Over this year, there have been more than 95 SEO statistics that can revolutionize your strategy.

Among these figures, one stands out: businesses invest upwards of $79 billion annually in search engine optimization (SEO). This statistic underscores the profound impact of this digital marketing approach, showcasing its capacity to drive revenue and foster significant business expansion.

How can you optimize the influence of SEO on your company’s expansion and earnings? Moreover, how can you persuade organizational leaders that it represents the ideal approach for your business? By presenting research-supported data that elucidates the reasons and methodologies behind leveraging SEO.

Enhance your SEO tactics immediately by delving into these 95 SEO statistics.

Alternatively, if you seek expert assistance with SEO, collaborate with the top SEO firm catering to small-to-midsize enterprises. Explore our array of SEO services today!

SEO statistics: Organic search

95% of search traffic is directed to the first page of search results
90% of pages receive zero organic traffic
89% of marketers consider SEO successful
85% of retailers believe SEO and paid search are most effective for acquiring new customers
70% of searches involve more than three words
74% of small-to-midsized businesses planned to invest in SEO by 2017
66% of pages lack a backlink
62% of B2B marketers regard SEO algorithms as important
61% of CMOs perceive search engines as an effective marketing channel
54% of product searches occur on Amazon.com
51% of website traffic is propelled by organic search
50% of searches use four or more words
49% of marketers cite organic search as yielding the highest ROI
44% of businesses utilize SEO
41% of marketers find link building the most challenging aspect of SEO
39% of marketers find keyword research the most challenging aspect of SEO
40% of revenue is generated by organic traffic
33% of small-to-midsized businesses have optimized websites
26% of pages have links from fewer than three websites
The average close rate of SEO is 6%, which is eight times higher than traditional marketing
8% of searches are phrased as questions
The first organic search result is ten times more likely to earn a click than the #10 organic search result
URLs containing a keyword have a 45% higher click-through rate (CTR)
SEO generates 1000% more traffic than social media
The buying cycle is now nine days longer than in 2015
Google image searches account for 62.6% of all searches on Google Web Search

SEO statistics: SEO services

65% of small business owners have engaged with at least one SEO provider previously
30% of clients would endorse their current SEO provider to a friend or colleague
14% of U.S. small businesses allocate $5000 annually for SEO services
2% of U.S. small businesses invest over $25,000 yearly in SEO services
The average monthly expenditure on SEO services for U.S. small businesses is $497.16
The average cost to acquire a backlink is $361
Businesses spending less than $500 per month were 75% more likely to express dissatisfaction compared to those investing at least $500 monthly in SEO
Businesses investing over $500 per month in SEO services were 53.3% more inclined to be “extremely satisfied” compared to those spending less
The collective expenditure on SEO services by businesses amounts to around $79 billion

SEO statistics: Search results

95% of new pages fail to reach the first page of search results within their first year
71% of clicks on Google search results are directed to the first page
68% of clicks go to the first five results on Google
33% of search traffic is directed to the first organic search result on Google
26% of clicks are directed to the first search result in the absence of a featured snippet
Only 22% of pages created within the last year rank on the first page of search results
The average click-through rate (CTR) for the first position on Google is 19%
Question search queries trigger 19% of featured snippets
17% of featured snippets are triggered by search queries containing prepositions
12% of searches produce featured snippets in the search results
The average CTR for the second position on Google is 10%
Only 6% of clicks are directed to the featured snippet
19% of clicks are directed to the first search result after the featured snippet
The first search result’s CTR drops by 8% when a featured snippet is present
Merely 6% of clicks on search results extend to the second page
6% of clicks on Google search results extend to the second and third pages
78% of Google searchers click on a link from the second page
An increase of one spot in rankings can elevate CTR by 30.8%
Google search results typically display around eight pages on the first page

SEO statistics: Search engines

Google dominates 91% of the search market
80% of Google’s search algorithm relies on off-page factors, as stated by Google
Bing controls 2% of the search market
Yahoo! claims 1% of the search market
Baidu owns 1% of the search market
DuckDuckGo holds a 45% share of the search market
Over 1 billion individuals use Google monthly
Google handles more than 3.5 billion searches daily
Google processes 70,000 searches per second, totaling 5.8 billion daily or 2 trillion annually
Google incorporates over 200 ranking factors into its search algorithm

SEO statistics: Local SEO

The average conversion rate for local searches stands at 80%
28% of local searches culminate in a purchase
Mobile devices contribute to 54% of internet traffic
46% of Google searches exhibit local search intent
“Near me” searches have surged by over 500%

SEO statistics: Voice SEO

75% of voice-enabled speaker owners utilize voice search weekly to locate local businesses
71% of individuals leverage voice assistants to request directions
56% of individuals use voice assistants to discover dining options
Voice search is utilized by 55% of people
52% of individuals employ voice search while driving
Apple’s Siri accounts for 48% of the voice assistant market
46% of people utilize voice assistants
20% of searches are conducted via voice
Google’s speech recognition software supports 100+ languages.

SEO statistics: Content

61% of companies opt to outsource content marketing endeavors
Content development is deemed the most effective SEO strategy by 57% of marketing executives
Before reaching out to a business, 47% of users engage with three to five pieces of content
The average word count for a page ranking on the first page of search results is 1890

SEO statistics: User behavior

93% of online experiences commence with a search engine
80% of users initiate their product research online
The top three search results capture 75% of clicks
75% of users exclusively visit the first page of search results
71% of B2B clients commence product research via search engines
Organic search results are preferred by 70-80% of users over paid listings
Over 70% of individuals conduct web research on a company before making purchasing decisions or visiting
After conducting a search, 51% of users discover new companies or products
Only 25% of users venture to the second page of search results
21% of users click on multiple search results
Users perform 3-4 searches daily, translating to 1095 to 1460 searches annually.
The typical search session lasts under 1 minute.
Long-tail searches (comprising three or more words) exhibit a 3-5% higher click-through rate (CTR)
Before interacting with a website, the average B2B user conducts 12 searches.
Users typically visit approximately three pages on sites they access through search results.

Frequently Asked Questions about SEO Statistics for Organic Search

Businesses navigating the realm of digital marketing encounter a multitude of strategies to consider. The options seem endless, from video marketing to content marketing to social media marketing. A cornerstone of these approaches is SEO, which hinges on organic search.

Here’s why it’s essential to understand the significance of organic search, as illustrated by these SEO statistics:

1. How much traffic can organic search drive to my website?

Organic search is responsible for over 50 percent of all website traffic, surpassing both paid and social combined. To provide context, paid search contributes only 10 percent of site traffic, while social media accounts for five percent.

It’s important to note that pay-per-click (PPC) advertising remains a valuable asset in digital marketing. Although PPC may drive less traffic to your site, the quality of that traffic is significant because it targets users primed to make a purchase.

Nevertheless, businesses cannot afford to overlook the substantial traffic generated by organic search. With over half of your site’s traffic originating from organic search, your company gains direct access to its target audience. Neglecting SEO means forfeiting potential revenue and relinquishing it to competitors.

2. Are users more likely to click on paid ads than organic search results?

In today’s digital landscape, users prefer organic search results over paid advertisements. A recent study found that 70 to 80 percent of users prioritize organic search results, disregarding paid listings.

Several factors contribute to this preference:

Ad Formats: Many users find ads disruptive to their browsing experience, with over 70 percent citing pop-up ads as their least favorite form of advertisement. To enhance their online experience, users often resort to ad blockers.
Ad Blockers: Approximately 25 percent of internet users employ ad blockers while browsing the web. These extensions, such as those available on browsers like Chrome, prevent users from encountering any advertisements, presenting only organic search results.
Ad Personalization: While over 70 percent of users prefer ads tailored to their interests, not all users receive personalized ads. This discrepancy prompts some users to install ad blockers, favoring organic search results over paid ones.

It’s crucial to recognize that users are not impervious to paid advertisements; their response often depends on their intent. For instance, nearly 65 percent are inclined to click on ads when users are prepared to make a purchase. Hence, savvy PPC campaigns target users in the purchasing phase rather than those conducting product or service research.

While a paid advertisement can temporarily elevate your company’s website to the top of search results, it lacks the enduring value and cost-effectiveness of a prominent ranking in organic search results. By securing an enhanced position in organic search results, your business can attract valuable traffic, drive conversions, and increase revenue.

What is the revenue potential of SEO?

Regardless of the extent of your investment in digital marketing, the ultimate goal is to yield a favorable return on investment (ROI). Unlike many other digital marketing tactics, SEO yields results gradually and necessitates ongoing investment. Consequently, for many in-house marketing teams, these demands pose challenges when advocating for SEO.

Nevertheless, organic traffic can generate over 40 percent of your company’s revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions about SEO Statistics for Search Engines

Before delving into how SEO shapes user behavior, it’s crucial to comprehend where users conduct their searches. By identifying the preferred search engines of your target audience and understanding the algorithms powering these platforms, you can devise a competitive SEO strategy.

Explore these SEO statistics concerning search engines:

1. How many individuals utilize search engines?

When individuals seek out a new product, company, or service online, their journey typically commences with a search. Studies indicate that approximately 93 percent of online experiences initiate with a search engine like Google, Yahoo!, or Bing. It’s uncommon for users to possess precise knowledge of their desires; instead, they rely on search engines to guide them.

How will users discover you if your company fails to appear in search results? In most instances, they won’t. Instead, they’ll encounter your competitors and potentially conduct business with them. Even if your offerings surpass your competitors, this superiority holds little significance if users remain unaware of your existence. Prioritizing SEO is essential if you aspire to be a viable consumer option.

2. Which search engine reigns supreme?

If you depend on Google for search, you’re part of a vast majority. Google stands as the indisputable leader in the industry, commanding over 70 percent of the search engine market. Consequently, many companies tailor their SEO strategies to align with Google’s algorithms, unlike those of Yahoo! or Bing.

In contrast, Bing holds a 4.5 percent market share, while Yahoo! claims 2.5 percent.

A different approach may be necessary for businesses targeting international markets, such as China. Baidu, for instance, reigns as the top search engine among Chinese users, capturing nearly 15 percent of the search engine market share, second only to Google.

3. How widespread is Google's usage for search?

Exceeding one billion monthly users, Google boasts an extensive user base. Additionally, Google Chrome, the company’s designated web browser, attracts over one billion monthly users on desktop platforms and more than 400 million monthly users on mobile devices. These figures underscore Google’s enduring dominance in the realm of search.

Consumers and businesses use Google for new products, services, or brands. Consequently, many companies prioritize Google within their SEO strategies, recognizing its ability to connect them with a broader audience, potentially driving increased traffic, conversions, and sales.

4. How does Google determine search result rankings?

If your business prioritizes Google in its SEO strategy, comprehending the methodology behind Google’s search result rankings is paramount. With knowledge of Google’s search algorithm, your team or SEO agency can devise a data-driven strategy to enhance your visibility in search results.

Google assesses over 200 ranking factors, encompassing aspects such as:

Domain age
Website usability
Page loading speed
Grammar and spelling accuracy
Frequency of content publication

According to Google, nearly 80 percent of its search engine algorithm hinges on off-page factors, which are elements beyond your company’s direct influence. An example of an off-page factor is a backlink, wherein another website links to a pertinent page on your site, such as a blog post.

Given the significance of off-page factors and their challenging nature to manipulate, many businesses encounter difficulties with off-page SEO. However, neglecting off-page SEO can profoundly impact your search result rankings. Enhance your strategy by incorporating off-page SEO practices or engaging an SEO agency for assistance.

5. What level of conversion rate can companies anticipate with SEO?

SEO yields a conversion rate of 14.6 percent. While this figure may appear modest, it stands out compared to the average conversion rate of traditional marketing, which languishes at 1.7 percent. Notably, the conversion rate signifies the percentage of leads that transition into clients.

Considering the potential for improvement in conversion rates, businesses have a compelling reason to invest in SEO.

A heightened conversion rate enables your business to expand its client base, boost revenue, and augment its market presence. Such growth propels your business towards industry leadership and facilitates the achievement of significant milestones, such as expanding into new markets, scaling your workforce, or introducing innovative products.

Frequently Asked Questions about SEO Statistics for User Behavior

To ensure the effectiveness of your SEO strategy, it’s essential to grasp user behavior. Whether your business manages SEO internally or collaborates with an agency, comprehending the actions of users within your target demographic can enhance the outcomes of your SEO efforts.

Explore further insights into online user behavior with these SEO statistics:

1. How do individuals conduct searches on Google and other search engines?

With half of all searches comprising four or more words, it’s evident that users prefer long-tail keywords. But why?

Long-tail keywords containing three or more words cater to specific intents. For instance, consider the contrast between the searches “long white winter coat” and “winter coat.” While the latter encompasses a broad spectrum of options, the former provides precise details about the desired product.

Leverage this user behavior to your advantage.

By prioritizing long-tail keywords in your SEO strategy, you can align with user intent and create content tailored to their expectations. This approach enhances your likelihood of ranking for keywords that drive valuable traffic to your website.

2. What percentage of users navigate to the second page of search results?

Multiple studies reveal that merely 25 percent of users venture beyond the first page of search results.

In essence, 75 percent of users confine their searches to the initial page of results.

If your website lands on the second page of search results for a keyword boasting 1000 monthly searches, you’re only accessible to 250 users. The remaining 750 users find what they seek on the first page. Even if a fraction of these users proceed to the second page, there’s no guarantee they’ll click on your website.

For companies aspiring to thrive in today’s competitive landscape, adopting an SEO strategy is indispensable. However, crafting and sustaining a plan prioritizes securing first-page rankings is paramount. Failure to do so results in forfeiting valuable traffic, leads, and revenue to your competitors.

3. Can users encounter new companies through search?

Absolutely!

Given that over 90 percent of online journeys commence with search engines, and 80 percent of users initiate their product exploration online, SEO gives your company an opportunity to engage with consumers who have yet to commit to a particular business or product.

Research indicates that more than 50 percent of users stumble upon a new company or product following a search.

This SEO statistic underscores a significant advantage of SEO for numerous enterprises, particularly small-to-midsize businesses (SMBs). SEO enables your company to secure visibility in pertinent, high-value search results for users actively seeking your offerings.

This functionality enables your business to engage with and convert potential customers at the initial stage of their purchasing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Local SEO Statistics

For local businesses, the impact of SEO on both short- and long-term success cannot be overstated. It is pivotal in facilitating user discovery, understanding, and physical visits to your establishment. These actions translate into tangible outcomes, ranging from increased foot traffic during off-peak seasons to augmented revenue streams for your enterprise.

Delve deeper into local SEO insights with the following statistics:

1. What proportion of local searches leads to conversion?

Local search conversations encompass various actions, from in-store visits to email sign-ups. While conversion rates may fluctuate for non-local searches, local searches boast an impressive average conversion rate of 80 percent. This statistic underscores the significance of local searches, often driven by the intent to take immediate action, such as locating dining options nearby.

2. Do local searches culminate in purchases?

Presently, 28 percent of local searches culminate in purchases. This compelling SEO statistic underscores the strong purchasing intent inherent in local searches. Individuals actively seek nearby establishments, be it restaurants, amusement parks, bakeries, or boutiques, indicating a propensity for swift decision-making.

By investing in a robust local SEO strategy, your business can effectively engage with this target audience segment, resulting in tangible business growth. For instance, a restaurant may witness an uptick in reservations, while a mattress store may experience heightened sales.

3. Is local search merely a passing trend?

Despite the transient nature of specific search trends, local search has firmly entrenched itself in the digital landscape. Google reports a staggering 500 percent increase in searches containing the phrase “near me” over recent years, indicative of the enduring relevance of local search. Consumers increasingly seek nearby businesses, gradually veering away from specifying precise locations.

Hence, businesses must establish a presence on Google Business Profile (GBP). Through GBP, your enterprise can furnish comprehensive information that users seek, including address, operating hours, services offered, contact details, and more. Additionally, Google swiftly surfaces your Google Business Profile in search results, enhancing visibility and accessibility.

4. What portion of searches exhibit local intent?

Given that over 50 percent of internet traffic originates from mobile devices, it comes as no surprise that 46 percent of Google searches harbor local search intent. This burgeoning trend signifies users’ propensity to conduct on-the-go searches for immediate needs.

Moreover, this SEO statistic underscores the paramount importance of SEO for local businesses. By optimizing your online presence, you can effectively channel valuable traffic to your storefront and broaden your marketing outreach, thereby leveraging word-of-mouth referrals and search engine visibility, particularly on Google.

Frequently Asked Questions about Voice Search SEO Statistics

In today’s digital landscape, voice assistants such as Amazon Echo, Google Assistant, or Siri are utilized by 46 percent of individuals. As the prevalence of voice search continues to rise, businesses are proactively embracing voice search SEO strategies, optimizing their content to promptly cater to voice search users.

Explore further insights into voice search and its significance with these SEO statistics:

1. What is the prevalence of voice search usage?

Over 55 percent of individuals utilize voice search to seek out local businesses. Moreover, more than 75 percent of voice-enabled speaker owners employ voice search every week to discover nearby companies. By investing in voice search optimization now, your business can begin reaping the rewards of these searches.

2. How frequently do voice searches occur each month?

It may seem astounding, but over one billion voice searches are conducted each month. This underscores the importance of not overlooking voice search in your business strategy. Neglecting voice search optimization denies access to a significant segment of your target audience and presents an opportunity for competitors. Failure to optimize for voice search allows competitors to effortlessly engage and convert your target demographic, resulting in potential revenue loss and jeopardizing your future growth and sustained success.

3. What proportion of searches is conducted via voice?

By 2024, it is projected that voice search will constitute 60 percent of all searches. This compelling SEO statistic underscores the necessity of integrating voice search into your SEO strategy. Neglecting voice search optimization risks alienating half of your target audience. A robust voice SEO strategy is indispensable to ensure your company’s success beyond 2024.

Voice search SEO maximizes your online presence and ensures your company remains competitive in the evolving marketplace. Additionally, it allows you to capitalize on competitors who may overlook this increasingly valuable strategy.

Interested in delving deeper into the realm of SEO?

Whether you’re seasoned or just starting in the world of SEO, CreaRank is here to assist.

Additionally, we provide top-notch, award-winning SEO services tailored to your requirements, encompassing:

Comprehensive SEO audits
Standard SEO optimization
Local SEO Strategies
Voice search SEO implementation
E-commerce SEO solutions
Enterprise-level SEO service