The most common SEO mistakes on Costa Rican websites (and how to fix them)

After reviewing a lot of Costa Rican business websites, we see the same mistakes again and again. The good news is that most can be fixed, and some take just an afternoon. Here's the list, grouped by type, with how to fix each one.

Technical mistakes

1. Google can't index the site (or part of it)

A "noindex" tag left over from staging, a robots.txt blocking everything, or pages with no links pointing to them. The fix: check the Pages report in Google Search Console and search site:yourdomain.com. See how to use Google Search Console.

2. Several versions of the same site

The site loads with and without "www", on http and https, and each version responds separately. The fix: pick one version and 301-redirect the others to it.

3. A slow mobile site

Multi-megabyte photos, heavy sliders, too many plugins. The fix: compress images, use WebP and remove what you don't use. See website speed.

4. Changing websites without redirects

A redesign changes the URLs and the old ones return 404 errors: everything that ranked is lost. The fix: a redirect map before launch. See website migration without losing rankings.

Content mistakes

5. A single "Services" page

Every service in one list, with no page of its own. Google ranks pages, not websites. The fix: one page per important service, with what's included, the price or what it depends on, and a contact button.

6. Generic titles

Pages titled "Home", "Services" or just the company name. The fix: titles that say what the page is and, where relevant, where. See titles and descriptions that get clicks.

7. Writing for the company, not the customer

Text about the "mission and vision" and technical jargon instead of answering what customers search for. The fix: research how your customers search and use their words. See keyword research step by step.

8. Copied or generic content

Manufacturer descriptions, text from other sites or unreviewed AI-generated articles. The fix: original content with your own experience and real examples. See how to write a blog post that ranks.

9. No prices or practical information

Customers can't tell how much it costs, how long it takes or how to get started, so they go to a site that tells them. The fix: publish prices or ranges, timelines and the steps to hire you.

Local mistakes

10. An incomplete or wrong Business Profile

No photos, outdated hours, the wrong category or a misplaced pin. The fix: complete the whole profile. See our Google Business Profile guide and business not showing on Google Maps.

11. Keywords in the business name

"Mora's Garage – mechanics and body work Heredia" instead of "Mora's Garage". It can get your profile suspended. The fix: use the real name, exactly as on your sign.

12. Different details on every site

One phone number on your website, another on Facebook and an old address in a directory. The fix: the same name, address and phone number everywhere.

13. Not asking for reviews (or asking the wrong way)

Waiting for them to arrive on their own, or offering discounts in exchange. The fix: ask every customer, consistently, with no incentives. See Google reviews.

Strategy and measurement mistakes

14. Not measuring

Without Search Console and Analytics, there's no way to know what works. The fix: set up both and mark form submissions and WhatsApp clicks as key events. See how to use Google Analytics 4.

15. Buying links or "miracle SEO packages"

Hundreds of low-quality links, or promises of first place within days. The fix: links earned through relationships and good content. See link building in Costa Rica.

16. Ignoring customers who search in English

In tourist areas or places with foreign residents, a Spanish-only site loses customers. The fix: your key pages in English, adapted for that audience. See bilingual website SEO.

17. Giving up on SEO after two months

SEO takes time; stopping before it pays off wastes the investment. The fix: clear expectations and monthly measurement. See how to measure SEO results.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I start if I have several of these mistakes?

With whatever is blocking you: making sure Google can index the site and that your local profile is complete. Then service pages and titles. An SEO audit puts them in order of priority.

Can I fix them myself?

Many, yes: your profile, titles, reviews and pricing information. The technical ones usually need your developer or a specialist.

How long until the fixes show?

Technical fixes show once Google recrawls the pages, sometimes within days. Content and reputation fixes take longer.

Want to know which ones your site has?

In an SEO audit we review your site and give you the problems ranked by priority. See our prices or get in touch.