Top 10 SEO Mistakes That Are Killing Your Website Rankings
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) isn’t just about knowing what to do, it’s also about knowing what to stop doing.
Many websites fall in the rankings not because of a lack of effort, but because of simple, avoidable mistakes. Google’s algorithm in 2025 is smarter than ever. If your content, structure, or strategy is off, your site won’t show up where it should.
Here are 10 common SEO mistakes that could be holding your site back, along with tips on how to fix them.
1. Targeting the Wrong Keywords
Are you going after keywords that are too broad or irrelevant to your business?
- Avoid vague terms like “marketing” or “homes” without qualifiers.
- Focus on long-tail keywords with clear intent, like “affordable digital marketing for small businesses” or “custom home builders in Richmond, VA.”
Use Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or Semrush to identify what your audience is actually searching for.
2. Keyword Stuffing
Loading your page with the same keyword doesn’t help, it hurts.
Google’s NLP (natural language processing) can detect when content is unnatural. It will penalize pages that try to game the system.
Instead:
- Use semantic keywords.
- Write for users, not algorithms.
- Include your target keyword in strategic places: title, H1, meta description, and first paragraph.
3. Ignoring Search Intent
If someone searches “best local pizza,” they want options, not a history of pizza.
Make sure your content matches the why behind the search. Are users looking to buy, compare, or learn? Match the intent with the format:
- Informational intent = blog posts, guides
- Transactional intent = product or service pages
- Navigational intent = brand-specific pages
4. Slow Page Speed
Site speed impacts both search engine rankings and user experience. If your page takes more than 3 seconds to load, you’re losing traffic.
Check your Core Web Vitals:
- Compress images (WebP format is helpful, but PNGs are also fine).
- Use lazy loading for below-the-fold assets
- Minimize JavaScript and CSS
Run your site through PageSpeed Insights and prioritize mobile performance.
5. Lack of Internal Linking
Internal links help Google understand your site structure and pass link equity between pages.
Missing links = wasted SEO potential.
Make sure each blog post or service page:
- Links to relevant other pages on your site
- Uses descriptive anchor text (not “click here”)
It keeps users engaged and helps Google crawl deeper.
6. Not Optimizing Metadata
Your meta titles and descriptions are the first thing people see in search results.
If they’re missing, duplicate, or vague, you’ll lose clicks and rankings.
Check every page:
- Title tag: 50–60 characters
- Meta description: 140–160 characters (920px)
- Include primary keywords and a reason to click
Tools like Yoast SEO or Rank Math help you preview and fix metadata. At FreshMove Media, we utilize both for our range of clients.
7. Publishing Thin or Duplicate Content
One blog post that says nothing new won’t rank.
Google prioritizes helpful, original content. If your site is filled with:
- 300-word posts that barely cover the topic (you want at least 1200 words!)
- Copy-pasted manufacturer descriptions
- Pages with similar content and no differentiation
It will tank your authority.
Aim for in-depth, well-structured content. Use headers, bullet points, FAQs, and expert quotes.
8. Not Using Schema Markup
Schema helps Google understand the meaning behind your content.
If you’re not using it, you’re missing out on:
- Rich results (stars, prices, FAQs)
- Better click-through rates
- Enhanced visibility in AI-powered search results
Start with basic page schema types:
- Article
- LocalBusiness
- FAQ
- Review
Check your site in Google’s Rich Results Test.
9. Not Being Mobile-First
Over 60% of searches happen on mobile. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, Google notices and penalizes.
Make sure:
- Your site is responsive
- Buttons and menus are easy to tap
- Font sizes are readable on small screens
10. Neglecting Backlinks
Your content might be great, but if no one’s linking to it, Google won’t trust it.
High-authority backlinks are still one of the strongest ranking signals.
Avoid:
- Buying low-quality links
- Using the same anchor text repeatedly
Do:
- Publish link-worthy content (stats, tools, infographics)
- Reach out for guest posting or digital PR
- Get listed in relevant directories and local sources
Need help with purchasing reputable backlinks?
How to Recover Your Rankings
If your traffic has dipped, run a full audit. Look at:
- Technical SEO (broken links, duplicate tags, crawl errors)
- On-page SEO (keywords, headers, content quality)
- Off-page SEO (link profile, brand mentions)
Then start with:
- Clean up your site speed
- Rewrite weak pages
- Add internal links and schema
- Refocus your keyword strategy
Want Expert Help?
Our Richmond, VA-based marketing team at FreshMove Media helps local businesses recover lost rankings and grow their traffic with smart, proven SEO strategies. See how we can help.
Unsure About Your Current Website’s Performance?
Get a Free Website Quality Audit Today
Discover how well your current website supports your business goals and where improvements can be made.