What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a complex set of practices and tactics used to improve the visibility of a website in search engines. In simple terms, it’s a method to bring your company’s website to the top lines of the search results that users see when they make a relevant query.
According to Google statistics, in 2022, 68% of online experiences began with search engines. This means that more than half of users rely on search engines to discover what they’re looking for on the web.
This also applies to shopping experiences. This fact alone demonstrates the immense value of SEO for businesses. But what else can it do for you?
SEO and Student Startups: 6 Ways You Can Benefit
Now that you know what SEO is, you might be wondering how effective SEO can transform your student startup. The truth is, this marketing technique has several advantages, especially for small and new businesses.
- Brings Visibility
Did you know that 91.5% of all Google traffic lands on the first page of search results? This essentially means that over 90% of users never click to the second page. Therefore, if your company’s website isn’t on the first page, your potential customers may never find you.
SEO can change this. By using effective SEO practices, you can move your site higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). As a result, more people will see you, providing more opportunities to attract customers.
- Builds Trust
Lack of trust is one of the biggest challenges faced by startups. Being a new player in a highly competitive business world can make you lose many prospects. But here’s something you need to know—Google ranks websites based on technical specifications, as well as their credibility and reliability.
In turn, users trust results from the first page more. So, if your site appears at the top, consumer trust in you will also be higher.
- Gives You a Competitive Advantage
Let’s say your startup sells lead generation services. If a potential customer searching for such services finds a competitor with more experience, they are likely to choose them. But if they come across your website before others, you’ll have a chance to convert them before they go to the competition.
This shows that a strong SEO strategy can truly give you a competitive edge. You might also be interested to know that over 70% of small businesses do not use SEO, unlike their larger competitors.
But those who do have proven to be more competitive. Moreover, if you’re leveraging SEO for your startup, you’re effectively outperforming 70%+ of small businesses.
- Improves Communication
As mentioned earlier, 68% of online experiences, including shopping, start with search engines. Furthermore, up to 97% of users search for businesses they are interested in online, even if they plan to shop offline.
These statistics show that with a strong SEO strategy, you have the opportunity to reach all those people who rely on search engines to learn more about businesses, products, and services.
Better communication ultimately means more sales opportunities. So, if you’re looking for a way to get your startup up and running, SEO is always a good place to start.
- Enhances User Experience
From a business perspective, happy users mean a better brand image and more sales. This is another area where SEO can help you.
By optimizing your website with user-friendly design and high-quality content, you can improve your site’s usability, ensuring a smooth and satisfying experience for visitors. This not only boosts your SEO ranking but also enhances user engagement and retention.
