When a potential or returning customer searches for your business online, what do they get?
Local Results
These are Google Map search results based on three key factors:
- Relevance – How well the local listing matches the searcher’s inquiry.
- Distance – How close the listing is to the searcher or the area being searched.
- Prominence – How well known a business is based on available online information.
To better understand how Google’s algorithm updates impact local search, check out this Google Panda update history.
Organic Results
This is where SEO impacts your business’s ranking. SEO works by understanding search algorithms and user behavior to help connect searchers with relevant websites. Learn more about effective web development strategies here.
Sponsored Links or Paid Listings
This is the foundation of search engines, where advertisers invest in Search Engine Marketing (SEM) to gain visibility. Unlike organic results, paid listings require direct financial investment.
Why SEO Matters
SEO helps businesses appear in organic search results. Since search engines don’t charge for organic traffic, rankings depend on ever-evolving algorithms. For example, updates like Google Panda 4.0 affect rankings significantly. Find out more in this Psycray WebSnips article.
SEO is often compared to PR, while pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is more like traditional ads. SEO can be a long-term marketing strategy, driving consistent traffic much like increased foot traffic benefits retail stores.
Optimizing for Traffic Quality
SEO isn’t just about higher rankings. It’s also about attracting the right visitors. Quality traffic means users are more likely to complete desired actions, such as:
- Making a purchase
- Downloading a file
- Requesting more information
- Signing up for a newsletter
To enhance traffic quality, businesses can use these SEO tactics:
- Writing compelling titles
- Crafting accurate Meta descriptions
- Choosing a strong domain and URL for branding
Get a Free SEO Analysis
Want to know how well your website performs? Get a free site evaluation and in-depth SEO analysis.
Learn More About SEO
For an in-depth look at SEO strategies, download our White Paper on SEO.
By implementing these SEO best practices, businesses can improve their online presence, attract more relevant visitors, and ultimately drive more conversions.