Matt Cutts' latest video takes on the top SEO myths.

Question:
What are some of the biggest SEO Myths you see still being repeated (either at conferences, or in blogs, etc)
Ryan, Michigan

The biggest myth Cutts sees pertains to the perception of Google's motivation around ads:

  • If you buy ads, you will rank higher on Google. (And the opposite -- if you don't buy ads, you will rank higher.)
  • And Google makes its changes to try to make you buy ads.

Cutts says the bottom line is this:
Google does what it does because it wants to return the best results for its users, so they will keep coming back.

"Happy users are loyal users."

And if you always align yourself with the same goal as Google, you will be doing what's best for your business and your users.

Don't fall into group think. Think for yourself. He sees lots of trends in the black hat forums and other sites that everyone follows. There is no silver bullet. Approach with caution tools and services that make lofty promises with one technique.

The highlight:
Cutts chuckles a lot during this video. And after hearing him say "porn" in the last video so much, perhaps this is a sign of a looser free-wheelin' Cutts. Cutts 2.0, if you will.

Go forth, and use your brains. It's what Google and your customers want you to do.