Search engine optimization (SEO) is the key to being found online. Since Google does not specifically reveal which parameters are used and how to show your search results, there are countless theses, ambiguities and false statements. What is really true and which assumptions are more likely to get you down the wrong path? In this article, we clear up the biggest SEO myths and show you which facts really count in order to be successful in the long term.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is now an indispensable tool for improving a company's online visibility and targeting potential customers. Regardless of whether you run an online shop, offer services or want to expand your reach as a blogger — SEO is the key to being found in the digital age. Despite its growing importance, however, there are many misconceptions and myths surrounding SEO, which often lead companies down the wrong path.
Yoline It is the task of uncovering these misunderstandings and helping you develop a well-founded and sustainable SEO strategy. In this post, we take a closer look at the biggest myths and show you how to really use SEO effectively — for long-term success and sustainable results. Do you know any other statements about SEO and are not sure whether they are right or wrong, then get in touch with us and we will help you. We work daily on customer projects in the area of search engine optimization, use various premium SEO tools and take part in SEO training courses on a monthly basis. As a Sistrix certified SEO agency, we are happy to help you!
Many companies believe that SEO is a unique project: You optimize your website once and you'll be at the top of Google forever. That is one of the biggest mistakes. SEO is not a one-time process, but requires continuous maintenance and adjustment. The algorithms of Google and other search engines are constantly changing, and your competitors are also constantly optimizing their pages.
A successful SEO strategy must adapt to these changes. What works today may be out of date tomorrow. Yoline recommends that you regularly review and adjust the website. To continuously adapt the content strategy and content creation to the keyword strategy to technically optimize the website. Expanding content and monitoring new trends are essential to remain competitive over the long term.
Google updates its algorithm over 500 times a year. Any of these adjustments can have an impact on your ranking. In between, there are Google Core updates, which run over several weeks, depending on the size. The last major core update started at the end of August 2024.
Work continuously on your SEO strategy. Plan regular SEO audits and be prepared to react flexibly to changes in the algorithm. A long-term strategy is the key to success.
If you pay an SEO agency, require them to provide ongoing reporting and figure-based goals. Let the agency work and give them the necessary access so that the agency can work independently in a goal-oriented manner. Get an insight into the researched Keyword analysis and make sure that when revising content, the intent of the respective keywords is also regularly checked. This is the only way to keep your content relevant to readers.
Let's imagine that an electrician wanted to sell and install charging stations for electric cars 10 years ago. He believes in an emerging market and expects that search queries will increase sharply. His SEO agency and communications department are now preparing the sub-pages, product descriptions and tutorials. Everything works and the electrician is bilingually in the top positions on Google and YouTube throughout Switzerland. Although he now pays monthly lump sums to the SEO agency and the communications department is constantly writing new texts, he realizes that his keywords relating to electric mobility and electric charging stations are barely relevant to search engines anymore. After a short research, it becomes clear that the existing keywords have not been re-examined for possibly changing intents. All content was designed to ensure that search queries answer general questions and create knowledge. Prices, providers and current information have never been revised and users today want to buy electric charging stations and the necessary accessories and spare parts and, if possible, complete the purchase from an electrician or solar company they trust in an online shop with just a few clicks.
One of the most persistent myths in the SEO world is the idea that the more keywords you use, the better your rankings. This so-called Keyword stuffing, i.e. the indiscriminate placement of keywords in text, was a common practice years ago. Today, however, this is being penalized by Google and other search engines.
modernism search engine algorithms are designed to understand content and analyze context. It is therefore no longer enough to simply string keywords together. Instead, you should write content for your target audience while using semantic relationships take into account. The quality and added value of your content is crucial.
Keywords are still important, but they should be in a natural context be used and prepared together with the content strategy. Your goal should be to create content that is appealing to both search engines and your readers. Or to put it more simply: If readers recognize the value of your statements, they come from you, the search engines will also love you.
Based on the content strategy, research the right keywords for your company, compare your keyword strategy with the strategy of your competitors and check it regularly.
Also focus on Long-tail keywords — specific search queries that often have less competition but are used very specifically by your target group. They often bring higher quality visitors to your site.
Many confuse Search engine optimizations - SEO with paid advertising (PPC — pay-per-click — formerly also SEA in the Google sector), these are two completely different approaches. SEO aims to get your website up in the rankings through organic (unpaid) search results. That means you need to invest time and resources into optimizing your content, technical performance, and building backlinks.
PPC On the other hand, it works differently. You pay for your page to appear in search results. Placement is immediate as long as you're willing to pay for it. As soon as your budget is used up, your ad disappears from search results.
SEO requires patience and brings long-term, sustainable results. PPC provides immediate results, but is expensive and does not provide a permanent solution. Yoline recommends a combination of both methods to be successful in the short and long term.
Use PPC to generate short-term attention — for example during product launches or special promotions. SEO, on the other hand, should always be regarded as a long-term strategy for increasing reach organically.
If you need results within weeks, we recommend a mix.
Many companies are disappointed when they don't see any improvement in search results after a few weeks. SEO is No switch that you flip, but a process that takes time. Search engine algorithms often take weeks or even months to register and evaluate changes to your website.
Google and other search engines analyze numerous factors before ranking your site higher in search results. These include backlinks, content quality, user engagement and much more (this statement is based on experience, as effective factors are not communicated by Google). These signals collect over time and gradually contribute to better visibility. Where visibility is displayed based on the keywords ranked compared to competitors
Quick success is rather the exception when it comes to SEO, but if you continuously work on your strategy, you'll be rewarded with better rankings and more organic traffic in the long term.
Set realistic expectations. SEO successes are often apparent after 3 to 6 months of intensive work — but the results are sustainable and worthwhile.
To rank well in search engines, your website must be able to do more than shine technically. Of course, load times, mobile optimization, and indexability are very important factors if you want your content to rank well in search engines. Technical optimization is important, but SEO also has a lot to do with content marketing. Your website's content must be high-quality, relevant, and appealing to users. The UX and also the UI must be professional and consistent so that readers feel comfortable.
Search engines prefer websites that not only work well but also offer high-quality content. Think holistically. Make sure that your website is technically flawless, but also invest in regular, high-quality content that appeals to your target group.
Ask yourself again and again what visitors think of your website, its topicality, content and performance.
Think holistically. Make sure that your website is technically flawless, but also invest in regular, high-quality content that appeals to your target group.
It is true that backlinks — i.e. references from other websites to yours — are one of the most important Ranking factors are, but not all backlinks have the same value. It used to be believed that as many backlinks as possible were a good thing regardless of their source. Today we know that quality is more important than quantity.
Links from questionable or irrelevant sources, on the other hand, can actually damage your website. Google not only evaluates the number of backlinks, but also the Relevance and authority the linking website.
Focus on natural link building. Avoid links from spam websites or purchased backlinks. Instead, rely on long-term partnerships with relevant websites and build up your link structure organically.
A common misconception is that Meta tags — in particular meta titles and meta descriptions — no longer matter. While meta keywords have lost importance, meta titles and descriptions are still an important part of any SEO strategy.
While these tags don't directly influence the ranking, they do have a big impact on the Click-through rate (CTR).
Many think that local SEO is only relevant for small businesses. In truth, even large companies can benefit from a local SEO strategy. Google is showing local search results more and more frequently, even for national or international brands.
From Yoline, we would like to point out that local SEO is important for all companies — regardless of whether you run a small boutique or a nationwide company. Google My Business optimization, local backlinks, and location-specific content help you reach targeted customers in specific regions.
Use local keywords and optimize your business for regional searches. This allows you to target customers who are looking for offers in their area.
This myth persists stubbornly. Many believe that SEO is no longer up to date. But the opposite is the case. SEO is more dynamic and important than ever. Search engines are evolving, and SEO strategies must adapt to these changes.
Yoline sees SEO as a long-term investment in a company's future. With the right strategy, you can ensure that you remain visible even in an increasingly competitive digital environment. Yes, even in times of AI.
Always stay up to date on the latest SEO trends and algorithm updates. SEO is alive, and only those who adapt will remain successful.
At Yoline, we are happy to help.
You've heard a statement about SEO, but aren't sure whether it's a fact or a myth? Ask Yoline.
SEO is complex, and there are a lot of misconceptions that can lead you down the wrong path. But with the right strategy and a continuous, data-driven approach, you can achieve long-term success, cost-effectively. Yoline is an SEO agency and helps you develop a sustainable SEO strategy tailored to your individual goals.
SEO is an investment in the future of your business. With Yoline by your side, you not only become more visible, but you can also sustainably expand your customer base and reach. Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you with your SEO strategy. Here Book your free appointment.
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