Search engine optimisation is a highly complicated method of digital marketing, jam-packed with technical jargon, acronyms, and all sorts of confusing criterion and it’s always on the move.

In fact, even the most experienced of SEO specialists is forever learning something new. So, how does one explain the fundamentals of SEO to someone who can barely send an email?

Let’s say that you are in charge of your company’s marketing department and you are trying to convince your boss and shareholders of the immense value of SEO, but they aren’t budging. Or perhaps you have a friend who is starting their own business but they’re refusing to see the value in SEO as a long-term investment.

Whatever the case, this is the article for you; we’re going to describe SEO in a way that even the biggest of technophobes can understand.

SEO is a marathon – not a race

This is one of the best SEO analogies as one of the most common objections to SEO is the speculative nature of it.

“We want results now!”

Or our favourite:

“Now that we are ranking well we’re going to stop spending money on SEO.”

If you can explain that results aren’t instant and that it is very much an on-going effort, you’ll have more success.

SEO is like healthy living for your business

In order to lead healthy and fulfilling lifestyles, humans need the following:

• At least 30-minutes of cardiovascular exercise every day.
• At least 3litres of water a day.
• A balanced diet.
• Plenty of sleep.
• A job that we love.
• Good friends and close family.

The list could go on forever, but you get the gist. It’s all about finding the right balance. A brand’s online presence is not so dissimilar.

• Your website is the body of your business so it must be well optimised.
• Regular maintenance is necessary to keep it performing well.
• You want to form strong relationships with your customers so quality content is essential.
• Backlinks from reputable and reliable sources is essential for growing and maintaining your reputation.
• And so on…

SEO is a mystery that needs solving!

Your business’s SEO is a mystery that needs solving. Your website isn’t going to hit the #1 spots for every relevant keyword on its own accord.

• Which keywords are most relevant to your business?
• Who are your competitors?
• What are your target customers’ biggest fears?
• How should you adjust your content creation with each new update from Google?
• What other businesses and websites can back you up with high-quality links?

Final thoughts

SEO can be difficult for some people to grasp, however, when you use a real-world analogy that they can relate to, it makes it far easier to understand.

We appreciate how frustrating it can be – particularly when you yourself understand the immense value that a professional SEO in Australia can bring your brand and business. However, try to remain patient and focus on outcomes.

Similarly, you can line up a few prospective SEO agencies and have them put together some case studies to help when pleading with your case.

In any case, we hope you have found this article helpful and wish you the best of luck!