15+ SEO Statistics You Need to Know in 2024

Search engine optimization (SEO) plays a huge role in driving organic traffic to websites and boosting their online visibility. Every day, businesses and individuals strive to make their mark in the digital universe. Understanding the latest SEO trends and statistics is how you can develop effective strategies, beat the competition, and establish solid rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs).

This guide uncovers the latest SEO research and industry reports. It provides you with up-to-date statistics that reveal the power of SEO in enhancing website and business growth.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or aspiring SEO professional. You’re about to discover valuable knowledge for making informed decisions and maximizing the benefits of SEO.

Google SEO Statistics

1. On average, Google processes over 40,000 search queries per second (Internet Live Stats)

This rate per second comes to 3.5 billion searches per day and 1.2 trillion searches per year globally. This staggering number shows the immense popularity and widespread use of Google as the go-to search.

2. Google generates over 80% of desktop search traffic (Statista)

When performing searches on desktop computers or laptops, Google is the preferred search engine of choice for most individuals. This means the majority of desktop users rely on Google to find information, products, services, or answers to their queries.

3. There are more than 200 Google ranking factors (Backlinko)

Although the exact number may vary over time, this data from Backlinko highlights the complexity of Google’s ranking system. Google utilizes a complex algorithm that considers various factors to determine the relevance, quality, and authority of a web page. These factors encompass a wide range of aspects related to website content, structure, user experience, and external signals.

4. The number 1 result in Google receives 34% of the organic traffic (Up Inc.)

Approximately 34% of the total organic traffic for a specific keyword or search query goes to the website ranked at the top position. There’s a little more to it than the top position being a prominent placement.

What also happens is that users often perceive the top-ranked result as the most relevant and trustworthy source for their search query. This leads to a higher likelihood of them clicking on it rather than scrolling down to see subsequent ranking results.

5. A mere 0.63% of Google searchers click on a result from the second page  (Up Inc.)

This means that the chances of receiving organic traffic significantly go down for websites that don’t appear within the top few results on the first page. The majority of users usually find what they’re looking for on the first page, eliminating the need to explore further. Time constraints and impatience further discourage users from venturing deeper into search results.

Local SEO Statistics

6. 46% of all searches are people seeking local information (Social Media Today)

Out of the 3.5 billion daily searches on Google, around 1.6 billion entail a local search intent. This includes queries such as searching for nearby restaurants, stores, healthcare providers, events, or other location-based services.

7. 61% of shoppers prefer brands with physical locations over online-only brands (Think with Google)

More shoppers value the opportunity to engage with brands in person and experience the products or services firsthand. This means that integrating online and offline retail strategies can be advantageous in attracting and retaining customers in today’s competitive market.

8. 86% of people use Google Maps to look up a store’s location (Social Media Today)

When individuals are seeking information about a specific store’s location, they turn to Google Maps due to its user-friendly interface, comprehensive coverage, and ease of access. This highlights the importance of maintaining an optimized Google My Business profile, including accurate address details, opening hours, and contact information.

9. 88% of customers trust online reviews to determine the quality of a local business (Search Engine Land)

When considering local businesses, customers rely on the experiences and feedback shared by other consumers through online review platforms. Positive reviews can instill trust and confidence in potential customers, while negative reviews may raise concerns and steer them away.

10. Google holds 73% of online business reviews (ReviewTrackers)

Thanks to a large user base and a reputation as a trusted search engine, Google’s review platform attracts a substantial volume of customer feedback across different industries and locations. This is the reason why businesses need to pay attention to their Google reviews and actively manage their online reputation on the platform.

SEO Services Statistics

11. SEO agencies are likely to earn twice more as other freelancers (SAG IPL)

SEO agencies offer comprehensive services that entail various aspects of optimizing websites and improving search engine rankings. Their teamwide expertise in keyword research, content optimization, technical SEO, link building, and other SEO strategies positions them as valuable partners for businesses seeking SEO services.

12. Over 75% of small business owners consider the location of an SEO company (SAG IPL)

Most business owners look at the location of an SEO company when choosing to work with them. In other words, a location-specific SEO company can get most of its clients from the geographical area it services. And so, multinational SEO companies can attract the eyes of more businesses in other areas or worldwide.

13. More than 80% of small businesses expect immediate results in terms of increased customer base (SAG IPL)

Almost a similar percentage require their SEO service provider to show them an increase in website traffic too. The desire for immediate results can be attributed to various factors. These include the competitive nature of the business landscape, limited resources, and the need for quick returns on investment.

SEO Spending Statistics

14. The Global market for SEO was estimated to be valued at $68.1 Billion in 2022 (Research and Markets)

The estimated value of $68.1 billion indicates the substantial investments made by businesses and organizations in SEO services and strategies. It underscores the economic significance of the SEO industry and its critical importance in digital marketing and online business growth.

15. Small businesses and startups spend $500 per month on SEO on average (SAG IPL)

Small businesses and startups recognize the importance of investing in SEO to compete in the online marketplace. This financial commitment to SEO includes various activities such as keyword research, website optimization, content creation, link building, and performance tracking.

SEO ROI Statistics

16. Search engine marketing has a 22:1 ROI (Website Builder Expert)

For every dollar spent on SEM, businesses can expect to earn $22 in return. It comes to a whopping 2,200%! This ROI is a result of targeted advertising, performance tracking, and optimization.

17. 57% of B2B marketers find SEO to generate the most leads among all marketing efforts (Gitnux)

This is attributed to several factors. First, B2B buyers often rely on search engines to research products, services, and potential business partners. Also, businesses can target specific keywords for their B2B offerings and continue to get traffic over a long period once they rank.

Conclusion

As you can see, the SEO statistics presented in this article shed light on the significance of SEO and its impact on digital marketing. From the dominance of Google to the vast number of search queries processed per second, the statistics showcase the influence of search engines in shaping online behaviors and consumer decisions.

Remember,  SEO is a multifaceted discipline that requires ongoing efforts, adaptability, and continuous optimization. Staying informed about the latest SEO trends, algorithms, and best practices is essential for any brand to maintain its competitive edge.