1.- Buy Links
There has been a bit of a trend where people who own websites buy links. The main reason why people do this is manipulate PageRank. The more links there are to the site, the more credible and relevant it appears, which could result in a higher ranking in search results. Some people take advantage of this loophole by purchasing numerous useless links, which abuses the meaning of link building. However, Google insists on building links strategically, and deviation from those SEO strategies could be harmful.
2.- Link Exchange
Link exchange is second on the list. The exchange was once an innocent move, but it is no longer. Some have done it, but following it is always a substantial penalty from the search engines. Just like buying links, link exchange has a way to attract higher ranking. However, people have abused this and Google is now on the lookout and respond to these attempts with sanctions.
3.- Excessive use of H1 tags
Google search results are developed based on keyword research. Webmasters have come to know this over time. Some are willing to do whatever appears on the first page of search results. One way to appear in the first results has been to use H1 tags. Of course, it can be a successful trick but it can get you into trouble.
4.- Duplicate your own content
To attract traffic, The content of your site must be relevant, unique, informative and must be updated regularly. However, some people have created a way around this directive, thus avoiding the conventions set by Google. They duplicate articles in which there is not much variation from the original content. Duplicate content may warrant a penalty from Google. Additionally, it can drive away visitors whose interest is searching for information.
5.- Linking with websites with a different language
Google's main objective is to offer complete and relevant information to its readers. Google recommends using links that are set to only one language. Even if the links involved are legitimate, do not use them in your site content as they may attract a penalty.
6.- 404 errors
Search engines do not want to show in their results a website that has a lot of errors and problems. They want you to provide the best service to your visitors. Therefore, if you are offering 404 errors to your visitors, the indication is that Internet users are not getting what they want. Make sure your site is optimized to deliver an unparalleled customer experience. Remember that this is the entry pass to your business.
7.- Footer links
Some websites use footer links for navigation. However, some use footers to load links uninhibitedly. While they think Google is blind to this atrocity, if one is caught, they are usually penalized. Sometimes sites drop their rankings for a certain period when they try to game the system with footer links. Focus on internal links, which will provide more value to your website.
8.- Fill content with keywords
There is a limit to the number of keywords to use in your content. However, some webmasters often stuff articles with specific keywords in hopes of ranking higher in search results. This approach could lead to your site being penalized.
In addition, an article full of keywords indicates poor content. Typically, authors try to drive traffic to the site rather than deliver information. Keyword density is important, but a general rule of thumb is to add keywords where they fit naturally, but remember, you don't have to!
9.- Hide Links
Knowing that purchasing links or overusing them can lead to penalties, some webmasters may find it necessary to hide them. How to hide links? Websites often commit this serious crime by hiding links in the background of the site. This way, they are not visible to the search engine. However, Google is still able to unravel this type of s. In such cases, sanctions are inevitable.
10.- Copy content from other sites
Some websites are always collecting content from other platforms without attribution. Such an approach does not work with Google. Whenever content is being updated, make sure it is original and relevant. In this way, satisfy the needs of your potential clients and at the same time avoid sanctions. Insightful and original content is the best way to rank in search results!
Source: SEMrush