In the ever-evolving digital world, small businesses are constantly seeking ways to stand out and connect with their target audience. One of the most pivotal questions they face is: Is SEO worth it for a small business?
As we step into 2024, understanding the role and impact of SEO on small businesses is more crucial than ever. In this guide, we dive deep into the world of SEO, examining its benefits, cost-effectiveness, and tangible impact on small businesses. Whether you’re a start-up or an established business, this comprehensive guide is designed to help you make informed decisions to thrive in the digital world.
SO, is seo worth it for a small business?
What actually is seo?
If you have no idea what SEO actually is, don’t be alarmed – we’ll get you caught up to speed now.
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the practice of enhancing your website to improve its visibility when people search for products or services related to your business on search engines like Google. Think of it as fine-tuning your online storefront so that when potential customers are searching for what you offer, your business shows up more prominently in their search results.
We’ll give you a quick example. Imagine you’re a plumber in Arizona who’s just launched a website for your business. When potential customers in your area search for “plumber near me” or “Arizona plumbing services,” you want your website to appear at the top of their search results. SEO is the tool that helps you achieve this.
At its essence, SEO is about making your website more attractive and understandable to search engines, which can lead to increased traffic and visibility for your business online.
The benefits of seo for a small business
increased visibility & brand awareness
By ranking higher in search engine results pages (SERPS), your business becomes more visible to potential customers, helping to increase brand awareness and establish your presence in the market.
Check out the screenshot which shows the total number of blog posts written today. This just shows how much competition you’re actually up against and displays the importance of visibility on SERPS.
Cost-effective marketing
The average cost of SEO work can range from £50 to over £300, with monthly packages costing, on average, anywhere between £500 to £3000. This may seem quite pricey. However, SEO is like having a sign for your store in exactly the right spot in town where people looking for what you offer are most likely to be.
Unlike traditional ads, which are like handing out flyers to everyone, whether they’re interested or not, SEO helps you reach people at the moment they’re searching online for the products or services you provide. This means the people who come to your website are more likely to be interested in what you’re selling, leading to better chances they’ll buy something. It’s a smarter way to use your advertising budget, as you’re focusing on people who are already interested in what you have, rather than trying to convince those who aren’t.
Builds Credibility and Trust
Being at the top of search results is like having the best spot on the main shopping street: people see you first and trust you more. SEO helps your small business get this prime spot, showing potential customers that you’re a credible and reliable choice.
It’s not just about more clicks; it’s about building trust and establishing your reputation, which is essential for attracting and keeping customers, especially when competing with bigger, more established businesses.
LOng-term Growth
Unlike traditional & paid advertising methods which are generally short-term and end the moment you stop paying, SEO benefits businesses in the long-term.
Essentially, SEO gives your business lasting visibility and value, helping to attract ongoing traffic and growth, unlike the temporary boost from ads.
THe downsides of seo for small businesses
Time-consuming
SEO is a long-term game, requiring patience as results can take months to materialize. This slow process is due to the time search engines take to crawl, index, and rank new content and the gradual accumulation of trust and authority your website builds over time.
For businesses eager for immediate results, this can be a significant downside, as it means investing resources upfront without seeing instant benefits. Despite this, this investment is crucial for sustainable growth and long-term online visibility, requiring a steady commitment to ongoing SEO strategies.
No Guaranteed results
One of the main downsides to SEO is that there are no guaranteed results. There is no certainty that the work you carry out will yield any results for your business.
This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you’ve put time and effort into implementing SEO strategies. However, by following SEO best practises and by being consistent, you give your business the best chance to succeed. If you’re unsure where to start with SEO, be sure to check out some of our other blogs.
Weighing it all up
As previously mentioned, SEO offers significant benefits for small businesses, enhancing online visibility and attracting more targeted traffic, which can lead to increased sales and brand recognition.
However, it requires a consistent effort and understanding of its time-intensive nature and the complexities involved. Despite these challenges, the long-term advantages of SEO far outweigh the initial investment, making it a vital strategy for small business growth.
If you need any help with your SEO, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Candid Digital. With consistent SEO efforts, small businesses can achieve lasting success online.