Google ensures we access relevant information through its search algorithm and ranking system, which crawls through sites and selects those that comply with their requirements to appear at the top of the search results.
This is why SEO is important for business. With SEO, business owners optimize their online presence according to Google’s requirements to appear first on the search engine results pages (SERPs).
In other words, search engine optimization is the glue that keeps your organic presence up. There is more to the benefits of SEO than meets the eye, though, as this is not the only reason why SEO is important for business.
1. Organic Search Generates the Most Qualified and the Highest Amount of Traffic
Google is the place most of us turn to search for information. There are 4.39 billion internet site visits worldwide, and Google owns 86.6% of the global market share. In addition, 27% of Google’s visits are located in the U.S, that is around 1.03 billion site visits.
Considering that the U.S. population is just over 331 million people, there are approximately 3.1 users per person navigating Google who can potentially access your website.
Simultaneously, with a well-thought-out strategy, search engine optimization specialists ensure that when someone searches for your product, your website appears at the top of the search results, driving qualified traffic to your site.
To sum up, with SEO, you can have both quantity and quality users visiting your website and knowing your brand.
2. Local Search Engine Optimization Guarantees a Positive User Experience
A keyword-rich website isn’t enough to rank high on the SERPs. Google’s algorithm also considers the merits of your website’s design, assessing how well-structured, user friendly, and responsive the site is. In other words, your keyword strategy is not the only part that makes your on-page SEO strategy successful.
SEO for small businesses guarantees that your site has a rich user experience, making it easier for your potential customers to navigate on your site. You will need an SEO specialist and an experienced website designer who understand how users behave online to create a successful user experience.
Why should I care about my website’s user experience? -you may wonder.
Compare your site to a real-life brick-and-mortar store. If the music’s obnoxious or the lighting is off-putting, it’ll affect how long you want to stay. On the other hand, if the layout makes sense and you’re able to find everything that you’re looking for, you’re far more likely to make a purchase (and return in the future).
3. Local SEO Builds Brand Authority and Trust
SEO for small businesses demands local business owners to work on their brand reputation.
Besides considering what happens on your site (A.KA. on-page SEO), Google analyzes your brand presence on the web including, your social media, Google My Business, customer reviews on local directories, and your local link building strategy.
The stronger your online presence, the more credibility and authority your website has, and the higher your website’s chances to appear on the top of the search engine results pages.
4. Search Engine Optimization Is a Long-Term Strategy
In general, an effective SEO strategy typically takes between four to six months to increase page rankings, organic traffic, and lead generation.
As we mentioned in one of our previous posts, the exact amount of time for you to rank first also depends on third-party factors, including your competition -and the strength of their SEO campaign- and the location where you want to rank.
Once your website ranks on the top of the SERPs, you will most likely stay there for quite some time. From there on, adding content and making technical tweaks as Google updates its search algorithm will continue strengthening your website’s authority.
Can SEO Work for My Small Business?
After reading about the benefits of SEO, you probably are asking yourself if this strategy can work for your specific business. If you have a website, then the answer is: Yes!
You should optimize your website with SEO best practices. No matter how niche your industry is or the number of online competitors you currently have, Google will revise if you’re compliant with their Search Algorithm and Ranking System requirements.
Some of the industries that can benefit from the SEO include, but are not limited to:
- Roofing / Siding
- HVAC
- Law
- Construction
- Contracting
- Remodeling
- Landscaping
- Tree Services
SEO Is Crucial for Local Businesses To Be Found Online
A comprehensive and well-thought-out SEO strategy is paramount for any business’ website and online marketing. SEO is essential for businesses because it guarantees a rich user experience for visitors looking for a trusted brand to address their concerns.
We highly recommend business owners invest in SEO from the start of their digital marketing campaign. Launching a website without following SEO or UX experience best practices to “see how it goes” is like cooking pizza without cheese and tomato sauce – the odds won’t be in your favor.
Instead, dedicate time to SEO and build your online reputation from the get-go. It might take up to six months to see results, but once your website gets constant and qualified traffic, the time invested will be well worth the effort.
Please feel free to check out some of our latest blogs on all things SEO. And, if you have questions about your current SEO strategy, reach out to our team. We will be happy to assess you and propose a winning SEO strategy for your business.
a
Article by Francis Espinoza
Francis is a Social Media Coordinator here at Olly Olly. Born and currently based in Nicaragua, her professional background and passion are all things inbound marketing.
Like what you read? Send Francis a message here.