It is 2018 and SEO continues to be the most effective tool for generating organic traffic to a website. A report released by HubSpot in 2017 states that over 60% of marketers consider SEO as their top inbound marketing tool. Marketers around the world have been investing more time and energy into the field in an attempt to elevate their organic presence.
SEO is a dynamic subject and remaining informed of the latest developments has been one of the important challenges for marketers. Below is a list of common SEO mistakes that must be avoided by them.
- Bad keyword planning
Keywords lie at the crux of SEO; thus, choosing the right keywords is very important. When it comes to optimizing keywords, marketers make two common mistakes, as many fail to analyze competitor keywords and phrases, or they force keywords into the content, thus lowering its quality. The best way to optimize keywords is through their even distribution that does not interrupt the flow and clarity of content.
- Lack of focus on content
Placing too much emphasis on keywords and back linking usually undermines the content quality. While generating content for a website, think about optimal number of words per blog or article, plagiarized and fresh content, perfect grammar and addition of visuals. When a piece of content does not pass through this checklist, SEO mistakes are bound to happen.
- Ignoring mobile users
Google is the most frequently accessed search engine and its founders have repeatedly expressed their affinity towards mobile-friendly websites. This means that, in 2018, websites that are not mobile friendly will lose their rank to competitors, which is why experts recommend that brands “go mobile.”
- Low quality link building practices
When it comes to link building, quality should take precedence over quantity. Businesses that favor building link baits, black hat SEO, bulk spam links and private blog networks (PBN) are sure to face the wrath of Google and other search engines. Ethical practices, such as guest blogs that convey some real matter, good quality PNB and high-quality articles posted on authoritative websites, help build good quality links.
- No place for KPIs and audits
Is your SEO investment really paying off? Are your SEO efforts helping you achieve your business goals? Are the organic search results being measured? If you do not have an answer to these questions, then lack of SEO KPIs will have a strong negative impact on your business.
Lastly, businesses that are investing in SEO and organic search optimization must remain informed about all factors affecting SEO. Ignoring SEO and its dynamic nature can be a grave mistake for growing brands.
