You’ve heard about SEO, but what exactly is search engine optimization?
Search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo have two primary functions:
- Compiling a massive index of crawled websites
- Compiling sites into a ranked relevancy list based on a searcher’s query
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of increasing a site’s ranking (or visibility) in these search engine rankings. Modern SEO requires improving both the technical and creative elements of a website before you’ll see a significant jump in rankings and traffic.
You may have heard how certain words (keywords) can play an important role in SEO. This is definitely true, but keywords are only a part of the puzzle. From the usage of proper keywords to earning quality links from trusted websites, there are many important elements to consider in an effective SEO strategy.
It’s also important to note that SEO isn’t just about making sure your site is pleasing to search engines. You should ensure that people really enjoy using your site too. This is an element that our team takes very seriously! If people don’t enjoy using your website, then search engines won’t rank it well.
Does My Website Really Need SEO?
An SEO optimized site can help your business stand out!
When people look for answers, whether it’s about a new movie or a local business, they go online. There are more than a billion people using Google search each month. That doesn’t include the millions of people using Bing and Yahoo as well.
A great presence on social media can generate plenty of traffic for your site too, but search engines are still the main way that dream customer is going to find your website. This is the simple truth, no matter what type of products or services your business provides.
The really great thing about a search engine is that it provides qualified (targeted) traffic. When people are looking for something, they provide a roadway to the websites that are most likely to offer the answers they seek based on their search queries.
If a search engine can’t crawl or find your site, it won’t be included in it’s database. This means you’ll be missing out on an incredible number of opportunities to connect with new customers.
The Value of SEO for Your Website
What is a search query? The words that a searcher types into the search box are extremely valuable. Data shows that investing in effective SEO provides an exceptional rate of return compared to other marketing channels. If you aren’t investing in this marketing channel, then you are going to be left in the dust by your competitors.
Search engines like Google are getting better all the time, but they still need your help. There are teams at each dedicated to improving their search technology, so that they can return better results for users.
This is great, because our search experience will continue to improve. However, it makes optimizing your website for search engines that much more important. Doing the wrong things can make it so that your website can’t be crawled and won’t ever be included in the search engine results pages (SERPs).
Over time, SEO will boost your rankings so that users are more likely to come across the content you have worked so hard to produce. Competition online can be fierce depending on your industry. Those who invest in search engine optimization and other inbound marketing strategies will have a significant advantage over their competitors.
Doing SEO Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional
Just like search engines themselves, the world of SEO is always changing. Many tactics that were popular a few years ago could get you in a lot of trouble now. But that’s not to say that you can’t learn the basics. Gaining this knowledge can make a big difference– whether you decide to hire an SEO or do things yourself.
If you are looking to delve deeper into the world of SEO, check out these other excellent resources:
- Google’s Starter Guide to SEO (PDF)
- Learn How Google Crawls, Indexes and Serves the Web
- What is PageRank?
- Quick Sprout’s Advanced Guide to SEO
- The Anatomy of a Perfectly Optimized Page
- Quick Wins in SEO
Either way you cut it, it takes a lot of quality work to get a site ranking on the coveted #1 page and it takes a whole lot more work to keep it there for the long run. We understand that many business owners don’t have the time to do this on their own. That’s where our inbound marketing agency comes in…
Ready to get started? Fill out the form below to learn how we can help grow your business with SEO!