The digital world is constantly on the move, so there’s no surprise that the requirements to getting on the first page of search engines are evolving too. As users change their searching behavior, Google pays attention to the cues and integrates them in its algorithms.
At the beginning of SEO, stuffing your content with links and keywords was the best way to rank high in SERPs. Nowadays, when people want quality content and enjoyable on-site experiences, having too many keywords can land you a penalty from Google.
Because SEO is constantly evolving, it can be hard to keep pace with all the changes. That’s the reason so many small businesses in the travel industry are still making the mistakes below.
- I Need to Have as Many Backlinks As Possible
A few years ago, the primary concern of SEO specialists was to generate links as fast and as many as they could. Nowadays, however, increasing the number of backlinks isn’t going to put you on the fast track to SEO success.
Don’t get the wrong idea: link building is still one of the top ranking factors, but the rules have changed a bit. So, if you’re trying to use SEO for Travel Industry and put your name on the map, you need to think quality instead of quantity, this goes to those wanting to become a seo reseller as well.
What to Do Instead: Combine link building with quality content. Instead of focusing on the number of links, reach out to top bloggers and influencers in your travel niche and ask them to share your content. So, for example, if you’re a travel agency selling cheap family holidays, don’t try to build links from luxury travel blogs targeted at rich Millennials.
- Google Hates Ads
Here’ the reality: Google doesn’t have a problem with ads; it just doesn’t like intrusive interstitials. To identify the ones that can jeopardize your ranking, test the ads and see if they get in the way when a user is trying to visit your site from a mobile device.
If your pop-ups occupy only a small portion of the screen, and the content is visible without having to close the ads, then you have nothing to worry about.
What to Do Instead: Use ads that aren’t disruptive and help your prospects. As long as the ad contains relevant information that is valuable to your audience, you’re fine. So, for example, an ad about a frying pan doesn’t quite fit on a travel site.
- If I Don’t Use Exact Keywords, My Ranking Will Drop
Google has evolved a lot over the last few years, so using the exact keywords isn’t paramount anymore. With the help of RankBrain, a machine learning algorithm, Google can determine variations and synonyms of the word you’re using in your content.
Even related terms can help your website rank high because this algorithm can guess the meaning of a word or a phrase, even if it’s not familiar with it.
What to Do Instead: Focus on the quality of your content rather than on your keywords. If your prospects find your articles helpful and relevant, and comment on them and share them, then Google will pick up these cues and rank your site high. Your ultimate goal is to help your audience, not write for search engines.
Understanding how SEO works and what you need to get ahead can be a challenge. What you need to remember is that if your users can browse through your website with ease and find quality and relevant content, then the better your business will do.
