorithm updates from time to time to rank credible and worthy sites. Just like every industry, the SEO space also has some myths surrounding it.

Debunking Common Myths Surrounding Search Engine Optimization

Myth #1: SEO Follows a One Size Fits All Approach

In theory, SEO seems to be a “fair competition,” where every website competes for certain business queries but practically every business ranks differently based on offsite and onsite SEO signals. While optimization factors do contribute to the overall rankings of a website, Google does give leverage to new domains during which they rank well regardless of sufficient SEO signals. Websites that optimize well during this grace period tend to perform well in the long run.

Also Read: - Google’s Major Algorithm Updates Impacting Your Business in 2019

Myth #2: It is a One-Time Undertaking

At industry conferences, attendees hear experts say that it is important to “get it right” to rank. This is true, yet not entirely accurate. Best practices of the past have now become downright obsolete so modern SEO is an ongoing effort where signals must be constantly monitored and improved. Page performance, user experience, backlink liabilities and on and off-page SEO audit.  

Myth #3: SEO is Backlinks

Links are important for crawling new content. While it’s a ranking signal but the wrong type of backlinks can harm website rankings. As per Google, links must be created on merit and in coherence with the niche. Google penalizes businesses that use spam links. It is a good practice to disavow links from webmaster tools that aren’t relevant.

Myth #4: SEO is All About User Signals

Google’s business model centers on user loyalty. Since Google keeps the collected data confidential, businesses are left with impressions and click-through rate as indicators.

Related: - SEO Company Dubai

Myth #5: Google is Choosy About Websites

Google isn’t a person, it works on algorithms so considering personal likes and dislikes is totally out of context. The only reason a website isn’t ranking is because of technical, content, on- and off-page shortcomings.

Myth #6: Google Ads Impacts SEO

Let’s just finally admit the fact that organic results are fiercely independent of paid search. Regardless of the budget assigned to Google Ads, it is not an SEO signal. 

Myth #7: Keywords are Key

In their early times, search engines relied heavily on the density of keywords on website pages to understand their relevance in regards to queries. Now, Google ignores meta keywords and ranks specifically on content quality and relevance. In modern-day SEO where we have rich snippets and breadcrumbs that help navigate, forcefully incorporating keywords is of no use.

Related: - SEO Services in Dubai

We hope that we’ve covered most of the myths surrounding search engine optimization. If you have more to share & you’re facing a similar issue, feel free to connect with our SEO services company to discuss more.