If you’re a founder, you’re focused on growing your business, reaching the right customers, and building a strong brand. But where does SEO fit into all of this? As someone who’s spent nearly a decade in SEO, I can tell you that it’s a game-changer. Here are seven reasons why SEO should be on every founder’s radar.

1. Visibility Means More Traffic (And More Leads)

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is all about making sure your website shows up when people search for the products or services you offer. Google is the first place people go when they’re ready to make a decision, so being in those top spots means you’re in front of customers who are already interested. More visibility means more traffic, which ultimately means more leads. And remember, the #1 spot on Google gets about 32% of clicks, while lower rankings drastically reduce traffic.

2. SEO Builds Credibility and Trust with Potential Customers

Founders know the importance of building trust. SEO plays a huge role here because people inherently trust Google. When your website ranks high, it’s like Google saying, “This site is legit.” Plus, SEO isn’t just about rankings; it’s about creating a valuable, user-friendly site that people feel comfortable navigating. The more people trust your website, the more they’ll trust your product.

3. Answer Your Ideal Clients’ Questions When They Need It

One of the biggest perks of SEO is that it allows you to answer your ideal clients’ questions as they’re searching for them. By optimizing your website for the questions your target audience is facing, you’re positioning yourself as a helpful, go-to resource. You are also showing users that you are the solution to their problems, which sends them right down your marketing funnel. 

4. You Get to Show Up Where Your Ideal Clients Are Looking

When people are ready to buy or seriously research, they’re not scrolling through social media or reading emails; they’re heading to Google. SEO ensures that your business shows up where your clients are actually looking. This direct line to people searching for what you offer is a huge advantage for founders, especially in competitive spaces. Being there when it counts is what drives conversion and brand loyalty.

5. SEO Allows You to Compete With Bigger Players Without a Huge Budget

One of the best things about SEO is that it’s not just for huge corporations with deep pockets. With the right SEO strategy, even a small business can rank above a big player. Imagine being a small coffee shop and showing up above a major chain in “coffee near me” searches. (Ask me about how I got a small healthcare concierge ranking above three major health insurance companies.)  SEO levels the playing field, allowing founders to compete with more established brands. You don’t need a massive budget to be found by your ideal customers. You just need a solid SEO game plan.

6. SEO Is a Long-Term Investment That Keeps Paying Off

I like to think of SEO as a long-term play. It takes time to build up your rankings, but once you’re there, the rewards are continuous. Unlike ads that disappear when the budget runs out, SEO keeps your website visible over the long haul. This consistent visibility can mean steady traffic and leads, which is invaluable for startups looking to grow. Think of it like planting a garden: nurture it, and you’ll see it bloom over time.

7. Gain Insights to Understand Your Customers Better

SEO tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console give you insight into what your customers are searching for, what pages they’re visiting, and how they’re interacting with your content. This data is like gold for founders because it shows you exactly what your audience cares about and where your business can deliver value. Knowing these details helps you refine your product or service to better meet customer needs.

Have Questions About Your SEO? 

If you’re looking for help with your SEO strategy, be sure to reach out! As a member of the BIC , you get access to free mentoring and strategy sessions with me (and tons of other huge perks!) 

About Jade Pruett


Jade Pruett is the founder of HelloSEO, a boutique agency dedicated to helping small businesses and startups get noticed in Google search results. With nearly a decade of SEO experience, including managing SEO for industry giants like CNN and Business Insider, Jade brings deep expertise and a practical, hands-on approach to digital visibility. Known for her engaging, fully transparent style, Jade empowers founders to build long-lasting online success through smart, effective SEO strategies. Whether you're just getting started or looking to reach the next level, Jade’s guidance can help your business shine where it matters most: right at the top of Google.