SEO Does Not Matter to Grow Organic Traffic
Joe Hobot

Joe Hobot @joehobot

About: DevOps Guy who loves to work on CI/CD and recently full on Kubernetes.

Location:
East Coast, USA
Joined:
Sep 12, 2018

SEO Does Not Matter to Grow Organic Traffic

Publish Date: Mar 12 '19
39 22

Back in the day when I used to own blogs and websites (before I sold them), SEO was much easier than what it requires you to do now in order to rank better in search engines.

Back in 2006 your focus for better SEO was to include great description, about 300 words content and ensure that you mention the keyword a few times, oh and keyword based domain would be an 🍒on top.

That alone could get you ranked No.1 spot on Google.

When everyone figured that out, blogosphere what they called it was a spamsphere of posts with shi*ty content. You would search for something and it would be a useless article.

Then somewhere back in 2007 or around that time, most search engines switched their algorithm to rank sites per quality and authority.

That concept has not changed much except that now you have to also tell search engines what type of content it is.

So from an experienced guy who owned blogs with millions of views, none of SEO really matters, you might gain few hundred or thousand of organic traffic a month but if your content has no quality, those thousands of visitors will not:

  • Tweet Your Content
  • Bookmark Your Website (yes ppl still do that)
  • Remember You or Your Domain Name(Startup)
  • Link to your website.

When you are starting up, make sure that few SEO points are correct but don't go overboard with creating authority because you are not going to get one unless you have quality content, makes sense right?

Why would I link back and send you 10K visitors to your website and give you juicy backlink if you have a half as﹩ed articles that have no value to my visitors?

Typically if I would start a website of some sorts, here are few things I would personally focus on, please comment below and add some of yours.

  • Logo - needs to be clean

  • Website Title and Description has to be good and on point. (When I search for your website and it just says "Website Name" I probably am not going to click on your website, i'll go and click on one that says "Website Name - We solve problem xyz with xyz product"

  • Website design needs to be clean same colors on every page

  • Blog link - Got to have a blog if you want to create organic traffic no matter what referrals you want to see on your site.

  • Blog posts - I would post at least 1 article a week, now you might think that's not much, but 2000 word article with great flow, custom or amazing pictures and grammar is on point - yeah that's not going to happen in 30 minutes nor it will happen in 2hrs, it would take you at least 5hrs and because its 5hrs long, you might split that into 2-3 days so you can rest and do some other shi* like vacuum your house, or play with your kids 😂.

Conclusion: I wrote this super fast and it probably has valid points, now if I really took 2-3hrs to write this post I would've provided you better grammar, amazing pictures, the flow would be flawless and I would have gotten probably more traction.

Content quality matters, in order for you to gain some traffic and authority you need organic traffic that will come from social media sites and I am not talking about Twitter or Facebook only. Forums, community sites, video games, chatrooms etc, those are all great exposure signals + when you get juicy links from such sites, your authority is going to grow... The more authority you gain through the quality of content, the SEO is going to be great and therefore you will rank better for xyz keywords than your competitors.

Or scratch all what you just read, go with the get rich quick type of mentality and read black hat posts :)

Comments 22 total

  • James Turner
    James TurnerMar 12, 2019

    I agree with what you're saying, all the meta tags in the world aren't going to help you if your content is bad. That said, you could also say quality content itself is part of SEO or at least part of a good SEO strategy.

    • Joe Hobot
      Joe HobotMar 12, 2019

      Agree with your last statement as well.

      It all ties together as you said, people these days focus on SEO and backlinks first with 2 blog posts and expect to get 50213110 visitors per day :)

      In my rough estimate, to gain some traction it takes about 6-9 months before you see any real organic traffic that will stick and follow.

  • Sidali Assoul
    Sidali AssoulJul 9, 2024

    Great article.
    Wish me good luck in my mission to grow spithacode community.

  • ChouDhary UMAR
    ChouDhary UMARAug 14, 2024

    how to rank website

  • ChouDhary UMAR
    ChouDhary UMARAug 14, 2024

    how to rank website

  • Mina Tom
    Mina TomAug 29, 2024

    Die Aussage, dass SEO nicht wichtig ist, um organischen Traffic zu steigern, ist ein häufiges Missverständnis. Tatsächlich spielt SEO Frankfurt eine entscheidende Rolle beim Wachstum des organischen Traffics. Eine durchdachte SEO Frankfurt-Strategie kann dazu beitragen, dass Ihre Website in den Suchergebnissen besser platziert wird, was zu mehr Sichtbarkeit und höherem Traffic führt.

    Optimierungstechniken wie gezielte Keyword-Nutzung, lokale Verlinkungen und technische Verbesserungen sind essenziell, um die Relevanz und Benutzerfreundlichkeit Ihrer Website zu erhöhen. Ohne diese Maßnahmen wird es schwierig, sich gegen die Konkurrenz durchzusetzen und potenzielle Kunden anzuziehen.

    Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass SEO Frankfurt nach wie vor eine wesentliche Komponente für den Erfolg im Online-Marketing ist, um den organischen Traffic effektiv zu steigern.

  • Mondesign Web
    Mondesign WebSep 2, 2024

    MonDesign Web se positionne comme une agence marketing digitale de premier plan au Maroc, offrant une gamme complète de services pour répondre aux besoins uniques de chaque client. De la création de sites web au référencement (SEO), en passant par la gestion des réseaux sociaux (SMM) et la conception graphique, nous mettons tout en œuvre pour propulser votre présence en ligne. Découvrez comment nous pouvons transformer votre entreprise en visitant notre agence marketing digital.

  • Sam Rex
    Sam RexOct 21, 2024

    This is an interesting perspective! While SEO has its benefits, it’s true that creating valuable content and engaging with your audience can drive significant traffic. I recently came across some Pearl Lemon reviews that emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to marketing, combining SEO with strong content and social media strategies. It’s all about finding the right balance to reach your goals

  • Mabelzanecali
    MabelzanecaliNov 6, 2024

    Interesting perspective! While it's true that other factors like content quality and user engagement are critical to driving traffic, I think SEO still plays an important role in ensuring your content gets seen. It’s all about finding the right balance. For anyone looking for expert SEO support, I highly recommend checking out Pearl Lemon Clutch reviews.

  • Chad Fraser
    Chad FraserDec 6, 2024

    While it's true that great content and user engagement are essential for growing organic traffic, dismissing SEO entirely may overlook its potential to amplify those efforts. SEO acts as the bridge between your content and the audience searching for it, ensuring that your hard work gets the visibility it deserves.

    For businesses aiming to enhance their online presence, partnering with a professional Dubai Digital Marketing Agency like Clicktap can strike the perfect balance between organic growth and strategic SEO practices. They know how to blend creativity with optimization for sustainable success.

  • John Doe
    John DoeDec 26, 2024

    That's an insightful perspective! While SEO is undoubtedly powerful, it's true that creating high-quality content and fostering audience engagement play a crucial role in driving traffic. At AH Web SEO Leicester, I focus on a holistic approach, combining SEO expertise with strong content and effective social media strategies. It's all about striking the right balance to help businesses achieve their goals.

  • Jems
    JemsJan 9, 2025

    Interesting perspective! While SEO services are often considered essential for growth, it’s true that content quality, user engagement, and social media influence can also drive organic traffic. It's a holistic approach that matters, not just SEO on its own. Great read!

  • Webseotrends
    WebseotrendsJan 31, 2025

    This post perfectly sums up how SEO has evolved over the years! It’s no longer just about keywords and backlinks—it’s about creating real value for users. Quality content, user experience, and engagement signals now play a massive role in rankings.

    If anyone is looking for expert SEO services to optimize their website with a long-term strategy, WebSEOTrends can help. We focus on high-quality content, technical SEO, and ethical strategies that drive organic growth. Let’s connect and build your online authority the right way! 🚀

  • Hannele Vänskä
    Hannele VänskäFeb 3, 2025

    SEO without quality content is pointless. Even sites like Top Video Marketing Agencies Uk need engaging content to keep people coming back.

  • Dean Seals
    Dean SealsFeb 14, 2025

    SEO has changed significantly, shifting from keyword stuffing to prioritising quality content, authority and user engagement. A well-structured blog, engaging articles and strategic internal linking are now essential for sustainable results. For businesses looking to improve local rankings, SEO Leicester services can boost visibility, drive targeted traffic and increase conversions. In the long run, high-quality content and trust will always outperform quick fixes.

  • MarketMedia.ma Team
    MarketMedia.ma TeamFeb 15, 2025

    Marketmedia.ma is a digital marketing agency based in Morocco that offers a wide range of online marketing services. Specializing in SEO optimization, social media management, content creation, and performance-driven advertising, Marketmedia.ma helps businesses increase their online visibility and reach their target audience effectively.

  • Sean Parnell
    Sean ParnellFeb 15, 2025

    I agree with your recommendations—just make sure you use the Google Ads keywords tool to thoroughly research relevant keywords and focus on those with high intent.

    However, producing significant volumes of high-quality content is not enough to rank for competitive keywords. For that, focusing on off-page search engine optimization (content syndication and link building) is critical. Just make sure to publish quality content that is different from the content on your site, or it will be considered duplicate content and won't be indexed. Also, only post on high-quality sites—at least 7/10 PageRank is recommended.

  • Ted Wodoslawsky
    Ted WodoslawskyMar 29, 2025

    100% Correct!

    Well, Research content is the only option for Ranking.

  • GordenNail
    GordenNailApr 17, 2025

    SEO absolutely does matter to grow organic traffic—without it, your site won’t rank. If you're targeting local audiences, especially in niches like Vancouver WordPress SEO, optimizing for search engines is essential to be found by the right people at the right time.

  • viacon
    viaconApr 17, 2025

    Totally agree—quality content is the foundation. But pairing it with smart SEO amplifies reach. I help brands do both with tailored SEO strategies that prioritise value, not fluff. If anyone's curious, happy to share insights or help!

  • Trending Newswala
    Trending NewswalaApr 19, 2025

    MyDigital Crown is a leading digital marketing agency based in Mumbai, known for delivering data-driven and results-oriented SEO solutions to businesses of all sizes. With a strong focus on innovation and performance, MyDigital Crown helps brands improve their online visibility, boost organic traffic, and achieve higher rankings on search engines. Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, their team of experienced SEO experts crafts customized strategies tailored to your unique goals. From keyword research to content optimization and technical SEO, MyDigital Crown provides end-to-end services that drive real business growth.

  • NK Piranesh
    NK PiraneshApr 26, 2025

    Really enjoyed reading your take — especially the reminder that quality content trumps everything. The shift from keyword stuffing to real value has definitely changed the game.

    Totally agree that SEO only takes you so far. Without content that’s worth linking to or sharing, rankings are just vanity metrics. That said, making sure your technical SEO and on-page structure are in place does help new sites get discovered faster, especially when you're just starting out.

    That’s why we recently launched SiteForge (siteforge.diy/) — a free tool that audits websites for SEO, performance, accessibility, and best practices. It’s meant to help creators and startups catch technical issues early, while they focus on building genuinely useful content.

    Would love to hear your thoughts on tools like this — especially from someone who’s been in the game since 2006!

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