SEO Is No Longer Optional
SEO, aka search engine optimization, is a powerful tool utilized for directing internet users to a website, and ignoring it will lead to getting left behind by competitors with better optimized websites. If you don’t optimize your website for search engines, you risk losing potential customers to your competitors because their websites appear higher in search engine results than yours.
Think about how often you use Google to search for things like gluten-free bakeries or affordable sandals. When potential customers search for services or products you offer, you want your site to appear prominently in their results. Research shows that 60% of search traffic on Google goes to sites listed in the top three results.
How Is Search Engine Ranking Determined?
Search engines utilize algorithms to deliver the most relevant information to users. To secure a spot on the first page of results rather than lower pages, focus on establishing authority on topics pertinent to your business.
Authority is built through both onsite and offsite factors-
Onsite- Search engines favor websites that consistently produce fresh, relevant content. For instance, if you run a real estate agency, regularly publishing blog posts about home buying tips can help build your online authority.
Offsite- Search engines also consider links from other websites. When external sites link to your content or share it on social media, it enhances your chances of ranking higher in search results.
How to Approach SEO
Improving your SEO takes time, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Begin by creating highly targeted content that addresses specific questions your audience might have. For example, if you’re in real estate, write articles like "When is the Best Time to Buy a Home in the South?" or "What to Expect from the Chicago Housing Market in 2021." Promote your content through email newsletters and social media to build early authority.