Do users actually look at the second page of search results?
Search engine optimization (SEO) revolves around the use of content and keywords to draw organic traffic to a website. Users will type in keywords on Google, Bing or another search engine – though Google gets the lion’s share of search traffic – and the algorithm then tries to match them up with relevant results. The goal with SEO is simply to rank higher and get more traffic to your site by uploading useful content that contains appropriate keywords.
Why is this so important? It’s crucial to be on the first page of the search results. According to one survey, 93.4% of all Google users will only look at the first page when choosing the result that they want to select. A mere 6.6% will continue on and check the results that are on the second page.
Every time someone runs a search, they are going to get hundreds or even thousands of results. But the above shows that ranking on the later pages is largely irrelevant. The only results that matter are those on the first page, which is why you need to use consistent SEO to increase your ranking. Even if you have excellent products and services, they are not going to sell if consumers can’t find them because they are buried under other results. For all intents and purposes, being on Page 3 is not much different than being on Page 300.
Many users don’t even scroll down search results
It’s bad enough that most people won’t go beyond the first page, but the study also determined that a lot of users won’t even scroll down to see results that are further down that first page. They just look at the top few results and make their selection. Just 57.7% of people claimed they would scroll down in some situations. While they are still a majority, this stat nevertheless underscores just how important that top ranking is. Many people will never see a ranking outside of the top five when they use Google.
Creating sustained success
The key to ranking highly is to consistently update your site with fresh, unique and helpful content for your readers. It is wise to use the correct keywords, but remember that the Google algorithm also considers the value of the information to the reader. Quality content is important, not just the quantity of keywords. At Content Customs, we can help you find the perfect balance, so give us a call as soon as possible. We’ll help you get the ranking – and the traffic – that your business needs.
