SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of optimizing your online presence for search engines by improving your site’s visibility. This is done through research, keyword usage, linking, and other methods to rank your pages higher.
SEO is a must for all online businesses because it makes your website more visible, which means more traffic and opportunities to convert prospects into paying customers.
7 Benefits of SEO for small businesses
- SEO improves your visibility in the SERPS generating more traffic to your website
SEO has proven to be the most successful marketing channel if you want to grow your business, expand your customer base, and bring in more money. When potential customers search online, the search engine uses advanced algorithms to rank the best websites first. By using SEO, you are optimizing your site for these algorithms to rank your website higher, making your site more visible to your potential customers.
2. Local SEO for small businesses allows customers to find you more easily
Local SEO strategies are effectively the same as regular SEO, with one significant difference. Local SEO will focus on improving your ranking and visibility in a specific location, whereas SEO aims to give your site better visibility in general.
Local SEO is incredibly valuable for small businesses since almost 80% of potential consumers use local searches, “near me,” and they have an exceptionally high conversion rate.
Local SEO benefits local businesses like barbershops, medical services, and restaurants. However, it is not helpful for international and e-commerce companies.
- It is a long-term strategy
As you research the cost of SEO, it may seem more expensive than other marketing options. This is because SEO is not a one-time marketing campaign or a set-and-forget website improvement. SEO is a constant process of analyzing data and optimizing and updating content to keep it current, relevant, and on page 1. SEO takes a lot of work and requires expertise. You are paying for time, effort, and skill. However, good SEO is a game changer for your business and will constantly bring new customers.
- SEO has the best ROI
SEO has proven to have the best long-term return on investment in modern marketing. About 93% of online experiences start with a search engine. Having good visibility in relevant SERPs is the most successful way to attract potential customers. Furthermore, when compared to traditional marketing, leads that come about through SEO have a higher conversion rate than leads from other channels.
Some estimate the ROI for SEO to be as high as $2.75 for every $1 you spend.
- SEO generates 1000% more traffic & revenue than social media
Social media has a low CTR, with Facebook at the highest at 3.86%. Social media is a great way to build brand awareness, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to people visiting your website. On the other hand, SEO targets potential customers who are looking for the product you sell or the service you provide to find you more easily.
6. Good SEO will optimize your website for a better user experience
An SEO expert will improve the user experience on your website as part of their SEO strategy to get you better rankings. A significant factor that google algorithm looks out for are websites that provide the most value to the user. Optimizing your website for SEO will give you a better website overall.
7. It gives you a competitive advantage
Your competitors are investing in SEO, so you need to as well. Businesses that invest in SEO increase their market share by outranking their competition in search engine results.
What are the best SEO services for a small business?
In theory, businesses could do their own SEO. However, although this sounds like a neat and easy solution, It takes time to work out and implement a strategy and will need constant monitoring and updating. It is generally a better use of time and resources to hire a professional who is experienced in SEO and can do it for you in less time and more effectively. There are different ways to go about getting professional SEO help. So, what is the best for your business? Based on your specific needs, you can choose from the following:
Small business SEO consultants
An SEO consultant generally has a lot of experience in everything related to SEO and will come on board in an advisory capacity. They will not be doing the work for you, so this is only an option if you have the available manpower to do the work. If you already have marketing staff, a consultant can be a valuable short-term investment to train your team in the specifics of SEO.
- In-house SEO
This is a team of employees who manage all your SEO needs. This typically costs more than a consultant or an agency. The benefits of having your own team include that they are focused on your website, will have an in-depth understanding of your business and can collaborate easily with you and other team members.
- SEO agency
SEO agencies provide services to many clients, so they may not have experience in your particular industry. However, any reputable SEO agency will know how to carry out research and collaborate effectively with you so that they become familiar with your needs. Although it may seem like a large monthly outlay to add to your budget, hiring an agency is the most economical option since agencies need to retain clients to grow their business. To keep clients, they need to find strategies that work, which is why hiring an SEO agency has the highest long-term return on investment. These professionals have a personal interest in growing your business.
Conclusion
Whichever kind of SEO service you choose to invest in, make sure that you are getting a personal service with a strategy tailored specifically to your business – there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to SEO. You should also be aware that while results should be expected, they should not be guaranteed, as guaranteed SEO results could point to a scam or illegal activity.
