Out of Date SEO Techniques

The SEO landscape is constantly changing. You need to ensure that the methods you’re using are completely up-to-date. If not, you could seriously be jeopardising the site that you’re trying to optimise. Whilst it’s nice being comfortable with tried and tested methods, the truth is that Google and other search engines constantly change their algorithms – the Panda and Penguin updates being prime examples.

They do this to ensure that only the most natural websites appear higher up in the SERPs. Any sort of over-optimisation or gaming will result in reduced rankings, or even worse, manual penalties. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the SEO techniques you should no longer be using, with a few tips on what you can do instead.

Link Exchange

When it comes to building links, you need to ensure the process is entirely natural. Do not participate in any sort of link schemes, exchanges or reciprocal linking. This will only cause more harm than good further down the line.

Instead, use a bit of hard graft. Use your industry knowledge and connections and build links this way. Sign up to relevant business and niche directories, as well a number of social media profiles. SEO is much more than the number of links you obtain; it’s about the quality of links too.

Keyword Rich Anchor Text

Do not focus your anchor text attentions on just your keywords. It is no longer the case that a keyword rich anchor text gives the search engine more context or relevance, not if all of your anchor texts are the same keyword anyway. Look to vary the keywords used. Focus on branded keywords too, so use your company name where possible.

Keyword Rich Domains

Thinking that a keyword rich domain will suddenly get you to the top of Google is simply not the case. Search engines are far more focussed on branding efforts and the quality of the website as a business or a brand. So look to use your brand name as your domain, and not the keywords you wish to rank for.

Article Submissions

There is much more of an emphasis on Content Marketing in SEO now. However, the type of Content you market can either have a positive or a negative effect on your SEO campaigns. Take Article Marketing for example. A couple of years ago, a link from an article marketing site may have helped with your SEO efforts. However, these article sites were hit by Panda. The value of the link is now almost meaningless as a result. In addition, numerous links from the same article site will not look natural enough.

Instead, look to vary where you submit your content to. Focus on making this content sharable across social media, rather than just writing it for a link.

Content Spinning

In addition to article submissions, content spinning is now an absolute no-no. This is where content is spun to make it read unique and not duplicated. This content can then get placed on multiple websites, each driving a unique link to your site. However, the sites are so poor that the link isn’t just worthless, it’s potentially harmful too. Instead, look to use a variety of Content Marketing strategies such as Guest Blogging as well as writing genuine Press Releases.

Meta

Do not cram your Meta with target keywords. It does not work anymore. Meta is there to inform the user what the site or webpage is about. It should be used to drive the user through to your website, not as a ranking factor. Look to write natural Meta, with a focus on enhancing Click through Rate. Always add a Meta title and description. Never add Meta keywords. These no longer work, and if anything just tells your competitor the keywords you are targeting.