Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has been around for almost as long as search engines themselves. In fact, the term predates Google. “Search engine optimization” as a service started appearing in 1997. Google launched in 1998. But is it time for this digital marketing method to fade away?
With the rise of a couple of dozen other digital marketing techniques — social media marketing, digital advertising on dozens of platforms, interactive offline-to-online advertising, and many more — SEO can feel dated. There’s also that feeling that everyone seems to be doing it therefore you can’t really expect it to make standout results for your business.
Everyone seems to be running the SEO race, shrinking any chance to come out on top.
Despite these feelings, there’s good reason for SEO to remain an essential part of any digital marketing strategy.
Here are some of the main reasons we still keep SEO in view with our clients:
Search Engines Are Still The Primary Way People Find Information Online
Search engines are still the homepage of the internet.
Despite the rise of social media and other digital marketing channels, search engines remain the most important way people find information online. Google alone handles over 3.5 billion searches per day. If you want to be found online, you need to make sure that your website is optimized for search engines.
Also, search engines are getting more exciting. With the rise of AI and Bing finally seeming to catch up, the race to supremacy seems to be so alive right now.
That means leaps of innovation in the space within a much smaller timeframe.
SEO Is Cost-Effective
Unlike other forms of digital marketing, SEO can surprisingly be more cost-effective.
You don’t need to spend money on ads or sponsored content to rank well in search engine results. (Search Engine Marketing, on the other hand, does include ad spend.)
All you need is a well-optimized website, quality content, and some patience. In the long run, SEO can save you a lot of money and still drive a significant amount of traffic to your site.
SEO Builds Credibility
Ranking well in search engine results is a sign of credibility and authority in your industry. If Google considers your site to be the best answer to a particular query, people are more likely to trust your brand and become customers.
By optimizing your website for SEO, you’re not only improving your search engine visibility, but you’re also building trust with potential customers.
SEO Drives Targeted Traffic
One of the main benefits of SEO is that it drives targeted traffic to your website. People who find your site through search engines are actively looking for what you have to offer.
This means that they are more likely to convert into customers than people who find your site through other channels. By targeting specific keywords and phrases, you can attract the right people to your site and increase your chances of making a sale.
Advertising brings eyeballs to the product. SEO on the other hand, needy eyeballs come looking for the product.
SEO Is Always Evolving
Another proof of SEO being so very alive is that search engines are constantly updating their algorithms, and SEO tactics that worked in the past may not work today.
This means that SEO professionals need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques to stay ahead of the curve. If you’re not constantly refining your SEO strategy, you’re likely falling behind your competitors. If you’re a business owner, it’s your best option to get someone already in the industry to do the job. That way, the methods applied to your digital presence are always up-to-date.
To sum it all up, SEO still demands its own space in a complete digital marketing strategy. It drives targeted traffic to your website, builds credibility, and is cost-effective. As long as search engines remain the primary way people find information online, SEO will continue to be relevant.
Are you looking to get a headstart on your SEO? Contact us today to explore your options.
