The Top Ten Reasons that SEO Still Works in 2016

While internet trends may come and go, many may be quick to assume that Search Engine Optimisation is being swept behind with talk of responsive web design, mobile optimisation and more besides – in addition to this, Google have been known to switch their rules around from time to time when it comes to prioritising certain listings at the top of the hallowed list of search results.  This being said, the presence and effectiveness of SEO should never be in doubt – and despite any rumours you may have heard to the contrary, SEO is still very much top of the agenda for getting your name, brand and business seen by your target audience online.  Here are ten reasons why you should continue to believe in SEO going forward.

1.The rules of SEO still work!

This is a bit of a no-brainer but it’s still important – all of the techniques involved in SEO, from organic keyword usage and placement to meta-tag savviness still aid websites of all sizes and creeds in their mission to be noticed by the Big G.  While Google may have made a considerable push for mobile sites and optimisation with their last algorithm updates, it’s still a fantastic idea to practice organic keyword placement and even classic SEO techniques if you want to get ahead of your competition with ease.

2. Between 80-90% of customers and clients will search for reviews before committing.

This means that it only makes sense that you put yourself out there as much as you possibly can, and as high up on Google’s fabled rankings as SEO will allow you to go.  Using other techniques or keyword stuffing will still do you more harm than good – and it should be noted that SEO will continue to get your name up in lights to be able to monopolise on potential customers that are ready and willing to use your services.

3. SEO will be around for a long time yet.

Don’t worry about Google changing algorithms regularly – SEO is search engine bread and butter, and is therefore even still used in more advanced search techniques, such as voice searching – meaning that keywords are very likely to be a factor in your getting seen for considerable time to come.

4. Your rivals are using it.

No matter what theories you may read, nor the breakthroughs that you believe are set to occur in years to come, your business rivals and major corporations alike are still using basic SEO techniques and organic keyword placement to ensure that Google favours them.  Short of buying adspace or otherwise, it remains viable to do so – meaning that adopting
organic SEO now, rather than later, will certainly be worth your time and money.

5. You’ll continue to save money.

One or two consultations with an SEO specialists such as SEO CoPilot will ensure that your content is fighting fit to catch Google’s eye for considerable time to come.  While adspaces and Pay Per Click will offer short term revenue, it’s not necessarily the most reliable way to secure genuine custom nor save money while doing so.  Some customers may never be sought be advertising methods – and rather than shell out for endless advertising imprints, SEO has always been around to provide a cost-effective alternative to getting seen.

6. SEO is still evolving!

Mobile platforms are being used more than ever now and it is only right that Google has recognised this – meaning that websites will effectively be penalised for not enhancing or adapting their pages to be viewed on mobile devices, as they will likely take a hefty cut in their search engine ranking.  SEO practices may still be as good and as solid as they always were, but they have also had to move with the times to be able to combine with mobile optimisation to help websites get the most out of organic techniques.

7. Content is still king!

If you fail to update your website regularly, or neglect to use as many social platforms or widgets as you possibly can, you could still be missing out.  SEO isn’t just about ensuring that Google sees you – it’s also about providing your visitors and customers with ample opportunity to connect with you, to share opinions and to hold you to account.  It’s also a case of encouraging customers to buy from you – calls to action have never been more useful.

8. Shady practices still see you locked out.

Google still knows when you’re trying to pull a fast one.  If you’ve ever tried buying backlinks instead of generating them organically, or if you’ve attempted to persuade Google that you’ve used SEO effectively by stuffing keywords in nonsensical ways, you’ll likely find yourself on the receiving end of a penalty from the Big G, or you may simply find yourself languishing further down the rankings.

9. Wear the White Hat!

White Hat SEO – practices which are organic, work well and are completely honest with Google and its algorithms – have always been perfectly acceptable and will continue to be so.  However, there are still individuals and firms that dare to practice Black Hat tactics, meaning that any short cuts that can be taken, will be taken – but Google is far smarter than these culprits will have you believe – try to cut corners and you’ll feel the full force of a penalty or two – some which you may struggle to recover from.

10. Firms like SEO CoPilot exist!

Dedicated firms such as SEO CoPilot still exist to encourage the use of SEO and White Hat techniques in all matters regarding web design – and if SEO wasn’t still an integral part of getting people seen by the Big G, we certainly wouldn’t be in business today!

For more information on how great SEO can continue to help your brand or business thrive in the months and years ahead, simply call us on 01246 540869 or email us via web form at your convenience!