Top SEO Tactics To Avoid
As a marketer, it’s a good idea to be aware of the various SEO strategies. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been using search engine optimization for years or you’re new to the process, technology is constantly changing. As a responsible marketer, you must stay up-to-speed with the latest SEO trends, so you know which ones will benefit your business while avoiding the SEO tactics that will bite you in the end.
The Wrong SEO Strategies Can Prevent You From Reaching Your Goals
Check out the following tip-offs, so you don’t make the mistake of using counterproductive SEO tactics.
Keyword Overload
Using too many keywords is a counterproductive SEO technique. Stuffing your content with keywords confuses Google’s algorithms, which in turn work’s counter to Google’s objective of organizing worldwide information and making it easily accessible.
When your keyword density is 5% or above, you run the risk of Google penalizing your website, then nobody will see your marketing campaign. To prevent this from happening, aim for a keyword density of 1-2%.
Writing for Algorithms Instead of a Human Audience
If your writing doesn’t sound natural or have an organic flow, your reader will lose interest in the content.
Your audience needs to feel as though you’re talking to them and content that includes genuine language will capture the reader’s attention because it communicates to them that the author truly cares.
Publishing Subpar Content
When a marketer submits content that’s been plagiarized or severely lacking in valuable information, search engines will catch this and prevent it from appearing in search results.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to conduct research according to keyword ranking, then crafting the content using quality info that’s directly related to the keywords. Prior to publishing, have an editor proofread the writing and correct all errors that would result in an increase in the bounce rate.
Pay to Play
While it may be tempting to take a shortcut, driving traffic to your site by paying another website to link to your website is often a shady endeavor.
Paying for links used to be a lucrative SEO tactic, but Google’s algorithms have gotten smarter at catching this ploy. When they do, the website is penalized. This is just one of the reasons why investing a large chunk of your marketing funds to cheat the system is never a good idea.
There is an important exception to this, however. Often there are fees associated with displaying your company’s profile (and backlink) in reputable industry directories. These high-domain authority websites as well as similar news outlets should definitely be on your radar when it comes to link building.
The Smartest SEO Tactics Drive Organic Traffic
It can be tough navigating the different SEO strategies. However, once you know which ones to avoid, you can employ the right SEO tactics to drive organic traffic.
First, don’t stress out. Mistakes will happen and that’s okay. It helps to remember that marketing involves a lot of trial and error. Next, identify a topic most of your audience will be interested in reading. Once you have a subject matter in mind, research related keywords and use Google Keyword Planner and Google Trends to choose the best two.
Now, it’s time to write! Present an authentic voice by speaking directly to the reader. Pepper the keywords throughout the content and enjoy being creative. Your audience will appreciate the natural flow of the piece. Lastly, include links to your products, blogs, and social media channels. Doing this will keep your audience engaged and help you showcase your business from multiple angles.
If you’re ready to increase business and grow your customer base by using today’s best SEO tactics, Higgins Marketing Group can help. Contact us for a pressure-free chat about how we can propel your business successfully into the new year with SEO strategies that aren’t counterproductive.
Not sure yet? Check out our work and let us know when you’re ready.
