Is SEO still relevant?

In the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing it’s natural to question whether certain strategies are still effective. One question we hear often is: Is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) still relevant in 2024? We can confidently say yes, SEO is more critical than ever. Let us explain why, and show you how investing in SEO can pay off big time.

What is SEO and why does it matter?

Search Engine Optimisation or SEO, is the process of improving your website to make it more visible in search engines like Google. Think of it as a way to help your target audience find you amid a sea of competitors. With over 68% of online experiences beginning with a search engine, according to BrightEdge, SEO remains a cornerstone of any successful digital marketing strategy.

Google alone handles around 8.5 billion searches every day. When done right, SEO can boost your website’s position in search results, drive more organic traffic, build brand awareness and ultimately lead to increased conversions. The real question isn’t whether SEO is relevant, it’s whether your business can afford to miss out on this opportunity.

Why SEO Still Matters Today

In a world where AI, social media, and paid advertising dominate marketing strategies, SEO remains foundational. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Organic traffic is still king

Organic search accounts for over 53% of all website traffic, according to a 2023 study by BrightEdge. That’s more than paid ads, social media or any other single channel. Unlike paid campaigns, where the traffic disappears as soon as your budget runs out, SEO offers long-term value. A well-optimised website can continue bringing in relevant users for months or even years after the initial investment.

2. SEO Adapts to Modern Trends

SEO isn’t static, it evolves alongside technology and user behaviour, for instance:

• Voice Search: By 2024 nearly 50% of all searches are expected to be voice-based so optimising for conversational keywords and natural language is becoming increasingly important
• Mobile-first Indexing: Google now prioritises mobile-friendly websites. If your site isn’t optimised for mobile, it’s likely losing visibility.
• AI-driven Results: Google’s AI-powered tools and the recent addition of generative AI in search results, have made understanding search intent more crucial than ever.

SEO is dynamic and adaptable, ensuring that your website stays relevant no matter how search evolves.

The impact of SEO: real numbers speak

Still wondering whether SEO delivers results? Here are some compelling statistics:

• A study by Ahrefs found that the top-ranking page on Google captures 49% of the total organic traffic for a keyword
• Websites with well-executed on-page SEO (such as optimised titles, headers, and meta descriptions) see an average traffic increase of 106%, according to a HubSpot report.
• Content marketing and SEO combined can produce 6x more conversions than other marketing methods.

And here’s the real kicker. About 75% of users never scroll past the first screen of listings on Google results. If your website isn’t on that initial list, you’re effectively invisible to most of your audience.

Common SEO misconceptions

While SEO is clearly effective, some persistent myths might make businesses hesitate to invest in it. Let’s debunk a few:

• “SEO is too technical.” While some aspects of SEO involve technical expertise (that is where we come in), a lot of it comes down to creating quality content and understanding your audience. At Tictoc, we break the process into simple, actionable steps
• “SEO takes too long.” It’s true that SEO is a long-term strategy, but many improvements like optimising page speed or fixing broken links can deliver quick wins
• “Paid ads are enough.” While pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns can generate immediate traffic, they don’t build lasting authority or trust. SEO complements PPC by providing sustainable, long-term growth

What makes modern SEO work?

A strong SEO strategy today includes:

1. Keyword Research: Understanding what your audience is searching for
2. Technical SEO: Ensuring your site is fast, mobile-friendly and easy to crawl for search engines
3. Content Optimisation: Creating engaging, valuable content that answers user queries
4. Link Building: Building high-quality backlinks that signal your site’s authority
5. User Experience (UX): Ensuring seamless navigation and fast load times

With the right approach, SEO can transform your online presence.

What can you expect from investing in SEO?

When SEO is done right, the results speak for themselves. A client of ours, for example, saw a 78% increase in organic traffic within six months after implementing a targeted SEO strategy. Their bounce rate (i.e. one-page visits) dropped by 25%, and their online inquiries doubled.

Similarly, a study by Backlinko found that businesses focusing on SEO see an average ROI of 12.2x their initial investment. That’s because SEO doesn’t just attract any visitors, it attracts the right visitors: people who are actively searching for what you offer.

Conclusion: SEO is here to stay

In today’s competitive digital landscape, ignoring SEO means leaving money on the table. It’s not just about ranking higher in search results, it's about connecting with your audience, building trust and driving sustainable growth.

At Tictoc, we’re passionate about helping businesses harness the power of SEO. Whether you’re looking to boost your visibility, improve your site’s performance or stay ahead of digital trends, our team is here to help.

Ready to see what SEO can do for your business? Get in touch with us today. Let’s make sure your website isn’t just keeping up with the competition - it’s leading the way.