87% of Consumers Start Their Product Search Online: Why Your Business Needs SEO First
TL; DR
The New Customer Journey Starts with Google
Whether it’s a teen looking for a new skincare brand, or a CEO searching for accounting software, almost every product discovery starts in one place: Google. A recent study reveals that 87% of consumers begin their buying journey with an online search. That’s not just a number, that’s your opportunity.
Why This Matters to Small Businesses
People rarely go beyond the first page when looking for solutions, products, or services online. If your business isn’t ranking, you’re simply not in the game. For small businesses, especially, SEO can level the playing field and help you appear right next to big brands, without needing a massive ad budget.
SEO vs Ads: Why SEO Should Come First
- Trust Factor: People trust organic results more than ads.
- Cost-Efficiency: SEO delivers long-term traffic without paying for every click.
- Better ROI: SEO builds digital equity over time, unlike ads that stop when you stop paying.
Spending on ads before fixing your SEO is like putting fuel into a car with a broken engine.
What Makes a Strong SEO Strategy?
- Understanding what your audience searches for (search intent)
- Well-structured, useful, and updated content
- Mobile-friendly and fast-loading websites
- Consistent business listings and local SEO
- Technical fixes that help Google crawl your site
If this sounds overwhelming, you can get expert help here.
A Quick Scenario
Imagine you run a local clothing store in Pune. You’ve built a decent Instagram following, but online orders are still low. Now imagine your website ranks on Google for “organic cotton t-shirts in Pune.” Every week, new visitors land on your store just because you show up where it matters: the search results.
What You Can Do Today
- Get a basic SEO audit done
- Make sure your website loads fast and looks great on mobile
- Start a blog answering real customer questions
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
- Add location and service-based keywords to your pages
And remember, SEO takes time, but the results are worth it.
Conclusion
Consumers today don’t wait for ads; they go searching. If your business doesn’t show up, someone else’s will. Investing in SEO isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of growth in a digital-first world.
Explore our SEO services to start your journey today.
FAQs
1. Is SEO better than paid ads?
2. How long does SEO take to show results?
Typically, you may see changes in 3–6 months. It depends on competition, industry, and how well your site is optimized.
3. Can small businesses compete with big brands?
Absolutely. With local SEO, targeted content, and smart strategy, small businesses can outrank larger ones in specific niches.
4. Is SEO expensive?
Compared to ongoing ad costs, SEO is more cost-effective over time. It’s an investment in your brand’s visibility.
5. What should I fix first on my website?
Start with speed, mobile responsiveness, and on-page content. Then move to technical improvements and backlink building.
You may also like this: The Rise of Human SEO: Why Being Useful Is the New Ranking Factor
