Why Your Website Needs SEO Help Now More Than Ever
COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges and has had a significant impact on businesses worldwide. As countries continue to grapple with the spread of the virus and implement measures to control it, the global population finds itself at a standstill. Non-essential businesses have shuttered, people are confined to their homes, and consumer priorities have shifted away from shopping. In addition, the delivery of most items has been disrupted.
In these challenging times, many businesses, unless they operate in essential service industries like food, healthcare, or media, are experiencing a decline in online organic traffic and conversions. It's tempting for eCommerce businesses to consider halting their investment in SEO during this period. However, we believe that now is not the time to pause your SEO efforts. Here's why.
1. Competition Has Never Been Lower
As the world faces the economic impact of COVID-19 and subsequent lockdowns, businesses of all sizes are witnessing a contraction in their operations. Marketing is no longer a priority for many companies. While it may seem wise to reduce marketing activities and costs in the short term, it's crucial to take a long-term perspective. The pandemic will eventually be brought under control, and when that happens, the demand for non-essential items and the eCommerce sector will experience a surge. Investing in SEO now allows you to position your business for success when the demand bounces back. Many businesses are diverting their time and resources away from SEO, making it an opportune moment to invest. By securing a higher ranking with less effort and cost, you can ensure that your business appears prominently in search engine results when consumers are ready to shop again.
2. SEO is Measurable
As the marketing manager of an eCommerce store, it's essential to rationalize every penny you spend, particularly during times of uncertainty. While companies are implementing significant budget cuts, it's crucial to adapt marketing goals to focus on consumers who already have buying intent. These individuals are most likely to purchase from your brand in the current situation. One of the advantages of SEO is its measurability. By tracking the number of visitors to your website and analyzing sales data, you can gauge the success of your SEO investment. This data-driven approach allows you to adjust your budget and SEO strategy according to changing consumer behavior. Adapting your content optimization based on keyword analytics and buyer intent can help improve your search engine ranking and drive better results.
3. Scarcity and Shortage Drive eCommerce Sales
The scarcity of certain products during the pandemic, such as the frenzy over toilet paper, highlights significant consumer behavior. When items become scarce, people turn to online searches to find alternatives. As the world gradually returns to normalcy, there is a high probability that demand will outstrip supply. Reduced production in the manufacturing sector means there won't be enough products to meet their increased need. By optimizing your eCommerce website with the most searched keywords related to scarce items, you can tap into this consumer demand and increase your sales. Stay updated on current trends and predictions about items that might be considered scarce in the future. This proactive approach can help you improve your search engine rank and attract customers seeking these products.
4. Digital Marketing is the Only Effective Tool Right Now
With people confined to their homes and traditional marketing avenues such as billboards and print ads becoming less viable, digital marketing is the most effective way to reach your target audience. Even companies that haven't previously embraced digital channels are now recognizing their effectiveness. Consumers are spending more time online, browsing the internet, and using smartphones. By investing in eCommerce SEO, you can ensure that your brand stays in the minds of your customers. Consider starting a blog to share your experiences during the pandemic, provide helpful updates, and promote safety measures. Remember to rely on credible information and avoid using the pandemic as a promotional tool. By genuinely assisting and connecting with your audience, you can build brand awareness and potentially generate sales when normalcy returns.
In conclusion, rather than completely halting your SEO strategy, it's advisable to invest in it smartly to prepare for the future. COVID-19 has reshaped the economic landscape, and its effects will be felt for years to come. By acting proactively and continuing to invest in SEO, you can help mitigate the impact and position your eCommerce business for success. As an example, Media Masters Plus+ offers comprehensive web design services, eCommerce development using Shopify, and SEO services to help businesses thrive in the digital landscape. By leveraging the expertise of Media Masters Plus+, you can ensure that your online presence is optimized for search engines and ready to capture the surge in demand when the world returns to normalcy.