SEO is not an instant process. It’s a strategy that requires time and patience. At the beginning, many website owners feel like there won’t be any results at all, but that’s not true. Typically, you can notice the first changes within 3-6 months after starting work on your site. Here’s what happens during this period:
- The technical condition of the site improves.
- Rankings improve for less competitive keywords.
- The first clients start to appear.
However, despite these initial positive changes, the number of clients may still be small, as the site hasn’t yet achieved stable positions in the top 10 of Google for most primary keywords.
Why Do Competitors’ Websites Rank Higher?
Websites that have been leading for a long time have several advantages:
- They’ve been active for many years and have an established history.
- They regularly update their content.
- They invest in off-page optimization and acquire high-quality backlinks.
- They have earned trust from both Google and users.
To outrank these websites, you need to work on SEO consistently for 6-12 months or even longer, especially for highly competitive commercial queries.
Is It Worth Competing for the Top 10?
It’s crucial to understand that the majority of clicks go to websites on Google’s first page. Here’s the breakdown:
- Position #1 gets about 27% of all clicks.
- Position #2 gets 15% of clicks.
- Position #10 gets 2% of clicks.
This means that reaching the top 10 is already a big achievement for your business. For example, if your site ranks in the top 10 for a query like “custom curtain sewing Lviv,” you could get 20 to 100+ new clients per month, depending on the demand and competition in your niche.
Example from My Experience
Let’s take an online store selling sportswear in a small town as an example. If it ranks in the top 5 for main keywords, it could achieve:
- 100-300 visitors per month from low-competition keywords.
- 10-50 purchases per month, depending on the site’s conversion rate.
In larger cities and more popular niches, the number of clients increases significantly.
Realistic Expectations
I always tell my clients that 3-6 months after starting SEO work, they can expect to see the first results:
- Rankings in the top 30 or top 20 for mid-competition keywords.
- Traffic growth.
- Initial sales or inquiries.
To ensure your site continues to grow steadily and competes with market leaders, you’ll need to invest in SEO for 6-12 months or longer.
My SEO Expertise
As an SEO specialist, I’ve witnessed how great results come from time and consistent effort. Don’t expect instant effects—SEO is an investment in the long-term success of your business. It not only increases your site’s visibility but also ensures a steady stream of clients for years to come.
So, if you’re just starting to work on SEO for your business, remember this: the timeline to see significant results is 3 to 12 months. The key is to stay consistent and keep working on your strategy!