Like any field with a technical aspect, search engine optimization plays host to a wide range of different misconceptions, half-truths, and falsehoods. With digital marketing in particular, this problem is exacerbated by the fluid and rapidly-changing nature of both search and the Internet itself. What held true last year might not necessarily be valid next year; this year’s tactics could end up obsolete with a single update to Google’s algorithms.
These tall tales – and there are many of them – range in veracity from “somewhat true” to “less grounded than the flat-Earth theory.” Perpetuated by well-meaning, misinformed journalists; underhanded snake soil salesmen, and unknowing laymen; the myths collected here all share one thing in common: they can be universally damaging to one’s efforts online. Don’t buy into them. Continue reading