Tag Archives: SEO Mistakes

December 1, 2016 · 1:29 pm

4 Keyword Errors That Can Tank Your SEO

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Keywords are critical for successful search engine optimization (SEO), but they can also be stumbling blocks. We’ve all been to websites where the keywords were so dense and so awkward that the text didn’t read naturally, or offer any meaningful insight to the user. By the same token, you’ve probably struggled with blog posts or web pages that simply didn’t generate any SEO traction, likely because of insufficient keywording.

In other words, working with keywords requires some balance. To help you achieve it, we’re going to run down four of the most common keyword mistakes—technical errors that can sink your SEO endeavor. We’ll also provide some hints for avoiding them.

Common Keyword Mistakes—And How to Avoid Them

Only choosing short-term keywords. Before you can implement keywords, you have to select them—and many SEO novices spend too much time and attention on shorter, more general search terms. The problem with choosing a keyword like “plumbing” is that it’s just not how users tend to search for things; at the same time, it happens to be really expensive to rank for, especially with PPC ads. A long-tail keyword—“affordable plumbing in Charlotte, NC,” for example—better reflects user habits, and also provides more room to be competitive.

Keyword stuffing. When people ask us how many keywords they should be using, we generally just recommend that they use the words naturally. Keyword stuffing is when you use so many keywords that any semblance of meaning is lost. For example: “Looking for a good Charlotte, NC plumber? There are many Charlotte, NC plumber companies to choose from. Talk to a Charlotte, NC plumber by dialing into our Charlotte, NC plumber hotline today!” If your text doesn’t read naturally, you’re probably stuffing it with keywords—and that can actually lead to search engine penalties.

Going off-topic. Is your chosen keyword “Charlotte plumbing expert?” And are you using “Charlotte plumbing expert” 10 times within your text? If so, then the content needs to be about Charlotte plumbing experts. If it’s about something totally off-topic, that’ll just infuriate readers—and, again, land you with search engine penalties.

Forgetting title tags and meta descriptions. There are the most crucial areas for including keywords—so if you’re not filling them in strategically, you’re missing prime SEO opportunities!

Get Your Keywords in Order

If you’re struggling to balance content creation with keyword deployment, our Web copywriters would love to lend a hand. Contact Grammar Chic to learn more, either at 803-831-7444 or at www.grammarchic.net.

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January 22, 2015 · 10:38 am

5 SEO Myths That are Killing Your Content

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Think search engine optimization is a thing of the past?

Think again.

We recently wrote about SEO and its relation to content marketing—about how the two things, when done right, compliment each other. Here’s what we said: “Ultimately, content marketing and SEO can be used together, working toward the same end. So long as your focus is on content quality—on delivering value to the user—there is no reason why you cannot also incorporate some thoughtful, well-balanced elements of SEO strategy, including some judicious SEO keywords.”

True enough: Just because you’ve invested in content marketing, that doesn’t mean you can turn your back on SEO. As such, it’s to your advantage to put these five SEO myths to rest:

Myth #1: SEO is dead.

The first myth to put to bed is the idea that search engine optimization has been killed off by Google and its algorithms. Not true. While Google has started penalizing various disreputable SEO practices—“black hat” tactics, cheap content, keyword stuffing, and the like—smart, content-centered SEO is still very much a thing, and very much a winning strategy. If you want to write engaging content that also ranks well in search engine rankings, SEO is a non-negotiable.

Myth #2: SEO is a quick fix.

If your SEO guy promises you overnight results, odds are he’s either conning you or using some duplicitous practices that Google will punish, in time. Search engine optimization, like content marketing, is a process. It takes time and commitment.

Myth #3: SEO doesn’t matter.

If you want to see your content performing well in Google searches, then you need to do what you can to optimize it for search engine use. Remember, good SEO is about working with Google to make sure your content gets seen by the people who could benefit from it. Of course it matters.

Myth #4: SEO and content marketing are opposed to one another.

Nope! So long as your focus is on creating compelling, customer-centered content, there is no reason why you cannot also strive for search engine relevance. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Myth #5: SEO is magic!

There are many who regard SEO as some kind of voodoo, something inscrutable and elusive. It’s part art and part science, perhaps, but the basics are pretty concrete: Focus on providing valuable information—thus, a good product for Google to deliver to its customers—and you’re on the right track.

SEO and content marketing are a dynamic match—and potentially game-changing for your business. Learn more by contacting Grammar Chic, Inc. today: Call 803-831-7444, or visit www.grammarchic.net.

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