As good as the Internet has become, the truth is web pages last forever. Theoretically, they can be found in any year—even though Google pushes the bad pages down in its search rankings.

It’s for this same reason that bad SEO advice can stick around on the Web for the rest of eternity. What used to be great SEO guidance can easily transform into bad advice because Google continues to change how the game works. It’s so easy to read a blog post, think you’ve discovered the perfect brand-new tactic, and then end up doing something that doesn’t work at all—or even hurts your website rankings.

How Can You Spot Bad SEO Advice?

Let’s discuss some ultra-conservative ways to make sure you read and listen to only good SEO advice:

1. Only Learn from the Most Reputable Blogs and Communities

Active blogs and communities only accept top-notch guest content, and when they publish their own, they do an equally amazing job.

These posts earn thousands of social shares, so be on the lookout for at least 1,000 shares for the majority of their content. Ideally, this number should be even higher.

A blog with hundreds of shares is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Nevertheless, if you’re ultra-conservative and only want to stick with what really works, aim for numbers in the thousands.

2. Check to See if Their SEO Can Back Their Claims Up with Tests

Leading SEO minds always have their own testing to back up their claims and won’t say anything new, different, or controversial in the absence of hard data to stand behind this.

Google changes so much and so fast that anyone can make up random stuff and claim it works. However, the bright minds know you can’t get away with saying whatever you want.

Your SEO company should perform this testing themselves or send you a link that backs up any questionable claims.

3. You Must Be Able to Understand What the SEO Says

SEO gets technical—really technical. But that shouldn’t make it difficult to understand. Although some of the language and concepts are complex, a competent and trustworthy SEO provider can make it easy to decipher what’s going on…even if you consider yourself a SEO novice.

So, if you find yourself bombarded with “geek speak,” ask for clarification. Shoot, ask for clarification even if you know what the SEO means—just to test what they’re saying.

Wrapping Up

If you’re careful, it should be difficult to fall victim to bad SEO advice. Treat this like your most important business decision because it can (and will!) significantly alter the destiny of your business.