What is SEO and Why is it Important?

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is basically having your website shown on the search engine results page when people search for products you sell.

For example: if someone uses Google to search for skateboards, you want your skateboard business to be the number one result. This increases the number of people who visit your website and also increases the volume of online sales and/or sales enquiries.

Image: Cameron Casey

But what exactly is SEO, and why is it so crucial for your business? At Execon, we believe that understanding and implementing SEO is key to online success. Let’s dive into the essentials.

What is SEO?

SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, refers to the practice of enhancing your website to increase its visibility for relevant searches on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. The better visibility your pages have in search results, the more likely you are to attract attention and bring prospective and existing customers to your business.

The Basics of SEO

1. Keywords: These are the terms and phrases that people type into search engines. Identifying and targeting the right keywords is fundamental to ensuring your content reaches the right audience.

2. Content: High-quality, relevant content that provides value to users is crucial. This includes blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, and more.

3. On-Page SEO: This involves optimising individual web pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic. It includes elements like meta tags, headers, URL structure, and image optimisation.

4. Off-Page SEO: This focuses on building backlinks from other reputable websites. These links act as votes of confidence and can significantly boost your site’s authority and ranking.

5. Technical SEO: This encompasses the backend aspects of your site, such as site speed, mobile-friendliness, and ensuring a secure (HTTPS) connection.

Google Search

Why is SEO Important?

One of the significant differences of SEO is that it services customers with specific intent, while advertisements aim to build awareness and interest among a broader audience.

The science of consumer behaviour shows us that this means that these customers are further along in the decision-making process and are more likely to purchase a product.

1. Increased Visibility and Traffic

The primary goal of SEO is to improve your site's ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). When your website appears on the first page of search results, it’s more likely to be seen and clicked on by users. This increased visibility translates to more organic traffic to your site.

2. Credibility and Trust

Websites that rank higher on search results are often perceived as more credible and trustworthy by users. Effective SEO practices help establish your brand as an authority in your industry, building trust with your audience.

3. Better User Experience

SEO isn’t just about search engines; it’s also about improving the user experience on your website. A well-optimised site with clear navigation, fast loading times, and mobile compatibility ensures that visitors have a positive experience, increasing the likelihood of conversions.

4. Cost-Effective Marketing

Compared to traditional advertising methods, SEO is highly cost-effective. While it requires an investment of time and resources, the long-term benefits, such as sustained traffic and increased brand visibility, far outweigh the initial costs.

5. Competitive Advantage

In today’s competitive market, businesses that invest in SEO are more likely to outperform those that don’t. By keeping up with the latest SEO trends and techniques, you can stay ahead of your competitors and capture a larger share of your target market.

6. Quantifiable Results

SEO provides quantifiable and trackable results, regardless of whether you are an e-commerce or non-e-commerce site. Tools like Google Analytics can provide comprehensive data about your traffic, including where it’s coming from, how users interact with your site, and which strategies are working best.

Conclusion

SEO is a critical component of any digital marketing strategy. At Execon, we understand the intricacies of SEO and are dedicated to helping businesses enhance their online presence. By investing in SEO, you’re not only improving your site’s visibility and credibility but also providing a better experience for your users and positioning your business for long-term success.

If any marketing nerds want to learn more about SEO and why it is important, click on this link to watch a lecture on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PVgxoF6TiQo

If you would rather get us to apply the technical aspects of SEO to benefit your business, contact Execon today and let our experts guide you towards achieving your digital marketing goals.