At least one out of three sites receives punishment for failure to comply with set rules of search engine optimization. As a website developer, I would be lying if I told you that I have not encountered such fallout. In some cases, you do not even know what happened let alone how to fix the issue. It all gets down to the application of dangerous methods, and it is crucial to understand that search engine optimization has a deep sea of effective and unproductive techniques.
Illuminating on the bad optimization techniques, they are those ones that are both technical and strictly forbidden by Google. They, to some extent, ignore the needs of the audience and put extra emphasis on search engines. Unfortunately, despite being vehemently discouraged, they are significantly used due to their perceived ability to give quick results. However, using them is a risky endeavor that could lead to penalties from Google and site bans. Below are some of the tricky SEO techniques to keep off for future success.
1. Content duplication
It is one SEO technique that has thrived over time and is not likely to die anytime soon. However, we will not cross over 2018 with the same old song. It is widely known that great content derives great links. Thus, it is not prudent to copy other people’s work to gain more.
It is important to note that duplication can easily occur through spinning. Most website owners rewrite existing content with just a little twist to the original topic. However, what users fail to understand is that spinning of material compromises the quality of the original work irrespective of how neat it is done. Besides, it blocks your future openings where you can showcase your work. Through the use of application search engines algorithms, detection of duplicated content is simplified. Needless to say, sites caught employing such tactics are likely to suffer the laid out penalties.
To curb this before ushering in 2018, website owners need to free themselves from the cocoon of laxity and produce original content that is unique and high quality. If put to good use, such content could be cited and also shared, and this sends a positive signal to search engines that it is relevant and valuable leading to even higher ranking.
2. Link buying and exchange
For every site to develop, link building is a mandatory requirement. You certainly agree with me that it is not a walk in the park. It involves a tedious process faced with its fair share of challenges requiring both unceasing efforts and hard work. As a result, some website owners prefer to have it easy by acquiring the links. This works to get visitors to their website with the purpose of manipulating their site to have higher Google ranking. Well, from an expert’s point of view, these tricks pay but only in the short-run before detection, which culminates to even greater failures. Severe consequences are inevitable and you risk losing your site’s rankings.
In some other instances, websites owners may utilize reciprocal links. It occurs when someone links to your site, and you return the favor by linking back. To some extent, it is beneficial but highly risky. They are very detectable and could alert search engines of your behavior that could cost you a lot. Calculating the risk involved, utilizing such techniques in 2018 is not worth the effort. Hence, it is better to do away with their use.
3. Keyword stuffing
Everyone has their way of seeking attention. So are the web owners. Most of them utilize the keyword techniques to appease the search engine and not their site readers. They stuff keywords or phrases in their work content for better rankings. The keywords are often irrelevant to the actual site. Moreover, they take the practice a notch higher by hiding the keywords such that they are not seen by users but can still be scanned by the search engine.
Unfortunately, keyword stuffing results in a bad user experience, which directly leads to reduced traffic in your website. Also, it sends a signal to the search engines that you are interfering with their algorithms. This ultimately affects one’s site rankings, and Google has taken matters into its own hands to penalizing such sites. For this reasons, my expert opinion for 2018 is that keywords use should be minimized, say in the title, opening paragraphs, and after every 200 words in the content. With this, all web owners are set for next year without the issue of keyword stuffing.
Generally, the obvious content is quite boring especially when it comes down to ranking your website higher. Nonetheless, that does not mean you use the disapproved shortcuts. Suitable techniques will always set you up to the path of higher rankings. Hence, the above and several other tactics to develop your site are not worthwhile. Even though they pay at the beginning, you will end you up on the losing side in the long run. Useful methods to boost your SEO rankings may take time but are worth the effort.
Author bio: Joel House helps small to medium businesses grow their revenues through increased search traffic. As the owner of Australia’s highest ranking seo agency, he has a burning desire to help small businesses with SEO that actually work.