How To Perfect Your SEO

I get this question a lot:

“How much time should I spend on my SEO before I know it’s perfect?”

Ah, the elusive perfection of Search Engine Optimization (SEO. The one thing every single SEO writer or strategist wishes to pull out of a big black top hat and triumphantly proclaim, “TA DAH!”

But before we discuss how to perfect one’s SEO, let’s talk a little about Google, the mastermind and ultimate “God-figure” of SEO. In fact, for most SEO’ers, we’re all about reading and researching (and even forecasting) what Google may do next.

You see, Google has an algorithm.

Algorithm (n.): A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, esp. by a computer.

Think of SEO as the ultimate algorithm to bring up exactly what you or your clients want when searching for something. I mean, have you ever wondered how Google was so smart as to suggest searches before you even finished your query?

Photo by TacticalSEO.com

In Google’s algorithm is countless “pieces” to justify the rankings in a search result page.  Each piece of the puzzle is meant to make your page not only user-friendly and informative (with original content), but it takes time because the most important piece of the algorithm puzzle is claiming expert trustworthiness.

Google would never rank a start up as the national “expert” in a field unless they are the only company of that product or service (or unless they hit a viral vein which can happen). However, once a company has been around a while with consistent original content that has been shared or otherwise interacted with, you’ll notice an increase in rank.

So, back to the original question:

“How much time should someone spend on their SEO to make it perfect?”

It’s a trick question.

SEO is constantly changing.

I mean, just a week ago, Google announced that it will no longer give Google+ Authorship a portion of the algorithm puzzle. They must have seen it as a way for a spammer to “cheat” by allowing them priority over a better article without Authorship.

To keep testing your SEO pages and constantly building your audience and content base, you are in a way perfecting your SEO. However, know that though it seems like a never-ending battle (and trust me, it is), your SEO will never be “perfect.”

And neither will anyone else’s.

The Takeaway

When it comes to SEO, everyone is looking for the easiest way to achieve the best results. But like they say, some can’t see the forest from the trees. SEO is the best way to achieve results–and that means taking into consideration as much of Google’s algorithm as you can possibly stand.

Build your content and promote your website. Make everything you write something that you would want to read. And never, under any circumstance, copy someone else (or repost your own) work.

You may not ever be able to perfect your SEO, but that should bring great solace to you. That means your SEO can always get better. You should always be testing.

Now It’s Your Turn

What are some questions or stories you’ve heard of that deals with SEO that has left you wondering, “Is that true?” or “That can’t be.” I’d love to hear from you some of the SEO myths you’ve come in contact with.