On-site over optimization

The first fatal SEO mistake is known as “over optimization.” Over optimization is when a website is built strictly for search engines without the end user in mind.  Over optimization creates many on-page problems such as incorrect or overused title, meta, and hx tags. Over optimization is a problem because it produces unusable websites that are not designed for human interaction.  This practice is so common because amateur optimizers and business owners make the mistake of doing what they think the search engines want to see.

Keyword stuffing is almost always the number one problem when it comes to on-site over optimization. Keyword stuffing is adding the keywords you are trying to target and rank for where they don’t belong in hopes you will receive an extra boost from search engines.  If you do this, chances are it will confuse the end user and they won’t stay on your website very long or take your desired action; whether it be buy a product, sign up for your email list, or make an appointment. Even though you may end up obtaining more traffic short term by doing this (even though you probably won’t) – what is the point if your website is so unusable your consumers can’t figure it out and end up going to a competitor?

The way to avoid this is to design and build your website for your consumer and to ALWAYS keep them in mind. You do need to use the proper tags (title, h1, h2, h3, etc.) which we will talk about next, but always make sure that every step of the way is clear and that the end user is never confused or frustrated.

Using H1, H2, H3, and title tags correctly

Using tags incorrectly is a huge part of over and incorrect optimization. Many new comers to SEO learn that it’s very important to include your keyword(s) in your title and H1 tags. While this is true, too much of a good thing does apply here.

Title Tags

The title tag is what appears at the very top of your search browser and the headline of search engine results.   The train of thought many new optimizers have is “Ok, if the title tag is so important, I’ll just put all of my keywords in it!” Like we talked about before, this is called keyword stuffing and something you should NEVER do. Search engine algorithms are so advanced that they can tell the difference between a relevant and user friendly title tag from a spammy keyword stuffed one.

So what should be in your title tag? You should always put your primary keyword or keyphrase the page you are working on is targeting. For a quick example, let’s say you’re selling dog supplies and are working on your websites title tags. If you have a page where you’re selling dog beds, instead of making your title tag “Dog training supplies, dog beds, dog food, dog treats at SuperDogs.com” make it something relevant to the page such as “Dog Beds and Pillows| SuperDogs.com”. This way, instead of having a keyword filled confusing headline you’ll have a relevant user friendly one. Search engine algorithms will calculate how much of your title tag is relevant to the keyword that the user is searching which is another reason why keyword stuffing will hurt you more than help you. Make sure to always be as relevant and to the point as possible with your title tags!

H1, H2, and H3 Tags

The H tags are very important and often used incorrectly or not at all. “H” stands for heading – meaning that these tags are supposed to indicate something important on the page or the focus. H1 is the primary focus of the page where H2 and H3 are supposed to be used for secondary focuses underneath the primary one. You should always use only one H1 tag on each page, multiple H2 and H3 tags are acceptable though. By using only one H1 tag, you’re showing the search engines that your page is super targeted to the focus inside of the tag. Whenever possible try to use the same keywords in both your Title and H1 tags. Here’s an example for a page with dog training beds again:

<title> Dog Beds and Pillows| SuperDogs.com</title>

<h1>Dog Beds</h1>

<h2>Big Dog Beds</h2>

<h3>Red </h3>

<h3>Blue </h3>

<h3>Yellow</h3>

<h2>Medium Dog Beds</h2>

<h3>Red </h3>

<h3>Blue </h3>

<h3>Yellow</h3>

<h2>Small Dog Beds</h2>

<h3>Red </h3>

<h3>Blue </h3>

<h3>Yellow</h3>

By pairing both proper title and H tags on your website you can count on both higher search engine rankings and a more clean and clear user experience. Use these tips to clean up your website and keep the end user in mind, always think to yourself “would I buy from this website?” and  ”Am I in the right place?”