10 Critical SEO Mistakes to Avoid 

Search engine optimization (SEO) can be one of the most effective ways to get customers flocking to your website, whether they’re looking to buy your products or services or simply to read more about you. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most tempting mistakes if you’re not careful; if you don’t do your research and execute your SEO plan properly, you might find yourself penalized by Google and see little benefit from all your hard work! 

Let’s talk about what mistakes are made and why they should be avoided in search engine optimization.

1. Content doesn’t match search query intent

You can post content on the site every day, but if the content doesn’t meet the user’s request, it’s useless. Efforts to search for topics, select copywriters, and write good texts will be in vain if you do not take into account the intent of the search query.

The content on the site should offer the user a solution to a problem or answer his/her question. Therefore, it is important to understand what the user really wants when they enter a query into the search box.

For example, if the user enters the query _SEO_, he is interested in the meaning of this concept. If the query looks like “SEO services”, then the person wants to hire a specialist or find a digital company. These key phrases – SEO and “SEO services” – have different meanings. Thus, it is impossible to cover both requests with the same content on the page, as the user’s end goal will not be achieved.

2. Use traditional and “gray” promotion methods

We recommend that you follow the changes taking place in the field – SEO does not stand still. To stay at the top, you need to try new promotion methods.

It is possible to get sanctioned using “gray” promotional schemes, such as keyword spam or site networking (PBN). If you want to succeed in search promotion, you must hire professional services such as Trophius who can help you to create quality backlinks from authority websites. 

3. Not development

SEO is a dynamically developing area. You need to stay updated with the latest developments because Google is constantly releasing algorithm updates. You run the risk of losing users every day if you don’t keep up with what’s happening in the industry when your competitors are already rolling out updates and getting your traffic.

4. Ignore Conversion Rate Optimization

The ultimate goal of every business is to attract customers, but first, you need to convert them from visitors. Many companies ignore conversion rate optimization and focus only on line items.

You need to do everything to convert leads into buyers. Show product reviews and thematic reviews, and convince the buyer that he should choose you. Make it easy for the user to make a purchase.

Ignoring the site’s conversion, you can lose potential customers and profits.

5. Don’t Focus on Branded Anchor List

Anchor text is important for SEO promotion and plays a role in building a link strategy. It is important to consider anchors when getting a lot of backlinks from trusted sources.

Brand queries improve recognition, thanks to which the site will take a leading position in search results. In addition, branded anchors look more natural than those optimized for keywords such as “buy a bike”, “online equipment store”, etc.

Notice: Most of the sites that ranked higher had more branded anchors than keyword-optimized ones. This should be kept in mind when drawing up a link strategy.

6. Use only text content

You’ve probably already heard what the future of video is. And it is true. Watching a video is the easiest way to perceive information. People prefer it to any other content format. This is one of the reasons why YouTube is so popular.

Videos appear in search results. Google knows what the future of video is, and people love watching it.

Google also likes to add podcasts to SERPs. Pay attention to these formats while the competition is not so high.

7. Don’t focus on the brand and brand search

Everyday SEO is becoming more focused on branded search. Now SEO is not only about traffic and positions but also about the company’s reputation on the Web.

Focus on increasing the share of branded traffic. The more users search for information about your company on Google, the faster the search engine will bring the site to the top. This strategy is relevant for business development and increasing the company’s authority on the Internet. Do not forget about the EAT factor (expertise, authority, trust), which has been increasingly affecting the ranking of your site lately.

8. Not Ready for Mobile Search

50% of traffic is generated by mobile devices. If a site is not optimized for mobile devices, Google automatically recognizes it as “unfriendly” to users.

First of all, check the mobile adaptive. Mobile optimization and loading speed are one of the ranking factors in Google. Don’t ignore this fact.

9. Unclear SEO Goals

Defining your goals clearly before beginning search engine optimization is important. Without this, no results will be achieved.

Identify your goals and create a promotional strategy based on them. For example, you might want to increase traffic, positions, or conversions.

10. Search engines are the guide

Create content for the user, not for the search engines, because, in the end you need real customers to increase sales and revenue. Business depends on customers, not search engines.

Search engines like Google are just intermediaries to bring in new customers.

Conclusion

Try to avoid known mistakes when optimizing. If you do not optimize the site for mobile devices, do not set clear goals, and do not consider other forms of content delivery, the site may not achieve results in the end. Move honestly and stay ahead of the competition!