How long does SEO Take?

One of the most commonly asked questions is how long it will take to see results from search engine optimisation work? To be honest, search engine optimisation can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years to have an impact and should really be seen as part of a long term targeted marketing strategy rather than a "quick fix". The length of time to see results depends on a number of factors including:

1. The age of the domain name -
Older websites are rewarded, especially by Google with a higher ranking.

2. Your website hosting -
If you are based in the UK, make sure your website is hosted by a reliable UK based hosting company. Search engines take this scenario into account when ranking your website.

3. The competitiveness of the key phrases -
Depending on how competitive your market and search phrases are it can take anywhere from weeks (for local specific phrases) to years (for very competitive phrases).

4. Current links the website -
A website with a large number of high quality and relevant links will achieve much faster results for competitive key phrases than one with very limited links.

5. The overall structure and content of the website - 
Static websites do not achieve high rankings long term. Websites with fresh content, articles, and news are the first page achievers.

Although it can be a frustrating wait, search engine optimisation delivers the best results long term. However, if you need visibility quickly on the web, there are a number of ways to do this including pay per click advertising and affiliate marketing.

Search engine optimisation requires a long term strategy, ongoing activity, and much patience, but delivers the best results. Be wary of SEO companies that guarantee top rankings on the search engines within days, as there is no way, even with unethical SEO methods, that websites can achieve rankings so quickly. In fact, unethical (blackhat) SEO practices can get your website blacklisted on Google forever.

Search engine optimisation for most of our clients is the long term goal. In the meantime, while conducting SEO work, we can set up effective paid for marketing campaigns that will deliver and increase in traffic and sales. Be patient. SEO will deliver results long term.