Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Bing Webmaster Tools

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Bing Webmaster Tools

When utilizing Bing Webmaster Tools, there are several common mistakes that can hinder your SEO efforts. Here are some key errors to avoid:

1. Ignoring Bing-Specific Factors

• Issue: Focusing solely on Google SEO strategies can lead to missed opportunities on Bing.
• Solution: Tailor your SEO to include factors Bing values more, such as social signals, exact match keywords, and meta keywords.

2. Not Submitting a Sitemap

• Issue: Failure to submit a sitemap can result in incomplete indexing of your content.
• Solution: Ensure your sitemap is correctly formatted and submitted to Bing Webmaster Tools.

3. Overlooking Crawl Errors and Indexing Issues

• Issue: Ignoring crawl errors can prevent Bing from accessing your content.
• Solution: Regularly check for crawl errors using the Site Explorer and URL Submission tools.

4. Blocking Bingbot

• Issue: Accidentally blocking Bingbot in robots.txt or through server settings can prevent indexing.
• Solution: Use the "Fetch as Bingbot" tool to check if Bingbot is blocked and adjust settings accordingly.

5. Not Monitoring Performance Regularly

• Issue: Infrequent monitoring can lead to delayed detection of issues.
• Solution: Regularly review Bing Webmaster Tools reports, especially for sites with frequent updates.

6. Ignoring Mobile-Friendliness

• Issue: Poor mobile usability can negatively impact user experience and SEO.
• Solution: Check Mobile Usability reports in Site Explorer to identify and fix issues.

7. Not Adapting to Algorithm Changes

• Issue: Failing to stay updated on Bing's algorithm changes can lead to decreased rankings.
• Solution: Follow the Bing Webmaster Blog for updates and adjust your SEO strategy accordingly.