Why SEO is Important for Websites

Running a website without SEO best practices in place is like having a high definition, big screen TV in a home without electricity. In the long run, the website isn't going to do much. Over the course of the last several years, I have discussed this issue with many individuals that have recently launched a new website. When I ask these people if they have optimized the website for search engines, I am often surprised to learn that many have no idea what I am talking about, or simply do not understand what that would entail. With that in mind, here is why SEO is important for websites!

Nobody Cares How Pretty A Website is if They Can't Find It!

The primary reason that SEO is not only important but essential for your website (and business) is the fact that you want people to have access to the site. The reality is, if your website is not set up to rank well in the search engine results pages (SERPs) of Google, the only people that will know about your site are existing clients or people that you have discussed the site with directly. Unless you are a networking machine, this isn't a sound strategy to increase the visibility of your site. Too often people get caught up with the design of the site, and don't consider the fact that design isn't going to play a major role if nobody gets there to experience it in the first place.

People Put More Stock in to Businesses that Rank Well Online!

If you can demonstrate your ability to rank high for some of the more important keywords relevant to your industry, potential customers will be impressed. While I understand that this is largely due to matters of perception and not the actual value that your service may or may not provide, it makes a difference. Think of ranking positions as real estate. If you own more real estate, you are going to be considered a major player in your space. If you have no real estate, people are less likely to take you seriously.

Rarely Does Anyone Searching Online Look Past Page 1 of the SERPs!

There are boatloads of studies that indicate the majority of people searching online do not make it past page 1 of the SERPs before clicking through to a website. Think about it. How often do you search past page 1 for whatever it is you are looking for? The majority of studies suggest that as few as 6-7% of all people searching online make it to page 2 and beyond. Knowing this, SEO becomes even more-so important for your website. If you are not ranking on page 1 for your desired keywords, you are going to have a difficult time attracting visitors and potential customers to your site.

These are only  few of the reasons why it is important to optimize your website. Ask yourself, "What am I trying to accomplish with this site?" Are you trying to bring in more business? Are you trying to increase your company's exposure? If so, your website needs to be visible, and the implementation of SEO best practices becomes necessary. To learn more about the multi-faceted world of SEO, hang around and read some more posts!