Posted on January 4, 2024 by Webfor

SEO is essential, and every business needs it. But why? Why is SEO so important? And why does every business need it — from the smallest local business to the largest multinational corporation?

These are fundamental questions for businesses curious about the benefits and positive ROI that can accrue with a dedicated approach to search engine optimization.

Digital marketing is in near-constant flux. Algorithms constantly change and trends evolve at lightning speed. But one thing remains constant: the importance of SEO. It’s key to ensuring your business not only survives but thrives in the online marketing landscape.

As the premier digital marketing agency in Vancouver, Washington, Webfor understands the crucial role SEO plays in helping businesses achieve a high return on investment (ROI) for their marketing efforts.

In this blog, we decided to delve into what SEO is and why it’s essential for businesses. We’ve written it for the layperson. That is to say, it’s written for the business owner (or enterprising employee looking out for their company’s best interest) who is new to the world of SEO and wants to learn as much as they can about it.

So let’s start at the beginning.

What Is SEO?

Search engine optimization, or SEO, is a multifaceted strategy designed to enhance a website’s visibility on search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.). SEO involves a range of techniques and practices designed to improve a website’s ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs).

These techniques include optimizing on-page elements, including the addition of high-value keywords, meta tags, and optimized content, as well as off-page strategies such as link building and social media marketing.

Why Is SEO Important?

Optimizing your website for organic search is vital for maximizing your organization’s visibility in search engines like Google. With Google processing 3.5 billion searches per day, the opportunities for positioning your brand in front of your target audience are virtually limitless. That’s why businesses continue to invest in SEO and show no signs of stopping any time soon.

The evidence for the success and reliability of this approach is undeniable.

First of all, organic search remains the dominant driver of traffic. According to a much-publicized 2019 BrightEdge study, more than 53% of all trackable web traffic originates with organic search. That same report shows that for B2B companies, organic search generates two times more revenue than any other channel.

The trend shows no signs of slowing down, especially as it relates to leads, conversions, and revenue. Lumar reports that nearly 9 out of 10 marketing leaders think organic search will drive more revenue in the future. They also believe it contributes to a substantial portion of their company’s economic health and outlook.

“In the survey,” Lumar writes, “nearly half (46%) of respondents estimated that organic search influenced more than a quarter of their organization’s revenue. And more than a quarter (26%) felt it influenced 50% of their organization’s revenue.”

What Are the Overall Goals of SEO?

Most people associate SEO with achieving top rankings in search engine results, and although that is a good indicator of success, there are more specific, tangible goals that search engine optimization strives for.

The overall goals of SEO that apply to any organization include:

Increased Visibility

The primary goal of SEO is to make your website more visible to your target audiences. When potential customers search for products or services related to your business, a strong SEO strategy ensures that your website appears prominently in the search results. This increased visibility can lead to more organic search traffic and potential customers.

Drive Qualified Traffic

Unlike traditional advertising methods, SEO allows you to target specific demographics and reach people who are actively searching for the products or services you offer. This means that the traffic you attract through SEO is more likely to convert into customers, making your marketing efforts more cost-effective.

Reduce Ad Spend

Unlike paid advertising, SEO can be a cost-effective long-term strategy. Once your website ranks highly for relevant keywords, you can enjoy a steady stream of organic traffic without the recurring costs associated with paid advertising (pay-per-click).

Build Credibility and Trust

One can build credibility and trust for a website’s content by ranking higher in search results. And to rank in the first place, content must exhibit credibility (and thus build up trust). It’s a reinforcing system. Furthermore, by optimizing your website for SEO, you can build trust with your audience and establish your business as an authority in your industry.

Gain Advantages Over Competitors

In today’s competitive digital landscape, your competitors are likely investing in SEO. If you neglect SEO, you risk falling behind in the race for online visibility. Investing in SEO helps you understand the competition in your space, and gain insights to give your business a competitive edge.

Improve Your Users’ Experience

SEO is not just about keywords and high rankings; it also involves improving the overall user experience on your website. A well-optimized site is faster, more user-friendly, and mobile-responsive, which can lead to higher engagement and conversions.

Increasing Leads and Sales

When performed correctly, SEO generates leads, conversions, and sales. By optimizing your site and ranking higher on search engine results pages, you increase your visibility to potential customers and position yourself as an industry leader. Not only does this bring in more traffic to your website, but it also ensures the traffic is qualified and interested in what you have to offer.

By converting these leads into paying customers, you can increase your revenue and grow your business. In today’s highly competitive digital landscape, a strong SEO strategy can be the deciding factor between success and failure.

Businesses in every vertical utilize SEO to achieve the high-level objectives above but to truly succeed in search engine marketing, it’s important to understand how SEO can benefit specific types of organizations in different ways.

Why Is Local SEO Important?

Local SEO is crucial for businesses that operate in specific geographic locations. In fact, the benefits of local SEO are similar to SEO in general, as you’ll see:

Reach the Right People

When people search for something online, they often add “near me” or their location. Local SEO ensures your business shows up in these searches, putting you directly in front of potential customers who are already interested in what you offer.

Drive Targeted Traffic

By optimizing your website and online presence for local keywords, you’re attracting visitors who are already interested in what you have to offer. This means higher conversion rates and better ROI for your marketing efforts.

Build Trust and Credibility

Having a well-optimized local listing with positive reviews and accurate information builds trust with potential customers. They see you’re a legitimate business in their area, making them more likely to choose you over your competitors.

Increase Foot Traffic

For brick-and-mortar businesses, local SEO is essential for driving people to your physical location. By providing an accurate address for Google to display, you make it easy for customers to find you.

Enjoy a Competitive Edge

For smaller businesses, local SEO offers a competitive advantage. By focusing on local search rankings, you can compete effectively with larger enterprises, as local SEO emphasizes relevance and proximity over sheer size or budget.

Why Is SEO Important for E-Commerce?

SEO also plays a pivotal role in the success of e-commerce businesses for a number of reasons:

Increased Traffic

Sensing a theme here? E-commerce websites rely heavily on organic traffic. You can sell an in-demand product on your website, but if you aren’t driving people to your product pages, it doesn’t matter a whole lot. Implementing SEO best practices optimizes your website for search engines, attracting more potential customers to your online store.

A Better User Experience

SEO involves enhancing various aspects of a website, such as site structure, loading speed, and mobile responsiveness. This results in a better user experience, leading to increased time spent on the site and higher chances of conversion.

Competitive Advantage

Competition is fierce. SEO helps your website stand out from your competitors. Higher search engine rankings attract more visitors, potentially turning them into paying customers.

Winning the Long Game

Implementing SEO strategies leads to long-term benefits. Once your website ranks well for relevant keywords, as long as you stick to SEO best practices, it’s likely to continue to attract organic traffic for years to come.

Why Is an SEO Audit Important?

An SEO audit should be your first step before diving into any SEO strategy. Here’s why:

Understanding your current performance: An SEO audit provides insights into your website’s current performance, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas that require improvement. This understanding forms the basis for developing an effective SEO strategy.

Identifying Technical Issues

Audits uncover technical issues that may hinder search engines from properly indexing your site. Addressing these issues ensures that your website is optimized for search engines.

Strategic Planning

By analyzing the competition and industry trends during an audit, you can develop a strategic plan tailored to your business goals. This plan guides subsequent SEO efforts and maximizes their effectiveness.

Measuring Progress

An initial audit serves as a benchmark to measure future progress. Regular audits allow you to track improvements, adjust strategies, and maintain or enhance your website’s search visibility over time.

The future of SEO is set to be a thrilling journey, with an increasing focus on user experience, mobile optimization, voice search, and adaptation to new technologies. As technology evolves, SEO will continue to adapt to new trends and technologies, making it crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. SEO not only helps businesses achieve a high return on investment (ROI) but also ensures consistent online visibility and credibility.

Don’t underestimate the power of SEO. Invest in it today to secure a brighter future for your business online. SEO isn’t a luxury but a necessity for every business in the digital age. It’s a powerful tool that can increase your website’s visibility, attract targeted traffic, and boost your credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential customers.

SEO also offers a cost-effective way to market your business and stay ahead of the competition. In a world where online presence is a make-or-break factor, investing in SEO is an investment in the future success of your business.

To succeed in the competitive digital world, partnering with a digital marketing agency like Webfor provides access to the expertise needed to navigate the ever-changing world of SEO.

Read our related resources on Search Engine Optimization: