Five SEO Pitfalls To Avoid

I browse through a number of web sites every day. In the process, I come across several problems that are common to these sites. For example many of these sites may contain tags that have been created with no specific goals in mind or tags that have been improperly used. I have researched and short-listed the most commonly committed 5 do-it-yourself SEO errors. It can be easily concluded that a minimum of one error out of those mentioned in this list is committed by a number of do-it-yourself on their web sites. This useful list will go a long way in assisting you to prevent these costly errors from occurring on your web site and would help in giving your site a higher ranking in the search results.

1) Keyword tag - SEO Services
A keyword tag is used to provide additional information about a web page or more appropriately to reinforce the content of the page. It is not right to simply pile this tag with keywords related to the whole site. The tag should concentrate on keywords reflecting the content on that specific web page only instead of the whole site and should not include all of the keywords that you consider your site could be searched for. Further, the number of words in the tag should be best restricted to 20. It is advisable for you not to repeat any word in excess of three times. If your web site sells tickets, for example, never follow this method of specifying keywords: Broadway tickets, the circus tickets, hockey tickets, boxing tickets, and so forth. However, do use Broadway, the circus, hockey, boxing, tickets and so on.

2) Abstract tag - This tag is sometimes used as an alternative for or in combination with a description tag. However, increasing number of people are making use of these keywords to fill up with keywords. Search engines like Google are concerned with what content is present on the page. More particularly, what visitors can view? According to me, the abstract tag is not at all useful for a site.

3) Description Tag - The concept of this tag is to explain what the "page" is about. Keywords associated with the page should also be used in this tag. The number of words should be restricted within a range of 20 to 25. I observe many webmasters filling up this tag with keywords, or creating a description that is equally long. Stick to these guidelines and there won't be any issues.

4) Title tag - The most significant tag, in my opinion. This is the foremost tag the search engine looks for. The tag informs the search engine what the "page" is all about. Avoid putting the web address in here. Also, refrain from adding your company name at the start of this tag. It should be up to 60 characters in length.

5) Content - In case you have observed, I have got comments on the relevance of the "page", not the whole site. Each page possesses its own characteristic keywords. Tag the title tag, description and keywords. All the keywords should remain the same. Make them a part of the content as well. This will make your page quite well optimized for the search engines.

What is the most common downfall for web sites? Speaking in straight terms, the content of the web site is not properly optimized. The operation of the Search engines most of the time, is quite basic. Whenever a search term is entered, the search engine pulls up sites containing those terms and simultaneously considering a number of other factors as well. So if your site misses out on those search terms, how is anyone going to locate it? No one will. On the other hand, excessive use of keywords will also make the web site hard to find, but for other reasons. At times, reading too much about SEO can be detrimental. Attempting a lot many tricks, tips or methods is similar to the case of too many cooks spoiling the soup. Eventually, the damaging effects may outweigh the benefits. Everyone can apply these simple rules. Further, the services of a professional SEO expert may always be sought in case of any doubts.