Brands need SEO first, as it’s the most viable and cost-effective way to both understand and reach customers in key moments that matter.

Last year, the need for SEO rose to an all-time high. As consumers shifted their interests onto the online market, even the most traditional business realized that they need to accelerate the shift to digital.

SEO will certainly improve a website’s overall searchability and visibility, but what other real value does it offer?

Here are some reasons why SEO is crucial.

1. SEO Builds Trust And Credibility

The goal of any experienced SEO is to establish a strong foundation for a beautiful website with a clean, effective user experience that is easily discoverable in search, thanks to the trust and credibility of the brand and its digital properties.

Many elements go into establishing authority regarding search engines like Google. You can’t just build trust and credibility overnight it’s virtually impossible. Authority is earned over time just like real life. Establishing a brand as an authority takes patience, effort, and commitment and relies on offering a valuable, quality product or service that allows consumers to trust a brand.

2. Good SEO Means Better User Experience

User experience has become every marketer’s number one priority. Everyone wants better organic rankings and maximum visibility. however, few realize that optimal user experience is a big part of getting there.

Google has learned how to interpret a good or unfavorable user experience, and a positive user experience has become a pivotal element to a website’s success.

Customers know what they want if they can’t find it, there’s going to be a problem and consequently, they will look elsewhere.

3. SEO is relatively Cheap and Cost-effective

SEO costs money, there’s no escaping the fact. All the best things in business cost money though right?.

In the grand scheme of things, SEO is relatively inexpensive and the payoff will most likely be considerable in terms of a brand’s benefit to the bottom line.

This isn’t a marketing cost, it’s an actual business investment.

4. SEO Is PR

SEO helps build long-term equity for your brand. A good ranking and favorable placement help elevate your brand’s profile.

People search for news and related items, snd having a good SEO and PR strategy means your brand will be seen.

Having a good user experience on your website means your messages will be heard, and your products or service sell.

SEO is no longer a siloed channel, so integrating with content and PR helps with brand reach and awareness alongside other results.

5. It’s A Long-term Strategy

SEO can have a noticeable impact within the first year of action being taken, and many of those actions will have an effect that lasts several years on.

As the market evolves, it’s best to follow the trends and changes closely. But even a site that hasn’t had a boatload of SEO recommendations implemented will improve from basic SEO best practices being employed on an honest website with a decent user experience.