Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become an increasingly popular technique for improving the ranking of websites in search engines. Despite its many advantages, SEO also has some disadvantages.
1. SEO is search engine dependent
When it comes to SEO, there are many things which you cannot control. Search engines often alter their algorithms. The problem is that the public is not informed about these changes. Therefore, SEO experts have to continuously make calculated guesses as they work. It can be discouraging to work very hard to make everything perfect, only to realize that due to algorithm changes, your website rankings have dropped significantly. You will then have to find a way of explaining this to your clients who will be dissatisfied due to the low rankings.
2. No set rules
Though this may change over time, currently there are no specific rules governing SEO. You might work hard, stick to all apparent regulations, and still not experience any success. Search engines do not have an obligation to give a high ranking to sites that make great efforts for optimization. Therefore, you can’t sue search engines for damage caused to your business.
3. Fast changes in ranking
Website ranking can change very fast with search engines. Therefore, even if you manage to attain a high ranking for a specific keyword, maintaining that position requires a lot of hard work.
4. SEO calls for patience
Both customers and SEO experts need to appreciate that SEO requires much time and effort. It might take months to build a significant number of links or to improve in ratings. Besides, if you fail to optimize for a period of time, you are likely to experience a significant drop in ranking. To succeed in SEO, you will need a lot of patience and motivation not to quit when things look like they are not working.
5. Black hat SEO
Unfair competition and fraud are common in any industry, leading to the suffering of those who are ethical and good. Black hat SEO is a very widespread problem which affects many SEO practitioners. Black hat practices are penalized by all search engines.
When it comes to SEO, there are many things which you cannot control. Search engines often alter their algorithms. The problem is that the public is not informed about these changes. Therefore, SEO experts have to continuously make calculated guesses as they work. It can be discouraging to work very hard to make everything perfect, only to realize that due to algorithm changes, your website rankings have dropped significantly. You will then have to find a way of explaining this to your clients who will be dissatisfied due to the low rankings.
2. No set rules
Though this may change over time, currently there are no specific rules governing SEO. You might work hard, stick to all apparent regulations, and still not experience any success. Search engines do not have an obligation to give a high ranking to sites that make great efforts for optimization. Therefore, you can’t sue search engines for damage caused to your business.
3. Fast changes in ranking
Website ranking can change very fast with search engines. Therefore, even if you manage to attain a high ranking for a specific keyword, maintaining that position requires a lot of hard work.
4. SEO calls for patience
Both customers and SEO experts need to appreciate that SEO requires much time and effort. It might take months to build a significant number of links or to improve in ratings. Besides, if you fail to optimize for a period of time, you are likely to experience a significant drop in ranking. To succeed in SEO, you will need a lot of patience and motivation not to quit when things look like they are not working.
5. Black hat SEO
Unfair competition and fraud are common in any industry, leading to the suffering of those who are ethical and good. Black hat SEO is a very widespread problem which affects many SEO practitioners. Black hat practices are penalized by all search engines.
