Why is SEO important for Small Businesses: 7 Factors to Consider

The pandemic disrupted business as usual, demanding new strategies for growth. No matter your size, from mom-and-pop shops to established brands, search engine optimization (SEO) has become indispensable.

So, “Why is SEO important for small businesses?” It’s simply the most sustainable way to attract potential customers, identify relevant traffic, and build customer loyalty.

According to SEMrush, small businesses implementing SEO see an average return on investment of 215%.

That’s right, if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to outperform your competitors, SEO is the answer. Get ready to attract qualified leads, boost your brand presence, and leave your rivals in the dust!

Let’s dive into the 7 reasons “Why is SEO important for small businesses”.

What is SEO?

SEO stands for “search engine optimization,” which is how websites communicate with search engines effectively.

Google and other search engines have specific guidelines that websites must follow to improve their visibility and ranking in search results.

This includes a systematic approach to understanding search engine algorithms, researching relevant keywords, optimizing high-quality content, and building authority in your field.

Those who understand and follow these guidelines can build brand awareness and rank higher on search engine result pages.

 Search Engines

Imagine the internet as a gigantic library with billions of books (aka websites).

Now picture your customers trying to find the perfect book, but the librarian is a super-smart robot who only speaks in code.

That’s kind of how search engine algorithms work!

Here we’ll share simple SEO principles and basics to help you outsmart your rivals and get your website noticed by those robot librarians.

What are the Benefits of SEO to Your Businesses?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is like owning a restaurant on a busy street. How do you get noticed or rise above your rivals?

In the brick-and-mortar store world you’d spruce up your window, and menu, and put out an enticing we’re open sign. However, in the virtual world, you follow the search engines’ SEO Off-page and on-page SEO guidelines to help strengthen your SEO efforts.

The Key SEO Benefits are:

·         Attract targeted customers.

·         Reduced advertising costs.

·         Increase authority and loyalty.

·         Builds customer trust in your industry.

What is SEO Basic Principles

SEO is like using the GPS to find a destination you know exists, but you can’t find it.

Follow these steps to identify your ideal customers and drive them to your destination.

Choose the most relevant keywords your customers may use to search for your business. This step should be decided based on research, not guesswork.

Example: You own a seafood restaurant in Norfolk VA

Keyword choice #1: Family Restaurant in VA 100,000 searches

Keyword Choice #2 Seafood Restaurant in Norfolk VA 50,000 searches

Which is the Better Choice?

SEO Strategy

There are other variables to consider, that will further aid in choosing the keyword that could potentially drive higher search engine results. (That’s what we ‘talk about on our blog, bookmark, www.PYTalkBiz/blog, or save our RSS feed).

Search engine Optimization is a complete system that you should strategize to outsmart your competitors.

Just knowing the answer to the above example will place you eons ahead with a huge competitive edge.

Why is SEO IMPORTANT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES?

1. Cost-effective marketing strategy

Imagine you’re running a vibrant jewelry kiosk, showcasing your handmade kikois. Sure, you could blast music or plaster giant signs around your booth, but that’s old-school.

To level up, think of QR codes woven into your displays or partnering with a clothing store specializing in alterations that don’t offer custom jewelry.

Even smarter? Optimize your Google search meta tags, mentioning your proximity to popular landmarks or established businesses. This not only associates your brand with familiar names but also makes you easier to find. Think of it like getting a prime spot on a bustling market map!

2 Measurable Results

Remember those flyers you handed out (Me too 😊 ) to spread the word about your new business?

They weren’t all in vain, but tracking, analyzing, and measuring results is a different story. Being busy and working alone, like many new small business owners tracking, is pretty much hit or miss!   

If you’re a smart savvy small business owner, like I know you are you asked your new customers, “How did you hear about us” and they responded, I came across one of your flyers.

Sure, doing something is better than nothing, but ‘in today’s digital competitiveness’, SEO is your new search friend. Not only can you double or triple your efforts, but you can quantify your results with pinpoint accuracy.

Now, imagine asking a new customer, “How did you hear about us?” and hearing them say

“I found you on Google!” No more hit-or-miss guessing.

With SEO, every click on your website URL gets tracked by Google Analytics, telling you how long they stayed, which pages they visited, and so much more.

It’s like having a crystal ball for your online performance!

3.     Increase your website traffic.

You are a hidden gem, and hidden gems don’t get sold. It’s okay because sometimes local businesses want to be in the corner in the back in the dark.

But you must target local customers to sustain the business. So, what do you do when you are stuck in the back? The first thing that comes to my mind is to attach your business to the ones in front.

Have you visited a store where the owner was promoting another business? Yep, that’s one way.

We can follow the same concept with online marketing to increase organic traffic. It’s called joint-venturing or partnering.

Once we get them in, we can incorporate local SEO strategies and offline to grow even more. Don’t forget to add “near me” to your meta description tags.

How many voice searches do you make with “near me” or similar new voice terms?

4.     Become an authority in your industry.

Being an authority in your industry is worth its weight in gold. Robert Cialdini proved that in his popular book about influencing. And every commercial or big-time marketer displays leadership in some way or another.

But what if you’re not an authority in your industry? Then do the next best thing: work on it. However, I can almost bet you are an authority in your field.

From one of the definitions, I choose to believe that to be a leader or authority, you only need to know more than your followers.

And it’s safe to say that those who know more than you won’t follow you, and since leaders are readers, you will continually increase your authority and knowledge.

5.     Search Engine Optimization Impact:

The impact that search engine optimization has on business performance is unparalleled. Having an online presence is paramount to succeeding in business.

According to recent research businesses using SEO increase 14.6% in leads on average, compared to 1.7% for those who don’t (Source: HubSpot).

And…

Organic search (SEO) drives 53% of website traffic, compared to 15% from paid search (Source: BrightEdge).

SEO for small businesses is more effective than other forms of paid advertising. Why? Because customers like buying but they hate being sold too.

And with online marketing sites like ours, we bring value to our readers. This allows them to make better-informed decisions. So be sure to bookmark our blog. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below.

6.     LONG-TERM BENEFITS:

If you’re wondering about long-term benefits to small business SEO; hold on to your hat. SEO is like planting a bamboo tree. You plant the seed, nurture the grounds, and wait impatiently, to see growth.

Do you wish you’d used paid advertising? But you may not know, that planting SEO seeds today means reaping a harvest that paid ads can’t compete with.

 SEO is like investing in a fruit tree instead of buying produce –  it renders delicious results long after the initial SEO effort.

Here’s why SEO is your key to lasting success:

Loyal Customers, not looky-loos: Forget window shoppers only. SEO attracts the right audience, people who resonate with your brand and become loyal customers.

These are your repeat customers, who spread the word and keep your business thriving.

Traffic That Flows, Not Flutters: Paid ads are like fireworks – bright and flashy but gone before you can blink. SEO produces a steady flow of organic traffic, bringing in website visitors organically, month after month.

It’s a lasting strategy that, keeps your marketing costs down and increases website traffic.

A steady Flow, Not the One-Hit Wonder: Imagine the search engine results as a career ladder. SEO helps you climb steadily, rung by rung until you reach the top where everyone sees you.

The higher you rank, the more brand awareness, customer loyalty, and sales.

BETTER USER EXPERIENCE:

Think of your website as your virtual storefront. SEO dresses up the window, plugging in the neon arrow pointing to inviting customers and turning casual browsers into happy customers.

Here’s how:

High-Quality Content that Works: No more obscure descriptions or awkward layouts! SEO guides you to create clear, engaging content that speaks directly to your target audience.

Recipes, expert tips, or insightful articles keep visitors hooked and returning for more.

Navigation that is Easy to Follow: A confusing website is like a maze with no exit.

An SEO navigation-friendly website helps you create a clear roadmap, making it easy for visitors to find what they need, whether buying products, booking appointments, or customer contact.

A smooth experience leaves a lasting positive impression.

Mobile-First: More users browse on their mobile devices vs desktops. A mobile-friendly website ensures your website is responsive on all devices.

Remember, SEO is your secret weapon for building customer loyalty, enjoying consistent website traffic, and dominating the online marketplace.

FAQ:

Why hire an SEO company for small businesses?

To boost online visibility and attract more customers. An SEO company helps your business rank higher in search, which means more people find your website. For instance, a local plumber might hire an SEO pro to help increase their brand awareness and online presence.

Do I need to hire an SEO professional for my small business?

It depends on your knowledge and time. If you’re familiar with SEO and have time to dedicate to it, you might do it yourself. Otherwise, hiring an SEO professional can save time and often leads to better results.

How long does it take to see results from SEO?

Results vary, but it can take from months to years.  It depends if you’re doing your SEO or hiring an SEO consultant. Remember, one of the key factors for ranking is keyword research or identifying the right keywords.

How much does SEO cost for small businesses?

Costs vary based on the competitiveness of the industry and chosen keywords. On average, it can range from a few hundred to a thousand dollars per month.

The cost depends on factors like the website complexity, the competitiveness of your industry, and the services rendered.

Key takeaways

SEO isn’t just about ranking higher on Google; it’s about ensuring your business gets noticed by the right people.

For small business owners, this means being seen by potential customers who are actively looking for your product or service. Investing in search engine optimization can be the game-changer that propels your business forward, in the online world.

Remember, SEO isn’t an overnight success—it’s a journey that takes time. Consistency and patience are key. By optimizing your website and content, you’re setting the stage for long-term success.

We hope this article has shed light on the importance of SEO for your small business. To stay updated on more tips and marketing strategies, visit our PYTalkBiz often.

Feel free to share this valuable information with a friend who might benefit from it.

And don’t hesitate to leave a comment below—we would love to hear your feedback!