Search engine optimization (SEO) starts with keyword research, identifying the search terms your audience uses. The more popular those terms, the larger your potential reach. If no one searches for your keyword, there is no audience, so it is critical to optimize your website around specific keywords. Alongside keyword research, SEO experts recommend adding structured data, also called Schema Markup, to your website content.
Why Google dominates the SEO landscape
SEO targets the dominant search engines in each market, and Google is the most popular worldwide. In the US, Google represented 75% of all searches, and in Germany, it held a market share of 85 to 90%. By June 2008, Google had a nearly 90 percent market share in the UK. Search engine rankings can affect the sales of ecommerce products and services, and SEO can also improve brand visibility and capture TV ad traffic.
How SEO lowers customer acquisition cost
SEO helps decrease the cost of customer acquisition and increases the lifetime value of a customer. For example, Terakeet can deliver customers for 25 cents on the dollar compared to paid-channel advertising. There are hundreds of SEO firms in the US and Europe, and the average market share for a leading search engine is about 90%.
SEO vs. SEM: what is the difference?
The main difference between SEO and SEM is the goal. SEO is aimed at driving traffic to your website through search-engine-friendly content, while SEM focuses on paid placement. To rank highly on a search engine like Google, you need to optimize every element of your site.
SEO market history and adoption
SEO strategies are tailored to the dominant search engines in each market. As of 2007, Google held 75% of the global market, and in 2006, it was close to 90%. Its dominance has steadily increased, and US SEO firms regularly ranked high on the first page of search results for relevant terms.
Business benefits of SEO
SEO helps businesses engage customers at every stage of the customer lifecycle. A site with high-quality content and a strong user experience can attract more customers and build brand awareness. By optimizing your site for specific keywords, you can increase organic traffic, generate more leads, and lift profits. Because the majority of online searches are commercial, SEO is also an effective way to attract new customers.
SEO works for businesses of any size
In 2006, hundreds of SEO firms existed in the US alone, and the UK has thousands of SEO specialists. SEO can increase revenue by creating high-quality content that aligns with user searches. As of June 2008, Google held a 91.5% market share in the UK. These companies offer content and SEO services to businesses of any size, though results may be inconsistent.
SEO across the customer journey
With effective SEO, businesses can be present at every stage of the customer journey. High-quality content that matches user searches helps engage prospects through the marketing funnel, increasing both traffic and revenue. For online businesses, SEO also supports a positive brand image, a good reputation, and more sales through online ads.
FAQ
What is the first step in SEO?
The first step is keyword research, identifying the search terms your audience uses. SEO experts also recommend adding structured data, known as Schema Markup, to your website content.
How much of the search market does Google hold?
Google held 75% of searches in the US and a market share of 85 to 90% in Germany. By June 2008, Google had a nearly 90% market share in the UK and 91.5% by other counts in the same year.
How does SEO reduce customer acquisition cost?
SEO lowers the cost of customer acquisition and raises customer lifetime value. For example, Terakeet can deliver customers for 25 cents on the dollar compared to paid-channel advertising.
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