How SEO Works

Ross Cohen • October 20, 2023

Understanding the Basics of SEO


When you're a small business owner trying to navigate the digital landscape, you've likely encountered the term "SEO." But what exactly is it, and how does SEO work? SEO is like the engine that powers your website's visibility on search engines like Google. It's the art and science of optimizing your online presence to increase your website's rankings in search results. These rankings, in turn, drive more traffic and, ultimately, more business to your doorstep.


How SEO Campaigns Progress


To better illustrate how SEO works, let's first start by imagining SEO as a cycle where each step influences the next.
It starts with activity: You create high-quality, relevant content, optimize your website, and engage with your audience through blogs, social media, and other online activities. These efforts tell search engines that your website is active, informative, and trustworthy.


As a result of your activity, your website begins to climb the search engine rankings. When people search for topics related to your business, your website is more likely to appear near the top of the results page. This is where the magic happens because higher rankings leads to more traffic. Users are more likely to click on one of the first few results th
ey see, which means more visitors to your website.


Now, consider these visitors as potential customers ready to shop for your products and/or services. They're interested in what you offer, and they're more likely to convert into paying customers. This increase in business is the final link in the cycle, where more traffic and visibility leads to more business.


The Time Factor in SEO


While the activity-rankings-traffic-business connection is powerful, it's essential to understand that SEO is not a quick-fix solution. It's a long-term strategy that requires patience and ongoing effort. Just as you wouldn't expect a tree to bear fruit overnight, SEO takes time to yield significant results. At GetPhound, SEO campaigns tend to run in 6 month cycles.


Search engines, like Google, value consistency and reliability. They need to trust that your website consistently provides valuable information to users. This trust is built over time through a series of positive signals, such as regular updates, quality content, and user engagement. As you continue to nurture your website with these activities, you'll gradually see improvements in rankings, traffic, and, ultimately, your bottom line.


Measuring Success in SEO


Now that you understand the process of how SEO works, how can you measure its success? Key performance indicators (KPIs) like website traffic, keyword rankings, and organic conversions are your compass in the world of SEO. Regularly monitor these metrics to gauge the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.


Additionally, keep in mind that SEO is not a one-time task but an ongoing strategy. Search engines constantly evolve, and your competitors are continually optimizing their websites. To maintain and improve your rankings, you must stay committed to SEO over the long haul.


Conclusion


SEO is the bridge that connects your small business to potential customers in the vast online landscape. As a small business owner it's important that you understand how SEO works for your business. Through consistent activity, you'll boost your website's rankings, leading to increased traffic and, ultimately, more business. Patience is key in this journey, but the rewards of a well-executed SEO strategy are worth the wait. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the cycle, and watch your business thrive in the digital world. You can learn more about our SEO solutions here.


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