Nine Search Engine Optimization Myths

If you're just getting started in search engine optimization for your Web site, you might (unfortunately) have been subjected to a few search engine optimization whoppers. Before you start throwing away your time and money on any search engine optimization wild goose chases, read these ten myths of search engine optimization, and avoid problems before you get going.

1. Search engine optimization is too difficult to understand for regular people.

Not so. The basics of a good search engine optimization strategy will equip you with what you need to make your site succeed in the search engine listings, as well as attract new readers who are looking for what you're offering. Sure, there are some complicated topics in search engine optimization, just like anything else. But once you have the basics under your belt, you’ll be well prepared to optimize your site.

2.Once I submit my Web site to search engines, I've got it made.

Not quite. In fact, submitting your site to search directories or search engines does not guarantee instant success. The act of submitting your site does not guarantee that you will now receive more hits, or suddenly shoot up to the top of the heap in the search results. Site submission just tells the world that you are out there and ready to be visited. It's just one part of the website optimization process, and one that frankly isn't even all that necessary anymore.

3.Search engine optimization just takes up too much time.

Not really. Again, the core of good search engine optimization is very basic. It just means you need to have a different point of view when writing your content, creating your source code, and designing your site’s look.

4.I need to submit my site to at least 1,000 search engines...right?

This is probably one of the most tired search engine optimization myths out there today. First of all, where are these 1,000 or so search engines? Anyone who asks for money to submit your site to this many search engines is not going to be doing you any favors.

5. My site is too big. I’ll never be able to do this all by myself.

Each page is a possible doorway into your site: that means that every single page can be your calling card to a possible customer or user. Focus on your most popular pages first to see what they need, and then keep the search engine optimization core concepts in mind as you create new pages.

6. Meta tags are the most important part of search engine optimization.

Meta tags, such as keyword, title, and description tags, are informational HTML tags in the head section of website pages that search engine spiders use as part of their indexing strategy. Meta tags are by NO means the most important part part of optimizing your site, but they are a part of a successful search engine optimization strategy.

7. I need doorway pages, keyword stuffing, and more tricky stuff in order to get high rankings.

Doorways, cloaked pages, keyword stuffing - these are all part of what is known as "black hat search engine optimization" and definitely should NOT be part of a good search engine optimization strategy.

8. I can get to the Top Ten on any search engine in a very short period of time.

Search engine optimization is all about patience and lots of hard work...sounds fun, huh? In all reality, getting your site to the "Top Ten" of any search engine should not be the end goal; while obtaining that high ranking is a nice side benefit, your true target is providing a service to your visitors with your Web site, and making your website easy to find by the people who want to find it.

9. I don’t need search engine optimization. I’m already doing well in the search engines.

That’s great! However, you probably don’t want to ride off into the sunset just yet. Good search engine optimization is an ongoing, never-ending process.