Common SEO mistakes

Avoid these common SEO mistakes

SEO can often seem like a complex web of strategies, yet sometimes, it's the basics that get overlooked. Neglecting the fundamentals of SEO can significantly impact your site's performance. Let's explore some common SEO mistakes we often encounter and how to address them to ensure your website ranks higher on search engines.

Misplacing keywords

After conducting thorough keyword research, the next crucial step is to strategically incorporate those keywords throughout your site. Many individuals either forget or are unsure of the optimal placement for keywords. It's important to integrate them naturally into the following key areas: H1 & H2 Title Tags Meta Tags & Meta Descriptions Image File Names Page URLs Body Content

​Tip: Avoid keyword stuffing! Overusing keywords can negatively affect your SEO efforts. Aim for a natural flow of keywords within your content.

Not using your location

Neglecting to Use "Plymouth" for example in Local SEO. When aiming to appear in local search results for Plymouth, it's essential to incorporate the term "Plymouth" into your content. Without it, how will Google link your business to local searches? For instance, if someone looks for "Plumbers in Plymouth" and your website fails to mention "Plymouth," your likelihood of showing up in the search results for that term drops significantly. Google is smart, but it requires as much information as possible to grasp your location and the services you offer. Solution: Ensure to weave in local keywords such as "Plymouth" seamlessly into your content, titles, and metadata to boost your presence in local search outcomes.

Not using a H1 title tag

The H1 tag plays a crucial role in SEO, yet it's frequently neglected or missed. This tag stands out as the top header on your website and must include your main keyword, in addition to the location (if relevant). Consider it as the title that informs both Google and visitors about the content of your page.

Tip: If you’re using a CMS (Content Management System) like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify, most offer user-friendly guides on how to add an H1 tag to your pages. You can also seek help from your web developer or contact a reputable web design company like Smart Web Design Plymouth to assist you. 

Not connecting to Google Analytics and Search Console

A lot of website owners mess up by not linking their Google Analytics and Google Search Console to their sites. These awesome tools give you super useful info on how your site is doing, who's visiting, and how they're getting into your content. They also let you keep an eye on how many people are coming to your site, spot any problems, and tweak your SEO game plan as needed.

No SSL certificate

Maintaining a safe website is no longer a choice. Google consistently places websites with HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) at the top of its rankings over those without (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). SSL certificates safeguard important information such as customer data and payment information, ensuring the protection of both your visitors and the overall trustworthiness of your site.

SL (Secure Sockets Layer): Transfers data in an encrypted format between the user and the website. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The fundamental protocol for website communication.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): An enhanced version of HTTP that provides increased encryption and security features.

Not being mobile friendly

Since most people are searching on their phones these days, not having a website that works well on mobile can really mess with your SEO game. Google likes to look at websites first on mobile, so if your site isn't up to scratch, you might not show up as high in search results.

Tip: Make sure your website is super responsive, which means it looks and works great on all sorts of screens - from big laptops to smartphones. Keep your site fast to load, easy to get around, and look good and easy to read on mobile. Tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test can help you check if your site is mobile-friendly.

If you need help with your SEO, get in touch with us today to discuss how we can get your website climbing to the top of Google. Find out more on our SEO page.

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