Common Myths and Misunderstandings About SEO

The SEO community is pretty big and unfortunately, prone to sharing fairly outlandish theories about how the Google algorithms operate. Following these theories blindly can often have significant (and negative) consequences for your SEO performance.

While SEO might seem like a concept that anyone can pick up on and implement, outsourcing your digital marketing to an SEO company in Melbourne comes with many benefits — not least of all, you are unlikely to make the wrong decision based on the advice of an online forum or community who don’t really understand how Google works.

In addition to working with professionals, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the most common myths and misunderstandings about the process of search engine optimisation.

Anyone can do SEO

There are thousands of online SEO courses out there, which has sparked the common misunderstanding that SEO is not too difficult to get your head around.

While it’s true that there are many fantastic resources that can help you develop a better understanding as to how Google’s algorithms operate, there’s a difference between upskilling and trusting your online reputation in the hands of someone with limited industry experience.

If a digital services agency offers SEO services at an astoundingly low price, it should be an instant warning sign that they don’t possess the knowledge or experience to lead an online marketing campaign.

Getting SEO results isn’t easy. If it was, then it would be true that anyone could do it!

The more keywords, the better

Put simply, keywords are phrases that you can include in your content to make sure users can find you online.

We all know how Google works from a user perspective. We type a few words into the search bar and a list of results appear that the search engine believes might be useful. In order for relevant customers to find your website, these search words need to be included in your content.

This doesn’t mean, however, that padding your content with every single search term you can think of will see an increase in traffic to your site. In fact, doing so can actually have the opposite effect. This tactic is known as ‘keyword stuffing’ and there has been much research into the negative effects that it can have on your SEO campaign.

Keywords should be well researched and implemented into content in a strict and consistent fashion.

Whatsmore, the inclusion of keywords only make up a very small component of your overall SEO strategy. Keywords fall under ‘on-page’ SEO activities, a comprehensive SEO plan will also include technical and off-page strategies. Don’t fall into the trap of focusing only on keywords!

If you’re doing SEO right, you’ll see results quickly

When it comes to this myth, the opposite is actually true. If you’ve hired an SEO company in Melbourne and they promise results within the first few months, there’s every chance they could be engaging in what is known as ‘black hat’ SEO techniques. These are highly frowned upon and could see your site heavily penalised by Google.

Semrush, an industry leading company, suggests that you should start to see positive SEO results within the first 6 to 12 months of your campaign. So sit tight and be prepared to have a little patience!

A good SEO strategy runs itself

This point is a little trickier to break down. Search engine optimisation is what is known as an ‘organic marketing strategy’. This means that you are not paying for ads to appear on the first page of Google. Instead, you are working with Google’s algorithms to naturally boost your online search rankings.

However, just because you’re not constantly purchasing new ad space does not mean that you don’t have to put consistent work in to see SEO results. Whether it is producing fresh content, developing new backlinks, or adjusting your targeted keywords, SEO is an on-going project.

A word of warning here: don’t cancel your SEO contact the minute you start to see good results. Your SEO team will have gotten you to this point — trust that they will be performing on-going activities to ensure you remain visible online.

Nothing beats #1

The goal of an SEO strategy is to attract more traffic to your site and improve your online presence. Obviously, occupying the number one ranking position for your targeted keywords will help you achieve this. However, depending on what industry you are in and how well established your competitors are, achieving this goal can take years.

Studies have shown that the top ranking position will receive approximately 49 percent of search traffic. Now, no one is going to turn their nose up at this kind of return. However, for websites that don’t achieve that top position, it’s good to know that there’s still 51 percent of traffic up for grabs.

The best way to protect yourself against these common myths and misunderstandings is by working with a professional and experienced SEO company in Melbourne. After all, one thing is certainly true — SEO works, and it is well worth your investment.

Newpath Web is a full service digital agency in Melbourne, Australia, with a team of nearly 200 developers and designers and online marketers for all your digital needs: website, mobile app, custom software and online marketing.