No matter what industry you operate in, an online presence is necessary for success. As you research local online marketing strategies for your small business, one term you may have encountered is SEO.
This type of internet marketing is used well by companies of all sizes. Just because you’re a small business doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from SEO marketing.
What is SEO?
SEO (search engine optimization) is a way to use certain words and phrases so that your content shows up higher in organic search results on search engines such as Google.
It involves tactics and strategies like keyword research, website design, mobile responsive websites, and accurate online citations for your business including ensuring you claim and verify your Google My Business listing.
An SEO strategy is essential for local marketing and goes hand in hand with things like email marketing, content marketing, digital ads, and social media marketing. For example, Content marketing focuses on customer pain points or frequently asked questions.
Since content marketing uses content that would appeal to your target customers based on their needs and how your company can address those needs, and SEO strategy involves the use of keywords and phrases customers would use to search for products and information, the two digital marketing tactics are closely linked. By using those keywords and phrases, you can draw customers to your website through your content.
Using SEO in business marketing
Using SEO in business marketing is about more than adding keywords and phrases in your small business website content. SEO in digital marketing requires a marketing strategy focusing on content that offers value to the people searching for the products or services your company provides.
Your search engine optimization strategy should use your knowledge of your customers’ needs and pain points to craft high-quality content – often referred to as 10x content – that shows your customers that your relationship is about more than just your products and services.
Instead, content marketing helps establish your business as a leader in your industry. That way, when your target demographic has questions or needs information, your company will be the first that comes to mind. Using SEO in business marketing helps establish that relationship.
What are the benefits of SEO for small business marketing?
There are lots of benefits to using SEO that are important for small business owners to pay attention to. Understanding these benefits can help you use search engine optimization to your advantage so that you can appear at the top of Google search results.
1. You’ll be able to keep up with your competition
With digital marketing that includes SEO, your small business will have a foothold in the digital world. That means you won’t be falling behind your competition, and you’ll make your company visible even if you’re competing against big companies.
2. You’ll drive customers to your website.
Even if you operate a brick-and-mortar business, your digital presence is key to success. By using SEO and online marketing, you’ll bring customers to your website, generating web traffic, so that they can learn more about what you have to offer. Once you get customers to your website, they’ll be in a position to learn more, see what products and services you have, and take advantage of other marketing strategies you have in place for online customers.
3. You’ll catch customers early in their buying process.
Most customers do research before they buy, even if they don’t always realize that’s what they’re doing. Sometimes it starts with answering a question (pain point). By using SEO content marketing, your customers will learn your company name and what you offer when they’re still in that early research phase. That means that when they start shopping for products or services to solve their problem, your company name will already be in their minds.
4. You’ll strengthen your brand.
When you use SEO marketing, the content is written to identify a customer pain point and then show how your company can solve the problem your customer has. That way, when your customer has a need, they will think of your brand to fill it. The way you write your content can contribute to your overall brand identity, as well, which can help foster the relationship between your business and your customers.
5. You’ll get a return on your investment.
One concern many small businesses have about marketing strategy is the money required. However, with effective SEO marketing, you’ll draw new business to your company, which will generate a return on your investment. That will make the money and time spent on your SEO content worth it for your bottom line.
Small business SEO is an essential marketing strategy for any local business.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to reach your customers or you want to draw attention to your online presence, SEO content marketing is a great way to share your knowledge with customers, strengthen your brand, and attract new customers to your company. With carefully crafted content, your digital marketing strategy will help you achieve and exceed your business goals.
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What SEO or content strategies do you use to market your small business? Let us know in the comments below. And for more smart local marketing tips and tricks, be sure to subscribe to get them delivered directly to your inbox.
