Do You Google a Brand Before Buying? Why SEO, SEM and Online Presence Matter More Than Ever

Think about it: How often do you Google a brand before making a purchase?

If you're like most consumers, the answer is almost always. In today's digital-first world, your brand's online presence plays a critical role in whether a customer chooses you--or your competitor.

The Stats Say It All

📊 81% of shoppers research online before buying, even if they plan to purchase in-store

📊 53% of all website traffic comes from organic search.

📊 Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers read reviews before making a decision.

These numbers paint a clear picture: your visibility on Google can make or break a sale.

Why SEO and SEM Are Essential

• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) ensures your website appears organically when someone searches for your brand, product or service.

• Search Engine Marketing (SEM) uses paid strategies like Google Ads to place your brand in front of potential buyers at the right moment.

Together, SEO and SEM form a powerful duo to capture intent-driven users at the point of decision.

Trust Is Built Before the Sale

The buyer journey starts long before the checkout page. Here's what matters:

• Your website - Is it fast, mobile friendly and informative?

• Your reviews - Are they visible, recent and trustworthy?

• Your content - Does it answer customer questions and establish credibility?

If you're not showing up on the first page of Google--or what shows up doesn't inspire confidence--you're losing potential customers without even knowing it.

What You Can Do as an Advertiser

• Prioritise SEO - Optimise your website for keywords your audience is searching for. Use blog posts, FAQs and landing pages to build visibility.

• Invest in SEM - Use Google Ads to capture bottom-of-funnel customers actively searching for solutions you provide.

• Manage Your Reviews - Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and respond to feedback to build trust.

• Create Valuable Content - Share insights, how-tos, case studies and expert commentary to establish your brand as a trusted source.

Final Thoughts: Visibility = Credibility

In the moden consumer journey, trust is earned before the sale happens. The first impression your brand gives on Google--through rankings, content and reviews--can be the deciding factor in whether a customer clicks "buy" or clicks away.

At Wayve Media Agency, we help brands rise to the top with smart SEO, strategic SEM, and credibility-focused digital strategies. Because if your audience is Googling you, you better be ready to impress.

So... do you Google a brand before buying?

Chances are, your customer do too. Let's make sure they find exactly what they need.

Aida O. Roth, CEO