What is SEO and why is it important?

SEO is the magic behind the scenes, which optimizes the content of your website. The content of your website is in a very strict relationship with search engines, such as Google, Yahoo and Bing. If that relationship is healthy, it thrives, and search engines will rank your website within their search results. The healthier the relationship, the higher ranked you get, which means the higher placed your website becomes in Google, Yahoo, and Bing. But why is this important?

Reason 1. You want customers to know you exist.

It's obvious that when you create a website and launch it for the world to see, you want customers to find you. The fact is, is that unless your website is extremely unique, you have a great deal of competition. SEO - (search engine optimization) are the techniques that are used on your website, so search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing, rank your website and place your website within their search results. The SEO "techniques" that are used are key! Once your website is "optimized" - your rank has a better chance of being shown in search results with higher placement - which means, your website is shown to customers who are actually searching for you! When you Google something (search for something) your website rank corresponds directly to where you land within those search results (page 1, 2, 3, etc.). The higher you rank, the closer you are to the 1st page, 1st result of that search.

Reason 2. Web authority and more customers!

SEO takes time. It actually takes a lot of time. To get ranked in top results, for the most frequently searched-for keywords, you will need to be patient. Months can go by, with each month improving your results as SEO takes shape. But, when your site finally makes it to the top, the website traffic that you will receive will also help with continuously keeping your website top ranked. A factor called Web authority - meaning, Google knows how much traffic your website receives, and more unique visitors to your website, means your website is legitimate and has authority within the scope of the web. Web authority is important because it helps your rank in search results, and that higher rank will allow you to receive new visitors. New visitors may can then link to your website from their websites, and as your online reputation continues to grow, the more visitors you get can also equate to more customers!

Reason 3. To build brand loyalty and consistency!

Consistency is vital with SEO. If you have a handful of social media accounts, and on each account your business name is different, then search engines get confused. Having your business name, address, and phone number *exactly* the same on *all* accounts keeps everything running smoothly, and search engines will legitimize your business. You also need to have verified business listings, to prove that you are in fact legitimate. These simple and key components not only helps with SEO, but it builds your brand. Having your customers notice that you are the same company throughout, will bring loyalty. For example, if you have a Facebook account that says you are "Cool Name Fun Company. - located at 1234 example st," but your website says your business name is "Cool Name Fun - located at 4321 another st," search engines will think you're a different company, customers will get confused, and most of all you diminish your online reputation.

To recap why SEO is so important!

We've covered the absolute basics, and hope that you have learned something, but the fact of the matter is that SEO is the single-most-important investment to getting your website shown to customers. SEO is important because it brings new customers, builds your online reputation, builds your brand, distinguishes you from your competition, and allows users to trust you. If you find a website on the 1st page of Google, you'll most likely click on that link to view it. If you find a website on the 14th page of Google, you may or may not click it - if you make it that far. Having your website optimized is the compliment to all the time and energy that you put into creating your amazing website. Especially important for small businesses, SEO can sky rocket your customers. Having a website without SEO, is like having a car without gas... Sure, you can probably roll yourself along and eventually get to where you're going on a long enough timeline, but with gas, you'll be cruising right along.

Loops Marketing's SEO team is incredible! We have numerous clients that have seen amazing results with us optimizing their website. If you're looking to get more customers, build your brand, or just want to know more about our services, contact us today!