As of this writing, there are over 1.7 billion websites. What’s more, that figure is steadily climbing, with at least one new website hitting the web every second.

While it’s great that anyone can build a website now, each new website that goes live means more competition for your audience’s attention.

That’s why you need search engine optimization or SEO for short! We’ve compiled seven of the best reasons why you need SEO, so make sure to keep reading so you can grow your business.

  1. Visibility

If you’re having trouble generating traffic to your website, you should know that you’re not alone. 91% of all content on Google receives no traffic at all.

Think about that for a moment. That means that nine out of every 10 websites are practically invisible.

If you’re not first, you’re last, and SEO can help you climb the rankings to ensure your website gets noticed.

  1. Reputation Management

Online reviews have a tremendous amount of power. Should a customer see a poor review of a website, they’ll likely think twice before giving that company their business — in the rare case they don’t immediately look for a different business, that is.

Platforms like Yelp and My Business not only affect your overall SEO but can help you keep up with the conversation around your brand.

If you’re too busy to keep up with your reputation, don’t sweat it. You can find a search engine optimization company to help you out. They’ll even improve your local search results!

  1. Usability

Revamping your website to SEO standards can be a chore. But your time and effort are more than worth it, especially for your customers.

The easier a website is to use, the better you’ll rank and the happier your customers will be.

  1. Credibility

Reviews and usability are only the beginning. Businesses are under more scrutiny than ever before, so you’ll need to win your customers’ trust with great content.

Creating helpful, informative content like blog posts and videos is an easy and effective way to show your customers that you know your stuff.

Plus, Google loves to reward businesses who practice good linking habits. So channel your inner Hemingway and start thinking about how you can create awesome content that helps your customers.

  1. SEO Future Proofs Your Business

Keeping up with the latest marketing trends can seem downright impossible at times, even to seasoned industry veterans. However, reading the latest news and predictions can prove vital to your success.

SEO trends are dictated by how we use search engines every day. By learning what’s hot — and subsequently, what can land you in hot water — you’ll find yourself prepared for the latest updates before they even hit!

Why You Need SEO to Succeed

Today’s business world is more competitive than ever, and you’ll need to use every tool at your disposal to stay afloat. With the right strategy, SEO can help your business get noticed, build a reputation, and increase sales.

For more info on why you need SEO or info on SEO in general, make sure to check back with our blog. We’re constantly posting fresh, new content aimed at helping business owners succeed!