You’re Wasting Time If…

1) You’re paying for backlinks
True, establishing back links helps your ranks. However, this is only true if those back links are credible and the content between the sources is similar. The 10,000 back links you just purchased from an SEO expert in India will not help you, sorry. In fact, it’s only a matter of time before those poor-quality back links start working AGAINST you.

2) You’re devising bait-and-switch schemes
Bait-and-switch tactics will jack up your bounce rate. And, a high bounce rate means you can kiss your ranks goodbye as it’s an indicator to Google that you’re not delivering content as promised. For example, if your website contains links to view pictures and reviews of BMW SUV’s, do not litter that page with links and information on how to obtain car loans with poor credit. As Google’s motto goes: focus on the user and all else will follow. Deliver the content the visitor expects – and if you have a secondary agenda deploy it wisely.

3) You’re trying to offer a product for everyone
As the saying goes, a product for everyone is a product for no one. You’ll notice great SEO results if you focus on niche content, niche URLs, niche page titles and niche content. For example, if you sell tires, try an approach like buytires.com/tires/goodyear/models. Don’t try too hard steering in other directions that attract all the wrong visitors. Focus on visitors in the market for tires.

4) You’re spamming
Guerrilla marketing, mass-emailing, and littering the web with your ads, offers and specials will not attract the right kind of audience. There are many adverse effects you’ll experience if you try to deliver the wrong message to a mass audience. Instead, only email those who have opted-in to receive news and information on what you’re selling. Use Google AdWords wisely to focus on your niche target audience. Do not engage in link exchanges or online partnerships with websites that do not cater to your audience.

5) You’re trying too hard
Remember to KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid). Start simple, go niche, set short-term goals, measure your results and then take it from there. Captivate your audience. Deliver quick and simple solutions. Build loyalty and give visitors a reason to return. Don’t try to bite off more than you can chew, your website needs to walk before it can run. Be patient.