Why does no one like SEO?

What?
This article addresses the reluctance and frustration that SEO most often evokes among website owners and management of companies operating in the digital world.

Why?
Despite SEO's crucial role in website visibility, many consumers consider it difficult, time-consuming, expensive, and unpredictable—and this influences business decisions.

Who is it for?
Online store owners, e-commerce specialists, marketers, and anyone trying to understand how SEO works and why it's so often frustrating.

Background:
SEO is an integral part of the digital world, but despite its effectiveness, it often evokes emotions ranging from misunderstanding, skepticism, and even discouragement. In this article, we examine the main causes of this reluctance: hopeless expectations, long implementation times, technical nature of the topic, and empty promises. This is a look at SEO from the perspective of user emotions and experience, not just from an algorithmic perspective.

SEO: A Foundation or a Marketers' Bane?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is one of the most important marketing strategies in today's digital world. SEO, or search engine optimization, encompasses a range of activities aimed at improving a website's visibility in organic search results. This process includes technical optimization of the website, creating valuable content, and building links leading to the website.

SEO is not just a single activity, but consists of several key elements:

• On-site SEO – on-site content optimization (e.g. keywords, meta descriptions, page loading speed),
• Off-site SEO – building links leading to the website (link building),
• Technical SEO – ensuring that the website is accessible and understandable to search engines (e.g. URL structure, sitemap, indexing).
• 
  

Definition of positioning: Positioning, often associated with SEO, is one of its components. It involves activities aimed at achieving high search engine rankings for specific keywords. Positioning is more focused on achieving specific rankings, while SEO encompasses a broader range of activities that improve a website's quality and visibility.

Despite SEO's immense importance in online marketing, it still generates frustration and negative emotions among marketers and business owners. Why is this? Here are the main reasons.

Why does SEO cause frustration?

1. SEO is a long-term process

One of the main reasons for frustration is the lack of immediate results. Unlike PPC (Pay-Per-Click) campaigns, SEO takes time. Building visibility in search engines can take months, which is often discouraging for those expecting quick results. Clients often don't understand why their website doesn't appear on the first page of Google after just a few weeks of implementation. Patience is becoming a key element of success, but for many, it's difficult to accept.

2. Frequent changes to Google algorithms

Google regularly updates its algorithms, which means strategies that worked yesterday may be ineffective today. Updates like Core Web Vitals force websites to adapt to new requirements, such as speed and mobile responsiveness. Marketers must constantly adapt their approach, which creates additional costs and effort. Any algorithm change can undermine previous efforts, leading to frustration.

3. The Complexity and Technical Nature of SEO

For many business owners and marketers, SEO is too technical. Terms like "core web vitals," "URL structure," and "content optimization" can be overwhelming, especially for those without technical knowledge. A lack of understanding these concepts can make working with an SEO agency fraught with misunderstandings. Furthermore, technical SEO requires constant monitoring of new developments, which can be challenging even for experienced specialists.

4. High competition

In virtually every industry, competition for high Google rankings is fierce. Dominating the first page of search results requires significant investments in time, tools, and resources. Even the best SEO efforts can be insufficient if the competition is aggressive and has larger budgets. Some niches are so competitive that new businesses have virtually no chance of breaking through without significant financial investment.

5. SEO can be expensive

Professional SEO services are often expensive. An average monthly SEO package from an agency can cost from several thousand to over ten thousand złoty. For many smaller companies, such an investment is difficult to afford. The costs associated with purchasing SEO tools, audits, and content creation further strain budgets. Furthermore, the lack of guaranteed results makes many companies hesitant to make the investment.

6. No visible effects

Even after several months of work, SEO results can be imperceptible. This can be due to strategy flaws, high competition, or external factors such as algorithm changes. Sometimes, insufficient communication between the SEO agency and the client is also to blame, leading to disappointment. Companies can also overlook subtle improvements, such as increased website traffic, focusing solely on sales figures.

7. Unreliable SEO agencies

There are many SEO agencies on the market that promise spectacular results but fail to take real action to improve a website's visibility. Branding their efforts while charging high fees frustrates clients and undermines trust in the industry. Clients who are deceived often lose faith in investing in SEO. Therefore, choosing trusted business partners is crucial.

Can you like SEO?

1. Education and understanding of the process

The first step to reducing frustration is understanding that SEO is a long-term investment. Understanding how search engines work and the benefits they can achieve can change your approach. SEO workshops and training can help businesses better understand what's really happening with their website. They're also a great opportunity to ask questions and address concerns about your strategy.

2. Using the right tools

Tools like Google Analytics, GSC, Ahrefs, SEMrush, Senuto, and Screaming Frog make it easier to monitor the results of your SEO efforts and adjust your strategies based on specific data. Automated reporting, trend analysis, and traffic monitoring allow you to better understand the effectiveness of your efforts. These tools also help you more easily identify issues like slow page loading or indexing errors.

3. Cooperation with experts

If SEO seems too complicated, it's worth trusting the specialists. SEO agencies, freelancers, or e-commerce consultants can take over the technical aspects, allowing companies to focus on their core business. However, it's crucial to choose a reliable partner who can deliver real results. It's a good idea to read customer reviews and case studies to minimize the risk of choosing an unreliable agency.

4. Realistic expectations

Understanding that SEO is a marathon, not a sprint, is crucial. Setting realistic goals can help avoid disappointment. It's also important to track small successes, such as increased organic traffic or improved rankings for less competitive keywords.

5. Focus on user value

SEO best practices aren't just about "game-fighting" Google's algorithms, but about creating content that truly meets user needs. Sites that focus on delivering value and excellent user experiences have the greatest chance of long-term success.

6. SEO contractor control and appropriate reporting

Many SEO agencies typically report monthly "effects" or "results," showing standard data that any e-commerce owner or manager can find in GA4 or GSC. It's worth detailing the reporting with specific actions taken and the actual data—the results of those actions. If you're unsure what we're talking about, contact us—we'll help .

Nobody likes SEO, but it is still essential in any e-commerce (if you want to be visible in organic traffic)

While SEO can be frustrating due to its complexity, long wait times, and cost, it's a crucial tool for long-term online success. With the right approach, education, and expert support, you can not only master SEO but also recognize its enormous potential. It's important to remember that SEO is an investment in the future—not just in website traffic, but also in customer trust and loyalty.

SEO isn't easy, but it can be enjoyed. The key is understanding that this tool requires time, patience, and strategic thinking. In a digital world where competition is fierce, a well-thought-out SEO strategy can be the decisive advantage for a company's success.

Want to learn more?

Contact us and learn how to implement innovations in your online store.
Read other information about the digital world (e-commerce).

Subscribe to the newsletter