Is SEO dead? This is a question that many website owners and marketers ask themselves every time Google releases a new algorithm update. The answer is no, SEO is not dead, but it is constantly evolving and changing. SEO stands for search engine optimization, which is the process of improving the quality and quantity of traffic to a website from organic search results. SEO is not only about keywords and links, but also about user experience, content relevance, technical performance, and authority.
What are the DOs and DON’Ts of SEO according to the latest Google update? Google updates its algorithm frequently to provide the best results for its users and to combat spam and manipulation. Some of the most recent updates include:
- The Page Experience Update, which measures how users perceive the experience of interacting with a web page. It includes factors such as loading speed, mobile-friendliness, visual stability, interactivity, and security.
- The Core Web Vitals Update, which is a subset of the Page Experience Update that focuses on three specific aspects of user experience: Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), which measures how fast the main content of a page loads; First Input Delay (FID), which measures how responsive a page is to user input; and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), which measures how stable the layout of a page is during loading.
- The Product Review Update, which rewards high-quality product reviews that provide original research, analysis, or insight, and penalizes thin or generic content that simply summarizes or repeats information from other sources.
Based on these updates, some of the DOs and DON’Ts of SEO are:
- DO create engaging, informative, and useful content that answers the search intent of your target audience.
- DO optimize your site for mobile devices and ensure that it loads fast and smoothly.
- DO use descriptive and relevant titles, headings, meta descriptions, and URLs for your pages.
- DO implement structured data markup to help Google understand your content and display rich snippets in the search results.
- DO conduct keyword research and use natural language that matches how your users search.
- DO build high-quality links from reputable and relevant sources that add value to your content.
- DO monitor your site’s performance and user behavior using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google PageSpeed Insights.
- DON’T use deceptive or manipulative tactics such as keyword stuffing, cloaking, hidden text, or link schemes to try to trick Google or users.
- DON’T duplicate or copy content from other sites without proper attribution or permission.
- DON’T create thin or low-quality content that provides little or no value to your users or that covers topics that are irrelevant to your niche.
- DON’T over-optimize your site or pages for specific keywords or phrases at the expense of readability or user experience.
- DON’T ignore user feedback or complaints and always strive to improve your site’s usability and accessibility.
SEO is not dead, but it is dynamic and challenging. By following the best practices and staying updated with the latest trends and updates, you can optimize your site for both search engines and users and achieve your online goals.