We recently saw a graphic that pointed out that what you often view as basic or common knowledge, others see as advanced—and often you don’t even realize it. It made us realize: they’re RIGHT. We have found that saying to especially apply to search engine optimization (SEO), an online technology many don’t understand, and is dogged by SEO lies and misunderstandings. Perhaps because of the latter, there seems to be a lot of basic things that people don’t understand (even beyond the terminology and acronyms). So, without further adieu, here are our answers to some of the things people don’t know about SEO (or at least get you started):
- SEO requires research. If you want to get max results from a SEO program, you have to know things—or find them out. The first, and most important, piece of information is identifying your audience. Who are your customers, and potential customers? What do they want to know? What problems do they have? If you want to know if a SEO firm is genuine, ask them about their keyword research. Legitimate firms do an extensive amount of research to get the best results for their clients.
- You don’t have to put a lot of effort into SEO. SEO can be intimidating and overwhelming. There’s so much to know, and the list seems to keep getting longer: website structure, content optimization, graphic alt text descriptions…you get the idea. While optimizing a website takes a lot of effort, you don’t have to be the one to put in the effort—or to keep up with the latest evolutions in SEO. The answer: outsource to a company that can. There’s nothing wrong with trusting another company with your SEO program, social media or content marketing. To be clear: that doesn’t mean you won’t have to do ANYTHING. Your SEO firm needs your input to create and manage an online marketing presence in line with your business goals.
- Even if you don’t sell products online, you still need local SEO. Local search engine optimization technology can get you in front of search engine listings in towns and cities within a 10, 20 or 50 mile radius. Even if you don’t sell products online, or have any interest in e-commerce, you need to integrate search engine optimization into your marketing strategy to drive potential customers to your brick-and-mortar location. With more than 90% of users turning to search engines for information, local SEO technology (like KD Interactive’s) can get your business website in local potential customers’ organic search engine listings using long-tail keywords your audience searches for. Statistics don’t lie: 54% of Americans have substituted the Internet and local search for phone books (comScore), and a startling 95% of smartphone users have looked for local information (Source: The Mobile Movement Study, Google/Ipsos OTX MediaCT , Apr 2011).
- SEO is always, ALWAYS evolving. Today’s SEO is not your grandma’s game of stuffing a page full of the same keyword. In fact, those kind of old-school SEO tactics, and black hat SEO tactics, can get your website penalized and kick your company off the digital map. Like most online marketing tools, SEO is a freight train running down the tracks. If you’re tired of trying to keep up, find a company that does.
- SEO is an integral part of your online marketing strategy. One of our clients, a flooring company, saw their website traffic double in just four months because of search engine optimization. In 30 days, their unique visits increased 122% and hit an impressive increase of 200%. Website traffic is just a number unless you can convert those visits to customer interest. The flooring company receives form submissions every week from potential customers, with 60% of those visits stemming from their search engine optimization package. Fact is: local SEO works. If you have any other questions or want to see it in action, ask us. Breaking down the basics of SEO, and making it work for you, is our job—and it’s one we don’t take lightly.
