Every website needs more visitors, which means every website marketer is constantly comparing options to bring more visitors to their site. Among the array of techniques available, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and organic social media are traditional choices. However, according to a report by BrightEdge, SEO drives more than 1000% more traffic than organic social media. Let’s delve deeper to understand why SEO holds such a significant edge.
Nerd Vocabulary
What’s the difference between SEO and Social Media (for beginners)
SEO refers to the process of optimizing a website to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). This is achieved by creating high-quality content, using relevant keywords, and improving the website’s overall user experience. The higher the ranking, the more visibility the website gains, resulting in more organic traffic.
On the other hand, organic social media refers to the use of free tools on various social media platforms to build a social community and interact with it, sharing posts and responding to customer comments. It’s a vital way to engage with your audience.
Why is SEO so much more valuable?
Reason 1: It captures user intent
The main reason behind SEO’s upper hand is the intent of the user. When users turn to search engines, they have a specific intent – to find information, a product, or a service. This means they are already in the mindset to receive what you are offering, making them more likely to engage, convert, or make a purchase.
In contrast, users on social media are typically there to connect with friends, consume content, and entertain themselves. They are not actively looking for your business or services. Therefore, even though social media can provide valuable exposure, the conversion rate is often lower compared to SEO-driven traffic.
Reason 2: It lasts longer
SEO also benefits from its longevity. Once your website is optimized and ranks high for certain keywords, it can continue to attract traffic consistently, without additional cost. In contrast, organic social media requires continuous engagement and content production to maintain visibility and reach.
Reason 3: It’s much larger
Another key factor is the sheer volume of search engine usage. Google alone processes over 3.5 billion searches per day. This extensive user base can result in a broader reach for your content, compared to the relatively limited audiences of individual social media platforms.
But hey, don’t skimp on social either
It’s important to note that this doesn’t undermine the importance of organic social media. Social media remains a powerful tool for brand building, fostering customer relationships, and community engagement. Nobody here is recommending you just forget about your Insta account – just prioritize accordingly.
The takeaway
A balanced and diversified digital marketing strategy should include both SEO and organic social media, but it’s clear that SEO offers significant advantages in terms of traffic generation. By understanding and leveraging this, businesses can make more informed decisions, optimize their marketing strategies, and ultimately, drive growth and success in the digital world.
See the report from BrightEdge here.
