Blogging Strategies: 8 SEO Tactics To Avoid

During our BlogTalkRadio Seminar with Vyque of Fasshonaburu.com, we discussed how effectively using SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can boost your blog’s traffic.  It’s easy to go overboard with keywords, metatags and alt titles, so we appreciate Search Engine Land’s 8 Keyword Research Mistakes That Are Costing You Money.  While you’re probably not paying for your keyword research or hiring an SEO engineer, you might be making these mistakes.

1: Targeting keywords people never use

Don’t add unnecessary keywords into your photo or post tags.  Think about how you use a search engine, and tag accordingly.  Try to be as descriptive as possible without overanalyzing. 

2:  Confusing keyword popularity with keyword appropriateness

Using a tool like Wordtracker’s Free Keyword Suggestion Tool seems to be an easy way to add key words to your posts.  After searching for “fashion”, it becomes clear that it’s easy to go overboard quickly.  Additional search results include “jojo’s fashion show”, “emo fashion”, “80’s fashion”, “fashion tote bags”, and “fashion games to play”.  Not only will adding in excessive keywords clutter your site, but it will also cause a visitor to spend less time on your site once the realize you don’t have what they’re looking for.

3: Not considering user intent in keyword selection

If you use keywords correctly, it’s a great way to turn potential readers into loyal subscribers.  It’s important to think about what they might be searching for when tagging your post or photo so you can lead them right to it.

4: Using a single word

Simply tagging your post “fashion” will throw it into the mix with millions of other posts tagged fashion.  Examine your post to determine what sets it apart and tag it appropriately.  If you’re writing about Dior Cruise 2009, simply tagging Dior won’t draw in as many views as tagging your post “Dior Cruise 2009 Fashion Runway Show”. 

5: Using the wrong keywords

Lumping all your posts about shoes into the accessories category seems like a natural choice, but it can throw off your search engine traffic.  While it’s not necessary to have an entire category devoted to platform sandals, don’t forget to add those descriptors in the keywords.

6: Remember your competition

While it’s important to remember that your fellow bloggers aren’t specifically your competition, they are in search engine land. Every blog that is meta-tagged “fashion blog” are competing for the same top spot in the search results.  Be sure your meta-tags set you apart from your competition.

7: Review your keywords

When you first started your blog a year ago, you used the most appropriate keywords you could think of.  After a year of evolution and learning, it’s time to review your tags. There are most likely several that could (and should) be updated.

8:  Make time for SEO

Search trends change as fast as the latest fashion trend.  Periodically review what users are looking for and adjust your strategies.  In a market that is always changing, be sure to leave time for self-education.