Google may keep its search rank algorithm a secret, but content creators aren't in the dark about how to achieve search engine success. Today's successful SEO content isn't stuffed with keywords and saturated with links, so creators can't just cut corners and try to game the system like in years past. Content today more closely reflects the preferences and desires of online consumers searching for relevant information. Brands that want to reach these audiences have to take a sincere approach to creating content.

While this sets up content for organic success, quality isn't the only determinant of performance. Content creators must also develop strategies for prioritizing their content and amplifying it to reach a wider audience — while boosting their own SEO credentials.

Thanks to the early days of the Internet, when keyword-stuffing and link-spamming were prevalent, search engine optimization — or SEO — got a bad name.

But what is SEO today? Flash forward, and some people still carry a stigma when considering what SEO means for online businesses. But over the years, a maturing Internet landscape has pushed out those questionable tactics. Content that leans on cheap SEO tricks of old won't get any kinds of results that reward their creators. In their place, legitimate SEO practices have evolved that increase brand and content visibility while serving as indicators of value for consumers.

Today's SEO only has one thing in common with its unsavory predecessor: It works.

It's always a good idea to keep a budget for various marketing projects, including SEO campaigns. But just as you would never want to overspend on any specific facet of a marketing campaign, it is important to not underspend either. The axiom "you get what you pay for" may be old and cliche, but it couldn't be more true when you are trying to launch an effective SEO campaign. Here are three things that a $500 budget just won't get you.

Quality Content

The cornerstone of a great SEO campaign is useful content that is easily marketable and highly shareable and uses key topics that are highly relevant to your business. Five hundred dollars will barely cover a few pieces of such content, which requires the services of skilled copywriters and talented editors. Though it's certainly tempting to outsource your content to services that court the lowest bidder, such a scheme is sure to net poor content that won't have the same ability to perform well in search results, especially as Google has been cracking down on keyword-stuffed low-quality content in recent months, according to Yahoo Small Business.