SEO is still crucial for online success, but we have noticed some common mistakes that can sabotage a brand's SEO efforts. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the top 10 mistakes we have recently observed and practical tips to help you avoid these errors and improve your brand's digital presence.

Mistake #1: Not Having an Evergreen SEO Strategy

SEO isn't a one-time task; it's a continuous effort. Many businesses mistakenly treat it as a set-and-forget project. To stay ahead, keep up with search engine updates, monitor competitors, and adapt to changing technologies and user behaviors.

Read more: Ongoing SEO: Why it's Critical for Business Growth

Mistake #2: Not Having a Blog or Properly Optimized Content Marketing Strategy

A blog is more than just a collection of articles. It's a powerful tool for boosting search engine visibility, establishing authority, and engaging your audience. Without a well-optimized content strategy, you miss out on these benefits and the chance to support other marketing efforts.

For more on creating a well-optimized content strategy, read our article on SEO best practices for blog posts.

Mistake #3: Only Optimizing for Bottom-Funnel Keywords

Focusing solely on bottom-funnel keywords limits your reach. Incorporating top and mid-funnel keywords can attract a broader audience, build brand awareness, and support the entire customer journey, leading to long-term SEO benefits.

Read more: A Beginner's Guide to a Strong Top-of-Funnel SEO Strategy

Mistake #4: Not Taking a Holistic Approach or Working with a Holistic SEO Agency

Focusing on isolated SEO tactics can lead to inconsistent messaging and missed opportunities. A holistic approach integrates technical SEO, content strategy, and user experience, aligning with your overall business goals for sustainable success.

Mistake #5: Focusing Too Much on Backlinks

While backlinks are important, they shouldn't be your primary focus. Prioritize creating high-quality, user-centric content that naturally attracts backlinks, enhancing your site's authority and relevance.

Mistake #6: Writing Content Solely for Search Engines

Content should resonate with your audience, not just search engines. Avoid writing based solely on search volume. Instead, focus on answering real questions and demonstrating your brand's expertise to provide genuine value.

Mistake #7: Omitting Technical Optimization

Technical optimization is crucial for user experience and search rankings. Neglecting this aspect can harm your site's performance. Ensure your site is technically sound by reviewing Core Web Vitals and optimizing page load times.

Mistake #8: Not Focusing on EEAT

Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT) are vital for ranking well. Many brands overlook sitewide EEAT improvements, such as crafting strong "About Us" pages and showcasing employee expertise.

Mistake #9: Ignoring User Intent

Content that doesn't match user intent is unlikely to rank. Understand the different types of searches—informational, navigational, and transactional—and ensure your content aligns with the searcher's intent.

Mistake #10: Over-Optimization

Keyword stuffing and over-optimization can harm your SEO efforts. Instead, focus on writing naturally, covering topics comprehensively, and using keywords in a way that enhances readability and user experience.

For more detailed insights and strategies, check out our Complete Guide to SEO in 2024. The guide includes info to help you navigate the complexities of SEO as we experience new tech, AI, algorithm changes, and new info from Google.