1. Duplicate Content
Let’s put it this way, each page of your website should have unique content. Google is becoming increasingly sophisticated in catching site that simply duplicate a page and rename it thinking it will help with page rank. Having multiple named pages is helpful such as internet-marketing-tips.htm and search-engine-tricks.htm however make sure the content on each of these pages varies greatly. The essence can be the same, but large sections of text had better not be or say hello to page 100 instead of page 1.
2. Use a site builder
Many people are falling for the bad mistake of using a cheap $8.95 a month site builder. Even reputable site builders like Yahoo are built on a system of duplicating pages and Meta tags. The result is no organic placement on Google. They will advertise top placement on Google (they mean PPC or pay per click sponsored links) but Google will not rank rank you organically. Make sure your content is original and don’t use a site builder. Build it yourself or hire a professional.
3. The Cloak
There is an old trick from the early 2000’s called cloaking that seems to still find its way into poorly constructed sites. The basic idea behind cloaking is, build a page that is built to look one way to a visitor and another way to a search robot. Google has figured this out and will kick you off pretty quick.
In short, make sure your pages look and function the same for the humans and the robots. No discrimination please among the species 
4. Hide your text and Google will hide you.
Another big mistake that was a trick from years past is hiding text. It used to be, you could put a bunch of keyword friendly text at the bottom of your page and make it the same color as your background. The visitor wouldn’t see it but a robot spider would. This is a classic mistake and a great way to slip into obscurity.
5. Bad Keywords (check the header!)
Keywords in your “meta” section of your header tell Google and other search engines the essence of your content, however if you use keywords that you can’t find in the content of that page, you’re in trouble. Make sure all of your keywords in your header section can also be found in the content of your page.
6. Too many redirects
As a general rule redirects or a redirect 301 (permanent redirect) is very useful and helpful to search placement, but it can be overdone. Avoid having 4 or 5 websites with very little content that simply redirect to your site.
Redirects are used mainly for multiple domains that need to point to a single domain or for older pages that need to be redirected internally to an area of your site. The worst idea is to create a bunch of low content, 1 page sites that redirect to your main site. Google is smart and they will make you look foolish for this one.
7. Stack the titles
Stacking titles is very similar to the duplicating content error. Don’t have multiple pages with the same title. For example, you might name a page in your <title> tag as “great internet marketing tips” don’t name another page “great internet marketing tips in Chicago” the bulk of these page titles are the same and Google will probably become irritated. Irritating the #1 search engine in the world is not recommended.
8. Be a criminal of the internet
I know it’s a no-brainier, but it had to make the list. If you distribute spy-ware or viruses you’re out. Just play by the rules, do your homework and continue reading articles like this one and you’ll be on the 1st page in no time.
9. Automated submission (the rookie mistake)
Don’t use automated link submission services!! This is a major bad move. Google will ban you immediately. I know it sounds convenient to just auto submit your site to “over 100 search engines”, but it really ties up resources on Google’s end and they get mad. Just don’t do it! You can submit your site at the following links. http://www.google.com/addurl/ (google) http://www.bing.com/webmaster/SubmitSitePage.aspx (bing) Yahoo cost money, but you will rank anyway if you do well with Google and Bing.
10. Steal content
I know it can be difficult to come up with original content, but go ahead and copy off someone else and see what happens. You’ll feel like you’re back in school and got caught by the teacher. Google is very particular about this one. They know who had the content there first and they get pretty upset with plagiarizers. if you like someone content use a track back and give full credit to the content and you will be fine.
Right your own content and enjoy the success, copy and say bye-bye to your page rank.
In Conclusion
You will notice that 9 of the 10 bad ideas are all about content. Content is ‘King’ to Google. So just write original content and build quality websites. We can help you do all of this so check back for our free internet marketing articles. Now get out there and get ranked!
Author: K Mckee
