Episode 602 Essential SEO Mistakes to Avoid Now With Warren Laine- Naida
Show Highlights
The source provides excerpts from Episode 602 Essential SEO Mistakes to Avoid Now With Warren Laine-Naida of the SDM Show, hosted by Rob Cairns and featuring Warren Laine-Naida, where the discussion centers on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices. Specifically, the segment addresses what not to do in SEO, with Laine-Naida offering several reminders about outdated or harmful tactics. Key topics covered include avoiding practices such as buying links, keyword stuffing, making basic on-page SEO mistakes (like poor heading structure or duplicate content), ignoring the importance of internal linking, and using bloated website design. Additionally, the discussion touches on the need for appropriate off-page SEO engagement, focusing on technical SEO audits, the distinction between PPC and organic keywords, and the strategic use of landing pages.
Show Notes
Welcome back to the podcast! Join host Rob and our resident SEO expert, Warren Laine-Naida, as they dive into the do’s and don’ts of modern SEO. Warren, celebrating Rob’s incredible milestone of 600+ episodes, offers a “gentle nudge” to revisit our SEO strategies, focusing not on what to do, but on what to avoid in a constantly evolving digital landscape.
Key Takeaways & Anti-Tips
- Don’t Buy Links: Buying links is like building a bridge out of cardboard. It might work for a moment, but it’s a house of cards that will eventually collapse, damaging your reputation and credibility. Focus on earning links naturally through valuable, high-quality content that people want to link to.
- Don’t Keyword Stuff: In the age of AI, it’s easier than ever to over-optimize. Think of keyword stuffing as shouting in a crowded room—it’s off-putting and ineffective. Instead of meeting a keyword quota, focus on creating content that feels natural and genuinely solves your audience’s problems.
- Don’t Make Basic On-Page SEO Mistakes:
- Duplicate Content: Selective reuse and repurposing of content is fine (think different brands of ketchup), but don’t duplicate content just for the sake of it.
- Bad Headings: Headings (H1, H2, etc.) are the skeleton of your content. Ensure they are in the correct order and not just used for visual size.
- Internal Linking: Don’t force internal links. They should be natural and helpful, guiding the reader through your site like a well-curated museum exhibit.
- Don’t Bloat Your Site: A fancy, heavy website kills performance and user experience. Google rewards speed, so focus on function over fluff. Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Screaming Frog to identify and fix on-page issues. Also, don’t ignore your technical SEO.
- Don’t Spam Social Media for SEO: Social media is about building reputation and being part of the conversation, not just a field for link spam. Use it appropriately to build credibility and reinforce your brand’s presence.
- Don’t Mix PPC and Organic Keywords: These serve two different intents. PPC is transactional and short-term, while organic content is about long-term relationships and answering questions. Google knows the difference, so you should too.
- Don’t Skip Landing Pages: While traditionally not an SEO tool, landing pages can be powerful for lead generation and nurturing those who are in the decision-making phase of their journey. Consider how they can serve both search and conversion.
- Don’t Ignore Bing: Microsoft’s search engine, with its integration of AI, Copilot, and LinkedIn data, is a growing part of the market. Ignoring 10% of your potential audience is a mistake no one can afford.
Final Thought
SEO isn’t about shortcuts or tricks; it’s about building trust and adding real value. Focus on these fundamentals and you’ll be on the right track.
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