Search engine optimization (SEO) has been one of the most powerful digital marketing tools for businesses across the globe for a few years now.

However, the past several months have been anything but normal.

As businesses navigate the new normal, the relevance of SEO is increasingly being called into question. Is the strategy still as effective today? Can you still use SEO tactics to generate more leads? Or has SEO become obsolete during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Let’s break things down.

Internet Use During the Pandemic

According to research, internet use has increased by a whopping 70% during the pandemic.

As people continue to practice social distancing and spend more time indoors, they’re actively browsing the web and using social media platforms.

The average daily traffic for major platforms has increased drastically (more on this here). And it won’t be abating any time soon.

Woman browsing the web on her laptop at home during the COVID-19 pandemic

While the threat of the COVID-19 is gradually decreasing, internet use is still steadily rising. From people choosing to work from home despite having the option of returning to the office to many students preferring online classes over the alternative, the aftereffects of the pandemic are slowly crystallizing.

In short, SEO has never been more effective than it is today.

As internet consumption increases, businesses can leverage SEO strategies to redirect more online users to their websites and maximize conversions. As more customers engage with their products/services, businesses can increase sales and build wider audiences.

Shopping Preferences During the Pandemic

Within the span of a few months, the demand for online shopping skyrocketed. People began actively browsing the internet for both essentials and luxury items.

SEO has become the epicenter of this activity.

How? It’s simple.

Brands that optimize their content can rank higher on search engine result pages (SERPs) and target more potential customers. In comparison, if a business leaves SEO untouched, it is less likely to appear among the first few SERPs.

With over 75% of people refusing to scroll past the first page of search results, this can ultimately make a big difference in how well you do as a company.

In short, SEO is essential for brands looking to market their products/services to a wide audience. If you run an e-commerce store, creating a winning SEO strategy isn’t just imperative—it’s nonnegotiable.

Online Reviews During the Pandemic

Concept illustration of SEO strategies being used to increase online reviews during the COVID-19 pandemic

An astounding 84% of customers trust online reviews as much as recommendations from their friends or family members. As internet use continues to increase, people are engaging with more reviews and using them to decide whether they should continue with a particular purchase or keep looking for a better option.

Simply put, online reviews have become more important than ever during the pandemic.

Here’s how SEO fits into the narrative:

On-page and off-page SEO strategies play a big role in allowing your page to appear in the Google 3-Pack—the top three search results for local products/services. Google’s algorithm uses the quantity and quality of positive reviews as a ranking factor. If your business has amassed a plethora of positive reviews, you’ll bag a spot in the coveted 3-Pack and generate impressive traffic.

As Google’s algorithm effectively crawls, indexes, and ranks your website, you’ll manage to maximize conversions and give your revenue a much-needed boost.

If you’ve been struggling to generate more leads and rank higher on Google during the ongoing pandemic, SEO can help. And OAK Interactive is right here to act as a catalyst for improved business growth.

As one of the leading advertising companies in Houston, we offer winning SEO services to help your brand stand out from the crowd. Find out more about our strategies to maximize impressions, clicks, and conversions.

For more information, feel free to contact us at (832) 321-3196. At OAK Interactive, we’re always happy to help.

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