As a business owner, I’m sure you’ve heard the term SEO (Search Engine Optimization). And I’m sure you’ve had a hundred businesses tell you that you need it. But do you actually understand what SEO is?

If I had to guess, we all know that SEO will definitely improve your websites overall searchability and visibility, but what other real benefits can It provide?

These reasons should provide you with some clarity as to why businesses need SEO to reach a level unthinkable by most.

Organic Search Dominates the Competition

As any marketer knows, and probably the average person could guess, Google has a significantly larger market than its competitors like Yahoo, Bing, or DuckDuckGo. Google owns about 75 percent of the overall search market. It’s by far the clear-cut leader and sets the standard for its industries rules and guidelines.

Google is the most visited website in the world, specifically in the United States. But that’s not it, they’re also the most popular email provider and own the second biggest search engine – YouTube. By utilizing SEO techniques and strategies you create trust with Google which, in the end, will drive a lot more organic traffic to your business.  

Organic search is one of the largest traffic sources for any business’s website. It can skyrocket your websites performance and drive consumers down the buyer funnel, ultimately getting users to engage or convert.

And with the increase in Google ad familiarity (you know, those top 3 or 4 listings that seem to state exactly what your searching for – and then hit you with more ads later) it’s getting more and more difficult to overcome those top organic listings. Nearly, 80% of users ignore paid ads in search results. And we’re not saying that Google AdWords isn’t valuable, we still use it, but you can no longer short cut your way to the top.

Being highly visible as a trusted resource by Google and other search engines is always going to work in your brand’s favor and provide value to your business. Taking advantage of quality SEO techniques and strategies will get your brand there.

It’s a Long-Term Strategy

If you’re looking for short term gains and profit, SEO won’t do it for you. You’d be more interested in services like Google AdWords or Facebook Advertising – platforms that all require marketing dollars but can get your business out there quick. But if you’re planning on being around for a while, SEOs your man.

SEO is the long-term strategy for success. It can, and hopefully does, show significant results and impact within the first year of action being taken. With many of those actions having an impact for multiple years after. When you reach a point, which eventually you will, your SEO will turn your website into a lead generating power house – creating new customers every day. We like to call this achievement, the “holy-grail” of lead generation. It’s extremely strong, and can take your business from good, to amazing.

So, if you’re in it for the long haul, starting SEO as early as possible is imperative to creating ultimate success. It take’s time, but is well worth it when you reach the top.

Not on Page 1? That’s a Problem

Have you ever even seen the second or third page of google? Me either. I figure if I didn’t find what I’m look for on the first page, I must have done something wrong and try a new search query. That’s how programmed we are. But it’s not just us, 92% of searchers will pick businesses on the first page of local search results.

Not only that, but recent studies show that the first three organic search ranking positions result in nearly 40 percent of all click-throughs. So not only is it extremely important to be on page one, but also in the top 3 of page one. That doesn’t just happen magically, it requires a sound SEO strategy and a lot of time executing and optimizing that strategy.

SEO Is Relatively Affordable

Yes, I know, it costs money. And for some small business’s money is tight. I get it.

But SEO is relatively affordable in the grand scheme of things. And the results will most likely be considerable in terms of a brand’s value and ROI.

This isn’t like AdWords or Facebook Ads where a marketing budget is required, and once that budget is up, there’s no more value. This is a true business investment. Quality SEO strategies provide dividends for years to come. And if you invest regularly in your business and pay more attention to your SEO, the higher ROI you will receive.

SEO Creates a Better First Impression

If you’re utilizing a quality SEO strategy, it’s going to include snippet optimization. Optimized snippets are very clear and to the point, and immediately provide the user with an idea of what your website is about.

If you’re really optimizing your SEO campaigns, you’re going to be using “rich snippets”. These not only show a short summary but also a thumbnail and rating. The degree of trust gets much higher and your users will be much more inclined to click.

Not only that – the fact that a new potential customer searched and saw your business, will automatically build trust with that user. They know that you’re the real deal and ready to help.

SEO Takes No Days Off

Unlike some of our employees… SEO works around the clock, 24/7 365 days a year. No sick days. No holidays. No vacations. Just constantly doing its job.

So, while you’re hitting the links on a Friday afternoon, or attending your children’s sporting events, SEO is pushing potential clients to your website.

It’s showcasing informative content that is required for the new users that are just starting their buying cycle.

It’s displaying your products and services and even directing them to a page that will convert the lead.

This provides a huge advantage for small businesses and helps you keep a consistent flow of traffic and leads.

What’s Stopping You?

With the reasons listed above in mind, what are you still waiting for? Do you want to gain access to this huge market? Are you planning on being around for a while? If so, you should make the best investment in your business that’s available and discuss with an SEO company about the right strategy and package for you. In the long run, it’s well worth it.