There are tons of well-laid-out rules of internet marketing, but the truth is that they are not easy to follow.
Sometimes, you break the rules without your knowledge. For instance, there was something that you were good at a year ago, and it helped you get high rankings on search engines. However, due to an algorithm update that you never learned about, that thing is no longer applicable and is now regarded as a form of blackhat SEO.
At other times, you don’t want to wait for ages for your site to appear on the first page of Google’s search results. You want to use shortcuts, which will help you achieve success in the shortest time possible. This is a grave mistake, which could eventually lead to your site being deindexed by search engine spiders.
Look – to be successful in SEO, you need to drop the ‘know-it-all’ attitude and be ready to learn. Additionally, you need to keep updating your skills, and most importantly, avoid the following SEO mistakes that you have been making;
Failing to enhance your site speed
There is nothing as boring as having to wait for ages for a simple page to load. Internet users are highly impatient. They will abandon sites that take more than three seconds to load. Yes, three seconds!
To you, that might not sound much, but on the web, users treat a second as an eternity.
Having a slow page is a colossal blunder. Remember, if users leave your site, you will get high bounce rates, which will prompt search engines to reward you with low rankings.
To fix this problem, use tools such as Google’s nifty PageSpeed Insights. This tool will uncover things that might be slowing your sites, and give you tips and insights on how to fix them.
Writing content for search engines
Of course, search engines are the ones that will rank your sites. But remember, you will not get high rankings if no one is reading your content.
If you have been writing generic content just because you must have content on your site, then you are making a grave mistake.
When you write reader-oriented content, visitors will find it useful, and they might even share it with others. Eventually, you will reach a wide audience; thus, search engines will perceive your site as valuable. Eventually, you will find it at the helm of search results.
Here is the pro tip – always write content for the reader, but always have the search engine in mind!
Ignoring the alt text for images
You know that images are a good way to complement high-quality content since they attract and maintain readers’ interest.
You even understand that to get the best results; you need to use an image for every 75-100 words you write. But even as you do this, you are not getting the best out of your images. Why? Because you are overlooking the alt text.
When you upload an image, you leave the alt text with the generic text that the photo delivers. To get SEO value, use a keyword or a short phrase that can describe the image. However, avoid using the keyword you want to rank for if they are not relevant. If you do this, search engines will treat it as spamming, and this could hurt your rankings.
Not incorporating a map in your site
You created a well-designed and responsive website. You regularly write the most compelling content and use trendy keywords, but you cannot even enjoy what you love, like examining free NBA expert picks on BetAmerica.com simply because you are not getting the best out of your hard work. What could be the issue?
Here is the grave mistake you are probably making – you don’t have a map that shows the exact location of your business!
A map helps your prospects find your business faster. Also, it makes it easier for Google servers to find your address in case a user searches for it. This helps drive traffic to your site, and eventually help you exploit your SEO potential!
Having a Google Map on your site increases your visibility on Search engine SERPs, which ultimately brings value to your marketing efforts.
You are guilty as charged!
These are some of the mistakes that you have been making, and you are guilty as charged. However, it is never too late to change. Treat the mistakes as part of learning, keep up with changes in search engine algorithms. This way, you will enhance your SEO campaigns with the best practices, and get your site to the helm of search results in no time.