I know I’ve come across plenty of blogs, webpages and services, all saying the same thing: you can make lots of money with the right SEO. If that’s true, then why aren’t there more web millionaires out there? It’s easy to be taken in by SEO money making promises, and the myths that have come about because of them, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Does that mean I’m telling you that you can’t make money using SEO techniques? Of course not – SEO is a valid way to get more eyes on your page (as long as you stick to legit tactics). However, there are some really pervasive myths out there that can turn your effective methods into useless wastes of time and effort. Let’s look at a few of the ways of thinking you need to steer clear of.

Myth 1: SEO is a magic bullet.

People will tell you that SEO is a surefire way to make money that always works. The fact of the matter (and one that anyone who’s been in business long will know) is that nothing works every time, no matter how good the technique is. SEO on its own can make you a sizeable amount of money, or it can make you a few hundred bucks. SEO does work most of the time, but it won’t turn a poor product or a bad campaign into an instant moneymaker.

Myth 2: You’ll make more money if you hire it done.
There are pros out there that offer SEO services for your webpage, and they’re not all a bad buy. If you don’t know a lot about SEO, or the very thought of it confuses you, you might be better off asking someone else to get the job done for you. However, don’t assume that just because you’re hiring a professional, you’ll automatically make more money than you would if you did it yourself. We’ve all got the ability to learn how to do competent promotion on our own. It’s just a matter of deciding what your priorities are.

Myth 3: SEO only takes a month or two, then you make money automatically.
Honestly, any system that promises you’re going to make money automatically isn’t on the up and up. All methods of earning require at least a little maintenance and effort. SEO is no different. You can’t just optimize your site and leave it. You have to continually improve it, and keep adding more content. A site that’s not updated regularly will slip down the list.

Myth 4: SEO will make you more money than any other method.
I’ve heard this one a lot, mostly from people trying to sell a particular plan. The truth of the matter is that SEO is just another tool. It’s stupid to choose just one marketing tool and use it on its own. Combine SEO with other methods for the best effect. Relying on it to do all the work is a bad idea.