Debunking the most popular SEO myths that continue to be spread is an uphill battle. As companies become more informed about what SEO practices are ineffective in improving a website’s performance, they will begin to focus more on the content featured on the website. Here are top 10 SEO myths to keep in mind when choosing an SEO vendor:
1. Google Page Rank
Google Page Rank is not the most important rank to pay attention to when evaluating the website’s success. The high PR for a site does not mean that all parts of the site rank on the same level. Many are under the impression that the page rank refers to the quality of the site as a whole.
2. Domain Type
The type of domain purchased has no bearing on the quality of links. Many believe that a link from an .EDU, .GOV or .ORG domain carries more weight than links from other types of domains but they are treated the same. One needs to evaluate a number of link profile factors to determine the quality of a link (e.g. a link from cnn.com can be more powerful than a link from some .edu third level directory page).
3. Google Approved SEO Vendor
There is no such thing as a Google-approved search optimization provider. Google offers analytics and other types of certifications that are often used as credentials. Google, however, never endorses the actual provider, so consumers no longer have to look for these credentials.
4. XML Sitemap
An XML sitemap will not boost a site’s rankings in Google. Google only indexes the sitemap to gather information on the uniqueness of content featured on the website and to gain an understanding of the layout of it.
5. Meta Tags and Rankings
Meta tags do little in the way of improving rankings. The title can certainly benefit from the metal tag, but all additional content does not benefit from the use of meta tags. Many have pushed their usage as important to site optimization, but Google has actually refuted claims that they boost the rankings of a site.
6. Linking Out Hurts Rankings
Linking to other sites does not negatively impact the site’s rankings. In fact, outbound links to a site does not send out any red flags to the search engines. The type of sites being linked to does matter. Too many links to low quality sites does effect the site’s reputation and perceived relevance.
7. Nofollow vs Dofollow
Nofollow links do not improve the performance of a website. Dofollow sites are a way to add value and relevance to a website. In providing dofollow links to other reputable sites, the site demonstrates authority and adds to reader experience.
8. Black Hat SEO is the Way to Go
There are penalties for poor optimization practices aimed at tricking the major search engines. Some search engines penalize the site by removing it altogether from indexing. The black hat SEO tricks carry severe consequences that are difficult to recover from.
9. Font Styles
Using bold and italicized fonts does not prompt any search engine to index a site in a certain way. Stylized fonts should be used primarily for readability purposes. No words will be recognized as important by the search engine if they are styled.
10. Keyword Stuffing
Keyword stuffing is not advantageous. Any keyword density over 7 percent gives the impression of keyword stuffing. Search engines will pick up on the unscrupulous activity and penalize the site for this practice.
Do you know any other SEO myths? Please share them in the comments area below.
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