SEO is the process of improving a website’s visibility in search engines to drive more visitors from paid search results, direct traffic, and unpaid traffic. Done correctly, it raises traffic to the desired levels, though it does not produce overnight results. Below is a breakdown of the steps involved in the process of SEO.

What does the SEO process actually involve?
SEO usually involves making small changes to a website’s design. Even the most basic changes have a significant impact on the site’s performance. Because search behavior differs by market, the SEO process must be tailored to the specific needs of each one.
How does keyword research fit in?
The process begins with keyword research. A website looks at competitors and their sites to determine which search terms potential customers are using to find the products they want. By identifying the words and phrases customers use to search, SEO can optimize and create new content to increase a website’s visibility. In 2006, there were hundreds of SEO firms operating in the US and around the world.
Why do SEO strategies need constant updates?
Most SEO techniques are tailored to the dominant search engines in a given market. The numbers shifted quickly: Google had 75% of the US market share in 2003, 89.6% in Germany by 2007, and close to 90% in the UK by June 2008. As of April 2017, there were only a few hundred SEO firms in the US.
How does SEO support the customer journey?
SEO allows businesses to be present at every stage of the customer journey. By providing high-value content that aligns with users’ search terms, a business can engage prospects in the sales funnel. Done properly, SEO can improve a company’s sales by generating leads, capturing TV ad traffic, and attracting more customers.
How does SEO cut customer acquisition costs?
SEO can reduce customer acquisition costs by delivering high-quality traffic. The top three search engines in the US are Google, Bing, and Yahoo. By using SEO to optimize a website, businesses can increase brand awareness, generate more leads, and capture TV advertising traffic.
What results can businesses expect over time?
The main goal of SEO is to attract targeted traffic from search engines. With the right SEO techniques, businesses can achieve high rankings and increase traffic to their websites. The right SEO technique can help a business sell more e-commerce products, capture TV ads, and build a stronger brand. Results take patience and follow-through, but the efforts pay off in the long term.
FAQ
What is SEO in simple terms?
SEO is the process of improving a website’s visibility in search engines to increase visitors through paid search results, direct traffic, and unpaid traffic.
How long does SEO take to show results?
SEO does not produce overnight results. It requires patience and consistent follow-through before traffic reaches the desired levels.
Why does SEO need to be tailored by market?
Search behavior and dominant search engines differ by country. Google’s share was 75% in the US in 2003, 89.6% in Germany in 2007, and close to 90% in the UK by June 2008, so techniques must match the dominant engine in each target market.
