While everyone seems to understand the importance of Search engine optimization (SEO), I am absolutely amazed at how many businesses do not utilize the most basic tactics of SEO.

For example, I have been talking to my son's taekwondo studio for several years about the importance of SEO. For whatever reason, they delayed and delayed implementing basic tactics on their website. When they finally did implement a few SEO tactics, they ended up with so many new students that they had to restructure how they do things.

If you are delaying SEO on your website, you might be missing out big. Here are five reasons why SEL is so important for businesses like yours.

SEO is Your Online Signage

If potential customers cannot find you online, you do not exist. Search engine optimization tactics help your business to be seen. Think of it this way, would you put your retail store in the middle of a cornfield 30 miles outside of town? Probably not. But if you did, you would invest in signage to point the way to your business. That is what SCO does. It helps your business to be seen online.

SEO is Easy

Sure, search engine optimization can be extremely complex. In fact, it is so complex that very few people actually understand the intricacies of the algorithms used by the major surgeons.

But SEO for your business does not have to be complex. Having a formal SEO strategy will go a long way in helping your business to be found online. Just like the 8020 rule in life, there are certain SEO tactics that will take you 80% of the way for 20% of the work. Many businesses can get what they need with simple as SEO tactics.

SEO is a Distribution Channel

One of the best things about search engine optimization is that you can get your business in front of potential customers who are actually searching for your services. The truth is, potential customers are searching for your services every single day. As more and more people initiate the purchase process online, it is going to be increasingly important for your business to be found. As these customers find your solution to their problem, SEO will become a distribution channel in and of itself.

Your Competition is Doing SEO

If I had not convinced yet that is important for your business, consider this: your competition already has a competitive advantage because they are doing Seo tactics.

One of the great things about certain SEL tactics, such as content marketing, is that it continues to grow over time. Unlike paper click advertising, you do not lose your efforts to a one time tactic. Many SEL tactics continue to work for you long after you implement them.

What this means to you is that once a business starts down the road to strategic SCO, they get a Headstart in the search engine rankings game. For example, if you spend 10 years building your SEL tactics, it is going to be very difficult for a new competitor to rake as high as you in search engine results.

Having an SCO strategy can be a competitive advantage. Not having an SEO Strategy will put you at a competitive disadvantage.

SEO is Affordable

Again, this comes down to the 8020 rule. The truth is that you do not need to pay thousands and thousands of dollars for your small business to begin implementing basic SEO strategies.

As I share in my SEO guide, strategies that I use are essentially free. Yes they take some time to implement, but anyone can do it. The key is to have a formal SEO strategy and to stick with it.

Question for You

So what is holding you back? The longer you delay implementing basic SEO strategies, the harder it will be for you to catch up to your competition.

5 Reasons Why SEO Should Be Important For Your Business