Search engine optimization is often misunderstood, leading to common myths that can hurt your website's performance if followed. The article debunks 6 myths: that keywords in URLs and titles aren't important; that content quality doesn't matter; that keyword stuffing works; that link building isn't necessary; that mobile usability isn't a ranking factor; and that Google only cares about backlinks. Instead, the article recommends optimizing for relevant keywords throughout your content and technical elements, focusing on quality over quantity, and ensuring a good user experience across all devices.