What’s the risk of launching a new site without considering SEO first?
Launching a new site without considering SEO first risks poor search engine visibility, resulting in low organic traffic and missed business opportunities. Without proper SEO, your site may struggle to rank for relevant keywords, making it difficult for potential customers to find you online. This oversight can lead to increased reliance on paid advertising and a slower return on investment.
Why SEO Matters Right from the Start
Imagine you’re opening a new restaurant in town. You’ve got the decor, the menu, and the staff all set. But you forget to put up a sign. How will anyone know you’re there? That’s essentially what launching a site without SEO is like. You might have a fantastic website, but if search engines can’t find it, neither can your customers.
SEO is not just about keywords and links. It’s about making sure your site is structured in a way that search engines understand. It’s about ensuring your content is relevant and useful. For a B2B SaaS company, for example, this means your product pages need to rank well for terms your potential clients are searching for. If they don’t, you’re leaving money on the table.
Steps to Take Before Launch
Before you hit the launch button, there are a few steps you should consider. These will help ensure your site is search engine friendly from day one:
- Keyword Research: Identify the terms your audience is searching for. This will guide your content creation and help you target the right people.
- Site Structure: Plan a logical, clear site hierarchy. This helps search engines crawl your site more efficiently and improves user experience.
- On-Page SEO: Optimise each page with relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and header tags. This makes it easier for search engines to understand your content.
- Mobile Optimisation: With more people browsing on mobile devices, ensure your site is responsive and loads quickly on all screen sizes.
- Technical SEO: Check for any technical issues that could hinder search engine crawling, such as broken links or slow page speeds.
Getting these elements right can make a big difference in how your site performs. If you’re unsure where to start, consider working with a seo optimisation expert to guide you.
The Pitfalls of Ignoring SEO
Skipping SEO is like trying to run a marathon without training. You might finish, but it’ll be a struggle. And you’ll likely be overtaken by those who prepared.
Many businesses rush to launch, thinking they can “fix” SEO later. Big mistake. Post-launch fixes can be more complex and costly. Plus, you miss out on valuable time where you could be building search engine authority.
It’s not just about rankings. Good SEO enhances user experience. It ensures your site is fast, easy to navigate, and provides valuable content. All of which keep visitors coming back.
So, take a moment. Think about SEO before you launch. Your future self will thank you.