Outdate SEO Tactics

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) used to be a set of approaches focused on keywords and links all in an effort to have a website picked up by a popular search engine and listed when a potential consumer searched for something. As is the tendency of any Web based approach, most SEO tactics, if not all, have become obsolete. Some SEO websites or companies are claiming legitimacy of tactics like keyword stuffing or link exchanging, even when search engine giants (like Google) are publicly stating that a site can be permanently added to a cache (essentially promising zero-visibility) for these techniques. In an effort to help make it easier to discern what’s credible, Solar Velocity has compiled SEO approaches that are proven to do your site more harm than good.

Meta Keyword Tag Optimization: Search engines pay less attention to these since companies over stuff them with irrelevant search terms in the hopes that their site will appear with a more popular search term. Instead of trying to appear as something else, it’s better to use categorical tagging systems and relevant headings.

Keyword Stuffing: Possibly one of the leading causes of bad user experience, stuffing repeated keywords into content in an attempt to increase results are immediately picked up by search engines and flagged. Awkward content creation is not only difficult for the viewer, it also decreases brand value. Beware of a company who promises results and employs this tactic; rather, keep your user in mind and help develop relevant content that uses already existing terms and is easy to read. After all, content is king.

Blog Commenting: Writing irrelevant responses to others’ blog postings filled with your link and perhaps a short blurb about your company isn’t going to prompt any new visitors to your site and will most likely hurt your credibility. Brands that utilize blatant overloading tactics like this one represent themselves as the exact opposite of anything legitimate.  Again, the key here is relevancy. Read the blog and then provide feedback or a thoughtful comment and perhaps provide your information as a resource, but only if applicable. Participation and conversation are the cornerstones of interactive marketing and will keep your company from the dreaded ‘No Follow’ link.

Search Engine Submission: The web is a fast paced environment and technology advances so rapidly it takes a full team to stay abreast of all the changes. Search engines are so advanced now they do not need a company to submit a site for it to know it exists. Rather, the classification and indexing occurs seamlessly and quickly without submittal. Again, this is a big flag to be wary of when it is listed as a valuable service by any company, agency, or person. Instead, gently inform people that you have a new website with a tweet, Facebook posting, or e-vite.

Directory Submissions: On the same note as search engine submissions, adding your website to every directory listing possible is a time and resource-waster. The internet has evolved to pick up and include your site and if you choose to add your business to a directory don’t make it a priority to continue after ten or so.  Most directory services are rarely used and incomplete.

Footer Links: Early steps included putting links in the footers to participate in a frivolous link-exchange with potential (read, rarely) partners. Instead, create links throughout well-written content. Not only cite your sources but also link to other pages that provide extensions of information or explanations. Reading through your site becomes creative, interactive and encourages exploration of your points, products, partners or ideals. Up your credibility and further push your brand as an established source for your clients or potential consumers.

About Solar Velocity

Solar Velocity is an award winning, interactive marketing agency that provides innovative and creative results-orientated solutions that maximize profits for clients. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Solar Velocity designs and develops wide-ranging marketing and technology solutions for clients, from creative web designs and complex web development to developing marketing strategies and branding, services are designed to achieve optimal brand awareness, along with increased sales, profitability, and high client satisfaction.