Outdated SEO Tactics You Can Safely Ignore in 2024

Things We Shouldn’t Focus On in SEO

As SEO has evolved, so have the ideas and practices related to it. What was once considered best practice may no longer be relevant due to changes in search engines and the internet. Here are some topics we believe you shouldn’t focus on:

1. Meta Keywords

Reality Check: Google Search Doesn’t Use the Keywords Meta Tag

2. Keyword Stuffing

Why Repeating the Same Words Hurts Your SEO

• Excessively repeating keywords is tiring for users.
• Keyword stuffing is against Google’s spam policies.

3. Keywords in Domain Names or URL Paths

Focus on Business Best Practices, Not Keywords

• Keywords in the domain name have minimal effect on rankings.
• TLDs (e.g., .com, .org) matter only if targeting specific countries.

4. Content-Length

Debunking the Myth of Minimum or Maximum Word Count

• Content length alone doesn’t impact rankings.
• Writing naturally and using varied words can help with SEO.

5. Subdomains vs. Subdirectories

Choose What’s Best for Your Business

• Subdomains and subdirectories both have their place.
• Decide based on what makes sense for your site management.

6. PageRank

Understanding the Role of PageRank in Modern SEO

• PageRank is just one of many ranking signals.
• Links matter, but there’s more to Google Search than just PageRank.

7. Duplicate Content “Penalty”

Relax, Duplicate Content Won’t Lead to a Penalty

• Having content under multiple URLs is inefficient but not penalized.
• Copying others’ content is a different story and should be avoided.

8. Number and Order of Headings

The Truth About Headings and SEO

• Semantic order of headings is great for accessibility but doesn’t impact rankings.
• There’s no ideal number of headings; use them sensibly.

9. Thinking E-E-A-T is a Ranking Factor

E-E-A-T: Not a Direct Ranking Factor

• Experience,Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) are important but not direct ranking factors.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Google SEO Starter Guide.

I make sure that the source is properly credited and I  have provided the link for readers who want to verify the information or learn more.

P.S. Comment down if I have missed anything