10 Surprising Facts about SEO that You May Not Know

I’ve compiled what I think are 10 facts about SEO which most people ignore or don’t know. I often run into these during calls and meetings and figured, why not make a list since lists are fun! So here they are:

1. SEO is not a one-time thing: SEO is an ongoing process that requires regular attention and optimization. To be effective, your SEO efforts should be ongoing and constantly evolving to keep up with changes in search algorithms and the needs of your target audience. I like to picture SEO as going to the gym – if you don’t go, you don’t get the results you want.
2. SEO is not just about keywords: While keywords are an important element of SEO, they are just one part of a larger puzzle. In addition to keyword optimization, your SEO efforts should also focus on other factors such as your website’s user experience, technical elements, and backlinks from other reputable websites. If the technical side of your website is broken, it will be much harder for Google to rank your site.
3. SEO is not just about ranking: While ranking highly in search results is important, it is not the only goal of SEO. Your SEO efforts should also drive qualified traffic to your website and generate leads and sales. Most SEOs even forget about this. That is why targeting the correct search intent keywords is highly important. Otherwise, you might be wasting valuable time and effort.
4. SEO is not a guarantee: SEO is not a guarantee that your website will rank highly in search results. Many factors can impact your website’s ranking, and it can be difficult to predict exactly how your website will perform in search results. Competition plays a big part in this. You must do at least what the competitors are doing and then do it better.
5. SEO is not a substitute for a good website: While SEO can help to improve your website’s visibility and ranking in search results, it is not a substitute for a well-designed and user-friendly website. Your website should provide a good user experience and be easy to navigate to retain visitors and convert them into customers.
6. SEO is not always easy: SEO can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it cannot be easy to keep up with the constantly changing algorithms and best practices. It can also be competitive, especially in industries with a lot of competition.
7. SEO is not always free: While many free tools and resources are available for SEO, it can also be costly, especially if you hire an SEO agency or consultant to assist with your efforts. While there is no direct cost in SEO like in PPC, the main cost of doing it yourself is time.
8. SEO is not always ethical: Some SEO tactics, such as keyword stuffing and buying backlinks, are considered unethical and can lead to penalties from search engines. It is important to follow ethical SEO practices and avoid engaging in tactics that are deemed spammy or manipulative.
9. SEO is not the only factor: While SEO is important, it is just one factor that can impact your website’s visibility and ranking in search results. Other factors, such as your website’s user experience and the quality of your content, can also impact your ranking.
10. SEO is not the only way to improve your website’s visibility: While SEO can help to improve your website’s visibility in search results, it is not the only way to do so. You can also use other marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, and paid advertising, to reach and engage your target audience. We encourage having a balanced marketing strategy for the best results.