Search engine optimization (SEO) is a dynamic field that is always changing. Marketers must constantly adapt as search engines improve their presentation of data.
Search engines only supply a limited amount of information on the industry's growth, so advertisers may easily overlook industry news and updates, resulting in unproductive strategies. Myths and disinformation easily spread with so much change happening at once. It’s vital to confirm what’s real and what’s fake before you implement changes to your digital marketing strategies.
Here are the top five myths you should avoid in your SEO efforts this 2022:
1. Search Engine Optimization Is a One-Time Task
Search engine optimization is an ongoing process. The competition is continuously rising and search engines continue to update their algorithms.
Today, search engines go beyond organic results to include paid ads, which receive more than 80% clicks. The competition for the top organic results is challenging.
SEO should be viewed as a process that requires constant maintenance and monitoring. Since SEO best practices change frequently, it's essential to keep up-to-date with the latest trends.
2. It's Important to Focus on Rankings Rather than Organic Traffic
Organic search traffic is more important than rankings. Many amateur marketers often misplace their priorities in their digital marketing strategies. Remember that the fundamental goal of SEO is to bring traffic to your website, not rank highly in Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs).
Those who fully leverage the power of organic traffic are most likely to succeed. The best way to build search traffic is by earning link juice through high-quality content.
3. Once You Hit the First Page, It's Easy to Stay There
Unless you're a well-known brand or run an extensive website with a massive amount of authority, it's unlikely you'll hit the first page of the search results.
Search engine algorithms change frequently. If you're not getting enough organic traffic to the first page, you always need to work on your content.
4. Keywords Are the Key to Success
Keywords are an essential part of the web. They help justify the potential of a site's content by assigning a subject to each keyword.
In 2018, Google began updating its search algorithm to eliminate over-optimization. Its new system, RankBrain, immediately began working and improved the rankings of more than 12% of search results, specifically those that did not use keywords.
Keywords can only be effective if they are born out of what the content is actually about.
5. After Creating Unique Content, the Search Engines Will Do the Rest
Creating unique content is an extensive and time-consuming process. Unique, high-quality content is one of the most important ways to improve your rankings and drive more targeted traffic.
Unique content can be an article, video, audio, or any other information medium. Although most search engines' results are now being generated with automated systems, human readers are still involved in the process.
Your content must stand out from the crowd. High-quality content is the best way to ensure your business will earn the exposure required for success.
Final Verdict
SEO is competitive. It requires consistent research and monitoring. Without proper planning, it's easy for competitors to overtake your site. Failure to keep up with the latest trends and best practices can put your business at a disadvantage. For this reason, investing in professional SEO is the best way to ensure your site continues to excel.
First Click Digital Marketing can help you avoid the common myths in SEO! We are an Albuquerque-based digital marketing agency that creates and optimizes your websites to not only funnel in traffic but to convert your browsers into clients. Our team understands that digital advertising and search engine optimization might be intimidating, but we’re here to help. Contact us today!