Is SEO a One-Time Thing? Here’s What You Need to Know

Last Updated on 3 weeks by Rabin Rasaili

Is SEO a one-time thing? Can I set it up once and forget it? Do I have to work on it every day?

These are some common questions often asked by beginners. These are fair questions too, assuming you are a newbie, and some SEO influencers do promote SEO this way.

But let me disappoint you by saying SEO is not a one-time thing. It is an ongoing process where you make sure your ranking stays strong and your website remains relevant in this evolving digital landscape.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the reasons why SEO is not a one-time thing. And why ongoing optimization is essential for maintaining long-term success in the SEO world.

So, let’s get started!

Is SEO a One-Time Thing?

The straightforward answer is no, SEO is definitely not a one-time thing. It’s a continuous process that requires consistent effort and adaptation to changing search engine algorithms, user behavior, and competitive landscapes.

Especially, in the age of fast-changing AI technologies, continuous SEO efforts and adaption to these technologies are more important than ever.

3 Key Reasons why SEO is not a one-time thing

Let’s look at some reasons why SEO is not a one-time thing:

1. The Ever-Changing Nature of Search Engines

Google, for example, is continuously updating its algorithms. So that it can provide its users with the highest quality and most relevant results.

In 2022 alone, Google brought 4,725 changes to its algorithms. That’s 13 changes per day on average. It’s huge. This staggering number of updates isn’t just about minor tweaks and twists. In fact, it includes major core algorithm changes like the helpful content update and link spam update.

If you are not keeping up with these changes, your site may be irrelevant to search engines and fall behind.

2. Changing User Behavior and Search Patterns

User behavior and search patterns are always changing, just like how people’s tastes in music or fashion evolve over time. The way people use search engines today, what they look for, and how they look for it are not the same as before.

Think about it – ten years ago, nobody was asking their phone to find a nearby restaurant. Now, voice search is super common! Maybe you used to type “best pizza NYC” but now you ask, “Hey Siri, where’s the best pizza near me?”

Plus, with smartphones everywhere, more than 63% of searches happen on mobile devices. With this rise of mobile devices, Google also introduced mobile-first indexing. It means if your site isn’t mobile-optimized, Google bots may not even consider it. 

Not to forget, this TikTok generation has a very short attention span. If they can’t find their answer quickly, they will instantly leave your site.

That’s why SEO can’t be a one-time thing; it needs to keep evolving as users do!

3. Competition and the need to stay ahead

Think of SEO like a never-ending race. Your website is running alongside many others, all trying to reach the top spots in search results. Just as in a real race, if you stop running, others will pass you by.

Your competitors are constantly working to improve their websites, create better content, and adapt to new SEO trends. If you only do SEO once and then forget about it, your website will slowly fall behind.

To stay competitive, you need to keep an eye on your competitors and monitor your website timely. This can be tracking your keywords, improving your content, checking for technical issues, etc.

You also need to analyze your competitors and see what they are doing. So that you can do better and adjust your SEO strategies accordingly.

In short, ongoing SEO is very much needed to maintain your hard-earned rankings.

One-time SEO vs Ongoing SEO: What is the difference?

The main difference between one-time SEO and ongoing SEO is:

One-time SEO is a static approach, while ongoing SEO is dynamic and responsive to the evolving digital landscape. Ongoing SEO usually gives better long-term results. It’s adaptable and improves over time.

Why do Websites Require Ongoing SEO Optimization?

Websites require ongoing SEO optimization because search engines frequently update their algorithms, which can affect how sites are ranked. By optimizing your website timely, you ensure it remains compliant with these changes and maintains or improves its visibility in search results. 

Additionally, ongoing SEO helps address competitive pressures and keeps content relevant and fresh. It also tackles evolving user behaviors and search trends, ultimately driving consistent traffic and improving user engagement.

Without optimization, your website may fall behind. You could lose rankings and potential customers.

Key Components of Ongoing SEO

1. Quarterly SEO Audit

SEO audit means reviewing your website to find any issues that may be hurting its search engine rankings and fixing them. It is a critical process to keep your site alive and running smoothly.

You should focus on doing site audits at least quarterly to see that everything is good and up to date. Your audit should review the technical health of your website, identify content gaps, assess your backlink profile and off-site presence. And analyze performance metrics to determine priorities for the upcoming quarter.

Google Search Console is an excellent tool to find any technical issues on your website but you can also use Screaming Frog for further deeper analysis.

2. Content Creation and Updates

Keeping your content fresh and relevant is another crucial thing to do for ongoing SEO success. This involves regularly publishing new, high-quality content that addresses your audience’s needs and interests. You should at least aim at posting 2 blog posts per week and maintain the same frequency.

But it’s not just about creating new content. It’s also about optimizing existing pages to ensure they remain accurate, relevant, and aligned with current SEO best practices.

Content freshness is a big ranking factor as per Google which helps to maintain high rankings over a longer time and improve user engagement.

3. Continuous Outreaching and Link Building

Building and maintaining a strong backlink profile is an essential ongoing process in SEO. 

Your competitors are probably outreaching trying to build new links. If you neglect it, sooner or later they will outrank you. To maintain your rankings, you should also focus on building high-quality links so that you will have that “link juice” flowing to your site.

It includes creating link-worthy content, reaching out to influencers and industry leaders, and participating in guest posting opportunities. But only focus on acquiring high-quality, relevant backlinks from authoritative sites in your industry.

Plus, don’t forget to monitor your backlink profile for any toxic links and disavow them if necessary.

4. Competitor Analysis

Your competitors are doing everything to outrank you. So, it’s best practice to keep an eye on what they are doing or changing in their strategies. 

By analyzing them, you can identify opportunities and areas for improvement. Later, you can adjust your SEO strategies based on what is working well for your competitors and gain the upper hand.

5. Consistent Performance Tracking

Keeping a close eye on your SEO performance is the next ongoing process.

Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to track important metrics such as how many people visit your site, how long they stay, and if they’re taking the actions you want.

It’s also important to track how your site ranks for important keywords and see if it’s improving. Look at how people use your site to spot any problems or ways to make it better.

Some pages might be doing great, while others need work – figure out why.

How Often Should You Update Your SEO Strategy?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But, it’s best to review and update your SEO strategy at least once a month or a quarter. This allows you to stay ahead of algorithm changes, and adapt to new trends and best practices. Later, adjust your approach based on performance data and changing business goals.

However, it’s essential to remain vigilant and be prepared to make more frequent adjustments if significant changes occur in the search landscape or your industry.

How Long Does It Take to See Results from SEO?

The timeframe for seeing results from SEO can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as how competitive your niche is, your website’s age and authority, and your overall SEO efforts.

In general, it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months to gain some traction. In some cases, it can take a year or more to see substantial improvements in search engine rankings and organic traffic. 

However, it’s important to remember that SEO is a long-term strategy, and the benefits compound over time as you consistently optimize and build authority.

What Happens if You Don’t Continue with SEO?

If you stop optimizing your site then you may lose your hard-earned search rankings and traffic. Your competitors who are actively working on their SEO will likely outrank you, and your website may become less visible to potential customers.

Additionally, search engines may perceive your website as stale or outdated, further hurting your organic rankings and online visibility.

Conclusion

Coming to the last, the answer to the question “Is SEO a one-time thing?” seems pretty clear. 

SEO is a constantly changing field where you can’t expect results by simply making a one-time effort. It is an ongoing process that requires continuous dedication, adaptation, and a willingness to stay ahead of the curve.

Now you know SEO is a continuous process, see our guide on how to optimize your small business’s website for better SEO rankings!

FAQs

Is SEO a one-time process?

No, SEO is not a one-time process. It’s an ongoing effort that requires regular updates and adjustments to keep up with search engine algorithm changes, evolving user behavior, and competition. Consistent work is needed to maintain and improve search rankings.

Is SEO a one-time payment?

SEO is not a one-time payment. It’s an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and investment. Search engines regularly update their algorithms, and competition for rankings is constant, so you need to maintain and adjust over time for the best results.

How long will SEO last?

SEO rankings can last indefinitely if maintained properly. However, without ongoing optimization and updates, rankings may start to decline within 3-6 months due to algorithm changes and competitor efforts.

Is SEO done once?

No, SEO is not done once but a continuous process that requires monitoring and adjustments over time.

Rabin Rasaili

Rabin is an enthusiastic SEO and a content creator who is also a BCA graduate. He shares easy-to-follow hacks and tips to help you make smart choices for SEO tools and strategies through his blog. Passionate about learning and sharing, Rabin’s goal is to help you navigate your SEO and blogging journey with confidence.