Search engine optimization (SEO) can feel like a moving target. Google updates its algorithms regularly, advice online often conflicts, and misinformation spreads quickly. For home care agencies, where being visible online is the difference between receiving inquiries or losing them to a competitor, separating fact from fiction is critical. Let’s clear up five of the most common SEO myths that often lead agencies astray.
Myth #1: “We’ve already done SEO, so we’re good.”
SEO is not a one-time project; it’s an ongoing process. Just like caregiver training or compliance updates, SEO requires continual attention. Search engines evolve, competitors adjust their strategies, and search trends shift. If you optimized your website a year ago and haven’t touched it since, chances are your content and keywords are already out of date. Regular updates, blog posts, and technical audits keep your site aligned with best practices and visible in search results.
Myth #2: “SEO is dead.”
This phrase circulates every few years, but it’s far from true. SEO is very much alive, though it has matured. Gone are the days when keyword stuffing could boost rankings. Today, search engines value user experience and high-quality, helpful content. For a home care agency, that means publishing articles that answer the real questions families are asking, like “How do I know if my mom needs in-home care?” or “What’s the difference between home health and home care?” SEO has shifted, not disappeared, and it continues to be one of the most powerful tools for driving new client inquiries.
Myth #3: “We guarantee a #1 ranking on Google.”
If a marketing company promises this, it’s a red flag. Google itself warns businesses to avoid agencies that guarantee rankings. Search performance depends on hundreds of factors: competition, search intent, location, and even user behavior. A reputable partner won’t make unrealistic guarantees but will instead focus on proven strategies like optimizing your website, building authority, and creating valuable content that increases your visibility over time.
Myth #4: “My IT person can handle SEO.”
IT professionals are invaluable for keeping your systems secure and your technology running, but SEO is a different skill set. It involves keyword research, content strategy, technical optimization, and staying on top of search engine updates. Expecting an IT specialist to manage SEO is like asking a caregiver to handle your bookkeeping. It’s not their expertise. Home care agencies benefit most from working with marketers who live and breathe SEO and understand how families search for care.
Myth #5: “SEO delivers instant results.”
This is one of the most frustrating misconceptions. Agencies often expect to see their site at the top of Google within weeks of investing in SEO. In reality, SEO is a long-term strategy. It may take several months of consistent effort before you notice measurable improvements in rankings, traffic, and inquiries. But when done well, SEO produces results that compound over time, delivering steady growth and a strong return on investment.
Why Unlocking These Myths Matters
Families looking for care are often in a hurry, stressed, and searching online for answers. If your agency doesn’t appear in their search results, they may never know you exist. Believing myths like “SEO is dead” or “SEO can be done once and forgotten” can hold your business back from the growth it deserves.
By understanding SEO as an ongoing, evolving process, you can better position your agency to reach families in need. Think of it as building a reputation online, one that reflects the trust, reliability, and compassion your agency provides in person.
Build SEO That Works for Your Home Care Agency
At corecubed, we know the aging care industry inside and out, and we know what it takes to get your agency found online. From SEO and PPC to content marketing and reputation management, our team helps agencies like yours stand out and grow. Call us at 800.370.6580 to learn how we can unlock the myths and build strategies that deliver results.