SEO Myths That Just Aren’t True

What is SEO?

SEO—or search engine optimization—is the is the process of growing the quality and quantity of website traffic by increasing the visibility of a website or a web page to users of a web search engine. —Wikipedia

In other words, SEO is the process of using various techniques to drive visitors to your website organically. SEO does not refer to ads or other paid methods of getting site visitors.   

There are millions of articles online about SEO. The content of these articles ranges from pretty good guidance to downright wrong information.  Somehow, this wrong information—this handful of incorrect myths about SEO—just keeps getting regurgitated. 

It’s hard to sift through all this advice, especially when you're just getting started with SEO. Let’s take a look at the top three SEO myths that you should avoid because they're just completely wrong. 

Myth #1

Keyword Optimization Is the Most Important Part of SEO 

Using the best keywords in your site’s content is important. But it’s not the single most important thing when it comes to SEO. Fresh, engaging content is just as important as the keywords you’re using in that content. 

You may remember a time when packing a website full of keywords was normal. Site copy and blog posts were so full of repeated keywords, they were a pain to read. It was obvious the copy was there simply as a vehicle for the keywords and not really for the engagement of the reader. 

Since that time, Google has focused more on content quality and user experience rather than the sheer number of keywords you can stuff into a blog post.  Now, squeezing in too many keywords can actually have a negative effect on your rankings. 

The goal here is using keywords naturally.  Use them when appropriate to create engaging content.  If you have to re-write an entire paragraph just to cram it full of keywords, you’re probably overdoing it. 

Myth #2

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could click a button and your SEO would be done forever?  Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen.  To see results, SEO requires ongoing involvement.   

Would you throw a bunch of seeds in your garden and then walk away, expecting a bumper crop in a few months? Of course not; you would take care of your garden, addressing issues and adjusting things as needed. 

Same goes for SEO. Planting the SEO seeds is just the first step. You must then monitor, adjust, and nurture your SEO approach to see the best results. 

SEO could be best described as a marathon, not a sprint.  Generally, results take a bit of time.  (Though how much time can depend on many different factors, like your industry, your business vertical, even your location.) 

While it is possible to see early results, it’s important to remember the best SEO results come from consistency.  It's important to push through and stick to your plan, even when results aren’t where you thought they’d be. 

If you’re not seeing results in the long term, take another look at your approach.  Pivot your strategy, don’t just give up. 

Professionals Can Help 

If tackling the world of SEO doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, consider partnering with a professional. Most digital marketing firms, like Locallogy, have SEO experts who can get you set up the right way, regularly monitor your progress, and make adjustments when needed.