Wow, what a question?! Even though figuring how much time is required for search engine optimization (SEO) is very difficult to answer, we get this question A LOT. Companies that want their website to be a lead resource for them are wondering, “how much time will it take to get me to the top of a search engine results page?” What they should be asking is, “what do I need to do to STAY at the top of a search engine results page?” And the answer is, it totally depends.

How competitive is your business? Are you the only one selling your product online, or are there many others like you already out there on the web? Is your site new, or have you been online a few years or more? Do you have other lead sources, or will your Web site be your primary source for lead generation?

To best determine the amount of time that you should spend on SEO activities, it is important do an analysis of your current situation and establish goals. From there an action plan may be created to get you on the proper track.

For some companies, they will be spending at least 2 hours every day working on their SEO activities, while others may require a team of individuals to be working on SEO all day, every day in order to meet their goals. The more time you spend, the greater your expected results.

SEO activities may include things like:

• Updating your blog.
• Adding keywords to your Web pages.
• Posting to your social media pages.
• Link building (bookmarking your pages, commenting on blogs, etc.)
• Submitting articles and press releases to Web resources.
• Adding content to your website, and more!

The most important thing to remember is to maintain your activity. You cannot work on your SEO for one week and then walk away, expecting to keep your placement at the top. Think of it as though you are running a race with no finish line. You need to maintain a good pace to stay ahead. One stop for a rest can allow your competition to move in front and cause you to use a lot more energy to capture that top placement again. And remember, even if you are at the top today, that doesn't mean you'll be at the top tomorrow.

So take the time to outline the right approach and put the right people on your team to make things happen. Those with the greatest endurance will persevere.

If you need assistance developing an SEO action plan, contact MatchedMarketing and we'll help put you on a path to success.

 

Photo by mikebaird