[FAQ]

Hi,

We just kicked off a new, comprehensive SEO strategy for our company website a few weeks ago. We’re doing a mix of on-page content updates, technical fixes, and starting some link-building outreach.

I know SEO is a long-term game and not an overnight fix, but I need to set some realistic expectations for my team and my boss. I keep hearing different answers online, from a few months to over a year.

For those of you who’ve been through this, when did you start to see the first real, meaningful results—like a noticeable increase in organic traffic or rankings for your main keywords? I’m just looking for a general ballpark.

Thanks.

[Jeff Bullas]

That’s the million-dollar question, and the honest answer is: it depends.

Short Answer: Generally, you can expect to see initial movement in 4 to 6 months, with more substantial, business-impacting results taking closer to 12 months.

This timeframe is influenced by your industry’s competitiveness, your starting point, and the resources you dedicate to creating quality content.

Several factors determine how quickly your SEO efforts will pay off. First, the quality and velocity of your content are paramount; a site publishing high-value, well-researched text and media that satisfies user intent will see results far faster than a site with thin or infrequent content. Second, your site’s existing authority and technical health play a huge role, as a brand-new site or one with significant technical issues will have a longer road ahead than an established, well-structured one. Finally, the process of building authority by earning quality links to your content is gradual and cannot be rushed. Be very wary of anyone promising guaranteed rankings in a short timeframe, as those methods often involve risky tactics that can get your site penalised.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Author]

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