Google SEO Myths: Fact or Fiction

Two years ago, Google released a new video series, "SEO Mythbusting," which explores popular SEO misconceptions. The series features an interview format hosted by Google's Martin Splitt, a "developer advocate," who interviews not only fellow Googlers but real SEOs.

The topics are mostly technical, including bots (AKA crawlers), Java, and the sometimes fraught relationship between SEOs and developers. 

Mythbusting is a central challenge for the SEO community, and this video series defies one of the most pervasive myths about SEO: that Google is at odds with SEO.  

This myth, which is often perpetuated even by well-meaning SEOs, pops up whenever Google announces a new algorithm update and specific sites lose rankings. At SEO Sparta, we often hear a common lament from clients: "we've been punished." 

This implies Google targets specific sites. This is rarely the case (although some organizations, like e-Ventures, have claimed otherwise in lawsuits). 

These sorts of myths harm SEO because they imply that optimization is contingent on nebulous factors--like the whims of Google's algorithm developers. Nonsense. 

We applaud any attempt to dispel SEO myths. We're devoting this week's post to a few common Google SEO myths. We cut through the nonsense to answer a simple question: fact or fiction? 

Google and SEO are Enemies: FICTION

Google changes its algorithm frequently. The website Moz has a page devoted to Google's Algorithm Change History, which cites a popular SEO statistic: "Each year, Google changes its search algorithm around 500–600 times."

The number could be more or less. Most of these changes are minor. Google only occasionally introduces a "major" algorithm update--like the recent "core" update, Florida 2--that fundamentally changes search results.

Google's significant updates often present headaches for even knowledgeable and successful SEOs. And yet, website optimization is a collaborative effort. With each algorithm update, Google creates new guidelines for webmasters. Some complain about the hassle of adapting to these ever-changing guidelines, but any good webmaster understands that Google's purpose aligns with SEO's: to deliver relevant information.

The best SEOs work with Google to create clean websites with searchable, relevant, error-free, and informative content. From Google's view, this is how the search engine improves. This is why Google is transparent about its algorithm updates (although some SEOs, perpetuating another myth, argue that Google obscures the details).

Algorithms Changes "Punish" Websites: FICTION

A significant element of the Penguin algorithm is its focus on bad links. In the past, Penguin has downgraded some websites for bad links. And yet, as Search Engine Land once reported in anticipation of a Penguin update, Google does its best to allow these sites to recover:

"Google could have done a Penguin update more frequently, but they want to push out an update that makes both webmasters and users happy. So they are working hard on making both happy. [Google] also said that if you disavow bad links now or as of about two weeks ago, it will likely be too late for this next Penguin refresh. But [Google] added that the Penguin refreshes will be more frequent because of the new algorithm in place."

Even in the SEO world, it is a popular misconception that algorithm updates are a form of punishment. This "myth" is false. The updates are a form of teaching: Google is teaching webmasters how to improve the Internet.

With each update, Google explains why the new algorithm is necessary, what will happen if you don't follow the rules, and how to update your website to meet the new standards. Yes, Google reveals this information. You might not know where to find it, but it exists. A well-trained SEO professional will always stay up-to-date with all the primary SEO techniques and updates.

SEO is Technocentric: Part, FACT, Part FICTION 

Googlebots. JavaScript. Gateway pages. Meta tags. To optimize for Google, many newcomers believe, one must adapt to the language of SEO, which is often dismissed as technobabble.

For many, even the language, as obscure as it might seem, is not as inscrutable as optimization itself. Many website owners see SEO as technocentric, an esoteric art practiced only by development experts.

This is the essential myth Google hopes to dispel with its video series: By presenting the technical aspects of SEO straightforwardly, the series will likely convince many naysayers that SEO is a simple part of building, managing, and promoting a website.

SEO does require technical knowledge, but the cornerstone of SEO is not development. Most SEO campaigns are based on the simplest element of marketing: content. With appropriate keywords, SEO attempts to create dynamic content. 

However, technical SEO knowledge can make a significant difference for content, and technical SEO can make the difference between successful and lackluster content.

SEO for Google Requires Specialized Knowledge: Fiction

"Each year, Google changes its search algorithm around 500–600 times."

SEOs often cite this statistic to affirm the value of SEO: No business has the knowledge to track Google's changes; only a professional can track and react to the algorithm.

SEO does require specialized knowledge--yet this knowledge is readily accessible online, from a diversity of sources, including Moz, Search Engine Land, and the SEO Sparta Blog. 

The problem for most SEO newcomers (especially small business owners) is time.

Separate Fact from Fiction with an Honest SEO Firm: SEO Sparta

SEO Sparta has optimized websites locally in the Bucks County, PA, area and globally for nearly two decades. We pride ourselves on the simplicity of our style. We hope to democratize the practice of SEO by explaining its elements in clear and precise terms. When we use jargon, we strive to explain its meaning. If you ever have questions about our posts, please leave a comment.

Or better yet, call us today: 215-900-9398.

Cover Photo Source