5 Reasons Why SMB's Should Use SEO
As a small or medium-sized business owner, you may be under the impression that "SEO" (search engine optimization) is just a fancy marketing term for large businesses and corporations. And you're not alone: In a recent survey, it was found that while 56% of small businesses have their websites, only 28% consider SEO.
The importance of SEO today could not be more widespread. Neglecting to implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies on your website can be a drag on your business like closing the front doors. So what does SEO do? In a world where most consumers use search engines to find nearby businesses, SEO is the difference between being visible and invisible. Here are 5 reasons why small and medium businesses should be using SEO today.
1) Increase traffic
Traffic to your website is primarily driven by search engines. Just creating a website is not enough to be seen; People need to know you exist first. Every time you use Google or another search engine to find your new job, handbag designer, or auto repair (or anything else), Google uses special algorithms to determine which sites will appear on the first page.
With some SEO strategies, you can be one of the first websites that pop up every time someone needs something related to your business. Without SEO, you would be buried under a mountain of competitors.
2) It is profitable
Most marketing and advertising cost a lot of money, but the only cost to SEO is the amount of time you spend learning SEO strategies and writing content, or paying an SEO professional to improve your Google ranking. With a proper SEO campaign maintained for several months, you can expect an ROI many times higher than any Facebook or AdWords ad, up to 800% or more.
3) Small businesses can beat big businesses through targeted keywords and other local advantages
Once you get into SEO, you'll start to learn that it's all about keywords, which are simply the words and phrases that people type into search engines. The overall goal of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is to write content that uses and focuses on those keywords, making your website stronger and higher when people use Google for that specific keyword.
In addition, there is also what is known as "off-page SEO": it is not about the SEO work you do on your website, but rather about improving your reputation in the real world and through social networks. It turns out that people are more willing to talk about a local small business that provides good service, and the more people talk about you on the web, the more likely your rankings will increase.
4) Competitors will always have an advantage if you don't get on board
The rise of the Internet has come and gone, and ignoring what you can offer is simply irresponsible for your business. SEO is a reality these days and most if not all of your competitors are doing it, so join us.
5) SEO will always be around the corner
SEO is not something we are going to do away with. With the way search engines work and the fact that Google has more and more control over search engines and many social media platforms, SEO will always be important. The best option is to start working on SEO as soon as possible if you don't want your business to be overwhelmed by the current situation.