I rarely write about this topic these days. However, yesterday, I came across someone on Instagram who appeared to be famous, so I Googled their name and couldn’t find them. Based on that simple search, I made a number of assumptions that may or may not be true. Those assumptions are not important from an individual’s perspective, but if people are making the same assumptions about a business, then the business is in trouble.
Brand loyalty needs online visibility
When it comes to business today, the idea that “if you’re not on the first page of Google, you’re not famous” really rings true. For a company, especially, being easily found online is critical. Please allow me to elaborate:
1. Visibility and SEO
Getting on the first page of Google is vital. The majority of people don’t scroll past that first page. If your company or products aren’t showing up there, you’re essentially invisible to a large chunk of potential customers. This is where SEO comes in—optimizing your website with the right keywords, quality content, and the right technical tweaks will help boost your Google rankings. It’s a must-have for staying competitive online.
2. Trust and Authority
Think of it like this: people associate first-page results with trust and authority. If your business doesn’t show up, it can make you seem less established or credible, even if your products or services are great. Being visible helps build trust and signals that you’re a legitimate player in your industry.
3. Outpacing Competition
Your competitors are probably vying for those top spots, too. If you’re not there, you’re losing out on potential leads and sales. SEO helps you stay ahead of the competition. Without it, no matter how good your offering is, you’ll struggle to compete with businesses that are more easily found. (There’s no direct link between quality and Google ranking.)
4. Online Presence = Reputation
Your online visibility is, in many ways, a reflection of your reputation. Today, people judge businesses not just by what they sell but also by how accessible they are. Being on that first page gives the impression that your business is not just operational but thriving. (If people can’t find you when they need your service, then they will worry about finding you should something go wrong.)
5. Niche Fame
Now, if you’re targeting a niche market, you may not need to be famous to everyone, just to the right people. A smaller, specialised business might not hit the first page on broad searches, but it could dominate in its niche with targeted SEO efforts. So, it’s about knowing where and how you want to be “famous.” For example, if you Google “Brendan Dunne,” then you may find me. If you Google “Brendan Dunne mindfulness & positivity,” you will find me.
Bottom Line
Yes, everything you do in business affects your bottom line.
Not being on the first page of Google can hurt your growth and visibility, especially when customers are searching for what you offer. Investing in SEO and your digital presence is key to staying relevant and competitive, both in the short term and long term. Without it, even the best products can get lost in the crowd.
P.S. If you’re not going to invest in good SEO, then you can give your money to Google in the form of paid advertising.
