For many small businesses, marketing is an afterthought, not a priority. When all operational jobs are handled by just a few individuals, it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to handle every task that comes up. However, this means losing out on the advantages a few simple strategies can afford. SEO, in particular, is a popular way to grow a web presence, attract online buyers, drive customers, convert leads, and encourage sales.
However, many startups and small businesses don’t see the point, putting tried and true strategies on the back burner rather than making a small investment in exchange for big returns. Here’s why you need to embrace SEO, and what steps you should take to create a process that works.
Allocate a Marketing Budget
For small companies with even smaller budgets, finding a few thousand dollars to allocate to marketing may seem like throwing cash into the wind, but this can be a grave mistake. Missing out on the chance to build a web presence, create searchable content, and grow your business online only gives your competition an advantage. Instead, make sure at least 5% – 10% of your overall gross revenue figure is allocated to marketing. With an actionable strategy that provides a true ROI, you can see your investment at work.
Do Your Research
Some businesses believe that marketing is a waste of time and money – after all, customers who need your services will seek you out anyway, right? – but this is rarely the case. An investment in the right approach to SEO can yield higher returns, helping you to build a plan that works for you. Do your research and see for yourself before leaping to judgment, reviewing case studies from similar companies and marketing experts to see what a strong strategy has in store.
Research extends to marketing experts as well. There are thousands of marketing firms out there, and not all of them are going to be able to interpret and execute your vision. Instead, search for well-reviewed, well-reputed names with work in your industry and examples of the results you’d like to achieve. One bad experience isn’t a reason to shy away from marketing, so don’t let negative past interactions dictate your future.
Be Patient
Some things in business can be accomplished overnight, but SEO isn’t one of them. A good SEO strategy generally starts slowly, building up momentum as your content distribution, website design, and social media tactics improve, develop, and scale. Instead of throwing in the towel when you aren’t seeing massive gains right off the bat, be patient and stay committed to your chosen methods. Change will happen, but it may take more time than you bargained for.
Partner With a Pro
Unless you were a marketing whiz in your past life, balancing content marketing and SEO strategy may be a little too much to take on alone. As such, a marketing firm can be a great investment. With a solid understanding of effective strategies and the best ways in which to maximize your budget, marketing professionals can create a custom plan for you and your company that will hit all of the right notes. Furthermore, choosing an outside firm decreases your overhead, negating the need to hire a dedicated team member to run your marketing.
SEO should be a priority for all businesses, but far too many don’t even consider it. If you want to stand apart from the crowd, the right approach to marketing is the best way to distinguish yourself, especially as a developing business looking to move forward.
When you want to excel at the art of SEO, RivalMind is here. As a local leader in small business marketing and growth strategies, we can help you find an effective – and affordable – method that works for you. Contact us today to learn more.
