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    How Long Does SEO Take?

    Harley Helmer • Jun 17, 2020
    Inventory Manager researching How Long Does SEO Take?

    The advantages of search engine optimization (SEO) are well-known, and most marketers are aware of the impact proper SEO practices can have. SEO has the ability to drive organic traffic, increase presence, improve reputation, and capture more leads — in short, changes that can have a significant benefit to your bottom line.


    However, many marketers fail to realize that the effects of SEO won’t take place overnight. Due to the nature of SEO, the process moves slowly, and results make take time to see. Thus, for business owners conserving SEO for the first time, timeline is often of upmost consideration.

    How long before SEO shows results?


    The answer is complex. However, the variables that impact when results can be seen are measurable, and these can be used to provide realistic estimates. In the following content, we explore the general answer, then dive in to six specific variables that impact timeline.

    How Long Does SEO Take?

    A dozen variables impact how long SEO takes, including the specific results a business is looking for. Some are immediate, others take longer. For example, certain keyword phrases with minimal competition could increase in rank from page three to page two within weeks.


    However, organizations investing in SEO often expect #1 rankings, boosts in website traffic, and increased conversions. In general, websites begin to see results such as these within 4 to 6 months of starting SEO. 


    This may sound like a long time, but it's not like a light switch; you'll begin to see changes gradually on the road to the final outcome. While you wait, don't be afraid to make tweaks, either; if Google changes algorithms or your company branches into new spaces, your SEO campaigns should reflect this.

    The Variables

    1. New websites vs established domains

    Inventory manager looking at results of how long does SEO take?

    Results will often take longer to see on a website with a brand new domain than on an established website domain. Most websites fall somewhere in-between.


    New website domains tend to experience a period of rapidly changing rankings before the SERPs settle and consistent growth begins. Getting over this hump can take six months or more. The temptation to become easily excited or dissuaded during this period of fluctuation shouldn’t discourage long-term marketing investment.


    Typically, established websites experience increased rankings and SERP settlement faster.
    

    One final note: established domains that were previously penalized for malicious activity must re-establish trust and legitimacy on search engines.

    2. Domain name


    Although not a magic bullet technique, domain names with rich keywords can quicken SEO efforts. For example, a coffee shop with the domain localcoffeeshop.com may rank higher than their competitor (cupofjoe.com) for the keyword “local coffee shop.”


    Of course, this is not an absolute variable. Domains with keywords can rank poorly, and domains without keywords often rank for a variety of valuable phrases.


    3. Competition


    Organizations offering a product or service that real people will acquire always face some degree of competition. A niche business in a small town will likely experience less competition than a real estate brokerage in New York City.


    The level of competition your business encounters will impact the SEO timeline. Ranking difficulty and time-required-to-rank typically follow a bell curve.


    We must note that budget plays a role. Large companies in competitive industries often have sizeable marketing budgets, allowing them to rank for competitive keywords quicker. Allocating the right amount of money to marketing can give you a leg up on the competition.


    4. Inbound links


    Inbound links play a significant role in SEO, impacting how fast results are seen.


    Three primary factors influence results: number of links, quality of links, and the speed at which links are acquired.


    • Number of links: generally, more links show Google value, helping your website rank quicker.
    • Quality of links: links quality is equally important. Low-quality links from spammy websites can hurt your rankings and slow progress. Gaining quality links from relevant websites is key to positive growth.
    • Speed of acquired links: links should be acquired over time, in a steady upward trend. An abrupt jump in link number could indicate a successful campaign, but it could also point to an unnatural means to manipulate rankings.


    5. Keywords


    Keywords are among the most noteworthy components of SEO. Keywords have the power to drive targeted, conversion-ready traffic to your website.


    Strategic keyword research that takes user intent, search volume, difficulty, and relevance into consideration helps organizations see valuable results faster.


    6. Content


    Content published on your website impacts the SEO speed. However, not just any content will rank well on search engines.


    Aim for high-quality content that provides value to the reader. Word count suggestions can be helpful tools, but longer pieces are not always better. A 500-word blog that solves a visitor’s problem will often rank higher than a 2,000-word piece with unhelpful information.


    Publishing content on a regular basis is also important. Consistent publishing can encourage search engine spiders to crawl your website more frequently and motivate visitors to return to your site and discover new content.


    RivalMind: Results-Driven SEO

    Managing client expectations is a core part of an SEO professional’s job. Search engine optimization is a worthwhile investment, and organizations investing in SEO can expect plentiful long-term return.


    At RivalMind, we offer results-driven SEO. Our genuine services are backed by decades of experience working with clientele poised to grow. Let’s get in touch about the SEO health of your website. Give us a call at 331.228.9636 or submit an online inquiry.

    inventory manager smiles at camera, she's booked an SEO audit with RivalMind
    Harley Helmer, Director of Search Marketing, RivalMind

    Meet the Author

    Harley Helmer

    Director of Search Marketing

    Harley Helmer is a digital marketing professional with nearly a decade of experience in the industry. Today, he's the head of search marketing strategy at RivalMind, responsible for developing and executing comprehensive SEO campaigns that improve online visibility and boost organic traffic. His pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to marketing – paired with a robust knowledge base – helps him deliver innovative solutions to technical challenges and deliver real client success.

    Specialties: SEO Strategy, Google Ads, and Search Marketing Opinions

    Looking for more organic website traffic?


    Welcome to RivalMind. Our purpose is to help your business thrive. We are a digital marketing agency that offers SEO, PPC, Web Design, Social Media and Video Solutions as tools to our clients for online business development and growth.


    Contact us today to get started!

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