Since the full-scale war is started, the digital industry, like many others, came to a halt. Companies turned off targeted advertising, paused sales, and ceased communication with their audiences indefinitely. Advertising seemed inappropriate and could provoke widespread discontent among Ukrainians. However, it soon became evident that the war would not end quickly, and a strong economy supported by functioning businesses is vital for the country’s success.
Small and medium-sized businesses are gradually resuming operations, partially launching advertising and media campaigns. Targeted ads on social media, influencer integrations, TV commercials, and more are making a return. But what about SEO promotion?
Is SEO Promotion on Google Necessary During Wartime?
To answer this question, we need to understand what SEO is. Simply, SEO helps a website appear on the first page of Google search results. This increases organic traffic, which can either convert into new customers (for commercial sites) or generate revenue (for informational platforms).
The real question behind “Why do you need SEO?” is: “How can we get our website on Google’s first page?”
If you’re planning to restart business operations, SEO promotion will be essential for maintaining sales and attracting more customers.
Over the past five months, demand for premium goods — designer furniture and clothing, large appliances, tourism services, and entertainment — has significantly decreased.
However, the following categories of goods are in high demand among Ukrainians:
- Food products;
- Clothing, footwear, and textiles;
- Medical supplies;
- Pet products;
- Military goods;
- Electronics;
- Automotive parts;
- Green energy solutions;
- Seeds and fertilizers.
Through SEO promotion, these business segments can increase sales and attract new customers, even during challenging wartime conditions.
Why Is SEO a Cost-Effective and Efficient Tool During a Crisis?
Business owners who invest in SEO now will gain a time advantage and position their websites in the top search results faster. This will boost conversions and sales. In the post-war period, when most companies start ramping up activities and increasing advertising budgets, these businesses will already have stable income, loyal customers, and leadership in their niches.
Other benefits of investing in SEO now include:
- Lower costs for SEO services
- Competitors reducing or halting advertising budgets
- Acquiring customers at a lower cost
- Weak competition in most niches
- The opportunity to become a leader in search results within your category
For those handling SEO independently, here are some valuable tips.
10 SEO Tips for 2022:
- Focus on Google’s Page Experience Algorithm: Ensure fast loading speeds, mobile responsiveness, and a transition to HTTPS protocol.
- Maintain the technical health of your site: Avoid duplicate pages, 404 error pages, and chains of 3xx redirects.
- Provide valuable content: Ensure your site content fully meets users’ search intent and interests.
- Follow E.A.T. factors: Emphasize expertise, authority, and trustworthiness.
- Keep content up-to-date: Focus on quality and regularly refresh your content. Remember—content is for users, not algorithms.
- Prioritize quality backlinks: Avoid spammy backlinks, as they are no longer effective.
- Structure your data: Help search engines evaluate your content quickly and accurately.
- Optimize website structure: Enhance usability to reduce bounce rates and improve key site metrics.
- Ensure compliance with the MUM algorithm: Use AI-driven search strategies, integrating articles, images, videos, and audio. For example, Google Lens is already fully operational.
- Add a Ukrainian version of your site: If you haven’t done this yet, now is the time.
If your business is in a relatively safe area and the situation is favorable, don’t hesitate to resume operations and allocate budgets for advertising and SEO promotion. This will remind users about your business, inform them that you’re back, and enable you to generate income, support your employees, and contribute to the country’s economy. It will also allow you to continue serving your audience effectively.
If you’re planning SEO promotion, reach out to us at info@mediahead.com.ua. We’ll conduct an expert analysis of your website and help elevate it to the top of search results.
