Several years ago, I embarked on a remarkable journey across the US, exploring 35 states in my trusty RV over a span of eighteen months. What made this adventure even more exciting was the creation of a web application that I launched upon completing my trip.
At the time, I held the belief that SEO (Search Engine Optimization) held little significance. After all, the internet was inundated with thousands of websites, and I reasoned that I could spend months chasing after SEO algorithms, or I could simply invest in running ads. I chose the latter path.
Fast Forward
Fast forward to January 2023, and the internet landscape has ballooned to a staggering two billion websites (1,986,154,062 to be precise). This brings me to the same question: is it worth the effort to fine-tune my website and join the SEO frenzy?
Imagine this: out of those two billion websites, only about 10 to 15 websites appear on the first page of a Google search.
Let’s crunch the numbers: 15 web page links among 1,986,154,062.
That’s a probability of approximately 0.00000000755.
The Real Odds
In essence, it seems like a one in a billion shot at being noticed. However, the situation isn’t quite that grim, as not all websites are competing for the same spotlight.
But, if I conduct a straightforward search for a common phrase like “small business ideas,” Google returns its standard top 10 results. Right below the search bar, I notice a whopping 2,280,000,000 results for this particular query.
Now we’re looking at 10 chances out of 2,280,000,000.
But Is SEO Worth It?
So, the question looms: Is SEO truly worth the effort?
Google certainly thinks so, and here’s why:
- 76% of people who conduct a local search on their smartphone visit a physical place within 24 hours and 28% of those searches result in a purchase. (source)
But this perspective comes from Google itself, a company deeply entrenched in the world of search.
What About Your Business?
What about businesses? Is SEO beneficial for us? Despite the odds seemingly being stacked against us, it still appears to be in our best interest to embrace robust SEO practices.
According to Google’s developer portal, Google’s Search Rater Guidelines emphasize the importance of E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) in evaluating the quality of web content. (source)
Key Points
The sheer volume of web pages may seem daunting, but fret not; I’ve distilled some key points from that document under the section “Understanding the Purpose of a Web Page.”
Web pages can serve various purposes, including:
-
Sharing information about a topic.
-
Sharing personal experiences or perspectives.
-
Displaying media like images or videos.
-
Demonstrating talents or skills.
-
Expressing opinions or viewpoints.
-
Providing entertainment.
-
Offering products or services.
-
Enabling users to post questions or share files.
As a solopreneur or small business owner, your goal is likely to offer products or services. With this in mind, let’s explore the essentials of crafting an effective web page for your business offerings.
Creating an Effective Web Page for Your Business Product or Service
Header Section:
-
Prominent Company Logo and Branding
-
Clear Navigation Menu
-
Contact Information
-
Compelling Call-to-Action (CTA) Button
Hero Section:
-
Attention-Grabbing Headline
-
Engaging Visuals
-
Clear Value Proposition
Features/Benefits Section:
-
Highlight Key Features with Descriptions
-
Use Visuals to Enhance Understanding
-
Frame Benefits from Customer’s Perspective
How It Works/Process Section:
-
Break Down Usage Process
-
Visual Aids for Complex Steps
-
User-Friendly Language
Testimonials/Reviews Section:
-
Display Customer Feedback
-
Include Authentic Information
Pricing and Packages:
-
Transparent Pricing Details
-
Package Comparison (if applicable)
-
Emphasize Value in Each Package
Call-to-Action (CTA) Section:
-
Clear Primary CTA
-
Additional Secondary CTAs
About Us Section:
-
Share Company Story and Values
-
Introduce Key Team Members
-
Showcase Accomplishments
FAQ Section:
-
Address Common Questions
-
Provide Detailed Answers
Contact Information:
-
User-Friendly Contact Form
-
Links to Social Media Profiles
-
Map for Locating Physical Business
Footer:
-
Essential Navigation Links
-
Privacy Policy and Terms
-
Copyright Information
SEO Principles Still Work
While the odds may seem stacked against us, employing solid SEO principles is still in our best interest. The goal is to create a page that clearly communicates your company’s offerings, showcases your products or services, streamlines the purchasing process, and establishes trust with potential customers.
So, even though the numbers might appear overwhelming, it’s better to have a page optimized for SEO than not. Stay tuned for more detailed insights into the world of SEO in the future.