Search Engine Optimization (SEO), has proved to be an invaluable tool for Businesses of all sizes, and a strategy for digital marketers with substantial continuity. Competition over ranking on Google has been fierce and the data reveals why. However, given Googles constant updates and changes to their algorithms, what are the truths about SEO in 2017? How can SEO provide value to brands and online Businesses? Let me reveal the truths about why SEO is still an indispensable marketing strategy.
First and foremost, we live in a market environment where consumer trust is at an all time low. An article from ‘Advertising Age‘ revealed that less than 25% of US consumers trust traditional commercials, and the statistics plunged even further for digital advertisements. Furthermore, a report from ‘Smart Insights’ reveals the sizeable difference between the click-through rates (CTR) for organic search results and paid search. Organic search results received a 94% CTR, as opposed to a mere 6% CTR for paid search or pay-per click advertising. This largely is a result of consumer sentiment and distrust in advertising as mentioned previously, it also further strengthens the case for an SEO strategy. Implementing SEO into your marketing activities will ensure your website ranks higher on Google for organic search results, thus creating more leads and conversions for your Business and in turn driving profits.
A recent article by Entrepreneur also revealed that in 2017, content and the number of external links to your website were primary factors in driving your ranking higher. These were factors revealed to them by Andrey Lipattsev, a senior strategist from Google. Furthermore, updates to Googles algorithm in January 2017, ensured there would be severe penalties for popups and interstitials which may be harmful to the user experience (UX) on mobile platforms. Its evident Google are ensuring they can constantly provide consumers with a high standard UX. And indeed, in 2017 a high standard of links and content will ensure your SEO campaign prompts a good return on investment.
Let me know your thoughts on SEO in 2017 below, and thanks for reading.
Eddie
Really good read Eddie! You’ve clearly done your background research! I absolutely agree with you (and the statistics) that consumers have much greater trust in organic search results, and that therefore SEO should be a serious consideration of almost any business small, medium or large. I think, as you touched on, this trend is developing due to Google’s vigilent efforts to ensure customers are finding what they want to in their searches, and that they have a good customer experience. Looking forward to your next article!
Very true, with the amount of distrust amongst in the market, I think it is only logical to pursue avenues which market to people without them realising, in much more organic methods. Its great Google are cracking down on popups etc.
Thanks for commenting
I completely agree. SEO is essential as people simply do not trust the payed advertisement links. Unless your website comes up in the top 5 links from googles algorithm its unlikely it will even be seen.
Very true, its a long-term play, but well worth the investment.
The research is really impressed! Yes I totally agree as for myself I also just view the top 5 results for every term I put on Google search and I do not really trust payed advertisement links as well. So it’s worth investing in SEO as your website will ranks higher on Google for organic search results. And yes, in fact, people are using smartphone more than any other devices so it is very important to ensure high standard UX on mobile platforms. This is a good news in order to make sure a good ROI for any SEO campaign. Good post Eddie! Looking for more exciting news in your next ones!
Absolutely, given the increased adoption of smartphones and google searches from those platforms, it strengthens the Case for SEO even more. A high ranking website on google isn’t just for those on their laptops or PCs, its for the potential consumer on their phone or tablet.
Thanks for commenting Yuan, it is certainly a trend amongst consumers these days to resist direct marketing or advertising activities. And it is certainly interesting the amount of search volume that is currently being exhibited by users on mobile phones, mobile marketing is becoming increasingly important these days.
Interesting post Eddie! For a while now I’ve known that external links are crucial to increase website rankings (the more websites linking to you the better), which is why it’s important to incorporate social media elements in your website. Google have done a fantastic job in protecting my computer whilst browsing the net through the use of Google Chrome. Overall I think SEO is one of the most crucial aspects that marketers should focus on.
Absolutely, and the stats speak for themselves, I recently did a report for a manufacturing company, and out of 17 various channels, organic search on Google gave them the most leads, far outperforming the other channels by 100X.
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