Is SEO still a major tool in the game of Internet marketing? It sure is: SEO is far from outmoded.
However, the approach has changed. It’s changed so much that people are coming to think of it more in terms of “branding.” Organic search engine optimization is the name of the game. It could potentially make you or break you.
Several companies are renewing their commitment to investing in a solid, SEO web infrastructure that’s search engine friendly, and tracks the search engines as they improve their algorithms into the future.
Here’s a list of reasons why your company needs a solid SEO strategy.
1. SEO works
The methods used to improve SEO still work. Although information relative to organic traffic from Google was recently pulled, the methods themselves remain valuable. Scores of post-Hummingbird SEO case studies are a testament to this.
2. It’s cost-effective
SEO provides a solid ROI compared to the associated costs of other online marketing tactics such as purchasing leads for email marketing, social media marketing, or PPC advertising. While it’s true that social media can be more critical to your image and PPC may attract more revenue, in many ways organic SEO is still the foundation for your presence online.
3. Organic SEO keeps on giving
Due to the way the search engines are continuing to develop, the chances that SEO will become ineffective are nearly zero. Even video and audio searches depend to some extent on keywords.
4. Local search optimization and increased mobile bandwidth
As the year progresses, the level of traffic through mobile devices is expected to exceed traffic to conventional desktop devices. Because of the dramatic growth of mobile usage, the world is an open book for companies who employ powerful SEO techniques, especially local search.
5. Search engines and market share
Numbers don’t lie. Nearly 90% of all potential customers read online reviews before buying a product, and these numbers are expected to increase.
Before long, virtually everyone will search online for products and services. If you don’t use organic SEO, customers will have a difficult time locating your business online. They will find your competition, however.
6. All your competitors are using SEO
SEO is an ongoing process. If you’re not actively improving your position and moving forward, you’re losing ground to competitors. It’s the nature of the beast; it’s business. Don’t ignore the valuable tool of SEO and get left behind.
7. Optimized content profile
Every time Google and the other engines update their algorithms, they change the way they view a site. Things that never existed before, such as social media, play a significant role in the way you rank. Building a strong content profile will support your web presence, since Google currently assigns it value.
It’s more important than ever to invest in solid and organic SEO, despite the difficulty people are having due to a lack of organic traffic and keyword data. Your business success will depend on your ability to put a plausible SEO strategy in place.
It’s one of the more important elements of a group’s online presence and branding efforts.