Hiring an SEO company is not just a consideration for large corporations, SME’s can also benefit from small business Search Engine Optimization.
Hiring an SEO company used to be an afterthought for a start-up business but now it’s becoming a necessity to keep ahead of net-savvy competitors who understand the importance of small business Search Engine Optimisation. Here are some good reasons why you may want to invest in SEO for small businesses.
Pre-qualified leads
Tailored SEO strategies will drive pre-qualified leads to your business. A keyword strategy is designed to have a balanced mix of ‘broad’* and ‘money’* keywords and to optimize your website around those, with the end goal being conversion. When customers and clients contact you, they are more likely to have done research on your product and services and are interested in your offering.
Brand visibility
Small business search engine optimization can give your business an international profile for a much smaller outlay than a traditional advertising campaign would cost. With increased Search Engine visibility, a small enterprise can create a bigger than Ben Hur Web presence and compete in both the local and international markets.
Geo-targeting and reaching specific markets
As well as reaching a global audience, SEO for small businesses allows you the flexibility to target a specific locality, niche market or segment in your online marketing campaigns. In particular, local Search Engine Optimisation strategies such as optimizing Google Places Pages are designed to help businesses to improve their local visibility.
Long term positioning
Small businesses especially when they are starting out need to allocate their marketing dollars wisely. Small business search engine optimization is designed to be a long-term internet marketing strategy and requires only ongoing maintenance. A strategy like pay-per-click advertising for example is a short-term strategy and needs ongoing expenditure.
Credibility/Brand Perception
In the eyes of many consumers, a high Search Engine ranking is a mark of trustworthiness and credibility and gives the perception that it is a reputable business. Research shows that many customers do not bother to click beyond the first two pages of a Web search so it’s more important than ever that your website has prominent Search Engine visibility if you want your business to be perceived as an important actor of your industry.
Unique content
SEO for small businesses places a huge focus on original and quality content that is updated regularly. Not only do Search Engines have a preference to crawl websites that have fresh content, but engaging content attracts quality links, it also decreases bounce rates, gives people a reason to return to your website and nudges the customer into conversion.
Website usability
Websites which have been optimized by an SEO expert are more likely to follow best practice guidelines such as validated code, better page speed, clear navigation structures, cross-browser compatibility and minimal dead links. This leads to decreased operating costs, lower bounce rates and higher conversion rates.
Lower bounce rates
Small business search engine optimization ensures that every page on your website is working hard for you. Correctly optimized Web pages designed to be engaging and retain visitors usually result in a lower bounce rate**. The more compelling your landing pages, the longer visitors will stay on your website, and the better your chances to convert them into customers.
Higher return on investment
SEO for small businesses gives you 24-hour/7 day a week promotion that doesn’t stop. A brick-and-mortar business has set trading hours but the internet is continually open for business and making money for you. It makes financial sense for a small business to allocate money to online marketing campaigns and increase their Search Engine visibility.
Hiring an SEO consultant should be seen as an investment and not a cost to your small business. The end goal of an SEO strategy is always conversion but there are so many more benefits that flow on from a well-optimized website. Speak to our SEO experts about our small business search engine optimization plans and SEO for small businesses.
* ‘Broad keywords’ attract browsers and ‘money keywords’ attract buyers.
**Bounce rate – the percentage of single-page visits or visits in which the person left your site from the entrance (landing) page).
