How long does SEO take to work?

SEO typically takes 3–6 months to show meaningful results, though some improvements can appear within weeks.

Quick wins like optimizing your Google Business Profile, fixing technical issues, and updating title tags can improve visibility within 30 days. Competitive keywords in larger markets take 6–12 months of consistent effort. Local SEO for small businesses in less competitive markets often shows results faster - within 2–4 months. The timeline depends on your starting point, competition level, domain authority, and how aggressive your strategy is. SEO is a long-term investment: results compound over time and the traffic is essentially free once you rank.