As internet access and eCommerce adoption rapidly increases, so does the need for online engagement. Today’s buyers want to socialize with brands, expect businesses to meet them where they are, and seek streamlined online experiences.
To avoid disappearing in the current torrent of new businesses, start-ups and small businesses need to adjust their online presence to be accessible and valuable to customers. And the easiest and most powerful way of achieving this is by focusing on SEO. You can also read our article on the latest SEO trends that can help you lead in competitive digital markets.
But first, we answer the old age question, ‘Is SEO dead’ and ‘Is SEO worth it for start-ups and small businesses:
What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) refers to optimizing or tweaking a website to become search engine friendly. It comprises many areas, including link building, keyword research, and more.
Google uses complex crawlers and algorithms to rank websites, so SEO requirements change daily. SEO may be of the following two types:
On-Page SEO
On-page SEO comprises various elements directly on your website, such as meta descriptions, title tags, and content.
Off-Page SEO
Off-Page SEO includes elements present outside of your website, like links. It’s comparatively complicated and requires in-depth consideration.
Top Components of an SEO Marketing Strategy
Here we discuss the essential components of an effective SEO marketing strategy:
Target Keywords
Keyword targeting is the first step of any good SEO strategy. By targeting keywords that have high volume searches and low competition, you can drive traffic to your website/pages.
Start brainstorming a list of potential keywords and identify its competition using robust keyword tools, such as Google AdWords.
Mobile Optimization
According to research, viewers carry out more than 60% of all online searches on their mobile phones. In addition, up to 40% of users visit a competitor’s website after a poor mobile experience.
Most importantly, Google’s SEO crawlers acknowledge the importance of a mobile-friendly website. Thus, up to 80% of top-ranked websites are mobile-friendly.
Link Building
Link building is essential to catch Google’s attention to boost your SEO ranking. Thus, websites need internal links to related content and backlinks to high-quality, reliable sources.
Use link building to create a linear website architecture and boost SEO in the following ways:
- By guest posting
- Creating a blogging network
- Exchanging backlinks with other industry leaders
- Leveraging the skyscraper technique
Content Creation
We’ve all heard that ‘Content is King’ and is the best way to rank keywords, create positive user experiences, and encourage customers to take action.
Creating high-quality, engaging, and refreshing content also helps educate customers and help boost sales.
The Top 6 Benefits of SEO for Small Businesses
Let’s discuss the benefits of SEO for start-ups and small businesses:
Expedite Customer Outreach with Organic Search
Research reveals that 53.3% of all website traffic comes from organic search. In addition, more than 60% of marketers enjoy high-quality leads from SEO-engaged viewers. It is because buyers seek the best solutions, and appearing on the top result allows you to become accessible and meet their needs.
Plus, you can attract your target audience by ranking for specific keywords. And by appearing on the first Google page, you increase your brand’s visibility and showcase yourself as a reliable resource.
Enjoy Better Conversion Rates
SEO-optimized websites load comparatively faster and include an easy user interface. In addition, they are compatible with multiple devices, including mobile phones.
Websites that promise a streamlined and easy-to-navigate experience to all potential buyers are more likely to engage readers and visitors. They’re also more likely to retain customers and subscribers.
Boost Brand Awareness
If viewers continue to see your brand name on the first page of Search Engine Result Pages, they will become more aware of you and believe you’re an industry expert. Thus, the next time they want to purchase a relevant service or product, they’re going to think of you.
Viewers are more likely to opt for a brand that ranks high on Google’s search engine results. It means that start-ups and small businesses need to create a killer SEO strategy as it can help you reach your goals faster.
Gives You a Competitive Edge
Even if your competitors are significant players in the industry, you can still leverage SEO to gain a competitive edge.
The key is investing in the ideal SEO strategy and using the best SEO practices. This way, you can rise through the rankings and attract more clients and clicks.
SEO is Budget-Friendly
Small businesses and start-ups often have a limited budget that doesn’t allow them to take huge risks or waste lump sums on marketing. However, an SEO marketing strategy helps small businesses enjoy tangible results without spending a fortune.
Plus, you can kick start your SEO strategy yourself. If you want to hire an SEO specialist, the implementation costs comparatively less.
In addition, investing in SEO benefits your brand in the long term. You’ll only have to tweak your strategy.
Encourages You to Create User-Friendly Websites
Optimizing user experience is at the core of an SEO strategy. Google even prioritizes user experience as a ranking factor and plans to use Core Web Vitals to determine which brands offer valuable interactions.
Featured snippets and various in-search elements also utilize this by using answers, images, and other valuable data onto the search page.
For small businesses and start-ups, it’s all about focusing on your customer’s needs for small businesses and start-ups. You need to consider your buyer’s pain points, the questions they’re asking, and the services and resources they crave.
The Bottom Line
A robust and effective SEO strategy doesn’t only attract your audience. Instead, it aims to catch Google’s search engine’s attention and appear in the first three Google search results.
This way, new viewers and lookalike audiences can also find your website. However, tackling Google’s algorithm isn’t an easy task. At Firestarter SEO, we help businesses curate the ideal SEO strategy to fuel growth.
Our industry experts employ the best practices and techniques to grow your SEO ranking, website traffic, and website conversions—all necessary to push your start-up or small business in the right direction.
Sources
https://www.clickx.io/small-business-seo/
https://digitaldomination.com.au/seo-worth-paying/
https://activebusinessgrowth.ca/search-ranking-factors/
https://www.liveplan.com/blog/seo-benefits-small-businesses/
https://www.benchmarkone.com/blog/seo-startups-small-businesses/
https://www.improvemysearchranking.com/5-key-benefits-seo-small-businesses/
https://www.webfx.com/internet-marketing/does-seo-work-for-small-business.html
https://techdayhq.com/community/articles/the-benefits-of-seo-for-small-businesses
https://www.outerboxdesign.com/web-design-articles/mobile-ecommerce-statistics
