Search engine optimization (SEO) has become a crucial tool for businesses looking to improve their online visibility and traffic.
And looking at the latest SEO statistics is the best way to gain more insights about it and learn its importance.
The data speaks for itself – SEO now influences over half of all web traffic, and 75% of internet users never scroll past the first page of search results.
With the right strategies, companies can use SEO’s potential to connect with their target customers. Read on to see more SEO stats.
SEO Statistics 2023-2024 (Top Picks)
- Google dominates search with 83.49% market share globally, highlighting the importance of optimizing for Google to reach the widest audience.
- 95% only view the first page of search results, making page 1 placement critical for visibility. It can take 3-6 months to rank.
- Organic search accounts for over half of website traffic at 53.3%. SEO drives quality traffic.
- 61.5% of desktop searches don’t result in a click, presenting a challenge for search marketers.
- Backlinks are hugely impactful, with more links typically driving more organic traffic. But they are difficult to obtain.
- Mobile matters, with over 40% of B2B revenue from mobile and mobile-friendly sites speeding purchase time.
- Local SEO, at 22.6% of traffic, brings in targeted visitors. High ROI makes it a smart investment.
- Video enjoys a 50x higher chance of ranking versus text and 157% more search traffic. It also attracts more backlinks.
- By 2025, nearly 73% will use the internet solely on smartphones. Mobile CTR is 50% less than desktop.
- Top 3 Google results get 54.4% of clicks. 27.1% CTR for page 1 shows the impact of high rankings.
In this post
Search Engine User Statistics 2023-2024
| Country | Percentage of Traffic To Google |
| United States | 27.21% |
| India | 4.54% |
| Brazil | 4.33% |
| United Kingdom | 3.91% |
| Japan | 3.87% |
| Others | 56.15% |
Here’s something to catch your eye: Google has an incredible 4.3 billion user-base worldwide. Just let that number sink in. That’s a staggering figure, especially when you consider that there are 4.72 billion internet users globally.
In September 2023 alone, Google.com welcomed a whopping 83.9 billion visits. Yeah, you read that right—billion! This shows just how essential Google has become in our daily lives.
Now, what are users actually doing when they land on Google.com? On average, they spend about 10 minutes per visit. Moreover, they explore approximately 8.6 pages each time they hop on.
But here’s the thing: the bounce rate is only 28.7%. This means that most users find what they’re looking for—or at least something compelling enough to keep them clicking.
Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about geography and traffic sources. The U.S. accounts for a significant: 26.7% of all traffic to Google.com, sitting as the top traffic source.
This highlights that a lot of the American audience is turning to Google for answers, from quick info to their work or life’s more complex questions. And why wouldn’t they? Google is practically a one-stop-shop for information.
Sources: Semrush, Similar Web
Keywords Statistics 2023-2024
Did you know 95% of people only look at the first page of search results? That means if your site isn’t on page one, it’s almost like it doesn’t exist. Being on the first page is crucial. The right keywords can help you get there and be seen by more people.
On average, you’ll need to wait 3-6 months for your site to show up in Google’s rankings. If you’re in a competitive field, it could take even longer. So, patience is key here. Make sure to use this time to fine-tune your keywords and improve your site.
Over 77% of mobile searches end without a click. These are called zero-click searches. Google answers the question right then and there, so people don’t need to click. But hey, it still means your name is out there, which is good for your brand.
Almost 60% of the sites that show up in the top 10 Google results are at least three years old. Google likes websites that have been around for a while. It’s a trust thing. So, the longer your site has been up, the better your chances are for ranking high.
Lastly, don’t ignore Google’s auto-complete suggestions. Around 23% of people click on them. This means you should check what auto-complete terms pop up for your industry. They could give you ideas for new keywords to use on your site.
Sources: Rockcontent, Clearscope, Devrix, Monster Insights, 99firms
Website SEO Statistics 2023-2024
As of July 2023, here’s the market share of the popular search engines:
| Search Engines | Market Share |
| 83.49% | |
| Bing | 9.19% |
| Yahoo | 2.72% |
| Baidu | 0.46% |
| Yandex | 1.9% |
| DuckDuckGo | 0.77% |
In 2015, Google had 88.1% market share and current stats show that it has 83.49%–so there’s been a slight decline in its market share over the years. But, still, it’s the #1 in terms of market share of search engines.
Interestingly, the market share of Bing has slightly increased over the years. Previously, in 2015, Bing’s market share was 4.53%, whereas, in 2023 it’s 9.19%.
Companies with active blogs are winning the SEO game, big time. Not only do they pull in 55% more visitors, but search engines also index 434% more of their pages. So, what’s the takeaway? Blogs are crucial for SEO.
If you’re not blogging yet, you’re leaving valuable traffic on the table. Now’s the time to start creating quality content that not only ranks well but also answers your audience’s questions.
Ever wonder why some web pages always seem to rank at the top of Google search results? Well, it turns out they average around 1,447 words per page.
Don’t mistake this for a green light to stuff your pages with fluff, though. The key here is in-depth, useful content. Google recognizes quality, and so do your readers. Aim to cover your topic thoroughly, but without the rambling.
And here’s an important thing to consider for website SEO. If your website takes more than 3 seconds to load, over half your visitors will bounce off right away!
This isn’t just a UX issue—it’s a critical SEO factor. Slow speed equals low rankings and lost revenue.
Sources: Statista, HubSpot, Backlinko
SERP Statistics 2023-2024
First off, let’s talk about how big Google is in the search space. A staggering 92.96% of worldwide traffic is channeled through Google Search, Google Images, and Google Maps.
That’s enormous and underlines the significance of optimizing for Google’s search platforms. Think about it: if you’re not focusing on Google, you’re essentially ignoring the majority of your potential audience.
When it comes to online experiences, 68% of them kick off with a search engine. This is vital for businesses to understand because your search ranking could be the first impression you make on potential customers.
Here’s something interesting: 53.3% of all website traffic originates from organic search. This means that well over half of your potential audience isn’t just stumbling upon your site by chance. They’re actively looking for something—maybe even what you offer. This statistic should motivate anyone to invest time and effort into their SEO strategy.
Google processes an estimated 3.5 billion searches each day. That’s a mountain of opportunities for businesses to capture some attention and drive action. Each query represents a problem to solve or a question to answer, so getting your website in front of those searchers could be incredibly beneficial for your business.
Lastly, let’s touch on the no-click searches. Around 61.5% of desktop searches and 34.4% of mobile searches don’t result in a click. This can be a bit concerning for website owners. While it means that the user’s question may have been answered directly in the SERP, it also represents missed opportunities to bring traffic to your website..
Sources: SparkToro, BrightEdge, Internet Live Stats, SparkToro
B2B SEO Statistics 2023-2024
57% of B2B businesses say they’re missing out on effective content marketing because they don’t have a dedicated SEO manager.
Remember, SEO isn’t a set-and-forget kind of deal; it needs constant oversight. So, if you’re facing the same issue, maybe it’s time to hire someone who really gets SEO.
When it comes to getting quality leads, 81.2% of B2B professionals prefer SEO over PPC. This is significant because it highlights the long-term benefits of SEO. PPC might get you quick clicks, but SEO gets you leads that are actually interested in what you have to offer.
You can’t ignore mobile—over 40% of B2B revenue comes from mobile interactions. Plus, having a mobile-friendly site can speed up a customer’s time to purchase by about 20%.
This means you can’t afford to overlook the mobile experience when optimizing your site. Make sure your website is responsive, quick, and provides a seamless mobile experience to capture this revenue stream.
Believe it or not, more than 90% of B2B content is missing backlinks. If you’re in this majority, it’s time to act. Backlinks are essential for SEO success. They not only improve your site’s authority but also drive organic traffic. So go out there and start building relationships with reputable sites to gain those valuable backlinks.
Lastly, the average B2B buyer reads between 3 to 7 pieces of content before even talking to a salesperson. That’s several opportunities for you to make an impression. Ensure that your content is informative and engaging.
You want to be the resource they trust when they’re finally ready to speak to sales.
Sources: Conductor, DataBox, BCG, Content marketing institute, DemandGenReport
Link Building Statistics 2023-2024
Interestingly, only 2.2% of content gains links from more than one site. So, if you find your content in this 2.2%, pat yourself on the back—you’re doing something right.
This stat shows us the intense competition for high-quality links and highlights the need to create content that’s not just good but exceptional.
When it comes to organic traffic, the number of backlinks a web page has can be a game-changer. More backlinks generally mean more traffic, plain and simple. This shouldn’t be overlooked when planning your SEO strategy, as organic traffic is often a key component of a website.
It’s also worth noting that link building is not that easy. In fact, 41% of SEO experts find it to be the most challenging part of SEO. That means if you’re struggling with it, you’re definitely not alone. It highlights the need for a well-thought-out approach.
Speaking of getting help, it turns out 36% of businesses look externally for it. They bring in outside experts or freelancers to help boost their link-building efforts. So, if you’re considering outsourcing to improve your game, know that you’d be joining a sizable portion of businesses making the same smart move.
But here’s the important thing to consider: According to recent reports, links might not be in the top 3 Google Search ranking factors, as stated by Gary Illyes.
This serves as a reality check that while link building is vital, it’s not the end-all, be-all. Focusing solely on link building at the expense of other SEO factors might not yield the results you’re aiming for.
Sources: Backlinko, Ahrefs, Conductor, Aira, Search Engine Land
Video SEO Statistics 2023-2024
Video content is 50 times more likely to rank organically on Google compared to text-only results. That’s not a tiny edge; it’s a massive leap! This suggests that Google sees video as highly relevant and valuable to users.
So, if you’re looking to climb those search engine rankings, incorporating videos into your strategy could be a smart move.
Let’s talk about click-through rates (CTR). Video search results have a 41% higher CTR than their text-based counterparts. That’s a pretty significant gap! High CTR is often a sign that viewers find your content compelling.
If you’re struggling to get those coveted clicks, video content may be the game-changer you need.
Now here’s an interesting thing: Blog posts featuring videos pull in three times more inbound links than those without. In the SEO world, backlinks do matter. They not only boost your site’s credibility but also its visibility.
So, adding a video to your blog post? That’s like sending out an open invitation for more quality links.
Now, if you’re aiming for that first-page spot on YouTube, be prepared for some long-form content. The average length of videos on YouTube’s first page is about 14 minutes and 50 seconds.
Short and snappy is good, but in this case, longer videos seem to reign supreme. YouTube clearly values in-depth content that keeps viewers around, so it’s worth keeping that in mind when planning your video content.
And finally, let’s not forget search traffic. Blog posts with videos see a whopping 157% boost in search traffic compared to text-only posts. If you’re stuck with stagnant or declining search traffic, adding a video can turn the tides in your favor.
Sources: Forrester, AimClear, Moz, Backlinko, Search Engine People
Mobile SEO Statistics 2023-2024
Smartphones aren’t just an accessory anymore; they’re turning into the primary way people access the internet. By 2025, nearly 73% of internet users will surf the web solely via their smartphones.
Grabbing that coveted first spot on mobile search results is great but know this: it secures you only about 6.74% of all clicks.
On desktop, that number is slightly higher at 8.17%. What’s the takeaway? Even if you’re number one, mobile users are exploring more options, clicking less on the top result.
Next, people use voice search on mobile three times more often for local queries than text searches. If you’re a local business, this is a great opportunity. Make sure you’re optimizing for voice search with localized keywords to catch people who are literally asking for what you offer.
In the first quarter of 2023, mobile web traffic made up over 58% of all web traffic globally. It’s been circling the 50% mark since 2017 and crossed it for good in 2020. If you’re still focusing primarily on desktop users, you’re aiming at a limited target audience.
However, it’s also worth noting that people. In fact, organic click-through rates (CTR) on mobile are roughly 50% less than on desktop. This means your mobile content needs to be not just good but extraordinary. It’s got to grab attention quickly and deliver value fast to earn that precious click.
Sources: CNBC, SEOClarity, Search Engine Watch, Statista, SparkToro
Local SEO Statistics 2023-2024
Did you know that the typical hourly rate for local SEO services in the U.S. hovers around $128? This tells you two things.
First, SEO expertise is valued highly in the marketplace. Second, businesses are willing to invest in local SEO because they understand its potential impact. If you’re a business owner, this might be a sign that it’s time to up your SEO game.
Moving on, it seems like Google My Business is only getting better, with 59% of people saying it’s improved in the past year. This tells us that Google is continually refining its tools to help local businesses. If you haven’t updated your Google My Business profile lately, now’s the time. It’s clearly a tool that’s on the upswing.
Get this: for nearly half of local marketers, the average client sticks around for more than three years. That’s a long-term commitment! This shows that local SEO isn’t a one-off project; it’s an ongoing relationship. If you’re a marketer, you’ve got a solid chance of keeping a client if you do your job well.
Next up, the big picture. Combined local and organic searches make up a whopping 69% of all digital traffic. That’s huge! If you’re not optimizing for both, you’re likely missing out on a significant slice of potential customers.
And here’s the interesting part: local searches directly contribute to 22.6% of website traffic. This is a solid indication of the role local SEO plays in driving targeted traffic. If your website isn’t optimized for local searches, you’re leaving clicks—and probably sales—on the table.
Lastly, let’s talk about ROI. Local search accounts for 22% of session shares and has the highest ROI with the most page views per session.
What does this mean for you? A well-optimized local SEO strategy not only draws people in but keeps them engaged, offering more bang for your buck.
Sources: Bright Local Research Survey, Milestone Research
Google SEO Statistics 2023-2024
As of July 2023, Google leads when it comes to desktop search market share. With 83.49%, Google leaves its competitors behind. For instance, Bing has 9.19% and Yahoo trailing even further behind at 2.72%.
This just supports the idea that Google has been the main player in the search engine game since its launch in 1997.
With Google owning such a large chunk of the online search industry, it’s clear that your SEO strategy must prioritize this search engine. If you’re not ranking well on Google, you’re missing out on a vast audience.
You might think Google has a stronghold everywhere, but the reality is a bit more nuanced.
For instance, Yandex is the go-to in Russia, having a user base of 62%, compared to Google’s 36%. On the other hand, China has a whopping 86% of users. Yahoo still holds some ground too—in Japan, 56% of people said they used it, and in Mexico, Yahoo captures over 27% of users.
| Search Engine | Popular in Which Countries |
| Global | |
| Bing | United Kingdom |
| Yahoo | Japan, Mexico |
| Yandex | Russia |
| Baidu | China |
Now let’s talk about some numbers. The top three Google search results grab 54.4% of all clicks. That’s over half!
The first page listed has an average click-through rate (CTR) of 27.1%, and the second dips to a 14.2% CTR.
So what does this mean? Being on Google’s first page is essential, but aiming for the top three results will maximize your visibility and clicks. With CTR dropping by nearly half from the first to the second result, every position counts.
Sources: Statista, Backlinko, Advanced Web Ranking
Conclusion
So there you have it–a comprehensive SEO statistics list to highlight the current state of search engine optimization.
Understanding key metrics like Google’s overwhelming market share of 83%, the 3-6 month average ranking time, and the 50% higher click-through rate for video will allow businesses to shape data-driven SEO plans. All these numbers explain the key role of SEO in digital marketing today.