Search engine optimization is the technique that is used to optimize a website, so that it appears in the organic rankings of the search engine. Search engines have certain criteria against which they examine and evaluate a website and award it a ranking. These criteria and parameters change quite frequently, the broad frame remains the same. The parameters on which websites are ranked are the usage of keywords, layout and design of the site and originality and relevance of the design and the content keeping in view the end user.



Search engine optimization is an extremely important tool for ensuring the success of a website. But success can only be guaranteed if the websites adhere to the rules laid down by the search engine. Some websites do not go by the book and subsequently face the repercussions, like their site getting banned by the search engine and so on. Some of the most common mistakes made by websites that can be avoided are discussed in this article.

The most common mistake made by websites is duplicating the content on a site. The content may be duplicated from other websites or even within a website. Whichever the case, duplicating content is not a very good idea from site optimization point of view. Websites must be built on original design and content. Even if content has been borrowed from other websites, it is advisable to add a few aspects that are original. The percentage of unique content should be around 60%.

The other common mistake made by websites is to put in too many outgoing links on a single web page. This can give the search engine the impression that the site might be a link farm. Sites that have too many outgoing links are valued quite low by websites and are disastrous from search engine optimization point of view. A web page can have a maximum of 10 outgoing links.

It is always better to submit your site manually to search engines. Never use search engine submission services that say that they will automatically register your site on thousands of search engines. This is a form of search engine spamming and can lead to strict action being taken by search engines. Instead opting for link exchange is a much better idea.

By avoiding these basic and commonly made mistakes, websites can accrue the full benefits of search engine optimization services.