Why SEO Is Not as Important as You Think

Why SEO Is Not as Important as You Think

Many purpose-driven entrepreneurs are told SEO is the key to building their business. But in today’s world, focusing solely on SEO is a costly mistake. Basic SEO matters, but as a growth strategy, it’s only a small piece of the puzzle.

This post explains why SEO isn’t the engine it used to be, where it actually fits, and what to focus on instead to attract clients and grow your brand.

Why SEO Alone Won’t Launch Your Business

For years, institutions and agencies have pushed SEO as the primary marketing solution. This made sense in the late 90s and early 2000s, when Google searches dominated how people found businesses online.

Today, SEO is still useful—but it’s no longer enough. If you rely on it as your main strategy, you’ll wait months, maybe years, for traction. Most purpose driven entrepreneurs simply can’t afford to wait that long.

One of my clients recently filled a 52-person workshop in just 30 days. We didn’t rely on SEO—we used the right mix of offer creation, messaging, and social media outreach. If we had focused only on SEO, that workshop would have stayed empty.

The Real Drivers of Growth

What works today isn’t chasing keywords—it’s building authority and visibility. You need to show up where your audience already spends time.

Here’s what actually moves the needle:

• Leverage social media. Share valuable, educational content that positions you as an expert.

• Publish where people are. Early on, a blog on your website has limited reach. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, or podcasts to access built-in audiences.

• Tap into other people’s audiences. Guest features, interviews, and contributed articles expose you to audiences who already trust those platforms.

I’ve seen this work repeatedly. One client earned $200,000 in two months—with almost no SEO—because we focused on education, visibility, and an offer with market fit.

Publicity Beats Keywords

The fastest way to build trust is through publicity. Appearing on podcasts, contributing to online publications, and getting featured in local media gives you instant credibility.

That’s why my Premium Brand Launch package includes a professional media bio and publicity strategy. These tools help you step into spaces where clients are already listening, reading, and engaging.

Where SEO Fits In

SEO isn’t useless—it’s just 10% of the strategy. It helps people find you after they’ve already heard about you. But it doesn’t create that first connection.

The real work comes from:

• Clear messaging and a powerful mission statement

• A compelling offer that fits the market

• Educational content that nurtures trust

• Visibility through social media and publicity channels

Final Thoughts

If you’re launching a business, don’t let outdated advice keep you stuck. SEO is a tool, not the foundation. Use it to support your visibility, but focus on education, relationships, and leveraging platforms where people already gather.

That’s how workshops sell out, clients sign on, and brands thrive in today’s market.