Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a process that ultimately enables your website to have a higher position within a given search engine's first page ranking. However, with any Search Engine Optimization (SEO) method, myths of how reputable the method actually is, are bound to surface. The following takes a look at the myths that surround SEO.

What Is SEO?

Users uses the web, typically search engines, to find information or to make purchases. Notably traffic does not search web pages further than the first 30 results search engines provide i.e. the first 3 pages of search results. The process of SEO involves the active practice of optimizing your site as it improves the internal and external aspects in order to snowball the traffic the site receives from search engines.

SEO Myths

Using Robots.txt prevents sites from being crawled (Spidered)

This is not true as Google will still be able to crawl your site following external incoming links. To successfully stop site crawling add a password login function to certain pages of your site. However using robot.txt files will assist spiders with crawling your site effectively.

Linking to dominant sites will increase your sites popularity

Linking your site to dominant, popular and well known sites will not increase your sites popularity. If this was the case all webmasters and website owners would try this approach. However having links pointing to your site on dominant and popular sites is a good thing and will assist your SEO.

Using the same keyword a lot on your site will assist your SEO

If you use keywords too often on a page, the search engines will more than likely mark the page as spam which will be ineffective in assisting your SEO. However ensuring a keyword density of between 5% - 8% is advised though this should be practiced with caution and expertise and is best left up to an SEO company to implement this strategy.

Plugins enable blogs to transform into auto SEO mode

Plugins do not enable blogs to take different formats. If you do want SEO modes it is safer to do it manually and leave plugins to do their necessary roles.

Higher page ranks means your site stands a better chance of ranking

Page Rank indicators do not have a connection to or influence on Search Engine Results Pages (SERP's). Page Rank is an indication tool, named after Larry Page, one of the founders of Google, and gives an indication of the popularity of a website on the world wide web.

Altering crawl rate settings in Webmasters tools will permanently change Google's crawl rate

This does not happen; Google monitors all post and publishing frequencies. It then sets standard crawling frequencies that are not based on your manual settings of crawl rates.

H1 tags added to your keywords help with SEO

Header tags do support the process of SEO in some way, yet H1 tags do not directly influence the SEO process alone.

Search Engines can crawl flash sites

Sites coded entirely with Flash do cause problems for SEO as the search engines cannot crawl through Flash as effectively as through other programming code. Flash does cause a barrier for SEO and it is highly recommended to avoid Flash applications if you want your website to follow all SEO requirements and guidelines.

Submissions to Search Engines are the only way of getting your site indexed

Submissions to search engines are not the only way of getting your site indexed; you can also get relevant links from other sites that enable your site to get indexed.

Bold and upper case keywords in content aids in SEO

This method of increasing optimization does work, but to an extent, if it is carried out correctly. Thus not spam. However, some search engines do not pick up phrases/words in bold.

More keywords in page titles help with SEO

This is considered as spam and does not aid with the SEO of your site. If your business is in a less competitive field this method may suffice yet the results you will be able to see will not sustain.

SEO is a fast process

The process of SEO is a timely process and may takes months before seeing an increase in search engine results. SEO requires frequent check ups and updates of the content within your web pages and it takes at least 3-4 months to start seeing results.

Search engine and page ranking positions are guaranteed

SEO increases your websites rankings within search engines; it does not guarantee first place rankings. However if you use an SEO company you should most definitely get first page rankings for a variety of keywords relating to your product or service if not your SEO company is not doing their job!

The more links your site has the better it is for SEO

This may be the case in some aspects, yet the use of correct text and relevant link placements is of great importance to gain maximum benefits.

Adding keywords to Meta tags impacts SERP's

Meta keywords aid in gaining more clicks to your site from the SERP's. However, overloading with keywords will not help with SEO. Ensure that the keywords you use remain relevant, descriptive and eye-catching.

Conclusion

Though SEO is a slow process gratified results can be seen within the first 3-4 months from commencement. By getting to know SEO and the precise SEO techniques you will ultimately reach your goal of increased traffic thus leading to a higher turn over of investment (ROI).

Further Articles

• Benefits of SEO vs. AdWords
• Difference Between SEO and AdWords
• SEO Techniques
• SEO Vs SEM