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10 SEO Challenges Everyone Should Address

Whether your goal is to increase organic visibility or earn more revenue, search engine optimization (SEO) can help you achieve your goals. SEO helps your business rank higher in the search engine results pages (SERPs) so that your customers can easily find your page when searching for specific words and phrases. 

SEO takes time and consistency, and there are some pitfalls to avoid. This post will cover 10 different SEO challenges and how you can avoid them. Read on to learn more! 

Top 10 most common SEO challenges

While SEO has plenty of benefits, you must know the potential challenges to prepare for success. Check out the most common SEO challenges below.

1. Google algorithm changes

Google is constantly unrolling new core and significant updates to better align the search experience with what users want. Searchers want — and expect — to quickly find high-quality, engaging content at the top of the search engine results pages (SERPs). 

By making changes to the algorithm, Google can influence how sites rank. With all the changes, it can be challenging to keep up with and make the necessary adjustments. Follow along with Google Search ranking updates to make sure you follow the newest information.

2. Low SERPs ranking

The lower your page ranks in the SERPs, the less likely users will find and click on it. Factors affecting your ranking include keywords, meta content, external backlinks and 

To get leads to your website, be sure to: 

• Target keywords relevant to your business
• Build out your product pages 
• Submit a sitemap
• Create internal linking opportunities

3. Incorrect keyword usage

The keywords you use and where you insert them in the text can impact how well your page ranks. 

Before writing copy, it’s vital to understand the user intent behind your keywords. This step ensures you cover and address your audience’s needs and pain points. Do a quick Google search for the keyword and look for: 

• Common topics
• Related terms
• Repeat headings

Stuffing these keywords in the copy or failing to place them in sections like the meta description or title can affect your ranking negatively. Keywords are meant to help users and search engines.

4. Keyword cannibalization

Like incorrect keyword usage, keyword cannibalization can make it difficult for your page to rank. This process happens whenever the same keyword appears across several pages. When Google sees this, it will decide which of the “competing” pages it will rank higher. 

Make sure that each page has a target keyword that is not like another page that already exists. Also, do not use your target keyword as anchor text. This mistake will tell Google that you have two pages about the same topic, hurting your SEO!

5. Core web vitals

Google also considers several core web vitals, from load speed to visual stability. Because these web vitals directly impact user experience, Google ranks accordingly based on a page’s usability.

You can use tools like GradeMyWebsite to see where your vitals stand, pinpoint changes, and discover how to improve Google Core Web Vitals!

6. Internal redirects

Internal redirects can happen any time you change your site, like moving or deleting pages. These 300-range redirects make it possible for the content on one page to redirect to your new page. This process must be completed on time, which could frustrate users who want to access information quickly. 

Tools like this redirect checker from WebFX can help you find and correct redirects quickly. 

7. Title tags and meta descriptions

Having unique title tags and meta descriptions helps your page rise to the top of the SERPs. It can be easy to duplicate content, especially with similar product pages, but that will only confuse and cause Google to see the pages as competitors.

Build out your title and meta descriptions and use free meta tag tools to ensure they fit within the SERPs for maximum usability. 

8. Automatically generated content

While artificial intelligence (AI) copywriting may seem like a smart way to save time and effort, most of the time, the resulting content isn’t written well. Along with containing grammatical errors, this content can also be difficult to understand. 

Google awards high-quality SEO content, so taking the time to create unique material that answers what browsers are searching for will help your pages rank higher. 

9. Internet competition

More and more businesses continue to turn to the Internet to promote their products and services. No matter your industry, you’ll continue to face increasing competition as other businesses try to rank for the top SERPs results. 

Completing a competitor content analysis can help you see what others in your industry are doing and match their efforts. 

10. Mobile device usage

Mobile device usage is growing, making mobile optimization a key component of your business’s ranking success. In fact, Google uses mobile-first indexing, which means the search engine will prioritize your site’s mobile version when it indexes and ranks pages. 

Your web design should be mobile friendly, with: 

• Vertical orientation
• Accessible links
• Responsive design

How to overcome SEO challenges

No matter the size or type of business, there are ways to overcome these common SEO challenges. 

One of the most important methods is to stay up to date with Google’s latest trends and updates. Google and other big names within the SEO industry will post about these algorithm changes, making it worthwhile to research and subscribe to knowledgeable blogs.

However, whenever Google changes its algorithm, it’s best to wait before making big adjustments to your website. Google will revert to the past algorithm occasionally. Stay aware of these changes, then move forward with your adjustments when you know that the new algorithm is here to stay. 

You can also try working with a professional SEO agency to ensure that you have access to the latest marketing tools and resources. 

Grade your website and contact WebFX to boost your rankings

GradeMyWebsite is here to help you get a comprehensive view of your current rankings. If you want to see where you stand in the SERPs and what changes to make, our free tool can help you get started. 

If you want to partner with an agency, WebFX offers comprehensive digital marketing solutions to help you reach qualified traffic and drive results. The SEO experts combine expert analysis with your business’s unique needs, goals, industry, and current SEO performance. 

Interested in learning more or getting started? Access the GradeMyWebsite tool for a free, comprehensive report, and contact WebFX for a free SEO service quote!

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