Everybody loves a sugar coat. Sometimes, it’s a lot easier to digest information that isn’t ideal with a layer of sweet on top.
At Local Digital, we don’t like sugarcoating.
We tell it how it is - take SEO, for example.We’d love to tell you to pay one big fee and have all your SEO issues solved, but the reality is - SEO just doesn’t work like that.You need to continuously invest in your SEO for it to show you results that you’re happy with - play the long game, if you will.Today, we’re exploring why SEO is a monthly investment, why this matters, and how it will ultimately drive the best results for your business.Strap in, it’s time for takeoff!
What is SEO?
Before we get into why exactly you should be investing in SEO monthly, let’s talk about what SEO actually is.Search engine optimisation is a digital marketing strategy with a specific focus on your website presence, particularly when it comes to ranking higher on any given Search Engine Results Page (SERP).By using different strategies and tactics, you can effectively optimise your website for these search engines in order to rank significantly higher, therefore increasing your online visibility so more potential customers can find your services and products.There are so many factors that search engine take into account when deciding which pages should rank first, with Google themselves using over 200 ranking factors!Some of the more popular SEO strategies are:
- Keyword research
- Creating SEO-friendly content
- Optimising current content
- Improving web design and overall user experience
- Link building
- Analysing search intent and customer queries
The best part about SEO is that continuous investment means continuous results.You’ll continue to see results from your SEO strategy for years to come.By deciding to invest in SEO, your business will expand, reaching your target audience and boosting both sales and revenue.
Why do I need to commit to SEO long-term?
SEO won’t drive traffic, sales, or leads instantly.For most businesses, SEO takes a minimum of 3-6 months before you can see results - hence the long-term commitment.Therefore, you’ll have to begin optimising your site and continue to optimise your website even when results aren’t immediate.There are a few key reasons as to why SEO takes some time to start working.
It takes time to set SEO up
There is a lot to do when it comes to SEO.You need to create content, optimise it, post it to your website, troubleshoot, and more.There are also a lot of different aspects of marketing that coexist with SEO, and taking advantage of each is essential to long-term success. Some of the most common strategies are:
- Content marketing
- PPC advertising
- Social media marketing
- Web design
- User experience design
All of this can help contribute to a comprehensive SEO strategy, and an expert SEO agency (like ourselves) can do it even better. But it still takes time to do it right.
Google is slow
Google might deliver search results in the blink of an eye, but it definitely takes its time to discover and index new websites.Google has the job of reading and categorizing the entire Internet - it’s no small feat.You’ll need to earn credibility in Google’s eyes before your site can be recommended higher in the search ranks, so tread wisely.By creating accounts on Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google My Business, information about your business gets sent straight to Google.This will allow Google to find, categorise and show you in search results - even if you’re not on the first page of search results right off the bat.
Competitors also use SEO
Be mindful that your competitors are using SEO, too.The harder your competitors work, the harder it will be for your SEO strategy to thrive.You need to stay ahead of the curve - a great way to do this is to diversify the keywords you target.By doing this, you can reach customers with content that your competitors haven’t thought of yet - play the offense!By targeting a large range of keywords, plus your competitors’ keywords too, you’ll throw your hat in the ring and compete for high value customers.
Why is a long-term SEO commitment worth it?
Here are some of our top reasons as to why SEO is definitely worth the long-time commitment for long-term results.
SEO works
To put it simply, it does. It works so well.A massive 85% of retailers agree that SEO, especially when combined with PPC, are extremely effective at acquiring customers.With increased visibility, higher rankings, and an easier user experience all round, it’s a no brainer that SEO strategies will skyrocket your conversion rate.
SEO uses Google’s reach to its advantage
Here’s a large statistic for you - Google handles over 2 trillion searches per year.Keep that in mind.Your business can be a part of those searches!Your customers exist, and they’re using Google - so use SEO to reach them.
SEO corners local searches
Fact is, 80% of all local searches on Google convert into new customers or leads.Google My Business, for example, is a great way to utilise local SEO to show up on local searches.Imagine a world where ¾ people who look you up become a new lead.With SEO, you won’t have to imagine - it can be your reality.
SEO uses content marketing to its advantage
Let’s face it - content marketing is where its at.Content marketing can generate 3x more leads in comparison to traditional marketing.Every time you create content for your site, you have the chance to drive 3x more leads and sales when compared to billboards, radio, even television ads.That is so many customers compared to what is comparatively such a small investment - what isn’t to love?
So, what can I do now?
Hopefully the world of long-term SEO and its importance feels a little bit clearer now.If you’re still confused or don’t even know where to start, we’ve got you.Get a free proposal with Local Digital today, and let us show you how A-grade SEO can completely transform your business before you can say ‘search engine optimisation’.
