You’ve heard it over and over by now, probably from every digital media company in your area, and cold calls all the way from the other side of the world. Many companies sell Search Engine Optimization (SEO), but why do they?

The answer is simple: SEO works.

If your business is not heavily involved in Search Engine Optimization up to this point, you’ll want to check out these eye-opening stats. Proving why SEO is of the utmost importance when deciding where to focus your business’ marketing needs.

Below are 10 SEO statistics small businesses should not ignore, and show why search engine strategies for businesses are crucial. 

1. 75% of Internet users do not go past the first page of search results. -Source If you’re not on the first page of search engines, you’re missing out on a lot of potential business.
2. SEO leads have a much higher close rate than those of more traditional media (print advertising or direct mail). 14.6% close rate regarding SEO versus 1.7% close rate of print or direct mail. -Source
3. Half of the consumers that execute a local search visit a store within a day, and 18% of local smartphone searches lead to a purchase within a day. -Source 
4. Google is king - 64% of desktop market share belongs to Google, with 21% belonging to Microsoft (Bing), and 12.5% for Yahoo. Don’t underestimate Bing and Yahoo, but make sure you are playing by Google’s rules to maximize results. -Source
5. Google is still king – Our last stat highlighted desktop users, but Google has even more of a stranglehold on the mobile market. Accounting for 94% of the smartphone and tablet search market. -Source
6. You have just over 1 second to catch the consumer’s eye according to a recent study. Make sure your page title and descriptions let users know exactly what your page is about. -Source
7. 89% of consumers use search engines to help make their purchasing decisions. If your business can’t be found here, you’re missing out on a whole lot of business! -Source
8. Nearly half of digital marketing budgets are dedicated to search; 31% to paid search (pay per click) and 18% on SEO. -Source
9. On average, 51% of website traffic comes from SEO. Five times that of SEM/pay-per-click, and ten times more traffic than social media provides. -Source
10. Increasing site speed can grow your conversion rate up to 74%. Not only does Google penalize you for a slow loading website, consumers penalize you by simply leaving your website and finding a competitor. -Source  

For more on site speed and conversion focused websites check out our previous blog. 

One of the toughest aspects to overcome with SEO is that these marketing efforts cannot be easily seen or touched, such as more traditional marketing (TV and radio ads).  But investing the proper time and effort into SEO will provide incredible ROI for your business. SEO strategies for small businesses can range in tactics, as there is not one set blueprint that applies to all businesses.

Want to find out what SEO strategies your small business should be focusing on? Click the button below and fill out a few simple questions regarding your business, and we will get back to you within 2 business days with a Free SEO Evaluation.