Small Biz SEO
Your Essential Guide to Getting Found Online
Are you a small business owner wondering if SEO is really worth it? If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the information out there, you’re not alone. For small businesses, SEO (or Search Engine Optimization) is one of the most effective ways to get found online, attract new customers, and build brand visibility. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of SEO, explore why it's crucial for small businesses, and share practical steps you can take to improve your ranking on search engines—even if you’re brand new to SEO. And to make it even easier, we’ve put together a Free SEO Checklist that you can download to get started today!
What Is SEO in Small Business?
Simply put, SEO helps search engines like Google or Bing understand your website and show it to people looking for what you offer. The goal is to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) so more people find your site. For small businesses, SEO is especially powerful because it levels the playing field—you don’t have to have a massive budget to make an impact.
But SEO isn’t just about keywords. It includes website speed, mobile optimization, local visibility, high-quality content, and backlinks from other websites. When done right, SEO helps search engines recognize your website as a reliable, valuable resource for your industry.
Does SEO Work for Small Businesses?
Yes! In fact, SEO is one of the most cost-effective ways for small businesses to get found online. According to recent data, organic search drives over 50% of all website traffic, and the majority of consumers (around 93%) use search engines to find local businesses. SEO for small business means that you’re positioning yourself to attract these local customers actively searching for products or services like yours.
How Much Should SEO Cost for a Small Business?
The cost of SEO services for small businesses can vary widely based on your needs, goals, and how much work you want to do yourself versus outsourcing. Here are some typical options:
DIY SEO: If you’re just starting out and have a limited budget, you can begin with a DIY approach using free resources and tools like my Free SEO Checklist.
Basic SEO Services: For smaller budgets, SEO agencies or freelancers may charge around $500 to $1,000 per month to handle your SEO. This might include keyword research, content creation, and basic link building.
Advanced SEO Services: For more comprehensive services (including local SEO, ongoing optimization, and advanced strategies), agencies can charge anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000+ per month.
If these numbers seem high, remember that SEO is a long-term investment. Results often compound over time, so a few months of SEO work can lead to benefits that last for years.
Affordable SEO for Small Businesses
If you're looking for SEO support but don’t need a full-scale package, I offer a Small Biz SEO package at just $400 per month. This option is tailored to provide essential SEO components without a hefty price tag:
Keyword Research: Identifying the best keywords to help you reach your target audience.
Content Creation: Two pages each month (whether a webpage or blog article) to drive relevant traffic.
Backlinking: Building quality backlinks to boost your website’s authority and rankings.
This package offers a balanced approach to SEO, making it affordable for small businesses that want to see results without committing to a higher-tier service.
Can a Business Survive Without SEO?
Technically, yes. But it’s going to be harder. Without SEO, your website is less likely to show up on search engines, making it more challenging to attract new customers organically. You’ll likely need to rely heavily on paid advertising or referrals, which can be expensive and inconsistent.
Think of SEO as a way to get free, recurring traffic over time. Rather than constantly paying for ads, SEO allows you to build a foundation that continues to bring in new visitors without additional costs.
Is SEO Worth the Cost?
Absolutely! When it’s done well, the best SEO for small business can yield significant returns, often making the investment well worth it. Here’s how SEO impacts your business in concrete terms:
Increase Visibility: Studies show that websites on the first page of Google capture 71% of search traffic clicks. By securing a top spot in search results, you’re opening the door to a substantial increase in traffic, potentially leading to hundreds or even thousands more visits per month. More traffic means more chances to convert visitors into paying customers.
Build Credibility: High-ranking websites are perceived as more trustworthy by customers. Up to 70% of users click on organic search results, compared to just 30% for paid search, making SEO a powerful tool for establishing credibility.
Attract More Customers: With greater visibility and a strong online presence, more people searching for your services can find you. Let’s say your site attracts 500 new visitors monthly through SEO, and 2% of those convert to customers—this could mean 10 new customers every month. Depending on your average sale, this increase can significantly boost your revenue.
Boost Revenue: The potential revenue increase from SEO varies, but a recent survey found that businesses investing in SEO saw an average return of 5.3 times their initial investment over 12 months. For example, if a business invests $500 per month in SEO, they could see a return of $2,650 in added revenue each month, or $31,800 per year.
Compete Locally: Local SEO makes a substantial difference for small businesses, especially if you rely on customers in a specific area. About 46% of Google searches are local, and 78% of mobile local searches lead to an in-store purchase within 24 hours, giving you an immediate and measurable benefit.
For many small business owners, the cost of SEO is more than justified by the increase in traffic, brand recognition, and sales. When approached strategically, the investment in SEO often pays off exponentially over time, making it one of the most cost-effective marketing channels available.
Is It Worth It to Hire Someone for SEO?
Whether you should hire someone for SEO depends on your business goals, budget, and the time you can dedicate to learning and applying SEO strategies. If you’re a busy small business owner without much marketing experience, hiring an SEO expert can save time and potentially bring in results faster. Experienced SEO professionals can help you avoid common mistakes and speed up your growth with targeted strategies.
Here are some ways to get started:
DIY SEO: If you prefer a hands-on approach, DIY SEO is a viable option. You can start by using my Free SEO Checklist, which offers practical, easy-to-follow steps to optimize your website on your own. This is a great option for those who want to learn SEO from the ground up and are ready to invest time in mastering the basics.
SEO Coaching: If you’d like guidance but still want to handle the actual SEO work yourself, coaching can be an effective middle ground. With my SEO Coaching service, I’ll create a custom task list tailored to your business. We’ll review your progress monthly and adjust the checklist as needed. This approach allows you to gradually build SEO expertise, working at your own pace with support and direction. I offer this service at an hourly rate, making it a flexible option for businesses with varying budgets and time commitments.
Full-Service SEO Support: If you want to leave SEO entirely in the hands of an expert, consider hiring an SEO professional or agency for full-service SEO. This might include keyword research, content creation, technical optimization, and link building. Even if you’re not ready to hire right away, booking a consultation with an SEO professional can give you a clearer understanding of your site’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Whether you go DIY, try coaching, or hire a professional, it’s essential to stay consistent with your SEO efforts. SEO is a long-term investment, but with the right support and resources, the payoff can be significant.
How to Improve SEO for Beginners: Top Tips for Small Business SEO
Here are some actionable steps to help you get started:
1. Optimize for Local SEO
Local SEO is a game-changer for small businesses. Start by claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile. Ensure your address, phone number, and hours are accurate, add photos of your business, and encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Local SEO is one of the fastest ways to improve visibility, especially if you serve a specific geographic area.
2. Focus on Keywords That Match Your Audience’s Intent
Choosing the right keywords is crucial. Instead of targeting broad keywords like “flowers,” think about the specific terms your customers use, like “flower delivery Boulder.” Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or try out my Free SEO Checklist for more guidance on finding your keywords.
3. Improve Page Speed and Mobile Friendliness
Many people search on their phones, so it’s essential that your site loads quickly and looks good on mobile devices. Google prioritizes sites that offer a smooth mobile experience, so make sure your site is fast, mobile-optimized, and easy to navigate.
4. Create Quality Content Consistently
Blogging, sharing news updates, or posting helpful articles can help your SEO by giving search engines more content to rank and increasing your chances of showing up in search results. Content doesn’t have to be complicated; focus on answering common questions in your industry, offering tips, or sharing success stories.
5. Build Trust with Links and Reviews
Search engines want to see that your business is trusted by others. This is often measured by backlinks (other websites linking to yours) and customer reviews. Start by listing your business on trusted directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, or industry-specific sites, and always encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
6. Track Your Progress
SEO is a long-term strategy, so tracking results is key to understanding what’s working and what needs improvement. Use free tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor traffic, top-performing pages, and keyword rankings. This data will help you adjust your strategy and keep improving over time.
Get Started with My Free SEO Checklist
SEO may seem like a big task, but with the right steps, it can be a huge asset to your small business. By following the tips above, you’ll start seeing the benefits of SEO for small business: more visibility, more traffic, and ultimately, more customers.
To help you get started, I’m offering a Free SEO Checklist packed with actionable steps and insights designed specifically for small business owners. It covers everything from keyword research to on-page optimization, so you’ll have a clear roadmap to follow as you start improving your SEO.
Download it today and start building an SEO strategy that works for your small business. Ready to take control of your online presence? With a little dedication, you can build a website that attracts and retains customers without breaking the bank.
Hopefully, this article answered some of your questions and helped clarify why SEO is a worthwhile investment for small businesses. If you’re interested in additional help, feel free to reach out for a consultation. Together, we can create an SEO plan that helps your business thrive!
