Common Misconceptions About SEO/Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization or (SEO) is the term used to describe an activity that endeavors to improve search engine rankings. This process ensures that a website can be found in search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing through words or phrases that are highly relevant to what the website is offering. Essentially, SEO works to make a web page or a website visible in search engine results naturally (meaning without having to pay a fee; free).
SEO greatly helps in generating web traffic considering that a website that is ranked high in search results page tend to get more “clicks” or visits from internet users. To achieve the desired rank, SEO primarily works to convey to the search engines the purpose of the website so that they can recommend the said website to its specific target internet users.
Apart from increasing web traffic, SEO also serves as a cost-effective marketing strategy for businesses, as well as an important tool to improve brand awareness.
Common SEO Myths and the Truth Behind Them
If you are an entrepreneur who is trying to make his business known in the internet world by using SEO to significantly increase your website traffic, you may encounter the following myths that can cause you to be discouraged. Go through the following and learn the facts about SEO:
- SEO does not do anything to help a business.
This is probably one of the most popular myths out there but it is important to note that those who believe that SEO does not work have no clue about the power of search engines. A recent study revealed that 44% of customers use search engines before buying anything. Another research show that most internet users ignore paid advertisement listings and tend to rely on organic results recommended by search engines.
- Traditional businesses do not need SEO.
At this day and age of modern technology, there is no single business that is not in need of SEO. Practically all customers and clients use the internet before deciding on making a purchase or trying out services. One credible survey even reveals that 80% of U.S. consumers refer to online reviews before buying anything.
- SEO requires a major website change.
Keep in mind that SEO has a clear basic goal in mind, which is to generate traffic to your website. This means that to be effective, your website needs to be highly relevant and responsive to what the search engines are looking for. Your website needs to have the right content, credible sources, and provide the best user experience to be effective. In other words, you need to think that your website is growing and improving, rather than merely changing.
The items above are just some of the most prevailing misconceptions about SEO. At the end of the day, SEO has been proven for years to be one of the most effective and efficient online marketing strategies. Its benefits may not be experienced instantly like paid ads but you can be assured of its many permanent positive effects in the long run.