The Truth About SEO

Search engine optimization sounds like something a NASA specialist does right before the spaceship blasts off into outer space. Tighten the hinges, secure the bolts, optimize the search engine; but the truth of the matter is that search engine optimization is a very complicated term for a very uncomplicated idea.

If you look at SEO from a straightforward perspective, the concept is simple: Make your search engine results better so that your users can find what they’re looking for as quickly and easily as possible. This sounds pretty easy, right? So why is there so much fuss over rankings and numbers and paying for clicks?

Part of the problem is that professionals have a skewed perception of SEO caused by years and years of misguided attempts to “beat” Google. Somewhere along the way, these wrong ideas were embraced as gospel truth and then the real problems with scamming began.

In Hubspot’s “17 SEO Myths You Should Leave Behind in 2015,” some of the most popular bad ideas regarding SEO are explained and then debunked. I want us to take a look at 3 of my favorite myths that this great guide talks about:

More links are better than more content.

You probably know by now that good content is vital for your website. But did you ever stop to think about the quality of the links on your website?

Stuffing your website full of useless links won’t help you, just like how you shouldn’t stuff your shiny and clean website full of needless pages. Focus on good, quality links that lead your users to helpful information that’s relevant to your content.

SEO is all about ranking.

If your only concern is to scratch and claw your way to the top of a search engine, you’re probably forgetting about the most important person in the situation: your user. What’s the point of having the number 1 spot in Google if it’s not a relevant page for your constituent? You’ll be far better off in the long run if you create good content with quality links even if it doesn’t rank at the top of a search engine than having a mediocre page at the top spot on the list.

My homepage needs a lot of content.

Think of your homepage as the entrance to your website. What will your user need to know at first glance? The content shouldn’t be overwhelming, but it can’t be bare either. Aim for a concise yet informative balance for this highly important page on your site. Think of your user! Should I say it again? Think about what your user needs.

If you’re just starting to wade into the waters of search engine optimization, I don’t want you to be intimidated! It can be a highly rewarding experience when you see that you’re helping your constituents find quality content as quickly as possible.

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Related to: 

• Content Strategy