Is There A Case For Keeping Your Search Engine Optimization Simple

Writing by Nick Stamoulis Tweet

It must be confusing for many new website owners when they read so many different takes on search engine optimization. One ‘expert’ will claim that these steps are great whilst another will criticize those that use those tactics.

Probably the only thread that is consistent these days is the A) you need good content; B) you need to promote, for example, social marketing; and C) you need inbound links. The three cornerstones of search engine optimization.

Where ‘experts’ start to differ is how to achieve these outcomes. Keywords are a good example. One word, two word, long tail, short phrase? Everyone has a take on each element. The question becomes, do I go down this road and use complex search engine optimization techniques, or do I keep it simple?

The danger in using complex search engine optimization techniques is that, with one tweak of the algorithms, they could all come undone. Let’s face it, all the major search engines have algorithms that are constantly evolving and constantly in flux – they call it fine tuning. The flip side is you do not go beyond the basics of search engine optimization you may well find that you are not ranking on the first two or three pages of the SERP’s.

Finding the right balance is the key to seeing your site succeed. It is probably more important now to plan your search engine optimization programs carefully documenting as much as you can along the way. If it becomes evident that one of the search engines has had a major change in their algorithms, you may be able to backtrack quickly and make any necessary changes.

Search engine optimization can be a complex undertaking. Keeping the process as simple as possible in everyone’s interest. Often an indepth consultation with an expert can help to tweak your current efforts and see your site creep up the rankings. Using your own hit and miss program can often cause more damage than good. With search engine optimization – get the basic right first – then look to the more complex strategies to tweak you up the rankings.