Optimizing your website for search engines is important. But don’t be conned by these guys who are out to fleece you for a buck.

Here are some SEO myths:

Myth 1: You must submit your site to the search engines

Not true! Search engines don’t need you to submit your site anymore. They will automatically find you. It’s not bad to submit, but don’t pay money to anyone for this, and don’t do it multiple times.

Myth 2: Your site needs to be optimized for 500 search engines

Not true! The only search engines that matter are Google, Yahoo!, and MSN.

Myth 3: META tags will solve all your website ranking problems

Not true! Although not a bad idea, META tags aren’t even considered for your ranking in Google.

Myth 4: Your site has to be on the first page of results

Not true! It depends on what keyword you are searching for. It would be nearly impossible to quickly get on the first page of results for “toys.” However, your site can rank well for many less-popular (more specific) keywords and do just as well as having one popular (non-specific) keyword.

Myth 5: Pay-per-click ads can replace natural search rankings

Not true! Pay-per-click ads are well and good, but many searchers ignore them. Ideally, you want to use a smart ad campaign in addition to natural rankings.

Finally, remember that just increasing your traffic won’t necessarily increase your sales. There are many ways you can improve your conversion rate and get more customers to buy (enlarge the funnel), rather than just dumping more visitors onto a site with a poor conversion rate (small funnel).

One more thing: don’t try to ‘spam’ the search engines with invisible keywords or ‘doorway’ pages or the like. Improve your website naturally for your customers (not for the search engines), and the search engine rankings will follow.