1. Focusing on Keywords Instead of Questions
The Mistake:
Stuffing pages with broad keywords without addressing what your audience is really asking.
Why It Matters:
Google ranks content that directly answers user intent—not just those with the right keywords.
How to Fix It:
Build your content around real questions your audience has. Use tools like Google’s “People Also Ask” to uncover intent-based topics.
✅ Related service: SEO for Service Brands
2. Ignoring On-Page SEO Basics
The Mistake:
Forgetting to set unique meta titles, skipping alt text, or misusing heading tags.
Why It Matters:
Search engines need structure to understand your content. Poor on-page SEO means lost visibility.
How to Fix It:
Ensure every page includes:
- A clear, keyword-focused title
- A compelling meta description
- Proper heading hierarchy (H1, H2s, etc.)
- Image alt text and internal links
✅ Tip: Need help cleaning up your site structure? See how our Web Design team can help
3. Neglecting Local SEO
The Mistake:
Not optimising for local searches like “dental clinic Novena” or “accounting firm near Orchard Road.”
Why It Matters:
Local SEO is essential for service brands that rely on geographic reach.
How to Fix It:
- Set up a complete Google Business Profile
- Add location-based content on your site
- List your business in reputable local directories
- Collect Google reviews
✅ Improve your local visibility with our SEM campaigns
4. Slow, Clunky Websites
The Mistake:
Having a site that’s slow to load or hard to use on mobile.
Why It Matters:
Poor performance leads to high bounce rates and lower rankings.
How to Fix It:
- Optimise image sizes and formats
- Use SEO-friendly themes and plugins
- Ensure mobile responsiveness
- Run performance audits via PageSpeed Insights
✅ Looking to speed up your website? Check out our Web Design service
5. Thin, Generic Content That Doesn’t Convert
The Mistake:
Publishing vague, keyword-stuffed copy with no brand voice or persuasive power.
Why It Matters:
Your website should earn trust, not just traffic. Weak copy means weak conversions.
How to Fix It:
- Invest in original, strategic copywriting
- Add client reviews, results, and CTAs
- Structure content with clarity and purpose
✅ We blend strong copy with SEO — see our process
Need a Professional SEO Audit?
If you’re not sure where to start, we can help. At Viva Nova, we specialise in SEO for service brands — combining smart content, technical structure, and clean design.
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