The Most Commonly Made SEO Mistakes
Search engine optimisation takes time, consideration and good management. Here are a few commonly made mistakes to avoid as a beginner in SEO.
Content Focus
One on the biggest mistakes that site owner make is relying on tricks to get a higher search engine ranking. While focusing on these so-called techniques, little focus is given to the content of the site.
In recent years artificial high rankings have been gained by a number of under-handed tactics like obtaining links from link farms or reciprocal links. Thankfully changes have been made to ensure that SEO is all about you content. With great content and relevance you will be on your way to a high search engine ranking.
Remember, duplicate content can also lower your rankings, so it is not beneficial for your business to double up on text, in an effort to boost your SEO.
Link Mistakes
Many people think that all links are the same, and that any link, no matter what its origin will serve to increase your ranking. However, some links should be considered as bad. By ensuring that your links are only from reputable and more importantly, relevant sites you boost to your authority. Make sure that your links come from a varied of sources, for example; industry-related pages, discussion forums, other websites and other blog comments.
Keep in mind, links from link farms may hurt your ranking and reciprocal links have virtually no value.
On-going SEO Maintenance
A lot of companies wrongly believe that once they have their SEO sorted, they are set up to get high rankings forever. SEO requires commitment and maintenance in order to get the best ranking for your business. If thorough research is not taken out or if companies do not set SEO goals it is fair to say that their SEO strategy will not reach its potential.
SEO is an on-going process,that needs monitoring and management to succeed. Ensure that your business is measuring their SEO efforts as well as evaluating how you are able to improve your rankings or overall strategy. Eventually you will have a very clear picture of what does, and does not work for your company.
Wrong Keywords
Keywords are extremely important to your SEO, in fact they should be thought of as the foundation of your efforts. If your business is not using the right keywords then you will find it difficult to reach the potential you are aiming for.
Many companies make the mistake of not using the right keywords for their audience. It is imperative that your keywords are the right ones that your customers are going to use when they are searching for the products and services that your company provides.
Back Linking
External sources of content such as a newsroom or blog provide sources of content that can be backlinked.
Consider having one or two staff members providing one or two articles per week with backlinks to important and relevant parts of the website.
