SEO, SEM, search engine algorithms. These are all terms heard quite frequently when it comes to how digital marketing strengthens your business’s online presence. What does effective SEO entail and is it really worth the time that it takes? Let’s take an in-depth look at best SEO practices, effective SEO services, and why it is worth committing to.
What is SEO?
First, it is important to know that SEO stands for search engine optimization. SEO is the process of making sure your website meets the criteria that search engines such as Google and Bing look for when ranking search results.
For example, let’s say your business is about selling arts and crafts. When someone searches for arts and crafts in search engines, you want to make sure that your website ranks well for this particular search since your target audience is those who are wanting to purchase arts and crafts.
SEO Sounds Pretty Simple. Why Does it Take So Much Time?
The overall goal of SEO is very simple. You want to rank as high as possible on search engines, preferably number one or at least on the first page.
However, there are many details that go into optimizing your website for search engines. Your website will also be in competition with thousands of other websites competing for the same space.
So what are the winning SEO strategies? First and foremost, it is important to understand that it takes time to get your website just right, and it also takes time for your website to gain a favorable reputation on the world wide web so that search engines recognize it as a valuable resource. Many users give up on SEO if they do not experience overnight success. This is just not how SEO works.
How Do Search Engines Decide How to Rank?
Search engines use algorithms to determine the most useful websites based on searchers’ inquiries. These algorithms are constantly changing and improving to ensure accuracy.
There are certain factors that are taken into account when it comes to how well a website ranks on a search engine. Among these are keywords, which are by far the most important. When someone types “dog beds” into a search engine, that search engine will pull up websites in which “dog beds” is the topic.
Other factors include the ability for Google to crawl and understand the contents of the page, high-quality content, content that is updated regularly, credible links to other pages, etc. These are some of the most important factors.
Why are SEO Services Worth Investing in?
Although SEO takes time to become effective, it is one of the most important digital marketing tools at any business’s disposal. Advertising is one of the most costly aspects of running any business.
Let’s face it- most people ignore paid ads and skip to organic listings. SEO is an investment in your business that does cost time and money. However, the positive effects of effective SEO services are felt long after your initial investment has been made.
Digital Marketing is Evolving
Desktops are quickly becoming a thing of the past; more and more users of the web are doing so from their mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets from wherever they are in the world. Not to mention voice search is quickly becoming the top search method.
Do you remember when cassette tapes were popular and then everything went to CDs? Now, most people listen to music on their phones. Cassette tapes and CDs are basically obsolete.
The same is true for marketing. Think about how much you actually pay attention to ads on the television or the radio. Probably not much.
Most people search the web to learn more about a product they are interested in, read reviews, search for the best place to purchase it. Not to mention that online shopping is becoming more and more popular. The bottom line is that SEO is essential for the web to work, so it isn’t going anywhere.
So while how we access and use the internet is constantly evolving, SEO will always be a critical digital marketing tool to facilitate how you find what you’re looking for online.
What is the Difference Between SEO and SEM or PPC?
When you choose SEM (Search Engine Marketing) or PPC (Pay-Per-Click), you are paying for ads and clicks to your website whether or not these leads convert to sales.
If you’re not careful, this can become costly very quickly and you very well might end up paying more for ads than you are getting in return on sales. Effective SEO strategies have long-term effects and essentially do not cost anything but time.
SEO is a Level Playing Field
When it comes to paid advertising, the deeper the pockets a company has, the more of an advantage they hold. This is frustrating for smaller businesses that aren’t able to compete financially.
However, when it comes to SEO, search engines do not care how little or how much money a company has. It only cares about the quality of the website and that it checks off all of the criteria and fits into the algorithms.
Effective SEO Services
As mentioned above, SEO takes time and is an ongoing effort. Just because you rank at the top doesn’t mean you kick back and relax. If you do, a competitor will come along and outrank you.
It is advisable to hire effective SEO services from professionals who can help put you on the map by optimizing your website for local SEO.
Many companies do not have a marketing department and do not keep staff on hand who specialize in digital marketing.
Rather than letting a staff member wing it, you will be more profitable to invest in a relationship with a digital marketing agency who understands how to help your website rank in the search engines and stays abreast of the latest changes to search engine algorithms.
The Leading Local SEO Company and Digital Marketing Agency in Cleveland
LocalBizGuru understands the importance of a strong web presence even for the smallest of businesses. Many businesses rely on effective SEO services to attract more customers and convert a higher number of leads to sales.
Let us make sure your website is taking full advantage of the web. Our specialists will create a comprehensive SEO strategy that is sure to take your business to the next level. Contact us today for more information on how to increase your web presence.
