How do I know if my SEO strategy is working?

Successful search engine optimization (SEO) requires two things in abundance – optimized content, and patience! 

But how can you tell if your SEO strategy is working? How long does an SEO strategy take to work? Let’s discuss some of the basics of a comprehensive SEO strategy, including how long it takes to start working and how you can measure the success of your SEO campaign. 

How long does an SEO strategy take to work? 

SEO is a long game. It typically takes between 3 to 6 months before you start noticing significant improvements in your web traffic, and in particularly competitive industries, it may even take up to a year to see substantial results. There are plenty of shorter-term marketing methods to help you drum up traffic in the meantime, and SEO pairs well with all of them as an investment in the long-term health of your business. 

When you begin your SEO journey, setting realistic expectations is crucial. Imagine you’re carefully laying bricks to build a sturdy, long-lasting house – it’ll take longer than if you toss up a canvas tent. 

SEO increases organic web traffic 

One of the most obvious indicators of your website’s improving SEO health is an increase in organic web traffic. As your website climbs higher in search engine rankings, you can expect to see a steady growth in the number of visitors coming to your site from search engine results. This increase signifies that your website is being recognized as relevant and valuable by search engines, which results in more clicks and more visits. 

SEO increases the average session duration 

“Session duration” refers to the amount of time that a user spent browsing your site. A longer average session duration indicates that visitors find your content engaging and are spending more time exploring your website. This metric shows that your SEO efforts are not only attracting visitors but also keeping them engaged and interested, which can lead to improved conversion rates over time. 

SEO increases the number of relevant ranked keywords 

Before implementing your SEO strategy, your website may rank for a few targeted keywords. But as your SEO efforts progress, you should see your website appearing in search results for a broader range of relevant keywords. This expansion in keyword rankings signifies that search engines are recognizing your website as authoritative and trustworthy in multiple relevant areas. 

Branded traffic is an important subset of increased keyword traffic, as it refers to the number of visitors who reach your website by searching for your brand name or related terms. This indicates that users are familiar with your brand and they’re looking it up specifically, which could be the result of a slew of other marketing efforts.  

How do I improve my website’s SEO? 

A solid SEO strategy is a vital addition to your marketing because it’s an investment in organic visibility. Over time, more and more interested customers will be able to find your company’s website even if they aren’t served your ads. Dozens of satisfied companies have experienced the benefits of a strong SEO strategy after partnering with 1GS. We provide an initial SEO audit to determine the best strategy for your company, and then we provide you monthly reports on these essential KPIs and more to keep you informed on the progress of your SEO campaign. Speak with a 1GS strategist today, and start improving your organic online traffic.