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SEO Articles Who Keeps Spreading Silly SEO Stupidity & Why? By Jill Whalen
SEO Articles Who Keeps Spreading Silly SEO Stupidity & Why? By Jill Whalen
Who Keeps Spreading Silly SEO Stupidity & Why? By Jill Whalen
By Jill Whalen
June 2011
Not a week goes by where a reader or a client doesn't ask me a question based on some bad SEO advice they heard or read somewhere. Most of the time they don't know it's bad advice. They assume that if they read it in a blog, went to a seminar, listened to a webinar or even discussed it with a company that provides SEO as a service, the advice must be solid. Sometimes (usually if they're a long-term Hight Rankings Advisor reader) they may think it sounds a bit fishy, and smartly ask for my opinion.
While it's true that among SEO industry veterans there can be disagreement about what works and what doesn't, there are some SEO tactics that have been known by all who have even the slightest bit of intelligence to be useless. And yet they still crop up as SEO advice - all the time!
Just last week I got an email from a longtime HRA subscriber who told me that his friend had attended a seminar where the speaker told them they should submit their website to search engines on a monthly basis, and proceeded to provide them with the name of a tool that would do so for only $99 per month!
And just yesterday, someone emailed me for my opinion when she read in another email newsletter that Google only indexed the first 100 words on a page!
When I hear this sort of irresponsible and incorrect information being spread to impressionable Internet marketers in the making, I get irate. In fact, here's what I said in response to the question about submitting sites to the search engines:
"I honestly can't believe that there could still be, in 2011, someone who would speak to an audience on any form of Internet marketing who would recommend submitting to search engines, let alone one that would recommend spending $99 (or even 10 cents) a month to do so. In fact, it enrages me. That person who spoke must be a sales rep for that [submission tool] company, and he or she should be thrown out of the business and not allowed to speak on the topic ever again."
While it is likely that the speaker was a paid sponsor there to peddle his putrid website submission tool to clueless newbies, I started to wonder about others who spread this sort of silly SEO stupidity, and why.
Here's what I came up with:
With SEO stupidity such as that being spouted to unsuspecting website owners each and every day, as well as for the reasons stated above, I fear it's going to be many more years before most people can sort out the facts from the SEO fiction.
June 2011
Not a week goes by where a reader or a client doesn't ask me a question based on some bad SEO advice they heard or read somewhere. Most of the time they don't know it's bad advice. They assume that if they read it in a blog, went to a seminar, listened to a webinar or even discussed it with a company that provides SEO as a service, the advice must be solid. Sometimes (usually if they're a long-term Hight Rankings Advisor reader) they may think it sounds a bit fishy, and smartly ask for my opinion.
While it's true that among SEO industry veterans there can be disagreement about what works and what doesn't, there are some SEO tactics that have been known by all who have even the slightest bit of intelligence to be useless. And yet they still crop up as SEO advice - all the time!
Just last week I got an email from a longtime HRA subscriber who told me that his friend had attended a seminar where the speaker told them they should submit their website to search engines on a monthly basis, and proceeded to provide them with the name of a tool that would do so for only $99 per month!
And just yesterday, someone emailed me for my opinion when she read in another email newsletter that Google only indexed the first 100 words on a page!
When I hear this sort of irresponsible and incorrect information being spread to impressionable Internet marketers in the making, I get irate. In fact, here's what I said in response to the question about submitting sites to the search engines:
"I honestly can't believe that there could still be, in 2011, someone who would speak to an audience on any form of Internet marketing who would recommend submitting to search engines, let alone one that would recommend spending $99 (or even 10 cents) a month to do so. In fact, it enrages me. That person who spoke must be a sales rep for that [submission tool] company, and he or she should be thrown out of the business and not allowed to speak on the topic ever again."
While it is likely that the speaker was a paid sponsor there to peddle his putrid website submission tool to clueless newbies, I started to wonder about others who spread this sort of silly SEO stupidity, and why.
Here's what I came up with:
- It's easy to implement. This is likely the main reason that SEO stupidity spreads like wildfire, and the reason that is the basis for all the other reasons. SEO -- that is, real SEO -- is hard. Stupid SEO is easy. (So what if it doesn't work? That's just a small inconvenience!)
- Incompetent SEOs have a vested interest in perpetuating silly SEO. The more people who think that SEO is about submitting to search engines or about meta keywords, the more people will sign up for their boondoggle services and the more ill-gained money they'll have lining their pockets.
- Old articles get recirculated. There are more than 15 years' worth of old, out-of-date SEO articles from a variety of sources that may look credible on the surface (and perhaps were at one time), but that provide advice that has nothing to do with SEO in the 21st century. Just do a Google search for "Should I submit to search engines?" and you'll see all sorts of fun stuff. Even Google's Webmaster Guidelines point to their Add-URL page, which is all but worthless.
- Designers and developers know just enough SEO to be dangerous. I'll just point you to my "85 Reasons Why Website Designers / Developers Keep SEOs in Business" article to explain this one.
- Forum circle jerks. There are, surprisingly, still a lot of SEO forums in the online world, most of them full of newbies. While it's great that new people in our industry want to learn SEO, they need some professional and competent SEOs there to guide them. Yet on many forums it's a case of the blind leading the blind. A newbie thinks some silly SEO technique works and spreads it to the other newbies. Eventually one of the more enterprising young SEOs writes the "Newbie Bible to Stupid SEO" and at that point what is said must be true (cuz it's in the bible!).
- Believing what you read or hear instead of figuring it out for yourself. This truly irks me to no end and is definitely one of the major causes for the spread of many a silly SEO idea. If something you read sounds credible, then by all means give it a try. But unless you see proof of it working with your own eyes, then don't believe it...even if the most credible person in the SEO world wrote or said it.
- Mixing up cause and effect. Another one of my pet peeves that has been common since the beginning of SEO time. Just because you changed the positioning of a word in your title tag and the next day you ranked one place higher in Google doesn't mean that your change is what caused it. It may have, but it may not have. We used to joke on the High Rankings Forum that if you keep a cabbage on your monitor it will increase your rankings. Why not? It's as likely as some of the silly SEO theories that are based on poorly drawn conclusions that mix up cause and effect.
- They're set in their ways. We all know that people hate change. Many SEOs are no different. But just because a 1990s search engine could only index a certain number of kilobytes of information on a page (likely due to bandwidth constraints) doesn't mean that today's Google works that way. The search engines themselves have made huge strides over the years, and while the basics of making a great site will always remain the same, the mechanics of how to do that change often. So to the person who recently asked me if hand-coded HTML pages will rank better than dynamically generated ones, the answer is a definitive NO, even if it may have been true in 1996!
With SEO stupidity such as that being spouted to unsuspecting website owners each and every day, as well as for the reasons stated above, I fear it's going to be many more years before most people can sort out the facts from the SEO fiction.
- Jill Whalen is the CEO of High Rankings, an SEO Consulting company in the Boston, MA area since 1995.
- Follow her on Twitter @JillWhalen
16 Questions Asking 'Does Your Website Get TOP MARKS?'
Are site colors & images aesthetically pleasing?
If your website is too busy or jarring, you will lose visitors. Take a little time to coordinate colors and to implement high-quality images that add to your message ... read more
If your website is too busy or jarring, you will lose visitors. Take a little time to coordinate colors and to implement high-quality images that add to your message ... read more
Are there bulky sections of writing on the home page?
Long, bulky paragraphs are likely to get skipped. Try breaking up your copy into smaller sections or bulleted lists to get the point across quickly ... read more
Long, bulky paragraphs are likely to get skipped. Try breaking up your copy into smaller sections or bulleted lists to get the point across quickly ... read more
Are there links to social media?
Social media networking can be an effective marketing tool if used properly. If you participate in social media then you need to present those links on your website. Social media allows you to communicate with your prospects and allows them to communicate with each other. Include links to your blog, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts. Make it easy for everyone to find you on social media ... read more
Social media networking can be an effective marketing tool if used properly. If you participate in social media then you need to present those links on your website. Social media allows you to communicate with your prospects and allows them to communicate with each other. Include links to your blog, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts. Make it easy for everyone to find you on social media ... read more
Can you easily find the benefits of the product or service offered?
Visitors to your site want to learn as much as possible about the benefits of your product or service. Features are important too, but the most important thing a visitor can take away is a sense that this product or service will make a positive impact in their life ... read more
Visitors to your site want to learn as much as possible about the benefits of your product or service. Features are important too, but the most important thing a visitor can take away is a sense that this product or service will make a positive impact in their life ... read more
Can you find out more about the site owner or employees?
Visitors often want to know they are dealing with real people. Having an 'about us' page is a great way to show the world why you are the best one to handle the job. Include photos too—everyone likes to associate a face with a business so don't be 'camera shy' ... read more
Visitors often want to know they are dealing with real people. Having an 'about us' page is a great way to show the world why you are the best one to handle the job. Include photos too—everyone likes to associate a face with a business so don't be 'camera shy' ... read more
Do menu items clearly tell you where they will take you?
Good site design and user-freindly navigation are important considerations which often get
overlooked. Think about what information you would want to find if you visited this site and plan your menus accordingly. Menus can be separated into areas of focus and should be placed in more than one location if you have many contnet pages on your site - top for the main items, sides and bottom for additional information sections etc ... read more
Good site design and user-freindly navigation are important considerations which often get
overlooked. Think about what information you would want to find if you visited this site and plan your menus accordingly. Menus can be separated into areas of focus and should be placed in more than one location if you have many contnet pages on your site - top for the main items, sides and bottom for additional information sections etc ... read more
Do you feel personally connected?
Visitors who feel personally connected will be more likely to stick around and/or become a customer. Tell your story and tell them why you are the right choice. You can personally connect with your visitors by being honest, using a conversational writing style, and including real testimonials from other customers - real names associated with those testimonials .. read more
Visitors who feel personally connected will be more likely to stick around and/or become a customer. Tell your story and tell them why you are the right choice. You can personally connect with your visitors by being honest, using a conversational writing style, and including real testimonials from other customers - real names associated with those testimonials .. read more
Do you know right away what this website is about?
You have limited time to get your message across. If there are too many distractions, a site visitor may never know what you are offering ... read more
You have limited time to get your message across. If there are too many distractions, a site visitor may never know what you are offering ... read more
Is the content well-written & informative?
Your ability to relate to your customers is a big reason why they will eventually choose you. Poorly-written content is a major turn-off and will make site visitors run for the exit. If you are unable to provide the content yourself, hire a professional to supply it and be sure to keep an engaging, conversational tone throughout.
Your ability to relate to your customers is a big reason why they will eventually choose you. Poorly-written content is a major turn-off and will make site visitors run for the exit. If you are unable to provide the content yourself, hire a professional to supply it and be sure to keep an engaging, conversational tone throughout.
Is the font easy to read?
Make sure your font is easy to read and not distracting. Stick with simple, easy-to-read fonts which are standard fonts available on all browser platforms and in a color which contrasts with the background. It should be large enough to read comfortably without forcing visitors to up-size it ... read more
Make sure your font is easy to read and not distracting. Stick with simple, easy-to-read fonts which are standard fonts available on all browser platforms and in a color which contrasts with the background. It should be large enough to read comfortably without forcing visitors to up-size it ... read more
Is the important information 'above the fold'?
Most site visitors want to know the details without doing a lot of work. If they have to scroll down to find the main idea, they will likely leave earlier than you’d like. Make sure your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is clearly spelled out. This is a piece of information that says in one sentence or less why someone should do business with you. Make it clear and prominent on your site ... read more
Most site visitors want to know the details without doing a lot of work. If they have to scroll down to find the main idea, they will likely leave earlier than you’d like. Make sure your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is clearly spelled out. This is a piece of information that says in one sentence or less why someone should do business with you. Make it clear and prominent on your site ... read more
Is there a 'Sign Up for our Newsletter' option?
Your webform should offer an incentive to spark a visitor’s interest and convince them to sign up. Make sure this incentive is appeal to and be of benefit to your potential customers .. read more
Your webform should offer an incentive to spark a visitor’s interest and convince them to sign up. Make sure this incentive is appeal to and be of benefit to your potential customers .. read more
Is there a clear call to action?
If customers like what they see, it is important to move them along quickly. There should be a prominent, clear call to action on your website. Your call to action may be to buy now, start a free trial, learn more, or something else. Make sure that you are not sending mixed messages with too many calls to action. Choose the one or two that matter most and make them easy to find ... read more
If customers like what they see, it is important to move them along quickly. There should be a prominent, clear call to action on your website. Your call to action may be to buy now, start a free trial, learn more, or something else. Make sure that you are not sending mixed messages with too many calls to action. Choose the one or two that matter most and make them easy to find ... read more
Is there an easy way to contact the business?
If your website does its job, you will likely have interested prospects who want to learn more or who simply have a few questions. Make sure they have an easy way to find you. Potential customers also want to know that they will be able to reach you if needed in the future, whether for warranty service or support ... read more
If your website does its job, you will likely have interested prospects who want to learn more or who simply have a few questions. Make sure they have an easy way to find you. Potential customers also want to know that they will be able to reach you if needed in the future, whether for warranty service or support ... read more
Is there any multimedia?
Although many sites do not need multi-media, if appropriate it is a great way to add character and interest to your website. Videos, podcasts, tutorials, and other multimedia options allow you to present your message to visitors in a way that appeals to them. However, a little goes a long way and, unless you are an 'entertainment' site, too much will be distracting .. read more
Although many sites do not need multi-media, if appropriate it is a great way to add character and interest to your website. Videos, podcasts, tutorials, and other multimedia options allow you to present your message to visitors in a way that appeals to them. However, a little goes a long way and, unless you are an 'entertainment' site, too much will be distracting .. read more
Where do your eyes go first?
A visitor to your website typically has an attention span of only a few seconds. That means your website must 'hook' them quickly. Make sure the first thing they see/notice is something interesting enough to keep them interested in looking at more of the site ... read more
A visitor to your website typically has an attention span of only a few seconds. That means your website must 'hook' them quickly. Make sure the first thing they see/notice is something interesting enough to keep them interested in looking at more of the site ... read more
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Affinity Resource Management
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Leasing & Operations
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Leasing & Operations
Designers Walk Toronto
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F.A.P. - F.R.™ Seminars
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Director/Creator
Functional Anatomic Palpation Systems
F.A.P. - F.R.™ Seminars
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Vasectomy Reversals Canada
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Vasectomy Reversals Canada
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Montreal
Skolar Chiropractic
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Montreal
Skolar Chiropractic
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Energy Boutique
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Energy Boutique
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Gelley Chiropractic
Dr. Geoff Gelley Winnipeg Manitoba
Gelley Chiropractic
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Georgian Triangle Lifelong Learning Institute
Elizabeth Dods, Website Manager
Georgian Triangle Lifelong Learning Institute
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Jeni Shaw
Vancouver Reflexology
Body Harmonics Wellness Clinic
Jeni Shaw
Vancouver Reflexology
Body Harmonics Wellness Clinic
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JRPC Toronto
Jonathan Ruben, CA, CPA, CFP
JRPC Toronto
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Dr. Kevin Bloom Toronto
Dr. Kevin Bloom Toronto
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Barrister & Solicitor
Kubes Law Firm
George J. Kubes
Barrister & Solicitor
Kubes Law Firm
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Motessori Educator
Kindergarten & Tutoring
Love of Learning
Trudi Barrett
Motessori Educator
Kindergarten & Tutoring
Love of Learning
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Nude Food Nutrition
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Katie Antonutti
Nude Food Nutrition
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Walter Palisca, President
Newmarket Ontario
Palcam Technologies
Walter Palisca, President
Newmarket Ontario
Palcam Technologies
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Reiner Law Toronto
Peter. J. Reiner
Reiner Law Toronto
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Holistic Nutritionist, Toronto
pinstripenutrition.ca
Sandy Badgley
Holistic Nutritionist, Toronto
pinstripenutrition.ca
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SHAPE Toronto
Dr. Sender Deutsch
SHAPE Toronto
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Steve's Masonry Collingwood Ontario
Steve's Masonry Collingwood Ontario