Earlier this year I decided to take some time away from a traditional gig in the world of advertising and spend some time helping friends brand and build their businesses. It was great. But, I was surprised by one thing that shouldn’t have been all that surprising…there’s not nearly enough focus on SEO to help drive business growth. Now that I’m back in the ad world, my SEO red-car-syndrome is in full effect. I see opportunity everywhere.

by Brice Tomlinson

Look, I think we’d all agree that in today’s world, with our innate need to get from A to B as quickly as possible, SEO has emerged as a paramount strategy for businesses. Again, not surprising. What is surprising is the lack of double-clicking into the why. Thus, I’ve been compelled by the SEO gods to write these words. Stay with me now.

• Fact: SEO goes beyond mere keyword optimization; it encompasses a range of techniques aimed at enhancing a site's visibility on search engines, which drives organic traffic and boosts brand recognition. For businesses, unleashing the power of SEO is not only beneficial; it's essential for sustained growth and competitiveness. ‍

• Punch above your weight: Traditional marketing methods tend to require significant budgets - ya know, spend money to make money. However, SEO offers a level playing field to compete with larger enterprises. By focusing on targeted keywords and delivering valuable content, your business can rise through the search engine ranks, effectively reaching your audience without needing bags of money (though if you do it right eventually you’ll have em). ‍

• See and be seen: Local SEO is a game-changer for businesses aiming to attract nearby customers. Through local citations, Google Business optimization, and location-specific keywords, you can ensure your offerings are prominently displayed to users searching for products or services in their vicinity. ‍

• A great first impression: Appearing on the first page of search results is often equated with credibility. For better and for worse, companies that rank higher are perceived as more trustworthy and professional. Leverage strategies like quality content creation, backlink building, and positive customer reviews, to build a reputable brand image. ‍

• “Get butts in seats” (if you will): By analyzing search trends and user behavior, businesses can tailor their content and keywords to align with their audience's preferences, resulting in higher conversion rates. ‍

• Make bags of money: While some marketing efforts may provide short-term gains, SEO should be seen as a long-term investment. Implementing smart strategies today can yield sustainable results for months, years, millenia (!), ensuring a consistent flow of customers and revenue. ‍

• Designed to meet people where they are: Search engines now prioritize mobile-responsive websites in their rankings. Let me say that again. Search engines now prioritize mobile-responsive websites in their rankings. Enhance your user experience and visibility by always thinking mobile first. ‍

• Bigger than big data: SEO tools provide valuable insights into user behavior, keyword effectiveness, and website performance. Leverage these insights to refine strategies, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing market dynamics.

‍Know this: SEO is not old, it's always.

Before I go know that SEO has evolved from a technical practice to a fundamental marketing strategy. Embrace it, with loving open arms that will soon be filled with Money. I want that for you, for everyone. If you want it to and need some help, we’re passionate about SEO here at Matic Digital.