Google’s List Of Top 10 SEO No-No’s (Part 2)

In part one of this article, we looked at the first 5 search engine optimization (SEO) no-no’s that you should avoid if you want to ensure that your Google ranking to hold. Whilst the first 5 centered around text based issues (such as keyword stuffing and hidden text), these final 5 involve more link-based black hat SEO techniques. By steering clear of these no-no’s, you can ensure that your website is optimized in a way that is completely ethical.

6. Reciprocal Linking
One of the best way to gain incoming links for your website is to provide other websites with a link of their own. Whilst this is actually a good SEO strategy, when it is the only linking technique that you are using it can actually have negative effects.

7. IP Addresses
Some people think that by interlinking a number of website URLs on the same server (IP address) they will get their website indexed faster or will get some back links. This SEO strategy is actually completely useless, as it doesn’t do anything for your ranking.

8. Buying Links
It has long been believed that buying links from other websites is a great way to boost your SEO. All this technique does, however, is bring to Google’s attention your dodgy methods, leading to a drop in ranking or even a more severe penalty.

9. Link Relevance
So, your SEO strategy has managed to garner a tonne of links to your website – that’s great. But how relevant are these links to the content of your site? Google actually looks at the relevancy of your links, and this plays a role in how high your ranking is.

10. Link Anchor Text
Anchor text is generally used to add relevancy to a website’s link text, and it does increase the keyword density of the page. When you use the same link anchor text across websites, however, this SEO strategy becomes your ticket to low rankings – you need some variety.

The points outlined in parts one and two of this article are by no means that only SEO no-no’s that Google could penalize or blacklist you for; they are, however, the techniques that most people get tripped up on. Whilst some of these SEO tactics are actually considered ethical, using them incorrectly can be just as damaging as the black hat techniques that you have been told over and over not to use. Be aware of your SEO and avoid these no-no’s at all costs.