In the online world of digital business, the lines between SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and IT (Information Technology) often blur. At first glance, it might seem logical to bundle your IT services and SEO strategies under one roof. After all, both operate in the digital sphere, and some businesses assume their IT company can manage SEO or vice versa. But are they really interchangeable? The answer is a resounding no, and here’s why.
Fear not, you don’t have to choose between them!
To unpack this question, it’s essential to first understand what SEO and IT entail:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) focuses on enhancing your website’s visibility in search engine results. It’s a long-term strategy that involves:
Information Technology deals with the infrastructure, security, and maintenance of your digital operations, including:
Both disciplines are critical to your business but require distinct skill sets, priorities, and mindsets.
While some overlap exists—particularly in the realm of technical SEO—the expertise and approach of an SEO company differ vastly from those of an IT provider. Let’s explore why combining these roles might not serve your business well.
SEO requires deep knowledge of algorithms, user behavior, and digital marketing trends. Conversely, IT specialists focus on systems infrastructure, data protection, and network uptime.
An IT team might not understand search engine trends, ranking factors, or how to craft an SEO campaign. Likewise, an SEO team might lack the training to secure your database or troubleshoot server outages effectively.
Attempting to merge these objectives can dilute focus, leading to subpar results in both areas.
SEO operates within the marketing sphere, focusing on customer acquisition and engagement. IT is operational, ensuring your digital infrastructure supports business functions. These require entirely different approaches and alignments within your business strategy.
If your IT company handles your SEO, you might encounter several issues:
SEO is constantly evolving, with search engine algorithms like Google’s constantly being updated. An IT team unfamiliar with these changes might use outdated tactics, such as keyword stuffing or low-quality link building, which can harm your rankings.
Content is king in SEO, and crafting compelling, optimized content requires creativity, audience understanding, and keyword insights—areas where IT typically doesn’t excel.
SEO success hinges on tracking KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) like organic traffic, bounce rates, and conversion rates. IT companies may lack the tools or expertise to deliver these analytics meaningfully.
Effective SEO integrates seamlessly with broader marketing efforts like social media campaigns and email marketing. IT professionals may not have the marketing background to align these components effectively.
Similarly, expecting your SEO company to handle IT tasks can lead to its own set of challenges:
SEO professionals are not cybersecurity experts. Relying on an SEO company for IT security can leave your business vulnerable to hacking, data breaches, and compliance issues.
Maintaining servers, managing networks, and troubleshooting issues require IT-specific training that SEO experts don’t typically possess.
Overburdening an SEO team with IT responsibilities can result in inefficiencies and mistakes in both fields, harming your business in the long run.
While they are separate disciplines, there are areas where SEO and IT intersect. Collaboration between your SEO and IT teams can ensure:
For these reasons, it’s vital to foster open communication between your SEO and IT teams while maintaining their distinct roles.
By working with specialized professionals, you’ll ensure your SEO and IT needs are met with precision and expertise.
When your SEO company focuses solely on driving traffic and leads, and your IT team manages infrastructure, you’ll see better results in both areas.
As your business grows, the ability to scale your SEO efforts and IT infrastructure independently becomes crucial.
When selecting an SEO company, look for these qualities, or simply reach out to Strottner Designs:
For IT, prioritize these attributes:
Your SEO company and IT company play unique, equally important roles in your business. Attempting to combine them into one risks sacrificing the quality and effectiveness of both. Instead, invest in building a strong partnership between specialized teams to ensure your digital operations and marketing efforts work in harmony.
If you would like to learn more about either of these topics, email support@strottner.com today for details. You can also run an audit of your website using the tool found on every page of our site, right up there in the top right corner! And of course, don’t forget our SEOctober special, now running through the end of the year!
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