Now, let’s tackle the concept of search engine optimization (SEO). SEO is defined as “the process of affecting the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine’s “natural” or un-paid (“organic”) search results.” Exciting, isn’t it? Well, the benefits definitely are. A search engine-optimized site can translate into measurable success to be enjoyed by the studs within each market segment that recognize the value and power of the discipline. And, it is a discipline that can become fairly complex. The more competition in a market segment, the more savvy the competitors, the harder it is to get that elusive page 1 result. This doesn’t mean businesses shouldn’t invest the time, resources and effort to get there. Here are my top 5 reasons why:
- Developed Strategic Stance & Competitive Advantage
As in most business contexts, there is something to be said about first-mover advantages. Those first-to-market tend to swallow-up more share and a protected market position. Those who fail to stake a claim wane and die. It is important for brands to carve out a presence online, battle for positioning, and SERP’s are arguably the most beneficial places to do so online. - Increased Targeted Traffic
It’s the age of inbound marketing when strategic targets exist in cyberspace looking to consume the information and offerings put forth by the most nimble and responsive marketers. The most successful ones are those who know their customers’ needs and search behaviour and who tailor their web presence and content to them accordingly. In a push versus pull debate, pull usually wins. Pre-qualified traffic translates into more warm leads and better conversion figures. - Improved Branding & Marketing Positioning
Solid performance in search engine results pages (SERP’s) translates into credibility and top-of-mind awareness for the successful SEO practitioner. Google’s a great place to build brand equity and position products and services within the marketplace. The better a brand can secure and defend a first-page organic search result under a targeted keyword or basket of keywords, the more people will trust it within the competitive space, and the more conversion can be expected. - Measurable Control & Facilitated Responsiveness
Analytics tools enable marketers to monitor their web properties’ performance under a number of important criteria. The information derived from key metrics can dictate the appropriate action for tinkering with items valued by search engines that improve page ranks and performance within SERP’s. Consistent monitoring, split testing and responsive action can reasonably predict, protect or improve the positioning of a brand within SERP’s. In times like these, it’s important to get scientific about initiatives and their associated spend. - Better Return on Investment (ROI)
The cost of SEO is whatever budgets allow it to be and could be negligible over a given period of time, especially when marketers earn a solid page rank and manage to protect it. A small investment could be enough to deliver significant impact, depending on the market and breadth of SEO efforts undertaken. Search engines do not charge to index websites. Efforts made to optimize a site for search up-front can have enduring benefits that can be sustained over the long haul at a marginal cost, or even for free.
Any brand needs to have its web properties optimized for organic search. Searchers prefer organic search results to paid ones by a ratio of almost 16 to 1. There’s a lot that goes into search engine optimization some key SEO strategies and tactics will be discussed on this blog in the future. The intent with this post is to demonstrate SEO’s value to the strategists, marketing managers and decision makers who have yet to get their feet wet. SEO can create advantages, protect against competitive rivalry, drive performance and grow the success of your company.
Thinking of using SEO for your small business? Let T-Tech be a helping hand in the success in marketing your small business! Contact us today about SEO solutions!
Originally posted by Pat January 22, 2013
http://blog.htc.ca/2013/01/22/top-5-bottom-line-benefits-of-seo-search-engine-optimization/
