Let’s be real, how often do you click to the second page of Google? Probably never. In fact, 75% of users never scroll past the first page. That’s why SEO is important for businesses, it ensures your brand doesn’t get lost in the digital abyss. (source: Backlinko)
By optimising your website with relevant keywords, high-quality content and technical best practices, you increase your chances of ranking on that sought after first page. The higher you rank, the more likely potential customers will find you before your competitors.
When was the last time you trusted a sketchy-looking website buried on page four? Exactly. Users tend to associate higher rankings with credibility. Google’s algorithm prioritises websites that demonstrate expertise, authority and trustworthiness, which means investing in SEO can enhance your brand’s reputation.
A well-optimised site with strong backlinks, quality content and a great user experience signals to both search engines and potential customers that you’re a trustworthy and knowledgeable source in your industry.
Unlike paid ads, which require a continuous budget, organic traffic is like planting a tree. Put in the work to begin with, and it will continue to grow over time, benefiting your business every single day. SEO helps your website attract visitors without the constant need for paid promotion.
For instance, a well-optimised blog post can continue to bring in traffic for months, even years, after it’s published. That’s why SEO is important for businesses looking for a sustainable, long-term marketing strategy.
Gone are the days when businesses relied solely on billboards, TV ads and direct mail, and just hoping whoever’s watching is looking for a business like yours at that specific moment. With 97% of people searching for local businesses online, digital presence matters more than ever! SEO allows you to meet your audience where they already are, on search engines, searching for businesses like yours. (source: Social Media Today)
For example, if you own a bakery in Manchester, ranking for “best bakery in Manchester” is far more valuable than running a generic newspaper ad. Why? Because SEO targets people who are already looking for what you offer. Who’s to say the people reading that newspaper are even interested in bakeries in Manchester, it’s a no brainer.
Speaking of targeting, let’s talk about local SEO, an absolute goldmine for businesses with a physical presence. If you’ve ever searched for “coffee shops near me” and picked one from Google Maps, you’ve experienced local SEO in action.
Optimising your Google Business Profile, getting customer reviews and using location-based keywords can help you attract customers who are literally around the corner. 78% of local mobile searches result in an offline purchase, proving why SEO is important for businesses with a physical presence. (source: Search Engine Journal)
Google’s algorithm isn’t just about keywords; it also factors in user experience. A slow, clunky website won’t just frustrate users, it’ll hurt your rankings.
Here are some key elements of SEO-friendly user experience:
- Page Speed: 53% of users abandon a site that takes longer than 3 seconds to load. (source: Think with Google)
- Mobile Optimisation: Over 60% of searches come from mobile devices. (source: Statista)
- Easy Navigation: Clear menus and internal links keep users engaged.
- Secure Browsing (HTTPS): Google prioritises secure sites.
Improving these elements makes your website more user-friendly, which means better engagement, lower bounce rates, and higher rankings.
Your competitors are investing in SEO, but, are you? If they rank higher than you, they’re getting the traffic (and customers) that could’ve been yours.
By consistently updating your SEO strategy, keeping up with algorithm changes, and analysing your competitors, you can maintain an edge. In a world where 90% of searchers haven’t made up their mind about a brand before searching, appearing first can make all the difference. (source: Hubspot)
“Content is king” isn’t just a catchy phrase, it’s the foundation of SEO. High-quality, valuable content helps answer users’ questions, establishes your authority, and naturally incorporates keywords that drive traffic.
Here are some content types that boost SEO:
Creating useful, shareable content builds your SEO muscle and keeps your audience engaged.
One of the biggest advantages of SEO is its trackability. Unlike traditional marketing, where ROI is harder to measure, SEO provides clear metrics.
Tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Ahrefs help track:
- Organic traffic
- Keyword rankings
- Click-through rates (CTR)
- Bounce rates
- Conversion rates
By analysing this data, businesses can refine their strategies and improve results over time.
SEO isn’t a one-time effort, it’s an ongoing process. As search engines evolve, so must your strategy. The rise of AI, voice search and ever-changing algorithms means staying updated is crucial.
The good news? Businesses that invest in SEO now will reap long-term benefits, building a strong digital foundation that continues to drive results in the years to come. Even better news? We can do it for you!
By now, you should have a clear answer to why SEO is important for businesses. It’s not just about ranking higher on Google, it’s about visibility, credibility and long-term growth. Whether you’re a small local business, or a multinational brand, SEO is your key to digital success.
So, are you ready to level up your SEO game? Let’s chat! Get in touch today by filling out our quote form, and get ready to watch your business thrive in the ever-competitive online world.
