How does SEO impact a website's visibility?

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, plays a critical role in improving a website's visibility primarily by enhancing search engine rankings. When a website is optimized for search engines, it becomes more likely to appear higher in search results for relevant queries. This is achieved through various methods, such as incorporating targeted keywords, improving site structure, enhancing user experience, and obtaining quality backlinks.

When a website ranks higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), it tends to attract more organic traffic, which can lead to increased engagement and conversions. Users are more likely to click on links that appear on the first page of search results, making it essential for websites to employ effective SEO strategies to gain an advantage over competitors. Consequently, better search engine rankings directly correlate to improved visibility and user access to the site.

The other options presented do not accurately describe the primary impact of SEO on a website's visibility. While loading times, security, and development costs can significantly affect a website's performance and user experience, they are not direct components of SEO's role in enhancing visibility through improved search engine rankings.