Some common SEO myths cleared
Some say it is a volatile field, some say it’s vast and ever evolving, some say it’s damn boring!
With all these differences in opinion, there are some common myths that i found in the groups. Unanimous they were but interesting. Let’s check!
- SEO’s get it done overnight.
Many think that SEO is a set of rules if done over night - will get you traffic overnight.
No. SEO is an experiment with some predictable results and some unpredictables, that if done in a methodical, systematic way are likely to give you favorable results.And it wont’ happen over night. You got to wait for weeks and months together for the outcome - and only a methodical implementation of techniques will help you find the metrics and what made it happen.
- There are shortcuts.
Yes you are right there are - but i would prefer to call them Blackhat SEO. These are hacks or tweaks or whatever you call it - shortcut to fame. It is true - it happens but they don’t last long. The only problem is that once you are found doing it - you’re done! And your sites reputation is at stake.How long will the fame last using shortcut is for you to decide and whether to play game with your sites reputation.
- An SEO can be hired anytime.
Wrong. The best time to consult ans SEO is when you design your site or even before it.Many of my clients already set up a site and then look for SEO advice, it’s very difficult to do SEO on an already set up site.
- An SEO is a designer.
Well, an SEO needn’t necessarily be a designer, but yes if he is(like me) it is an advantage.Hew would know what your code is and what the creative elements are.
- SEO can guarantee you a top rank.
No. No SEO can guarantee you a top rank in the SERPs because there are so many external factors affecting it.He can only work to help out.Anybody who guarantees is a black hat SEO.
- SEO techniques are the same for all sites.
No. The SEO techniques differ for different platforms. Wordpress,Blogger or PHPbb there is a different set of techniques for each.Yes i do agree that there are some common techniques as well.
- I want traffic what can you do?
This is one question i get asked all the time. My answer is - Nothing. It’s up to you. An SEO cannot do anything to get traffic if you don’t have good content. We can shape up trim and tidy up your rich contents so that spiders and people like it alike. Without content, you are doomed!
Well, these are some of the common myths i came across while dealing with clients. If you have anything to add please comment.
Kevin | July 18th, 2007 at 7:30 am #
I’ve always wondered what SEO companies can do for small businesses with 5 pages and little or no content. I mean, I know a little about SEO and I honestly don’t think I could give a small company its money’s worth. It’s difficult to get backlinks etc if theres little content on the site therefore their money would be better spent advertising.
I bet there are a lot of SEO companies who are taking advantage of small businesses with this. I’ve always made the mistake in the past of assuming that everyone is at least a little internet savvy but when I quickly realised this was not the case 4 or 5 years ago when I designed the company website for a friends dad. Nothing I told them seemed to sink in!! haha
Darin Carter | July 18th, 2007 at 10:45 am #
Great Post. This post points everything out to the “T”! SEO is a Science and an Art. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Darin
Tejvan Net Writing | July 18th, 2007 at 11:22 am #
The best thing an SEO is to point a site in the right direction. Successful SEO is hard work, there’s no getting round that.
Todd | July 19th, 2007 at 2:38 am #
Have you read Dan Thies’ SEO Fast Start PDF? It’s a really good read from one of the best out there.
http://www.seofaststart.com/
Jason Hendricks | July 31st, 2007 at 3:09 am #
Jason Hendricks | July 31st, 2007 at 3:12 am #
This has been a big one for me, as I’ve lost clients because I’m not willing to guarantee anything other than best practices and my best effort. I would not, however, say that someone is a “black hat SEO” for giving guarantees, they’re just a liar.
I’d also like to add the common myths that “it’s all about content” or “it’s all about links”. It’s both, and more. Links without the right content won’t cause a site to achieve top rankings, and neither will content without the right links.
Bedava | August 1st, 2007 at 11:30 am #
their are things that they can do for small sites, you couldnt imagine the benefit choosing a few great KEI keywords will get you if positioned properly in your pages.
Arkadaşlık | August 10th, 2008 at 7:38 pm #
Thank you. Dear Mani Karthik.