What No Longer Works in SEO
While SEO strategies are constantly evolving, there are several outdated methods that are not only ineffective but can harm your site’s ranking. Here’s what you should avoid:
- Buying Links from Link Farms
This involves paying for automated placement of external links on unrelated or spammy sites. Both Google (with its Penguin update) and other search engines actively penalize such practices. - Submitting to Directories, Classifieds, and Forums
Another outdated technique involves mass submissions to directories or forums to generate backlinks. This often results in low-quality links that do more harm than good. - Manipulating User Behavior (Bots or Scripts)
Some sites are used to simulate user activity, like increasing page views or dwell time with bots. Search engines now easily detect these manipulations, and they can lead to penalties. - Keyword Stuffing
Overloading your content with keywords in unnatural ways may have worked in the past, but now it’s a surefire way to get penalized by algorithms like Google’s Panda. - Ranking Based Solely on Keywords
Today, search results are highly personalized based on location, user history, and device type. Focusing on generic keywords without considering user intent and behavior won’t lead to consistent rankings anymore. Each user sees different results based on various factors.
Mark Davis adds:
“If you’re working with an SEO agency that still uses these methods, it’s time to reconsider. These tactics won’t bring you sustainable, long-term results.”
What Factors Have the Biggest Impact on SEO Rankings and Traffic Growth?
The success of SEO efforts depends on a variety of factors, from the business’s goals to the expertise of the SEO specialist handling the project. Some of the most influential aspects include:
Budget Allocated for SEO
The size of the budget a company invests in SEO can significantly affect how quickly they achieve desired results. A higher budget allows for more comprehensive optimizations, including technical fixes, content development, and link-building strategies, which lead to faster improvements in search engine rankings.
As Mark Davis, SEO expert at Numeral Digital, explains:
“A larger budget gives us the resources to tackle the full range of SEO elements, from technical audits to in-depth content creation and promotion. This speeds up the results, especially in competitive niches like healthcare or auto detailing.”
Speed of Implementing Recommendations
How quickly a client implements the technical adjustments and SEO recommendations is critical. Technical errors—such as broken links or slow page loading times—can slow down progress significantly. The faster these issues are resolved, the sooner search engines recognize the improvements and reward the site with better rankings.
Seasonal Demand
Seasonality also plays a role. During low-demand seasons, even if your SEO performance remains strong, overall traffic and sales may temporarily drop. It’s important to understand the cyclical nature of the business and plan accordingly.
Competition in the Market
The level of competition in your industry and region can also have a big influence. The higher the competition, the more extensive and strategic your SEO efforts need to be. In highly competitive markets, it takes more time, effort, and investment to outrank competitors and achieve sustainable traffic growth.
Numeral Digital’s project manager, Jane Wilson, highlights:
“In cities with high competition or industries with a crowded digital space, like financial services or beauty products, it’s important to stay ahead of your competitors by constantly refining your SEO strategy. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Website Functionality and Structure
The functionality of your website and its ability to accommodate the necessary SEO updates are also crucial. If your site is outdated or lacks proper infrastructure, major updates—such as improving user experience, adding new pages, or fixing broken links—can be both time-consuming and costly.
A Word of Caution
Be wary of SEO providers who promise quick results, such as getting your site to the top of search results within one or two months. If they’re not addressing technical issues or creating new content, these promises may be unrealistic. Often, such short-term methods involve black-hat SEO techniques like artificially inflating user behavior metrics, which can backfire.
Mark Davis warns:
“SEO is a long-term game. Quick fixes, like boosting traffic with bots or spammy link-building, may provide a short-lived boost, but they can lead to penalties from search engines. In the worst case, your site could drop in rankings or get delisted entirely, and you’ll have to start from scratch.”
How Much Does SEO Cost?
The Risks of Cheap SEO
For small businesses and newcomers, it can be tempting to choose the lowest-priced SEO package, especially when it’s advertised with big promises for a small cost. However, this can often be misleading.
Cheap SEO providers typically cut corners. SEO is a time-intensive process, and if an agency offers extremely low prices — say, under $500 per month — they are likely skipping essential steps or using automated, low-quality methods.
As Mark Davis, SEO strategist at Numeral Digital, points out:
“An SEO provider charging less than $500 a month won’t dedicate the necessary time to create high-quality content or build valuable backlinks from trusted sources.”
Instead, these “cheap SEO” companies might resort to low-effort tactics like using AI-generated content and purchasing low-quality backlinks. Some may even artificially inflate site visits or generate fake leads to create the illusion of results — but these metrics won’t drive real business growth.
Davis further explains:
“These methods often result in keyword stuffing, spammy backlinks, and other harmful practices that could get your site penalized by search engines. Recovering from such penalties can be both time-consuming and costly.”
So, while the initial price tag may seem like a bargain, the long-term damage can be significant. This isn’t the kind of SEO success you had in mind.
Mid-Level SEO: A Smarter Investment
Rather than taking the risk with cheap SEO, mid-level SEO services offer a safer and more reliable option. For businesses with a reasonable budget, expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 per month for mid-level SEO services.
At this price point, agencies typically focus on fixing existing issues on the site, such as improving site structure, optimizing content, and addressing technical SEO problems. Mid-level SEO is a solid fit for smaller websites in less competitive industries.
Agencies in this range should also include a content marketing strategy, regularly publishing new content and updating older pieces. Additionally, they will work on building quality backlinks from relevant and trustworthy websites to help establish a strong backlink profile for your website.
While mid-tier SEO can cover the basic needs of most businesses, it may not provide the comprehensive, long-term impact required for larger businesses or more competitive markets. If your goals are more ambitious, investing in high-quality SEO might be the key to unlocking your company’s full potential.
High-Quality SEO: The Solution for Ambitious Businesses
For companies with larger budgets and more competitive goals, high-quality SEO services from leading agencies are the best option. Premium SEO services typically range from $3,000 to $8,000+ per month, depending on the complexity of the work and the agency’s expertise.
These top-tier agencies offer full-scale SEO solutions and can handle advanced technical SEO, complex analytics, and recovering from search engine penalties. They also specialize in crafting premium, personalized content tailored to your audience’s needs, which helps to reduce customer churn and boost conversions.
When you invest in premium SEO, you’re committing to a long-term strategy. These agencies typically have proven track records of delivering results, but it’s crucial to ensure they can meet your specific business goals and provide the level of service required to achieve them.
Why Does Quality SEO Come with a Price Tag?
SEO services, particularly those with a proven track record, are an investment — and for good reason. High-quality SEO demands both expertise and time.
As Jane Wilson, project manager at Numeral Digital, explains:
“Experienced SEO providers charge more because they consistently deliver results. Their expertise can transform a website from stagnant to thriving, driving real business growth.”
Here are some reasons why premium SEO services tend to be more expensive:
- Experience: Established SEO agencies with years of success across multiple industries will naturally charge higher rates because they deliver reliable, measurable results.
- Location of the Provider: Agencies based in major cities often charge more due to higher overhead costs, though it’s important to note that price alone doesn’t guarantee quality. Be cautious of agencies offering very low prices.
- Pricing Models: Hourly SEO rates may seem appealing but can quickly add up. Monthly retainers or project-based fees offer better predictability and transparency for budgeting.
- Business Size: Larger businesses with complex needs will require more resources and a wider range of services, which naturally drives up the cost.
- Previous SEO Work: If your website has never been optimized, the agency will need to start from scratch, which involves more work. Likewise, resolving penalties or technical issues can raise costs.
For SEO services, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $8,000 or more per month, depending on the scope of work, the agency’s expertise, and your specific business needs. While this may seem like a significant investment upfront, the long-term benefits of professional SEO can far outweigh the costs, delivering sustainable growth for your business.
Is SEO Worth the Investment?
When done correctly, SEO can provide long-lasting benefits for your business, driving organic traffic and increasing revenue. However, as Davis emphasizes:
“SEO isn’t a quick fix. It’s a long-term strategy that, when executed properly, delivers sustainable results over time.”
Ultimately, paying for quality SEO ensures you avoid the risks associated with cut-rate services and helps you build a strong foundation for lasting success online.
SEO is a powerful tool that can drive more customers to your business and increase your revenue. However, success requires time, investment, and a solid strategy. The Numeral Digital team is here to guide you through the process, every step of the way.
If you’re ready to take your website to the next level, get in touch with the experts at Numeral Digital. We’ll work with you to create a custom SEO strategy that delivers long-term results and real business growth.
