15 Common Technical SEO Mistakes to Avoid in 2024
Imagine you’ve spent countless hours crafting a masterpiece website – compelling content, stunning visuals, and a user experience that would make Steve Jobs proud. But unbeknownst to you, a silent assassin lurks in the shadows, sabotaging your digital pride and joy. This silent killer? Technical SEO mistakes.
While on-page SEO and content marketing tend to get all the glory, the unsung hero of successful online visibility is technical SEO. It’s the behind-the-scenes machinery that ensures your website runs smoothly and search engine crawlers can easily navigate and index your virtual home.
As we leap into 2024, the technical SEO landscape is ever-evolving. Traps and pitfalls await the unwary, from the dreaded crawl errors to the duplicate content conundrum.
One misstep and your painstakingly crafted website could be left gathering virtual dust, tragically unseen by its intended audience.
But Don’t worry, my fellow creators! This guide will help you a lot. Consider it your digital armor against search engine obscurity.
By Cleaning these errors, you’ll clear the path for your website to bask in the sunshine of online visibility.
Mistake #1- Not Having a Responsive Mobile Friendly Website
Going into 2024, having a website optimized for mobile is arguably the single most important technical SEO factor. Google now indexes sites primarily based on the mobile version, Because the GenZ generation is more comfortable with mobiles.
Yet many sites still fail to adopt responsive mobile-friendly design. This cripples organic rankings.
Here’s how to ensure proper mobile optimization:-
- Use responsive CSS frameworks like Bootstrap or Foundation to dynamically adapt layouts across screen sizes.
- Structure with a mobile-first approach starting with single column layouts on small screens.
- Size content containers using relative units like EM or percentages for fluid resizing.
- Avoid fixed pixel widths that cause horizontal scrolling on smaller screens.
- Check mobile load speeds and reduce image file sizes and server lag.(you can also use Webp and AVIF Image format).
- Simplify navigation hierarchies for easy usability on touch devices.
- Increase button/tap target sizes for fat finger usage.
- Test on all major mobile devices like phones and tablets.
- Failing to optimize for mobile severely damages SEO and usability.
- Follow Google’s mobile-first indexing requirements.
Mistake #2 - Slow Page Load Speeds
With over 50% of visitors abandoning sites that take over 3 seconds to load, page speed is clearly correlated with rankings and conversions. It is one of the most important factors for ranking high on SERP.
Yet a surprising number of sites still suffer from slow load times that degrade user experience and don’t make this mistake for a long time.
Improve page speeds using these optimization tips:-
- Enable compression on images, CSS, Javascript, and HTML files. (I am using WP Rocket for that)
- Minify CSS, JS, and HTML code by stripping unnecessary characters.
- Configure caching in CMS and leverage CDN caching of assets.
- Limit HTTP requests by simplifying code and consolidating files.
- Optimize databases and query performance.
- Defer loading of non-critical JS and CSS.
- Lazy load of non-essential media after initial page load. (Smush is a Good option for lazy loading and compression).
- Streamline code and remove unnecessary bloat and features.
- Upgrade to faster web hosting infrastructure as needed. (Hostinger is my favorite).
- Measure page load times regularly and set speed benchmarks to maintain. Fast sites have a competitive SEO advantage.
Mistake #3 - Not Optimizing for Voice Search
According to Google, Around 27% of the global online population is using voice search on mobile devices.
With voice search growing exponentially year over year, failing to optimize for voice can mean disappearing from a huge share of voice-initiated queries.
Yet most traditional SEO strategies still optimize solely for written keywords. Mastering voice requires a fresh approach.
Key optimizations to show up better in voice search include:-
- Using natural speech conversation patterns, not stiff keyword-heavy text.
- Focusing on long-tail natural language phrases, not just head terms.
- Structuring content to directly answer commonly asked questions.
- Generating visible rich media like recipes, product images, video tutorials.
- Clearly labeling buttons, menus and calls-to-action for easy voice-guided usage.
- Associating your brand name with answer formats like “Brand X says…”
- Building a knowledge graph entity with rich markup that includes alternate phrasing.
- Starting article titles and headings with full question variations.
- The rise of voice assistants like Alexa requires optimizing for spoken conversational queries our users make.
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Mistake #4 - Not Building Authority Through Links
Authoritative sites are rewarded with higher rankings. But many sites fail to proactively build quality backlinks, instead hoping for referrals through social shares or emails.
You need an ongoing strategy to earn great links at scale. Use Modern strategies to earn Backlinks from authoritative sites, HARO and reach to Link Roundup sites for this.
Do you Know About Serpzilla? It is a marketplace that allows you to buy Genuine Backlinks! I highly encourage you to sign up and try out Serpzilla.
It offers rental backlinks and powerful automation tools to simplify tiered link building for your website.
White hat link building techniques that are highly effective include:-
- Reach out to same niche websites for editorial link integration in existing content. Offer to reciprocate.
- Conduct blogger and influencer outreach around relevant trending topics with link insertion opportunities.
- Develop and syndicate great evergreen content assets for other publishers to link to like tools and quizzes.
- Build links on reputable, high authority websites through sponsored posts and guest articles.
- Pursue opportunities to contribute expert quotes and statistics for media outlets to cite with attributed links.
- Identify relevant journals, magazines and niche publications related to your industry to pitch and secure links.
- Cultivate brand mentions and links from business partners and your network of contacts.
- Produce genuinely useful resources and tools that websites naturally link to without outreach.
- Promote your best content through PR outreach for added media coverage.
- Scalable strategies to continually build niche edits and branded anchor text links greatly strengthen trust and authority for better rankings over time.
Mistake #5 - Excessive Use of Ads on Pages
Overloading pages with excessive ads above the fold creates a poor user experience that Google frowns upon. Showing too many ads too soon damages rankings and it also distracts users.
Don’t show a pop up for email or newsletter sign in as users enter, wait for 30 seconds for this. Yet many sites take an aggressive approach to monetization that disrupts page usability.
Here are tips to balance ads and organic content:-
- Limit ads above the fold to no more than 1-2 placements. Avoid crowding out organic content.
- Position ads on sidebars and between content blocks rather than interrupting paragraphs.
- Vary ad sizes and types – don’t use the exact same sticky banner everywhere.
- Set frequency caps in the ad server to control how often the same user sees an ad as they browse the site.
- Make sure ads are clearly visually differentiated from normal content. Label them appropriately as “Sponsored” or similar.
- Don’t place ads on critical pages like product description and checkout flows where they may distract or disrupt visitors.
- Measure impact of ads on engagement metrics like bounce rates and make adjustments accordingly.
- Strategic ad placement that complements – rather than interferes with – organic content results in the ideal user experience/revenue balance.
Mistake #6 - Using Improper Redirect Chains
When pages move or change URLs, setting up proper 301 redirects is vital for transferring link equity and rankings.
Yet redirects are often configured incorrectly or completely forgotten about, representing lost SEO value.
Proper redirect implementation guidelines include:-
- Use server-side 301 redirects, not client-side JavaScript redirects.
- Set up redirects for every single deleted, merged or changed page – don’t lose rankings.
- Redirect individual pages to the most relevant page, not just home or category pages.
- Monitor 404 errors in site analytics to find any broken redirects needing fixes.
- Use rel=”canonical” tags if redirecting pages to multiple URLs to avoid duplication.
- Redirect outdated domain names to primary domain to consolidate authority.
- Temporarily redirect old URLs to new URLs during site migration to prevent losses.
- Only redirect low-value pages to broader pages as a last option if no closer page match exists.
- Properly handling redirects preserves 99%+ of original page authority and prevents broken link flows that undermine user experience.
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Mistake #7 - Unstructured Website
Most sites develop their information architecture organically over time without much planning. This eventually creates complex nested categorization that confuses users and search bots.
Take steps to actively structure and simplify your URL structure and hierarchy.
Best practices for clean site architecture include:-
- Audit existing content and group it into logical clusters and categories. Break down large sections.
- Eliminate excessive nesting like folder structures more than 3 levels deep. Shoot for mostly flat architectures.
- Clarify intent through URLs and folder names that describe the content.
- Set global URL structure rules like targeting 1-2 keywords per URL separating elements with hyphens.
- Avoid overly long URLs with redundant elements and parameters- aim for under 100 characters.
- Update old URLs and redirects to match new architecture as you optimize it.
- Use breadcrumb navigation highlighting the content path.
- Include links to related content in footers to connect related sections.
- Intelligent information architecture improves crawlability while creating a more satisfying user experience.
Mistake #8 - Thin Low-Value Page Content
Low-quality pages with thin or duplicate content not only rank poorly themselves, but they also dilute the authority of entire domains.
Yet with sites constantly pressed for new content, it’s easy to fall into a trap of quantity over quality.
Don’t make this mistake, Google is in Mood to punish these types of Spammy Websites and result in a Manual penalty can be imposed on your site.
After the manual penalty, no matter how hard you try, your site will struggle to rank organically like before.
Steps to maintain strong content quality standards include:-
- Set specific word count guidelines for different content types – 1000+ words for articles.
- Produce content that answers questions and provides lasting value, not just generic filler.
- Avoid replicating the same content across similar pages. Each page should have a unique value proposition.
- Consolidate and refresh outdated or insignificant pages rather than keeping them.
- Update old content if still relevant rather than leaving it stale. Add new examples, data etc.
- Remove affiliate pages with little original value. 301 them to one branded “recommended resources” page instead.
- Actively prune thin pages with minimal unique text through site crawls and audits.
- Use noindex directives and meta robots tags to remove thin pages from index without deleting.
- Replace low-value pages with new evergreen content pillars targeting buyer keywords.
- Prioritizing rich, useful content keeps search engines rewarding your site for quality rather than penalizing it for duplicity or thin pages.
Mistake #9 - Not Optimizing for Local Search
With more than half of all searches now local in intent, not tapping into local SEO represents lost opportunity.
Yet failing to optimize properly for location-based search is extremely common. So, make your website more powerful with local ranked keywords.
Follow comprehensive local SEO best practices:-
- Create and verify Google My Business listing with complete info including photos.
- Add schema markup like organization, address, opening hours, telephone and geo tags across site.
- Ensure NAP name, address and phone details are consistent everywhere.
- Include locally optimized pages targeting “[city] [service]” keywords.
- Get listed on other relevant local directories like Yelp and Apple Maps.
- Generate reviews through email outreach and embed them onsite.
- Create unique location-specific content highlighting your local presence.
- Sponsor local events, directories and organizations and get listed and linked.
- Publish press releases mentioning local operations and community involvement.
- Thoroughly optimizing for local visibility helps you connect with nearby searchers ready to buy.
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Mistake #10 Ignoring User Intent
This issue arises when a website or content fails to address the actual needs and expectations of its users.
It can lead to a poor user experience, increased bounce rates, and lower conversion rates. Google hates these types of websites and is always ready to derank them.
Make content that talks with your use in a conversational tone. If your user is happy then google will love you.
How to do this:-
- Find User Intent
- Survey your target audience
- Gather feedback through interviews, focus groups, or online forms
- Identify their pain points, interests, and common search queries
Analyze search data
- Use tools like Google Search Console, Google Trends, and keyword research tools
- Identify the keywords and phrases your target audience is using
- Understand the intent behind their searches (informational, navigational, transactional)
Understand User Intent
- Combine user research and search data analysis
- Develop a clear understanding of your audience’s needs, expectations, and goals
- Categorize user intent (e.g., informational, navigational, transactional, etc.)
Provide Valuable Content and Website Structure
Create content that directly addresses user intent
Provide valuable and relevant information
Answer common questions and address pain points
Use language and terminology that resonates with your audience
Organize website structure based on user intent
Create dedicated pages or sections for different user intents
Use clear headings and easy navigation
Implement relevant internal linking
Now, Optimize for User Intent
- Include relevant keywords and phrases
- Use keywords that align with user intent
- Avoid keyword stuffing; focus on natural integration
- Optimize for featured snippets and rich results
- Structure content to be easily displayed in search features
- Enhance user experience
- Improve website speed and mobile-friendliness
- Implement clear calls-to-action (CTAs) based on user intent
Mistake #11 Missing internal link opportunities
Internal linking is a Must known SEO practice that helps search engines understand the structure and hierarchy of your website, while also facilitating navigation for users.
Your internal linking structure should be like a net. Missing internal link opportunities can result in crawl issues, lower PageRank distribution, and a disjointed user experience.
How to Fix this:-
- First, Do site Audit Use crawling tools like Screaming Frog or DeepCrawl
- Find pages with low internal link counts
- Find orphaned pages (pages with no internal links pointing to them)
- Do this Strategically, Link from high-authority pages to important pages
- Use descriptive and relevant anchor text
- Link to related content within your body copy
- Ensure a logical flow and hierarchy of links
- Provide an XML sitemap for search engines
- Ensure all pages are included and properly structured
- Use clear and descriptive labels for categories and pages
- Implement a logical and user-friendly structure
- Avoid excessive subcategories or dropdown menus
- Update internal links as new content is added
- Remove or update broken internal links
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Mistake #12 Keyword Stuffing
Keyword stuffing is the old practice, when some experts try to fool Search engines by repetitively using the same keyword or phrase excessively in a piece of content, often in an unnatural and forced manner.
This tactic is employed to manipulate search engine rankings, but it ultimately leads to a poor user experience and can result in penalties from search engines.
How to Avoid this:-
- Only solution, Focus on creating high-quality, informative content.
- Use keywords in a way that flows with the content
- Avoid repetitive and forced keyword placement
- Focus on providing value to the reader
- Write naturally, without forcing keywords
- Use keywords in titles, headings, and meta descriptions
- Sprinkle keywords throughout the content, but avoid overuse
- Use synonyms and semantically related words
- This adds context and maintains a natural flow
- Use singular and plural forms
- Use different variations of the keyword
- Write for humans, not just search engines
- Ensure content is readable and engaging
- Regularly review content for keyword stuffing issues
- Update or rewrite content that feels unnatural or forced, Otherwise be ready for the penalty.
Mistake #13 Keyword Cannibalization
Keyword cannibalization occurs when multiple pages on your website target the same or very similar keywords, causing internal competition and potential ranking issues.
This can confuse search engine and dilute the authority and relevance of your pages. Most of the websites face this issue. For Example:-
Suppose you run an e-commerce website selling outdoor gear, and you have the following pages-
Homepage: “Best Outdoor Gear for Hiking and Camping”
Category page: “Hiking Gear”
Product page: “Hiking Boots”
Blog post: “Top 10 Hiking Essentials for Beginners”
In this scenario, multiple pages are targeting the keyword “hiking gear” or variations of it, which can lead to keyword cannibalization.
How to Avoid this Issue:-
- Conduct a thorough keyword analysis and mapping exercise.
- Find overlapping or competing pages
- Analyze content, titles, meta descriptions, and headers
- Combine overlapping content into a single, comprehensive page
- Refocus competing pages to target distinct, relevant keywords
- Establish a clear hierarchy, Determine the most important page for each keyword
- Structure other related pages as supporting content
- Use descriptive anchor text for internal links
- Link from supporting pages to the main page for each keyword
- Adjust keyword targeting and internal linking as needed
Mistake #14 Publishing AI Content Blindly
After Google’s March Core Update, the Bloggers are on Backfoot (not everyone). Everyone is worried about what will happen now, So don’t worry!
Google will not do injustice with anyone. Some Bloggers are Publishing AI-generated content blindly without proper review and editing and here is the Result. If you are doing this STOP Right Now,
What to do then:-
- Don’t Publish the content as it is, as you know AI is for help. Please do not hire it as a content writer or SEO expert.
- Carefully review the content for accuracy, relevance, and quality
- Edit and refine the content to ensure it meets your standards
- Cross-check facts, statistics, and claims from reliable sources
- Add personal insights, examples, and perspectives
- Incorporate your brand’s voice and tone, because user Trust on you not on AI
- Conduct keyword research and incorporate relevant keywords
- Ensure the content is well-structured, easy to read, and engaging
- Use plagiarism detection tools to identify any unoriginal content
- Ensure you have the rights to use any copyrighted material
- Implement a review process for all AI-generated content, Don’t compromise with quality
- Continuously monitor and improve the quality of published content.
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Mistake #15 - Not Monitoring and Maintaining Ongoing
A common but critical mistake lies in considering SEO a one-time project rather than an ongoing process. Sites will steadily decline without monitoring and maintenance.
You are making a huge mistake if you ignore this, maybe after that Search engine will ignore you.
Ongoing SEO tasks to incorporate include:-
- Use analytics to identify rising search queries to target and declining content to refresh.
- Monitor rankings for target keywords in Search Console to quickly catch drops.
- Set up uptime and speed alerts/monitoring to prevent outages and lag.
- Continually expand your link profile with new placements.
- Watch for algorithm updates from Google and adjust technical factors accordingly.
- Audit regularly for site errors, broken links and duplicate content issues.
- Keep content fresh and updated, not stale and dated.
- Stay educated on emerging best practices and test new optimization tactics.
- Vigilant monitoring and frequent site maintenance is crucial for sustaining long term SEO gains. Don’t neglect your site after initial optimization.
Conclusion
Avoiding common technical SEO mistakes keeps your site compliant with Google’s evolving algorithm and protects organic traffic and rankings. Modern SEO requires getting the fundamentals right.
By regularly inspecting and optimizing foundational factors like site speed, mobile responsiveness, content quality, architecture, and local relevance, you set yourself up for search success.
Then proactive technical maintenance and monitoring ensures your site’s health and optimization never deteriorate so rankings remain resilient over time.
