Is SEO Dead?
Is SEO Dead? In the past few months, I’ve encountered this question more times than I can count; on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Even in private SEO consultant groups, there’s a general panic about the current state of Search Engine Optimization. Is it a dying industry?
My quick answer is, “Of course not!” The truth is, SEO is more relevant now than ever before. If you are a business owner, blogger, influencer, or entrepreneur, SEO can significantly impact your success. And if you are a consumer, you rely on it daily, whether you realize it or not. Let me break it down.
What is SEO?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of optimizing your web content so it’s easy to find on search engines like Google and Bing. I’ll give you an example.
My boyfriend and I enjoy live comedy shows. While I was writing this post, he sent me two websites listing local upcoming shows but I wasn’t impressed with the lineup and lack of diversity. So I googled “black comedy standup LA.” The super specific results I got? That’s SEO!
Everyone’s goal is to be seen by their target audience. Scoring that first page of Google for your set keyword is as good as gold. Because let’s be real, who’s scrolling past page 2 or 3? That is why SEO is so important.
Does SEO matter anymore?
Absolutely. Search engines like Google are constantly updating their algorithms, making it essential to adapt your strategies. For actionable steps to stay ahead, check out my guide on How to Boost SEO.
Businesses must continuously adapt their SEO strategies to stay visible and competitive. (Heads up: I’m going to reference Google a lot because they have a nearly 82% share of the 2024 search engine market.)
Search Engine Optimization has evolved significantly over the years. Gone are the days of simply stuffing keywords into your blog or website and expecting to rank high on search engines. Today, SEO is about:
Quality Content
You’re using relevant words but are you really saying something? If your blog posts are just AI word salad and you’re not answering the questions of your target audience and providing helpful info, you’re missing the mark. And if you’re copying and pasting AI, you’re going to be left in the dust. If you’re a beginner or need a refresher, check out my article that details How to Write a Blog Post.
User Experience
Is your website easy to navigate? Does it load quickly? You have to start with a solid foundation. If your website is riddled with technical issues, your audience will click the exit button before they’ve even seen what you have to offer. Google takes notice and you’ll be less likely to rank.
Adapting to Ever-Changing Algorithms
SEO is constantly evolving so you have to stay up to date with the best practices. (Google’ Helpful Content Update of September 2023 wreaked havoc y’all!) This is why Search Engine Optimization isn’t something you do just once. Old content may fall in search results, as new information emerges and competitors outrank you. That’s why I offer blog post updates as a service.
And it goes beyond standard Google searches, websites, and blogs. The principles of SEO work across social media platforms; from Instagram captions to Pinterest copy. And you know how people impulsively Google a question to prove themselves right during debates? In the past year, I’ve been running to TikTok to search everything from “preworkout stretches” to “easy dinner recipes.”
But do people still read blogs?
Absolutely! Despite the rise of social media and video content, people still read blogs. Blogging is a pillar of SEO and drives organic traffic to websites.
The fact that you’re reading this is literal proof! My livelihood relies on blog readers and my clients have the web traffic to prove that blogging is very much alive and profitable.
But forget my personal observations and anecdotes, Let’s talk numbers:
Google has 8.5 billion searches daily.
There are more than 600 million active blogs on the internet.
SEO can bring in over 1,000% more visitors than social media posts, and about 60% of marketers say SEO is their main way to get new customers.
The State of SEO in 2024
SEO isn’t dead or even on life support. It remains the most effective way to gain organic traffic. It helps businesses effectively reach their target audiences, driving significant traffic and fostering growth.
But as search engines and user behaviors continue to evolve, our SEO strategies must do the same. So, is SEO dead? Absolutely not! It’s more important than ever and Maya Does Media is here to help.
