O One of the principal decisions that startup founders and online entrepreneurs face is whether or not to invest in SEO. Many weigh the **cost of SEO campaigns** against potential long-term benefits. Others get overwhelmed by the complex SEO jargon that floods the internet. If you’re new to e-commerce or digital marketing and still unsure if SEO is worth your time and money, this article is tailored for you. Below, we break down exactly why SEO is not just important—but essential for online success.
Why SEO Should Be a Priority for Startups
SEO is more affordable than most digital marketing strategies. When compared to paid advertising (PPC), email marketing, or influencer campaigns, SEO provides a better ROI in the long run. Yes, you might initially spend on website optimization, content creation, and link building—but once the structure is in place, you’ll enjoy steady traffic without constantly paying to play.
“I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure. It is: Try to please everybody.”
– Herbert Bayard Swope
Appear Higher on Google and Be Found by Customers
Effective SEO strategies help your site rank higher on Google’s Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). This means when your target customers look for products or services like yours, your website is more likely to appear on their screens. Regular appearances build brand familiarity and trust—eventually leading users to click and engage with your content.
SEO is a Cost-Effective, Long-Term Advertising Strategy
Off-site SEO—such as backlinks and social media linking—ensures your content can be discovered from other platforms beyond Google. For example, sharing blog articles or product links on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter increases visibility and traffic. This is the power of **organic reach**—you attract an audience without paying for every impression or click.
And the benefits go beyond traffic. The more people land on your website, the more opportunities you get to **convert visitors into subscribers or customers.** SEO works 24/7, helping build brand authority and boosting conversions without a heavy monthly ad spend.
Use SEO Tools to Understand Your Audience
Powerful tools like **Google Analytics** and **Google Keyword Planner** help you dive deep into user behavior and keyword trends. These platforms reveal vital data such as:
- Top-performing keywords and search intent
- User demographics, behavior, and activity time
- Popular devices and platforms used
- Preferred product categories
Armed with this knowledge, you can **optimize your website’s structure and content** to resonate more with your audience. In essence, SEO doesn’t just boost visibility—it gives you insights into what your customers actually want.
Final Thoughts: SEO is a Long-Term Growth Engine
Whether you’re building a personal brand or scaling a startup, SEO helps you grow **sustainably and smartly.** While trends in paid advertising may shift and budgets may fluctuate, SEO ensures your digital presence keeps working for you in the background.
So if you’re still on the fence—know that **investing in SEO today can set your business up for long-term success** tomorrow.
Pablo Villalpando
May 24, 2019SEO is always changing so leaving the strategy and tactics to Onum has more than paid for itself. We estimate ROI is over 10 to 1 – I can’t say enough about this team.
Pablo Villalpando
July 15, 2019Onum has been extremely consistent and reliable through our entire engagement. Our results speak for themselves.
Pablo Villalpando
August 12, 2019It also gives you insights on your market’s behavior such as location, times of activity, frequency of searches, technologies used, product preferences, etc.