Struggling to compete with bigger brands online? Feel like you’re shouting into a void? The answer isn’t a louder megaphone – it’s a smarter SEO strategy.
SEO refers to search engine optimization, which is an important component of every digital marketing campaign for businesses worldwide. Every business would benefit from increased awareness; without an SEO marketing plan in place, it’s more difficult to grow. SEO is the foundation of a strong marketing campaign because it establishes your company as a thought leader and creates a positive online presence, driving more search traffic to your website. There are over 3.5 billion internet users on the planet, so the opportunity is vast.
Let’s discuss how SEO can transform your website from a ghost town into a thriving marketplace.
6 Reasons SEO is Important for Every Small Business.
1. SEO Drives Brand Awareness
New companies often fail to understand the value of search engine optimization (SEO). It’s much easier to establish an online presence these days than ever before, but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed success without a marketing plan in place. Without SEO, it’s very difficult to differentiate your business from the dozens of existing competitors.
Showing up at the top of search results is essential for being found by potential customers and standing out from the pack. By initiating an SEO strategy before launching a small business, you’ll reach the top of search results more quickly, which helps to increase brand awareness and attract more customers. If you don’t have an SEO plan in place for your business, it should be a priority.
2. SEO Drives Targeted Traffic
SEO can drive targeted traffic to your website, so you can see increased revenue without having to spend on pay-per-click ads (paid search). It’s important to allocate your budget wisely so that you’re using funds where they’ll have the highest impact on your company’s growth. SEO traction builds over time and can produce results for months and years to come.
With paid advertising, the traction falls off when you stop running ads. Also, since SEO capitalizes on the terms people are searching for online; you can be sure that people who find your website in search have intent to use your services.
3. Consumers Love Review Sites
Due to the organic nature of SEO, companies need to optimize themselves across the web, including social media platforms and review sites, because that’s where your customers are already spending their time.
By putting energy into your SEO and ensuring that you are listed in many places on the web, you’ll be able to get your company in front of more people actively looking for what you offer. SEO strategies change frequently due to Google’s algorithm updates, but making sure you have a presence in the places consumers are looking on the web is always a best practice.
4. Investing in SEO Upfront Pays Off Over Time
One of the best things about search engine optimization is that you can see results over time, so it’s not something that only benefits your business in the short term but can continue to add value over time.
Allocating funds toward SEO helps to establish your company as a leader in your niche, which makes it easier for customers looking for your products and services to find you organically through search engines.
“Good content and SEO are like a lock and key; one unlocks the potential of the other.”
-Greg Colacino, Director of Content, KWSM: a digital marketing agency
5. SEO is a Key Part of Digital Marketing for Every Size Business
Big or small, most companies need to be seen on the web. Big business SEO often focuses on established keywords to drive more traffic, while small business SEO should create a series of long-tail keywords and phrases that aren’t as competitive, so it’s easier for them to rank quickly.
They can move to more competitive keywords once they get traction on the lower competition terms. Even though it takes some time to see the benefits, companies that are willing to allocate resources toward optimizing their website will have a better chance of driving traffic and growth.
6. SEO Can Be Tied to Revenue
More traffic to your website equates to more opportunities to pitch your products and services. If you are using the right keywords and driving people who are looking for your specific offerings to your site, chances are many of them will convert. (If not, you may need to improve your website so that it converts better.)
Search engine optimization is a powerful tool for getting in front of people who have the intent to buy and ensuring that they know about your company. It’s not a magic bullet but it will provide incredible value with consistency over time.
Boost Your SEO with KWSM
Implementing an effective SEO strategy takes time and experience. If you want to accelerate your results, KWSM is here for you. We’ll design a custom strategy plan involving SEO services that will propel your small business forward. Contact us to start a conversation and discover how SEO can transform your online presence.