Business owners used to think that search engine optimization (SEO) is something that only online companies need. By this time, many should already be aware that it is necessary for all types of companies—even for small local businesses. Setting up an optimized website and an extensive SEO plan should not be an added cost but more of as an investment. There have been talks recently that SEO has died. SEO expert and CEO of VUDU Marketing Sam McRoberts answers those claims with this statement: “SEO is far from dead” and explains that drastic changes over the years have turned it more into a branding feature than a marketing tactic.

Below, you’ll find a list of reasons why it’s important for your business to invest on SEO.

Reason # 1 – SEO still works

It’s true that many changes have taken place in the world of SEO in the recent years. In 2014, Google launched its Pigeon Update, which refers to a new algorithm focusing on providing relevant and useful local-based search results. Using a combination of new and old SEO techniques still work in catapulting your business to a better position in the search engine. The key is to provide people with the highest quality user experience. And as most SEO gurus predict, SEO will not stop working anytime soon.

Reason # 2 – SEO is cost-effective

Online marketing comes in various schemes. Email marketing, PPC advertising, purchasing leads, and other tactics work in driving traffic to your site. However, it’s important to remember that SEO is still the foundation of your online reputation. It also happens to be the least expensive of all online marketing techniques, providing better return of investment than others.

Rather than spend a fortune on other marketing means and invest in offline techniques, why don’t you try to focus more on social media? SEO on social media platforms has proven to be extremely efficient and convenient.

Reason # 3 – SEO gets you new clients and customers

Here are two facts that you should always keep in mind. But then again, it doesn’t mean you should only abide by them. Look for ways to spice things up, and remember: people want to be engaged, and they can be hooked with quality only.

• Up to 90 percent of customers first check products, services or business online before making any purchase or transaction.
• Most of these customers who use search engines for this purpose choose among only the top five results.

This means thatif your business comes in sixth or tenth on the search engine results, or worse, if it’s not even on the first page,you’re not going to attract as many customers as you’d like. If you want your target customers to find your local business and not your competitors, then you should be ahead in terms of search engine ranking, and that’s where SEO comes in.

Reason # 4 – SEO enables you to fight fire with fire

Think about this scenario: you and another business are selling the exact same product. But your competitor has a website, and you don’t. Which company do you think will have a bigger customer base? Which one will progress more quickly, and will achieve more success? You probably know the answer to these questions. Your competitors are most likely engaged in SEO practices, and you definitely need to keep up if you want to gain a bigger customer base.

Reason # 5 – SEO helps you keep up with increased mobile usage

There has been a surge in the use of mobile devices in the last few years. Many people use their mobile gadgets to search for products and services. Using new and effective SEO techniques such as local search optimization helps you take advantage of this. Don’t forget about responsive website design either; Google has started banning websites that have not been adapted to mobile. If you’re not good as design, it might be a good idea to hire a web design company to handle that part for you.

These reasons are more than enough to convince you that SEO is indeed important for your local business. After all, it’s the cornerstone for building a reputable online presence and branding for your company.