SEO 'about more than raising sales'

Search engine optimisation (SEO) is not just about raising sales, the increased visibility helps cement a firm's credibility as well, an expert claims.

Industry commentator Lee Odden, writing for his Online Marketing Blog, notes there are a number of benefits to SEO outside of boosting sales.

As well as raising credibility, ensuring a website is visible within search engines encourages journalistic interest from reporters conducting research, he states.

Furthermore, it is a pro-active tool for managing online reputations, Mr Odden continues.

"Add the improved PR and lead/sales generation benefits on top of that and it's easier to see why optimising and promoting website content should be a key component of any online marketing programme," the search marketer adds.

Earlier this year, E-consultancy conducted research alongside digital marketing agency Clash Media and revealed firms consider lead generation through the internet to be a vital tool in boosting sales.

Furthermore, it concluded, an increasing number are using SEO tactics to find prospective clients.