The Most Absurd SEO Tips & Techniques

Everywhere you turn, headlines that claim SEO is dead or becoming obsolete are popping up. These claims, often out of context, create a compelling case for why many new websites don’t consider search engine optimization (SEO) worth the effort. However, the real issue lies not with SEO but with the ridiculous and outdated SEO tricks and techniques that have overstayed their welcome.

SEO is a complex and evolving field, and while some outdated tactics may be falling by the wayside, the core principles remain vital for online success. Those who swear by "SEO tricks" are the ones struggling as these deceptive methods lose effectiveness with each search engine update. So, it's time to take a closer look at the most absurd SEO tips and techniques that people still use — and why you should steer clear of them.

1. Avoid “SEO Tricks” – They Don’t Work Anymore

SEO tricks are essentially shortcuts that attempt to manipulate search engine algorithms for quick gains. These tricks include keyword stuffing, cloaking, and other black-hat tactics that have become synonymous with spammy, low-quality websites. The appeal of these techniques is the promise of fast results, but like any magic trick, they rely on illusion rather than substance.

Search engines like Google have wised up to these practices. Each algorithm update — from Panda to Penguin to BERT — has been designed to penalize deceptive SEO strategies. Search engines are smarter now, rewarding genuine content while punishing websites that rely on manipulative techniques. If you're still chasing these tricks, you're setting yourself up for failure.

2. The Fallacy of Keyword Stuffing

Once upon a time, cramming as many keywords as possible into a web page was a surefire way to rank higher in search results. This technique, known as keyword stuffing, is one of the most infamous absurd SEO tips that refuse to die. Website owners used to think that if they repeated the keyword "best pizza" 50 times in a 500-word article, they'd magically land on the first page of Google.

In reality, keyword stuffing leads to awkward, unreadable content that turns off both users and search engines. Today, Google’s algorithms are sophisticated enough to understand context and semantics, meaning they can determine what a page is about without needing a keyword to be repeated ad nauseam. Focus on quality content that naturally incorporates keywords instead of obsessing over keyword density.

3. Content Spinning: The Ultimate Shortcut to Nowhere

Content spinning refers to the practice of taking an existing article, making minor adjustments to it, and passing it off as new, unique content. The goal is to generate a large volume of "new" material quickly without having to create anything original. While content spinning might seem like a time-saving hack, it’s one of the most absurd SEO techniques still in circulation.

Not only does spun content read poorly, but search engines are incredibly good at detecting it. Google’s algorithms prioritize original, high-quality content, and penalize websites that rely on spun or duplicated material. Human readers can also tell when content is spun, and they’ll quickly leave your site, resulting in high bounce rates and poor engagement metrics.

4. Link Farms and Link Spamming: The Fast Lane to Google’s Blacklist

Link building is one of the cornerstones of effective SEO, but not all links are created equal. Some SEO "gurus" will suggest using link farms or spamming blog comments with your website's URL to quickly build backlinks. While this might have worked in the early days of the internet, these techniques are not only ineffective today but can also earn you a penalty from Google.

Search engines are much more concerned with the quality of your backlinks than the quantity. A single backlink from a reputable, relevant website is far more valuable than hundreds of low-quality links from obscure domains. Instead of chasing every link you can get, focus on earning backlinks organically through high-quality content that others want to share.

5. The Myth of Exact Match Domains (EMD)

There was a time when owning an exact match domain (EMD) — such as "bestnewyorkpizza.com" — was a golden ticket to the top of search results. The logic was that if your domain exactly matched the keyword you wanted to rank for, search engines would prioritize your site. While EMDs once had a certain degree of influence, this technique has lost much of its power.

Today, Google is more focused on the relevance and quality of your content than on your domain name. EMDs alone won’t boost your ranking, and in some cases, they may even harm your site’s credibility. Consumers are increasingly savvy, and they recognize spammy-sounding domain names for what they are. If your content and user experience don’t back up your domain’s claims, your ranking will suffer.

6. Low-Quality Content: The Ultimate Dealbreaker

There’s no quicker way to drive visitors away from your site than to bombard them with low-quality content. Whether it’s poorly written articles, outdated information, or irrelevant material, bad content sends a clear message: your website isn’t worth their time.

Search engines like Google have made it clear that content quality is paramount. They’re looking for websites that provide value, answer users’ questions, and engage readers. Low-quality content isn’t just a waste of your audience's time; it’s a surefire way to lower your SEO rankings. Investing in well-researched, well-written content is far more effective than any gimmick or shortcut.

7. The Absurdity of Trying to Outsmart Google’s Algorithms

One of the most widespread myths in SEO is that you can somehow "outsmart" Google’s algorithms. Entire industries have sprung up around the idea that if you can figure out the latest update, you can manipulate your way to the top of search results. In reality, this is a fruitless pursuit.

Google’s algorithms are constantly evolving, with the express purpose of providing users with the best possible search experience. They are designed to reward websites that genuinely offer value to visitors. Instead of wasting time trying to outsmart the algorithm, focus on creating high-quality content, providing a great user experience, and following ethical SEO practices.

8. The Danger of Ignoring On-Site SEO

Some website owners are so focused on off-site SEO — such as link building and social media marketing — that they completely ignore on-site SEO. This is one of the most absurd mistakes you can make. On-site SEO is the foundation of a solid SEO strategy, and without it, your efforts elsewhere are unlikely to bear fruit.

On-site SEO includes everything from optimizing page titles and meta descriptions to ensuring that your site’s structure is user-friendly and search-engine-friendly. Every individual page on your site should be optimized for the relevant keyword, and your images should be tagged with descriptive alt text. Skipping these basics is like building a house on sand: it’s not going to hold up in the long run.

9. Ignoring User Experience (UX) and Site Design

Your website's design and user experience play a huge role in your SEO success. A poorly designed site with confusing navigation and slow loading times will not only frustrate users but also drive them away. Search engines pay close attention to user engagement metrics, such as bounce rate and time spent on a page. If users are leaving your site as soon as they land on it, that's a clear sign to Google that your site isn’t delivering value.

Ensure that your website is clean, professional, and easy to navigate. Your content should be accessible, with clear calls to action and an intuitive layout. It’s not enough to simply have good content; it needs to be presented in a way that’s engaging and easy to consume.

10. Cheap, Low-Quality Copywriters: A False Economy

Many website owners are tempted to cut corners when it comes to hiring a copywriter. After all, why pay top dollar for content when you can find someone who will write articles for a fraction of the cost? The problem with this approach is that low-quality content can do more harm than good.

Your website’s content is a reflection of your brand, and poor-quality writing will make your site look unprofessional. Not only that, but cheap copywriters often rely on outdated SEO techniques, such as keyword stuffing or content spinning, which can further hurt your rankings. Hiring a skilled copywriter who understands SEO and can create engaging, high-quality content is a worthwhile investment that will pay off in the long run.

11. Planning Blogs Around Keywords Instead of Topics

The purpose of a blog is to engage your audience, keep subscribers interested, and attract new visitors through social sharing and natural backlinks. However, some website owners still plan their blog posts around specific keywords rather than focusing on providing valuable information on a relevant topic.

While keyword research is important, it should not dictate the entire direction of your blog. Instead, focus on topics that are interesting, engaging, and useful to your audience. If your blog provides real value, the keywords will fall into place naturally, and search engines will reward you with higher rankings.

12. Overlooking the Power of Social Media

Social media platforms are a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website and improving your SEO. Yet, many website owners neglect this important aspect of off-site SEO. By sharing your content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, you can increase your site’s visibility, attract new visitors, and build valuable backlinks.

Moreover, social signals — such as likes, shares, and comments — can indirectly impact your search rankings by increasing the overall visibility and authority of your site. Don’t underestimate the value of social media as part of your SEO strategy.

13. Ignoring Local SEO

For businesses that rely on local customers, ignoring local SEO is a massive missed opportunity. Local SEO focuses on optimizing your website for searches related to your geographic location. This includes claiming your Google My Business page, optimizing for local keywords, and ensuring that your business information (name, address, phone number) is consistent across the web.

Many local businesses still overlook this crucial aspect of SEO, leaving them invisible to potential customers searching for their services online. Local SEO is particularly important for mobile users, who often search for nearby businesses while on the go. By optimizing your site for local searches, you can tap into a valuable source of traffic and customers.

14. Focusing Too Much on Competitors

It's easy to get caught up in what your competitors are doing, especially when it comes to SEO. However, spending too much time analyzing and mimicking your competition can lead you down the wrong path. Every website is unique, and what works for one business may not work for another.

Instead of obsessing over your competitors' SEO strategies, focus on building a brand that stands out from the crowd. By offering unique value and creating original content, you’ll be more likely to attract and retain visitors.

15. Conclusion: Embrace Quality, Avoid Shortcuts

In the ever-changing world of SEO, the most absurd techniques are those that promise quick, easy results with minimal effort. These outdated strategies not only fail to deliver long-term success but can also harm your website’s credibility and rankings.

The key to sustainable SEO success is to focus on quality over quantity. Invest in high-quality content, optimize your site for the user experience, and stay up-to-date with the latest best practices. SEO isn’t about finding shortcuts; it’s about building a strong foundation that will support your website’s growth for years to come.

FAQs

1. Is SEO really dead? No, SEO is far from dead. While outdated techniques may no longer work, the core principles of SEO — providing quality content and a good user experience — are more important than ever.

2. What are the biggest SEO mistakes to avoid? The biggest mistakes include keyword stuffing, low-quality content, ignoring on-site SEO, and relying on outdated tricks like link spamming and content spinning.

3. How can I improve my website’s SEO? Focus on creating high-quality, valuable content for your audience, optimizing your site for speed and mobile users, and earning backlinks naturally through content marketing and social media.

4. Do backlinks still matter for SEO? Yes, backlinks are still important, but only if they come from reputable, relevant websites. Spammy or low-quality links can actually harm your SEO.

5. How often should I update my website’s content for SEO? Regularly updating your content is essential for maintaining relevance in search engines. Aim to update older posts and create new content that addresses current trends or user needs.

6. What’s more important: SEO or user experience?

7. Both are important, but user experience should come first. Search engines prioritize websites that offer a good user experience, so focusing on UX will naturally improve your SEO.

Azahar Ahmed

CEO / Co-Founder

I am Azahar Ahmed, a youthful engineer, vocational trainer, entrepreneur, digital marketer, and motivational speaker hailing from Nagaon, Assam in India.