By: Shanza Anwaar

Search Engine Journal reports that “online searching is the #1 driver of traffic to content sites, beating social media by more than 300%”. 

Google’s search algorithm is under constant transformation and is continuously evolving to become a better “Search Engine Optimization Detector” which is “the ability to detect artificial backlinks and attempts to manipulate your website to rank better”.  However, entrepreneurs and Online Marketers need to perfect the art of SEO before utilizing it in their online marketing strategy.  An overload of backlinks (or a lack of them) and “over optimization” can generally do more harm than good.   Here are 3 SEO mistakes to avoid with your online content.

LACK OF AN ONSITE CONTENT STRATEGY

Google’s Panda Algorithm Update brought widespread changes that online marketers failed to predict.  A critical modification with the Panda update was differentiating between high and low quality content.  Google does this by distinguishing between:

• The number and quality of inbound links to the page
• Subheads used
• “Length of content”
• “Outbound links from the page”

It’s extremely difficult to get a higher ranking if your website does not have great content already available.  Using infographics and posting internal data that could offer lasting value are some of the ways to create SEO juice.

NOT COMITTING ENOUGH RESOURCES TOWARDS GREAT SEO

Using the service of inexpensive SEO providers could mean the difference between generating profits and producing negative outcomes.  CEO of AudienceBloom, an SEO agency, Jayson DeMers believes that entrepreneurs that get lured into low-priced SEO services pay for it by yielding little to no traffic.  After a client used the services of a low-budget SEO firm, DeMers noticed the client’s site was overridden with “various posts that were written in broken English, keyword-stuffed and delivered no real value or service”.  By focusing on:

• Guest blogging
• Using a wide array of social media platforms
• Developing a content strategy that draws inbound links.

Entrepreneurs can help build their personal brand and avoid costly mistakes.

WORK OVERLOAD

SEO is one small aspect under the vast online marketing umbrella.  It’s a multifaceted stratagem that must be handled by a team of professionals that are “knowledgeable across one or more disciplines”.  Hiring an “in-house” team can drain finances for cash-strapped businesses; hence, hiring marketing agencies seems a viable option.  Freelance writers, editors and social media managers are just some of the ways entrepreneurs can distribute the workload and avoid stressful situations.

With these tips in mind, entrepreneurs can successfully manage online content and generate SEO.  Check out Altitude Accelerator’s Entrepreneurs-In-Residence program for entrepreneurs seeking one-on-one mentoring on their path to commercializing their startups, marketing advice or tips on business growth.  To continue reading DeMers’ post, click here.

Shanza joins the RIC team as a Social Media Intern. Pursuing two undergraduate majors in anthropology and professional writing at the University of Toronto Mississauga, Shanza is also a co-editor and content writer at the Digital Enterprise Management Society. She hopes to make her mark as a Social Media Consultant.

The RIC blog is designed as a showcase for entrepreneurs and innovation. Our guest bloggers provide a wealth of information based on their personal and professional experiences. Visit Altitude Accelerator for more information on how RIC can accelerate your ideas to market.