There are several myths that surround Search Engine Optimization, and search engines such as google keep their ranking factors closely guarded. This leads to confusion and wrong information being doled out as helpful advice. Here are 9 common SEO myths debunked.

  1. Adwords helps your rankings.
    This myth has been making the rounds since several years, that if you pay for adwords Google will boost your website’s rankings. This is completely false. There has never been a correlation between paying for Adwords and a corresponding boost in Search rankings. If that were true, organizations wouldn’t invest the time or the money in SEO and simply spend it on Adwords campaigns.
  2. SEO takes too long, PPC is faster
    While it is true that PPC campaigns bring in instant results, SEO requires time to build your website’s authority before you can see results. However, it is important to remember that PPC requires constant investment, you need to keep paying every time someone clicks on an ad, the price of which is always increasing. Also keep in mind that more people click on organic results rather than paid listings. SEO on the other had brings in consistent results at a stable cost. While SEO takes time to start showing results, they are consistent and don’t need continued spending.
  3. SEO can be automated.
    SEO can’t be automated. Automated SEO is a spammy practice that does more harm than good. While some tools can certainly help speed up tasks one cannot expect your website to be optimized with a single click. Be wary of anyone claiming a software can take care of all your SEO needs.
  4. Buying links or social signals will improve your SEO.
    There are plenty of websites out there selling you Facebook “likes” or Twittter followers. Every day and you will be bombarded with sites offering 20,000 backlinks for $50, while these websites certainly seem believable, they are not a viable alternative to SEO. These packages may give you a temporary boost, but it is more likely they will be swiftly devalued if not penalized by the Search engines, resulting not only in waste of money and time trying to rehabilitate a penalized or low ranking website.
  5. SEO is a one time job
    Many people believe that SEO is a one time job. It is not possible for your website to always rank top on your chosen key phrases without any changes. New websites are cropping up every day and competitors are always working to outrank you. The only way to stay on top is to consistently maintain your website and keep it upto date.
  6. High Rankings automatically means more business.
    Everyone aims to be at the top of the search engine rankings. Getting there is a long process, but what happens after you achieve it? We assume that high rankings mean more business. While there is a correlation between high rankings and more visitors to your website, a good website with relevant information is key to converting visitors to paying customers. Good SEO includes not only getting the website to rank well but to also improve the website so that the user has an engaging and pleasant experience.
  7. SEO is all about “gaming” the system.
    SEO has evolved from tricking the search engines to focus more on a users’ experience. Optimizing your website for the user should always be the first priority. Making sure the website is easy to navigate with information that is relevant, focused and with clear call-to- actions.
  8. Search engines won’t know if we create fake reviews and ratings.
    Yes, it will. It is foolish to underestimate Search Engines’ ability to detect spam or unnatural behavior. Much like paying for backlinks fake reviews and ratings are a waste of money which will only lead to your website being devalued or penalized.
  9. SEO has been replaced by Social Media
    Many so called SEO “experts” are claiming that social media has replaced SEO. We need to remember that Search Engines are needed to find everything we want, even all the social media content. Social media has expanded and complemented SEO. The truth is SEO will always be around. Search will be more important as more and more information is shared online and through social networks.

The SEO industry has grown and matured over the years. Just as in any new and rapidly changing industry there is a lot of outdated information and myths surrounding it. Debunking these myths will help you have a clearer picture to go ahead and succeed in your SEO journey.