SEO is an ever changing field, and methods that used to work yesterday might be completely obsolete tomorrow. Google is constantly adjusting its search engine to benefit users and give them the most relevant results possible, a concept many SEO marketers seem to struggle with. So, we can expect most changes from Google to follow the same party line for years to come. In this article, we’re going to address 3 obsolete SEO tactics you should forget if you want to be successful with your SEO strategies in 2017.
Focusing Strictly on Keyword Density
Not too long ago, keyword density was the end all be all of all SEO strategies. In this day and age, keywords are still important, but there is much more emphasis on other factors such as bounce rates and social activity, for instance. When Matt Cutts introduced RankBrain, the clear goal was to create a search engine that was more intelligent and focused on relevance over everything as a ranking factor. This is why you should focus on creating user friendly content with the reader in mind first, and search engines second, if you want to be successful in 2017.
Creating Individual Pages for Each Keyword
This practice has been used for a long time by many SEOs. The concept was basically to create individual pages targeting every possible iteration of a principal keyword to gain as much visibility as possible by ranking for each keyword variation.
But with advancements such Hummingbird and the aforementioned RankBrain, Google is putting more emphasis on intent and context for rankings. So, instead of having different pages ranking for each different keyword or keyword phrase, try to integrate them naturally on all of your pages without creating separate meaningless pages targeting each one of them. Try to fit your keywords intelligently and coherently in your descriptions, headlines, and titles at times, but make sure that it is natural and relevant.
Using Paid Directories
There was a time when paying for admission in a few paid directories was enough to push your site up a few positions with search engines. However, the practice started to undermine search engine results and Google started monitoring these links more closely.
However, that doesn’t mean directory links are obsolete altogether. Reputable directories with strict admission guidelines that are closely related to your business can actually help your site’s visibility with the search engines. Submitting to local directories can also help with local SEO. However, make sure that you check where you submit your site beforehand. Only submit to the most reputable directories in your area and make sure that they are specific directories instead of glorified link farms.
Conclusion
While keeping tab of all the recent changes in SEO can be difficult for some, some practices never go out of style. There will always be a place for people who release meaningful content with the reader’s best interest in mind. Publishing solid content that score with your audience is a sure fire way of staying in good order with the big G.