7 Deadly Sins of SEO

SEO is the process of optimising a websites content in order to improve its organic visibility in search engines. As an audience, we presume that listings on the first page of search engines are going to give the best information and therefore we tend to look no further. 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results.

Do you recognise these frightful offences?

Have a read of the 7 deadly sins of SEO that could be damaging your potential to drive traffic to your website and generate leads!

1. Irrelevant Content

It is vital to create content that is highly engaging to your target market. In order to do this, you need to understand your audience. Your content should then be created with this in mind – based around specific, researched key terms and relevant information.

Personalise your content to your target audience!

2. Duplicate Content

If content appears on the web in more than one location e.g. under two different URL’s then it is counted as duplicate content. This can be difficult for Google to decide which content is more relevant to a given search query, and therefore it can be damaging on search engine rankings.

It is estimated, that 29% of the web is duplicate content… Is your website guilty?

3. Not implementing a mobile friendly site

In November 2014, it was clarified by Google that a mobile friendly site would positively impact a website ranking position, this is now going to be even more important following a new algorithm change Mobile First Indexing, which took place… 

According to Google, more than half of their searches come from mobile devices today. This exemplifies the importance of a mobile friendly website to ensure you are providing the best user experience for your visitors.

Learn more about the significance of responsive design

4. Black Hat Techniques

Too many people still use “Black Hat” SEO techniques in order to get quick gains. This includes methods such as keyword stuffing, purchased links, hidden text and links and more.

These are risky as search engines actively monitor and penalise businesses who are using these methods and favour “White Hat” techniques. Leading us onto our next point… 

Find out more about SEO best practices…

5. Ignoring Google Algorithm Changes

Google constantly updates its algorithms in order to stop users who are practising bad SEO habits and rewarding the good.

If you are unaware of the latest changes in SEO trends and updates you can potentially negatively impact your search engine rankings.

Do you know about the latest Google algorithm changes? Get prepared with iCandy Design!

6. Broken Links

Broken links are not only damaging to your SEO, but can seriously annoy your visitors. This can then result in visitors leaving your website and increasing your bounce rate. It is essential that your website flows consistently and provides a good visitor journey through relevant content.

Learn more & decrease your bounce rate!

7. Lack of cross channel promotions

Aggregating via several channels is key to giving your content initial exposure and engagement. Without this, your content is likely to sit around unread, gathering only a few likes and shares.

According to recent research from MOZ, 50% of all online content sampled had 2 or less Facebook interactions and 75% had no external links. This was more than likely down to lack of distribution and promotion.

Increase the chance of more likes & shares on your content!

Don't miss out on a trick!

At Candy Design we work with businesses of all sizes, providing SEO services to BOOOst website traffic and generate leads. If you would like more information on our other marketing services – please contact us!