I remember the very first website I designed for a paying customer. That was way back in the 1990s, when the public internet was still brand-new. The funny thing is that my client knew more about SEO than I did. Even way back then, he knew how important SEO would ultimately be to an emerging internet.
I mention this to set up a question: does your company utilize SEO services? That is assuming you have a company website. If not, getting a website up and running is your first priority. If you already have a site, whether you utilize SEO plays a significant role in how effective your site is as both a marketing tool and an online calling card.
The Basics of SEO
Maybe you’re not utilizing SEO services because you don’t even understand what SEO is. SEO (search engine optimization) is a group of strategies and tools leveraged to ensure that a website performs well on Google, Bing, and other search engines.
Webtek Digital Marketing, a Utah SEO and digital marketing firm, explains that the majority of all web traffic originates from search engines. So to maximize the amount of traffic coming to your site, it needs to perform well on organic searches. That is the point of SEO. Deploying sound SEO strategies makes it easier for people to find your website when they search online.
DIY and Paid SEO Services
With an understanding of the basics, it is time to move on to the differences between DIY and paid SEO services. In a DIY scenario, you do everything yourself. You handle:
- Keyword research
- On- and off-site optimization
- Link building
- PPC advertising
- Technical SEO
- Tracking and analytics
Investing in paid SEO services means hiring a professional to do the work for you. There is a middle ground option: doing the work yourself but investing in automated tools that make it easier. One way or the other, to the extent that you utilize SEO, your website will perform better in organic searches.
What You Get with Paid Services
We finally get to what you are missing out on if you don’t utilize SEO services. First and foremost, you’re missing out on industry expertise. You might understand the basics of SEO well enough to get by on your own. But unless SEO is what you do for a living, you are not an expert. Paid professionals are experts. They understand how it works better than anyone else.
You’re also missing out on a ton of analytics data that can make all the difference in the world. Professional SEO providers have access to highly technical tools capable of producing tons of helpful data. All that data is leveraged to continually improve performance.
Not utilizing paid SEO services means you are missing out on the potential for content marketing to revolutionize how you reach your customers. Effective content marketing is one of the best forms of marketing dollar-for-dollar. It is hard to match content marketing’s value when it’s done right.
Mobile Optimization
In the realm of SEO, mobile optimization is no longer optional but a necessity. With a significant increase in mobile device usage for online searches, SEO services must prioritize making websites mobile-friendly. This approach is essential to capture a broader audience. A mobile-optimized site provides a better user experience for mobile users, which is a key factor in search engine rankings. This involves responsive website design, ensuring that the site adjusts seamlessly to various screen sizes and resolutions. Additionally, mobile optimization includes improving site speed, as slow loading times on mobile can significantly impact user experience and bounce rates. By focusing on mobile SEO, businesses ensure their site appeals to the vast majority of users who access the internet via smartphones and tablets.
Local SEO
For businesses with physical locations, local SEO is a cornerstone of their online presence. It allows businesses to appear in local search results, which is especially important for attracting nearby customers. This includes optimizing for location-based keywords and ensuring the business is listed on local directories and platforms like Google Maps. The aim is to improve visibility in localized searches, a key driver for foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores. Local SEO also involves managing online reviews, which play a critical role in local search rankings and consumer trust. By optimizing for local search, businesses can effectively target their local market, attract more customers, and enhance their local reputation.
Algorithm Updates
Understanding and adapting to search engine algorithm updates is crucial for maintaining and improving website rankings. Search engines like Google frequently update their algorithms, and these changes can significantly impact how websites are ranked. Staying informed about these updates allows SEO professionals to adjust strategies accordingly. This might include altering keyword emphasis, adjusting content structure, or improving technical aspects of a website. Adapting to algorithm changes ensures that SEO efforts are aligned with current best practices, preventing potential drops in rankings and maintaining a competitive edge in search results.
User Experience Enhancement
Enhancing the user experience (UX) is a fundamental aspect of SEO services. This involves various elements such as optimizing page load times, improving website navigation, and ensuring the site is mobile-responsive. A positive user experience is crucial as it not only satisfies visitors but is also a factor considered by search engines when ranking websites. Websites that are easy to navigate, load quickly, and provide valuable content are more likely to retain visitors and reduce bounce rates. Furthermore, an enhanced UX leads to better engagement, longer visit durations, and potentially higher conversion rates. By focusing on UX improvements, SEO services contribute significantly to both user satisfaction and search engine rankings.
Long-Term Sustainability
Effective SEO strategies are crucial for long-term sustainability in the digital space. Unlike short-term marketing tactics, the impact of SEO endures over time, providing lasting benefits. Consistent application of SEO best practices leads to a steady flow of organic traffic, enhancing online visibility and credibility. It’s an investment that grows over time, as the compounded effects of ongoing SEO efforts often result in an increasing return on investment. This sustainable approach ensures that a website remains competitive and visible in search results, continually attracting new visitors and potential customers. In the ever-evolving digital landscape, long-term sustainability through SEO is key to a robust and enduring online presence.
It’s Ultimately Your Choice
It goes without saying that whether you utilize SEO services or not is your choice. You have the right to operate your business in whatever way you see fit. Just know that SEO is no longer an option if you want your website to be of any value. It needs to perform well on organic searches or it’s essentially useless.
Paid SEO services can help you make the most of your website. If you cannot afford them, at least make use of the free automated tools from Google and others.
