American businesses are expected to spend $80 billion on search engine optimization (SEO) by the end of 2020.
SEO allows businesses like yours to reach the top of a Google results page. The higher you rank, the more people will visit your website.
With all the money companies are putting into SEO, you’ll want to make sure it works. Otherwise, these common SEO mistakes could impact where you rank.
Ready to get ahead of the curve? Boost your SEO ranking by avoiding these common mistakes today!
1. Not Researching First
The foundation for any SEO campaign is your research.
Who are your customers?
What do they care about?
Google’s search algorithm is growing smarter every day. As a result, Google now prioritizes the user’s search intent when determining rankings.
If you don’t know what your customers are searching for, you’ll fail to appeal to their needs and interests.
To avoid these common SEO mistakes, start with thorough audience and keyword research.
Who are your customers?
Separate your broader audience into personas based on age, location, gender, and other demographics.
Then, use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Trends, and SEMRush to build a list of keywords. Don’t forget to research your competitors as well.
2. Ignoring SEO Trends
Remember, Google’s SEO algorithm changes constantly.
Following SEO trends can get you ahead of the curve and ranking above competitors.
For example, 96% of mobile search traffic is generated on Google.
If your website isn’t mobile-optimized, you’re losing leads.
Meanwhile, voice searches account for about 50% of all online searches. Is your content optimized for voice searches? Make sure to use long-tail keywords.
Focus on creating high-quality content. Write the way your customers speak. Otherwise, work on showcasing your expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (EAT).
Using these trends will help you get ahead.
3. Neglecting Your GMB Listing
Your Google My Business (GMB) listing helps you get in front of local customers.
Make sure all your contact information is up-to-date. Otherwise, someone looking for directions could end up at your old storefront!
4. Forgetting Your Links
Ignoring the importance of backlinks could hurt your SEO rankings. If you’re looking for common SEO mistakes to avoid, this is a big one.
You need backlinks from high-authority websites to boost your own rankings.
5. Overlooking Your Site
Your website can have a major impact on your ranking. Try using the latest user experience (UX) design trends.
First, make sure your pages load quickly. If pages lag, visitors could leave.
Review your navigation and make sure everything is easy to find, too.
Updating your website for UX will encourage visitors to stay longer. The longer they stay, the better for your SEO ranking.
Reach the Top: 5 Common SEO Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid
Eager to reach the top of a Google search engine results page? In order to beat out the competition, you’ll need to avoid these common SEO mistakes. Otherwise, you could find your website missing from the first page altogether!
Give your SEO ranking a major boost with these tips today.
Need a little help getting started? Contact us today to discuss your next SEO campaign.