If you own a business that has remained profitable in today’s market, then you probably are already using some form of Search Engine Optimization or SEO. The internet has become the primary source for customer acquisition in just about every market, so it is important to maximize your online presence so that precisely targeted traffic is coming straight to your website or social media page.
If you are still deciding on whether to utilize SEO, or you simply want to improve how you are doing it already, here are 5 facts that you should know about Search Engine Optimization.
1. Your customers are trying to locate you.
Research has shown us that people searching their local area to make a purchase are most often simply trying to locate or get directions to a business that can satisfy their need.
Given this, it is very important to keep mobile websites concise and easy to navigate. Don’t bombard the searcher with information and make sure it is easy and convenient to find your contact information and location so that they can find you!
2. Your website MUST be mobile friendly.
Google recently started to use “mobile friendliness” as one of the significant factors that determine your Google ranking, or how high up your business will show up in an internet search. Choosing to not have a mobile friendly website will not only be detrimental to your Google ranking, but will annoy and drive away potential customers as well. A recent study by BrightLocal showed that over 38% of visitors to a business website are impressed when a local business is mobile-optimized.
3. One in five mobile phone searches will lead to a sale that SAME day.
Google recently revealed some startling figures about internet searches and its correlation to sales in local businesses. According to their findings, “50% of consumers who conducted a local search on their smartphone visited a store within a day.” They also concluded that around 18% will go ahead and make the purchase that very same day!
4. Consumers want to support their local businesses first.
In the same study that Google performed, they also found that consumers have a clear preference for local advertising over national. In fact, over 2/3 of mobile searchers wanted only to see ads for their specific zip code. They also found that 61% of the consumers who purchased from these local businesses had found the address or phone number from the ad itself.
5. People trust online reviews.
Increasingly, we are seeing websites that specialize in consumer reviews becoming more prevalent and according to Google, 88% of people trust the reviews they read on the internet completely. Companies like Yelp, Angie’s List, Google+ Local, and Urbanspoon have made it possible for consumers to prepare themselves better than ever when deciding on a purchase.
Make sure you’re business continues to monitor ratings and reviews, and run your business in a way that will make people want to do business with you.
