Semalt Explains What Causes Misinformation In SEO
The majority of entrepreneurs and search engine optimizers believe that you can be blacklisted by Google if you input several keywords in your homepage content. Also, some people think that a portion of the content can rank higher in search engines if shared several times. These are misleading truths. Keyword filling cannot prompt Google to blacklist you. Although there exists a correlation that if the information which has been shared many times in the social media has numerous inbound links, Google has constantly repudiated that social shares play a role in ranking potential. Therefore, claiming that more shares results to higher ranking is solely half-truth and quite misleading fact.
Jack Miller, the Customer Success Manager of Semalt, explain why misinformation is so largely spread in SEO nowadays and how to avoid it in your practice.
The Plight of Half-Truths
There is a higher likelihood of half-truths to flow rather than the absolute myths. The myths and misconceptions are normally consigned to those outside the industry. On the other hand, SEO industry is inundated with half-truths since in most cases they are not working with direct facts. The fact that algorithms of all search engines including Google are top secrets, it implies that they cannot reveal what they consider during ranking of results but they can only give clues. Similarly, an idea is readily accepted if it sounds conceivable. For instance, a content with many social shares has high chances of earning inbound links, but perhaps it is not the social media share executing the work. Hence, based on the appropriate clues that we have concerning the social shares, it is a half-truth that is easy to consent.
The Pace of the Industry
The quick pace of SEO industry leads to the rise of misinformation. Although Google is adapting to a slow and continuous release schedule, the rise, delivery of new technologies and search styles make it difficult for search optimizers to catch up. This has various impacts on the spread of misinformation such as a formerly valid information can easily become outdated, and people often deliver inadequate information in a desperate attempt to be the first to cover a search story or a recent update. Understanding information in bits is important, but a quick assumption can result in a misunderstanding of what is actually happening. Lastly, with the fast speed, bad information can be spread within a short time and can be too late to correct it once received by the community.
How to Avoid Misinformation
- Cross-reference. Always compare information from various sources. Check if another source hast data that confirms the information in the current source.
- Look for hard evidence. If a report provides general information, for instance, look for statistical data, facts, and figures which are readily available in other companies.
- Check your sources. For example, if a random person gives information on SEO tactics, it will be more accurate if you seek the same from a person who has a career in SEO.
- Challenge your assumptions. Try to refute some of your beliefs in order to get closer to the ultimate truth.