In very simple terms, SEO is the way in which users find websites by typing in specific keywords. Keyword research predicts and analyzes what the potential customer may be searching for and bring up websites that correspond with their search. If used correctly, business websites should notice their website raising up in the search engine, with the opportunity to generate a significant amount of sales. Yet, many entrepreneurs overlook the benefits of SEO and often fail to use this technique as part of their marketing strategy.
Why is SEO so important to overall business success and what are the main benefits for using this practice?
1. Increases Visibility
Without SEO practices, search engine robots are unable to understand web pages in the same format as humans, meaning that your website won’t gain the attention that it deserves. When people search for the type of products or service you sell, your website needs to be at the top of the search engine list to get noticed. SEO uses keywords to increase visibility to potential customers.
2. Proves Credibility
Websites which appear higher in search engine rankings are regarded as far more trustworthy and credible, which goes a long way when customers are forced to part with their money. Potential customers have a great deal of faith in Google, meaning that higher ranked websites are regarded to have greater relevance than those lower down on the list.
You may not be thinking of selling your business at the current time or even in the near future, but a higher-ranked website will become a key selling point if or when the time comes to move onto other projects. Entrepreneurs don’t like to take too much of a risk when it comes to making investments, so if you can already prove that your website receives thousands of users each week due to its high search engine ranking, you’re already more than halfway to securing a deal.
For those looking to sell a business, don’t underestimate the power of SEO. Similarly, seek advice wherever possible. Lawbiz for example, gives some helpful hints on ‘How to Sell My Law Practice’ for law firms looking to sell their business in the near future. A law firm that ranks highly on Google is far more appealing than a law firm that loses out due to competitors.
3. A Good Return on Investment
As mentioned, SEO gives a greater return on investment than any other form of marketing both on and offline. This is due to the fact that this type of marketing comes into play when people are actively searching for your products and services; meaning they are far more likely to make a purchase in comparison to television adverts or leaflet hand-outs. Adverts and leaflet hand-outs have proved fairly unsuccessful in recent years as consumers would prefer to actively search online for what they are looking for, as opposed to having their privacy disturbed with bombarding adverts.
4. Provides Information about Your Customers
SEO has a great deal of power in the sense that it can also provide exact specifications of website visitors; including the likes of demographics and interests. This useful information may influence changes in website content and the style of design to suit your target audience. You can also gain an insight into the specific keywords which are leading the prospective customer to your website.
Community manager at Visual Contenting. Jacqueline loves to talk about social media trends, new technology and how they help businesses accelerate their marketing efforts.
