In the digital world, where trends come and go, and algorithms change overnight, there’s something that is becoming more important than ever: the power of owning your platform. This is where the true value of having a website and utilizing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) becomes apparent. Unlike social media and other third-party platforms where rules and visibility are subject to change, your website is a digital asset you fully control. SEO empowers you to leverage this asset, drawing in organic traffic and building a foundation that withstands the test of time and the wishy-washiness of online trends and the companies that dictate them.
The Long Term Benefits of SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is not just a marketing strategy; it’s a long-term investment. Here are several compelling reasons why it’s beneficial and timeless:
1. Increased Organic Traffic
SEO focuses on optimizing your site to rank higher in search engine results, leading to more organic (non-paid) traffic. This is crucial because organic search is often the main source of website traffic, connecting you with users actively seeking what you offer.
According to WordStream, a whopping 94% of people skip over search ads. In my own personal experience, I always scroll past the ads at the top of my search results and click on the first organic link. This is why you should always strive to rank well organically!
2. Better Return on Investment (ROI) Than Social Media
While it’s inarguable that social media is an important part of digital marketing, SEO typically offers a better ROI. This is because SEO-driven traffic tends to have a higher conversion rate, as it targets users who are actively searching for information related to your products or services. Social Media Ads might be able to do this too, but it isn’t always accurate (this may be by design!) and can run-up your ad budget by showing your ad to the wrong audience.
3. Higher Visibility and Brand Awareness
By ranking higher in search results, your business gains more visibility. This increased exposure is huge for brand awareness, as users are more likely to trust and recognize a brand that appears at the top of their search results organically. Like we established earlier, the majority of users skip over paid ads. Earning your high-ranking spot naturally will form trust with your audience.
4. Long-lasting Results
The efforts put into SEO yield long-term benefits. Unlike paid advertising, where visibility ends as soon as you stop paying, a well-optimized site can maintain high rankings and attract traffic for a long time, even after you’ve stopped pursuing active SEO efforts.
5. Less of an On-Going Investment than Paid Advertising
Once your site is well-optimized, it requires less ongoing investment compared to the continual spending needed for paid advertising. While SEO might need semi-regular updates and maintenance, these tasks are typically less resource-intensive than constantly funding ad campaigns.
Imagine paid ads like a water faucet. Results are dependent on keeping that faucet on. The moment it’s turned off, the results stop. The hard work you put into SEO optimization will pay off for years. We have seen this firsthand through both our sites and our clients’ sites as we continue to get results from pages we created years ago!
6. Always Adaptable
SEO strategies can be continually adapted to suit changing market trends, search engine algorithms, and consumer behaviors. This flexibility ensures that your online presence remains effective and relevant over time.
You generally have more say in SEO than you do in paid ads. If Google were to make a drastic chance to how Google Ads works, you could be in trouble! While there have been many algorithm changes, the basics of SEO have stayed largely unchanged over the last 20 years. This fills us with confidence that good SEO practices will be around for the foreseeable future.
Using SEO to Expand Your Reach and Get Leads From All Over
Smart SEO optimization opens your business doors to customers that would have never found you otherwise. It’s not just about being visible in your local area; it’s about reaching out to potential customers, no matter where they are. Smartly optimizing for SEO allows you to not just cast a wider net; you’re also aiming for the right kind of fish.
This is something that we’ve experienced firsthand! Thanks to the power of SEO, we’ve connected with businesses all over the USA that we never could have served otherwise.
Reasons How A Great Website Can Improve SEO
1. Improved User Experience
Search engines like Google prioritize websites that offer a great user experience. This includes aspects like easy navigation, engaging design, and intuitive interfaces. A site that is enjoyable and easy to use is more likely to retain visitors, decrease bounce rates, and, consequently, rank higher in search results.
2. High-Quality, Engaging Content
The backbone of any SEO strategy is high-quality, engaging content. Content that answers user queries, provides valuable information, and keeps readers engaged will rank higher in search engines. Regularly updating your website with fresh, relevant content also encourages visitors to return, further boosting SEO.
3. Fast Loading and Optimizied for Mobile
With the increasing use of mobile devices for internet access, having a website that is both fast-loading and mobile-optimized is essential. Search engines favor websites that load quickly and provide a good user experience on mobile devices. This not only improves your SEO but also caters to a broader audience.
Website SEO Vs. Social Media: Which is Worth Your Time?
While social media can drive significant traffic and awareness, its dependency on constantly changing algorithms and the need for continuous content creation can be a double-edged sword. On the flip side, SEO, although slower to start, provides a more consistent and long-term benefit. The traffic from SEO is not just quantity; it’s quality. These are people who are looking for exactly what you have to offer.
The answer isn’t choosing one over the other; it’s about finding the right balance. For most businesses, this means investing in SEO to build a solid foundation for your online presence and using social media to engage with your audience and promote your content.
Many businesses put all their energy into social media, and they neglect to expand upon their website. At Roe Digital, we’ve found a different approach works best. We spend our efforts developing our website: writing engaging blog posts, optimizing our keywords for SEO, and keeping it up-to-date and easy to navigate. Then, we take the stuff from our website that works well and give it an extra boost via social media.
The Next Step in Finding Success with SEO
The power of SEO lies in its ability to adapt and remain relevant, even as market trends and search algorithms evolve.
We also delved into the impact of a well-designed website, emphasizing that it’s not just the storefront of your digital presence but the foundation of your SEO strategy. An optimized website enhances user experience, showcases high-quality content, and is tailored for both speed and mobile use – all crucial factors for ranking high in search results.
And let’s not forget the synergy between SEO and social media. While social media offers immediacy and connectivity, SEO provides longevity and depth. It’s about striking the right balance between these tools, leveraging each for its unique strengths.
If you’re looking to refine your online marketing efforts by effectively combining SEO, PPC and social media strategies, we’re here to help. Reach out to us for insights on creating a digital presence that’s not just bigger but smarter and more aligned with your long-term goals.
