One thing that many new business owners find unsettling when they invest in SEO for the first time, is how long it will take (if at all) to yield positive and profitable results.
Whether you are currently working with a new SEO company or you are thinking about investing, you’re likely wondering what to expect. In this article, we’re going to share some realistic time-frames, including the various defining factors that can delay you from seeing a sustainable ROI. Let’s get stuck in…
How long does it take for SEO to yield profitable results?
How long is a piece of string? Unfortunately, in SEO, nothing is set in stone. You could see some very positive results in a matter of weeks, and yet it could be 6-months to a year before you start making some serious money.
If you want an average, most experts agree that the 6-month mark is about right. The likelihood of you seeing any valuable movement before that point is rare.
Of course, if you’re paying several thousand dollars a month, the thought of not making any money back for half a year (and likely longer) is enough to put even the most patient among us off. However, the important thing to remember is what happens to those business owners who persevere and continue investing in their SEO (a snowball effect happens and the hard work and patience starts paying off).
What can influence the time it takes to see an ROI?
There are so many different variables that can influence the time it takes for you to see an ROI on your SEO. Here are a few examples:
- The quality and capabilities of your SEO company: if you shop on reputation and find a Miami SEO company with a proven track record for success, you won’t have to worry so much. They will create a highly personalised digital marketing campaign designed to help your business thrive online. However, if you rushed in with an SEO company that doesn’t quite have the experience or the capabilities to deliver results, you could be waiting a very long time indeed!
- How much money you spend: if you shopped on price rather than reputation, then you’re likely not spending very much on your monthly SEO at all – which means that the amount of work being done to grow your online presence will be minimal. If you are paying for basic SEO services, it will take a while to yield results and even then, the ROI might be minimal.
- The level of competition: if you are in a highly saturated industry (e.g., Miami condos), then it’s going to take a lot of time and investment before you can really make your mark and start outperforming your competitors.
- How generous the SEO gods are feeling: while there is so much that an SEO expert can do to improve your chance at experiencing positive results, unfortunately, sometimes it can be very difficult indeed to get ahead. A lot of SEO can be circumstantial and just plain dumb luck – which is precisely why it is entirely worth investing in SEO agencies with a proven track record for success.
How to increase your chances at seeing an ROI with SEO?
Don’t let this article put you off. Just because SEO is a slow burner, it doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. In fact, the average SEO campaign (strategized by a reputable digital marketing agency) will see an average ROI of 227% (you can find some interesting SEO stats here).
So, while it might take you a year or so before you are able to make your money back (and some), if you are patient, you can transform your business and start making some serious dollars!
