In a new series of blog articles, we take a look at Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) for beginners to keep you up to date with the ever changing digital world. In this blog we take on the 3 SEO myths you need to forget.
Since the days when websites carried simple, almost basic functionality the times have changed drastically which has seen a fast growth in internet users as a result. Alongside the vast amount of information being provided came the need for a search engine and along with that came the need to optimise those searches to ensure users could find the information.
There are lots of myths floating around about SEO both from the early days and the current but we’ve pulled together three of the most common myths that you can completely put to bed.
SEO Myth #1 – Link building
There is a recent myth that with the new changes to Google’s algorithms link building is dead. So, firstly, what is link building?
This is one of many tactics used in SEO because this shows Google that your page has quality information on it and will lead to being ranked higher in search engine results. Therefore, the rules stand that sites with multiple backlinks tend to rank higher on search engine results pages.
Although Google’s algorithms have changes, it doesn’t mean that link building is dead; it just means that Google is looking for quality links. Google still values links but not poor quality ones and its technology has advanced to ensure that these links are not leading to poor information.
The key to building good links is to think about the factors that algorithms look like such as citations, website structure and clear context.
SEO Myth #2 – PageRank
PageRank was an extremely contemporary tool which has previously allowed Google to find out the popularity of a webpage which would allow website users to technically build great websites.
Although the myth goes that PageRank has been removed, it is still highly likely that it is still used as part of Google’s SEO process so you need to ensure you are still using the rules and regulations of PageRank to keep up. The only difference is that Google has moved away from talking about PageRank as it doesn’t need to be as heavily influenced and this will hopefully stop people from using PageRank to manipulate the way Google scans websites which will ensure websites are proving constant quality information.
SEO Myth #3 – Social media
This myth is one that really grinds our gears. The myth goes that social media activity doesn’t affect SEO.
Although Google no longer takes into consideration high traffic posts, your posts will still become searchable – after all, social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are still classed as websites. Therefore, this means that search engine discovery and indexation is still possible alongside content distribution – which of course then leads to links and shares – a big factor when Google is considering the quality of SEO on a website.
If you want to know more about how SEO and Google Search Console can help you and your business, get in touch here. We are also currently offering free SEO Health Checks. Click the link to get yours.
