“SEO as a growth driver” – an impressive buzz phrase. The purpose of this blog is to explain how SEO can contribute to your business’s growth. We will discuss the benefits SEO can bring and what you should consider when selecting an SEO partner.
This blog will not cover the basics of what search engine optimization (SEO) is, but rather how you can increase your leads or e-commerce sales through SEO efforts aligned with the MRACE® model. If the term SEO sounds unfamiliar or new to you, I recommend checking out the most comprehensive article available online through the link below.
What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
How Does SEO Help Your Business Grow?
1. SEO Increases Your Visibility and Awareness
In digital marketing, we can safely assume that:
- You have a website,
- Visitors come to your website, and
- Some visitors convert into purchases or leads.
Google, particularly its organic search results, is likely the largest source of visitors to your site. According to some sources, over half of all website traffic comes from Google’s organic search. This vast audience includes users at every stage of the classic buyer’s journey, conducting their primary information searches on Google.
Given this, it’s unlikely that any company does not aim to rank highly on Google. Herein lies the importance of SEO: you’re not the only one who wants to appear on Google. Even if you are, potential visitors may not search for your products or services using the terms you expect.
You need to know what users are searching for and what actions you can take to make them choose your site. As your site starts appearing on Google for relevant keywords, brand awareness grows. If your business ranks at the top for all relevant terms, you’ll consistently remain in potential customers’ minds—even if they don’t always click on your site.
2. With SEO You Reach Your Customers, Bring Relevant Traffic, and Converts It into Leads
Through strategic work, you can identify the keywords your customers use when searching for your products on Google. You’ll also know what needs to be done on your website to rank higher in search results.
Traffic from organic search results is typically of higher quality than that from paid ads, making it more likely for visitors to convert into leads. Many SEO measures improve website usability, and quality content designed to serve visitors (and thereby also search engines) guides users toward desired goals.
Following the MRACE® model, SEO adds value in the REACH, ACT, and CONVERT stages. Rather than maximizing traffic, focus on attracting the highest-quality visitors, guiding them towards desired goals, and ensuring the process is as effortless as possible for the user.
3. SEO Makes You Trustworthy, Credible, and Helps You Outperform Competitors
High rankings for relevant keywords make you appear more reliable and credible than your competitors. Google aims to provide users with the best and most up-to-date information, which is why it remains the top search engine.
It’s essential to monitor what appears on the first page of search results when you Google:
- Your company name, and
- Your company’s products or services.
SEO allows you to influence these results.
I believe that SEO is the foundation of a website, upon which other elements are built. Modern SEO practices do not detract from usability and experience. If you’re not yet investing in SEO, you’re likely already behind your competitors.
4. SEO Is a Long-Term Investment
SEO is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. If you need immediate results, methods like Google Ads or social media marketing are better options.
However, the strength of SEO lies in its ability to yield long-lasting results. While updates to the site and adjustments to Google’s changes are necessary, SEO can reduce costs in paid marketing as organic rankings improve.
In summary, SEO helps you acquire new customers, enhances brand awareness, builds credibility, and can increase the lifetime value of a customer.
What to Consider When Choosing an SEO Partner
Excited about SEO? Can you implement it yourself alongside your regular work? Unfortunately, no. SEO requires collaboration and expertise beyond just technical know-how.
Comprehensive SEO requires knowledge in:
- Website development (technical changes, landing page creation, general web development)
- Website design (layouts, visual appearance)
- Writing quality content
- SEO expertise (strategic and tactical)
Combining these with conversion optimization skills sets a strong foundation. Increased relevant traffic can lead to a higher conversion rate and more results.
At SDM, we’ve invested in these areas over recent years, assembling a team with specialists for each aspect. We can act as your strategic or tactical partner—or both. However, the best results are achieved when we integrate into your marketing ecosystem.
Contact us to explore the best solution for your needs or request an SEO-CRO audit to identify your site’s growth potential and challenges.
