I am relatively new to SEO, transitioning from content marketing to this role. In a recent meeting, someone brought up our SEO score on Semrush, a platform I am unfamiliar with. Is this score reliable and should I compare it with our competitors'? I need advice on whether I should inform a VP that I am tracking our score or argue against the importance of tracking it. Any guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
The concept of an “SEO score” is a common metric used by various SEO tools, including Semrush. However, its reliability and usefulness are debated. While the score can provide a general overview of your website’s SEO health, it shouldn’t be considered a definitive measure of success.
It’s crucial to remember that SEO is a complex process with numerous contributing factors. A single score cannot accurately reflect all these aspects. Factors such as keyword research, content quality, backlink profile, user experience, and technical SEO are equally important and should be considered individually.
Comparing your score with competitors can be misleading as their websites may have different target audiences, industries, and goals. Additionally, the algorithms used by different tools to calculate the score can vary, leading to inconsistent results.
Instead of solely focusing on a score, prioritize a holistic approach to SEO. Analyze your website’s performance based on specific metrics like organic traffic, keyword rankings, backlink growth, and conversion rates.
It’s important to communicate your findings and insights to the VP in a clear and actionable manner. Emphasize your focus on data-driven SEO strategies that improve website visibility and drive meaningful results. Explain that while tools like Semrush can offer helpful insights, they are not a perfect representation of SEO success.