Is it really essential to be found on the top 3 pages of Google?

We all have heard or even guessed that our website needs to be in the top 3 pages of the Google results (based on 10 results per page, the default setting), in order to perform at all well. Anything lower than page 3 is worthless right?  Well a recent study by OneUpWeb proves that this in indeed the case and more, being in the top 3 pages not only generates more traffic (visitors), but also generates a higher CONVERSION of that traffic into enquires and business (ie sales).  Here is what they found:
  • Being listed on Google's first page triples traffic in the first month (of being listed there)
  • In the second month this increases again to 6X the traffic.
  • BUT ALSO, in the first month the conversion of traffic to sales increases by 42%
  • In the second month the conversion increases to 200%.

They also demonstrated that yes indeed, if you are listed on pages after the third page, then you'll receive no traffic from Google (for that search term).

So what does this mean for you website owners?  It means that for your relevant keywords and phrases, you MUST be listed on page 3 or higher in order to get valuable traffic from Google.

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