Search is a focal point for business owners and consumers alike. There are multiple ways to drive website traffic today. SEO still stands apart from the rest in the quest for focussing on organic traffic.
It is vast and requires extensive research and in-depth knowledge of the search engine and related searches. For instance, when you’re a website catering to the local audience, it is always better to optimize your local search presence.
After all, Mobile search query impressions for the terms: ‘Where to buy’ and ‘near me’ have grown by a massive margin of 200% from 2017-2019 (Source: Think with Google).
Hence, in need to get customers to your doors, local SEO plays a prominent role. With advancements in technology and consumer behavior, SEO needs a reset too. Here is a list that aims at debunking the local SEO myths in 2021:
Top 10 SEO Myths in 2021
- SEO is irrelevant
The myth intensifies every time Google rolls out an update that brings about a significant change in its algorithm. All that happens is an update in the SEO technique or plan, and as a website owner, you need to incorporate the newer elements into your blueprint so that it is valid in the current year.
The truth is that you need to stay updated with the SEO trends and hit the refresh button on your SEO plan so that you don’t get lost in the sea of search results. For instance, it’s always better to submit your sitemap results to Google through the search console tool.
- Content saturated with Keywords helps in Ranking
The biggest myth in the world of SEO is that over-utilization of keywords in your content helps catapult you to the top position in the search results on Google. This is a misrepresentation of the truth since no matter how many times you use a particular keyword, if it has no rationale or relevance, it will fail to make a mark in the digital world.
Apart from churning high-quality content, websites in 2021 have to focus on the user experience through page experience insights.
- SEO is a one-time activity
Another myth that has taken center-stage in recent times is that SEO is a one-size-fits-all approach wherein you can implement the groundwork and watch it happen. It’s not true. SEO requires time and effort over a while. You have to keep working towards its improvement and upgrade it in line with the Google updates to ensure sustainable development.
After all, 49% of the consumers reported using Google search to find a new item or product (Source: Think with Google). Thus, SEO requires consistency and constant optimization so that your business can thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape.
- Spend more to get more
Your budget or ability to allocate financial resources doesn’t guarantee SEO success. You may invest in top-notch tools and methods to improve the performance of your website, but it can do little for your rankings if it isn’t relevant.
Suppose the framework doesn’t incorporate the updates frequently rolled out by Google; it is of no use to your SEO framework. Hence, even if you have the money but don’t know where to invest it, then there’s little use of the funds.
- Rankings only depend on backlinks
Backlinks are one of the ranking factors and not the only ranking factor. Alone, it cannot do much than what is achievable when working in sync with other ranking signals. Also, backlinks talk about the dependability and trust level of the site. It certainly talks about the value of your site when someone else links to it and uses it as a reference. You can use the Disavow link feature of Google to get rid of poor-quality backlinks.
However, using it as a crutch for SEO’s existence is entirely wrong. When Google checks for authority, the quality of the backlinks matters too, and so do other factors like content quality, user-friendly interface, domain authority, and so forth.
- Local SEO is a thing of the past
Think with Google published a report in 2017 talking about the importance of local search. Results indicated that two out of three mobile phone users have an increased likelihood to purchase from companies or stores that add their location. Clarity of the point reveals that updating your Google My business to reflect your working hours, location, contact details, and so forth makes a world of difference for your in-house sales.
Local SEO isn’t a blast from the past. Instead, it’s thriving more than ever. Statistics have a say in this matter since 54% of mobile phone users search for business hours and 53% search for directions to their local store (Source: Think with Google). The search intent of consumers is quite evident in this context.
- Google punishes links in comments and forums
There’s no such information that reveals that leaving links to your website in the comments or channel discussions can flag your site by Google. It majorly depends upon the quality of the links. If Google spots a spammy link, it will get disavowed, but otherwise, there’s no issue reported for links to established authority sites in a particular niche.
- You don’t need an SEO expert
If you’re not an SEO expert, it’s preferable to use the local SEO services of an agency or hire an individual with technical know-how. You can’t multitask your way through everything, and an expert is always better than a novice finding his way in the SEO landscape or, worse, not knowing what he/she is even doing.
After all, SEO is constantly evolving, and why would you want to leave that to an inexperienced person.
- Maximum sharing on social media helps rankings
Before delving deeper into this insight, here’s a statistical result that states otherwise: SEO is responsible for a huge estimate of 1000% plus organic traffic compared to social media (Source: BrightEdge). Though social media channels are an excellent way of improving engagement and awareness of your brand, it doesn’t guarantee immediate rankings.
- SEO is entirely dependent on keyword optimization
Again, keyword research is vital for improving the quality of content and providing a substantial source. However, it’s not the only way to improve your SEO strategy. There are multiple ways to work and make your SEO plan better in 2021. Keywords are an essential part of it but other aspects like voice search, video and image optimization, featured snippets, and so forth are more noteworthy than ever.
Conclusion
SEO is crucial for your digital marketing plan and knowing the right way to optimize your local SEO is very important. If you fail to do so, you tend to lose more. Please don’t limit yourself because of a few myths or baseless claims. Hence, it’s always better to seek help from experts and take advantage of their local SEO services.
