In order to optimize your website and reach the widest possible audience, SEO should be a crucial part of your marketing strategy. Well-executed SEO gets your site to the top of search results and brings more visitors your way. The result? More money in your company’s pocket, it’s that simple.

However, SEO isn’t as simple as it once was. The methods of SEO are constantly changing as search engines evolve. In order to stay on top of the SEO world, it’s important to know what you should be doing, and perhaps more importantly, what you shouldn’t be doing. In many cases, it’s not what companies aren’t doing that results in decreased traffic, but rather what they are doing.  

Here are some of the most common SEO mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.

Not Using Quality Links 

There are numerous benefits to building links. When it comes to getting the results you want for your efforts, most experts will agree that it’s all about quality over quantity. Don’t link your name to just any site that has no credibility.

Instead, make sure that you’re using links with pertinent information from reputable sources. In addition to choosing quality sources to link to, your anchor text needs to be applicable. Using phrases like “click this link” as your anchor text is a missed opportunity. Your anchor text should let your reader know exactly what it is you’re linking to, and as a result, the search engines will too! 

Using The Wrong Keywords

SEO is all about optimizing your site for keywords you want to be associated with. So it’s critical that you’re choosing the right ones. It’s important to get inside of the mind of your customer and consider what the best keywords are to lead back to your site.  

Do your research before choosing your keywords. Opting for generic blanket terms is a quick way to get lost in the crowd. Be specific and choose selectively!

Not Looking At Analytics

The only way that you’ll know if your SEO efforts are paying off the way that you’d like them to is to pay attention to your analytics. Don’t disregard the effectiveness of tracking your results so that you can measure the effectiveness of your SEO attempts. 

Reviewing your analytics should be a part of your marketing strategy and not overlooked. 

Search engine optimization is constantly evolving. Some new ideas may seem promising, and yet, in the long run, are found to be harmful to your internet presence. For this reason, you should always remain informed about the latest SEO techniques and practices to get the results you want for your business. 

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By Nate Nead

Nate Nead is the President & CEO of SEO company SEO.co, an agency focused on growing organic and paid traffic in search and social for online brands. For over a decade Nate and his team have facilitated online marketing growth for hundreds of brands, including many on the Fortune 500.