Is SEO Worth the Small Business?
In a digital first world, small businesses are competing more and more both on-line and offline. The question that comes to mind to many small business owners is: “Is SEO worth it? The answer to this is a resounding yes- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is well worth it to small businesses, particularly when you are seeking to expand your online footprint, attract local clientele, and generate revenue without reaching into your wallet.
This article will take you through the definition of SEO, the reasons it is important and how it can specifically be of benefit to small businesses in the U.S.
What Is SEO?
SEO or Search Engine Optimization is the act of optimizing your site to make it rank higher in search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo. People will visit your site when it is on the first page of search.
Key elements of SEO include:
- Keyword research (what do your customers search)
- On-page (optimizing content and HTML on your site) SEO.
- Off-page SEO (like backlinks and citations)
- Technical SEO (site speed, mobile-friendliness, secure connection)
- Local SEO (targeting local consumers in your locality)
Why SEO Is Important for Small Businesses
Customers are first searching on the Internet
The majority of consumers resort to Google in order to locate goods and services. Almost everyone will go online to find a local plumber, coffee shop, or hair salon, among others. In case your business is not showing up, you are losing out on potential customers.
Cost-Effective Marketing Strategy
SEO has a better return on investment (ROI) as compared to traditional marketing such as direct mail or printed advertisements. When your site is high in ranking, you will be able to reap the rewards of constant traffic without having to pay per click or impression as in paid advertising.
Builds Credibility and Trust
People trust Google. When your business appears in the top search results, it will create the perception that you are a reputable, established brand, even when you are a one-person business.
Targets Local Customers
Local SEO assists a small business to be featured on search results of their location. To illustrate, by typing in such keywords as pizza near me or best dentist in Austin, a properly optimized site can take you to the front of those searches.
The Benefits of SEO for Small Business Owners
Increased Website Traffic
Through good SEO, your site will receive an increased amount of organic (unpaid) traffic. Increased traffic implies an increased chance of transforming the visitors into paying customers.
Better User Experience
SEO is not all about search engine satisfaction. It is also about enhancing the experience of your users- clean navigation, fast-loading pages and being mobile friendly. These enhancements also enhance your possibility of converting visitors into regular customers.
Long-Term Results
In contrast to paid advertising which ceases as soon as you cease paying, SEO can provide results in months- or even years- after the initial investment. It is a long term growth strategy.
Competitive Edge
Your competitors are likely to be spending on SEO. Otherwise you are giving them a free edge. But when you invest now, you can begin to even the playing field–or outrank them.
Is SEO Expensive for Small Business?
Not always. Although some small businesses hire agencies that charge thousands of dollars each month, there are numerous affordable SEO services available.
- DIY SEO tools like Moz, SEMrush, and Ubersuggest
- Getting freelancers to write content or build links.
- Free online courses in learning the basics of SEO.
Or you can begin with the fundamentals–such as optimizing your Google Business Profile, the right key words, and local citations.
SEO vs. Paid Ads: What’s Better?
This is a common question. Paid advertising (such as Google Ads) will bring you instant results, but they will cost you a lot in a short time. The moment you cease paying the traffic ceases.
SEO, however, takes a longer time before it yields results and is long term beneficial. Ideally, both should be used in the mix, i.e., paid ads should be used to achieve short term and SEO to achieve longer growth.
How Long Does SEO Take to Work?
SEO is not a quick fix. It can take 3 to 6 months to noticeable results depending on your industry, location, and competition. However, the benefits compound as time goes by as your site begins to rank.
In local businesses where there is a few competitors you may find results within weeks-even a few weeks.
Real-World Examples of SEO Success
Local Restaurant in Austin, TX:
A small local taco shop began to optimize their site using local keywords such as the best tacos in Austin and claimed their Google Business Profile. Their result was among the top 3 in 4 months, leading to a 40 per cent increase in online orders.
Freelance Photographer in Chicago:
A single photographer optimized his or her portfolio with the help of the keyword-based blogging posts such as How to choose a wedding photographer in Chicago. Six months of regular work later they tripled their web traffic and started to attract higher paying customers.
Common Myths About SEO
SEO is too complex to the small business owners
False. Although higher levels of SEO may become technical, the fundamentals are easy enough to be learned.
It is too long to get results
It is a time-consuming process but the rewards in the long run are rewarded. You may also observe the first signs of improvement- such as more impressions or more phone calls- in weeks.
My business is too small that SEO does not matter
No business is too small. In fact, SEO levels the playing field. The correct strategy will allow even individual entrepreneurs to beat large businesses.
Tips to Get Started with SEO Today
- Display and optimize your Google Business Profile
- Use local keywords on your website
- Ensure that your site is mobile friendly
- Begin a blog in response to frequently asked questions by the customers
- Ask happy customers for reviews
- Register in local directories.
Bill Yeager, Co-Owner of High Point SEO & Marketing in CT
