So much has been said about search engine optimization or SEO. Some say it is well on its way to becoming dead. However, others are saying that it is still important in today’s time. Before SEO even existed, one person has already discussed it, albeit in another term. This person has already said that in order for sites to be found, content should be friendly and informative enough for people to want to read it.
Although search engines are the main way people find sites, it is not the only way contrary to what we have been made to believe. People are also able to find sites through advertisements, word of mouth, postings, links from other sites and web directions. Suffice it to say that there is more than a single way of finding sites. There are even times when this alternative methods work better than search engines. They allow you to reach a broader audience.
Being too dependent on SEO
SEO has been made to look like the salvation of businesses everywhere that people have become too dependent on it. They have forgotten other means of getting people to notice them. Any man who relies solely on Google to get the word out about his business is a fool. With the various updates by Google alone, there will be major changes which will make it not suitable to put so much trust on search engines.
Is SEO dead?
A lot are asking nowadays if SEO is dead. One of the latest updates from Google is that it will reward and put more emphasis on quality content. However, there has been so much bad projection for SEO lately, because of black hat SEO strategies, even companies with quality content are at a loss. Businesses which are hit hard by this are start-ups. Start-ups have limited budgets and black hat tactics can severely hurt them.
However, this does not mean that large enterprises are not affected. Even established companies are affected too.
SEO is not yet dead
To put speculations to rest, no SEO is not dead yet. Businesses large and small have benefited from it, especially when done correctly. They have converted site visitors to loyal customers and have had better sales because of SEO.
People who understand that SEO is not any overnight formula to outperform the competition and make millions; people who are aware that SEO requires time, effort and research; and people who do things right will benefit from it and can use SEO to their advantage.
Social sites
The emergence of social networking sites today should also not be ignored. Almost everyone today has at least a single account in social networking sites. Social media is a land of endless possibilities which should also be utilized if you are seeking a large piece of the marketing pie. Some sites get more traffic while others get less.
An important reminder though is not to rely too much on social media because it is something which you will not be able to control. There are various external factors which could affect the outcome.