Why SEO is (still) Important for Businesses in 2018... Big or Small

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(3 min read)
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) can be all too easily dismissed by smaller businesses as 'something the big guys do'.

We're amongst the first to agree that SEO may not be the best solution in all cases (a lot of which comes down to budget, goals and your starting point) but even so, SEO undeniably has a place.

​Even in 2018 amidst cries from some that "SEO is dead", the fundamentals of SEO in some ways hold truer than ever. Turning a blind eye and thinking that SEO doesn't matter or that it doesn't apply to me could end in disaster for your business.

What is SEO in 2018? (the short version)

It's not black magic or a secret science, but... what on Earth is SEO these days?

Is it...

• ​Market research? Keyword research?
• Technical optimisation work behind the scenes?
• Is it copy writing and great content? 
• Building links and authority?
• Website usability and great user experience that is mobile friendly?
• Presenting a highly positive and credible image to potential customers? 

The answer is a resounding 'YES' to all of the above.

Why is SEO Important to My Local Business?

1. Customers are mobile and looking for your business

It's no secret these days that almost everyone is online and mobile.
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Around 94% of people use Google to search in Australia (not Yellow Pages etc.) and around 92% worldwide in recent stats.

Is your business visible in Google for those people searching?

2. Local users expect local results

​In a recent Google survey:

• 85% of smartphone users have searched for local info
• 81% have taken action as a result
• 40% visited the store in person
• 35% called a business after searching

Is your business locally optimised for local users?

3. It's happening around you anyway 

Even if you are not actively 'doing SEO', people are talking about your business, leaving reviews etc.

How would it affect your business if the first thing users saw when searching for your business by name was a series of terrible reviews and a blog post discussing how bad your products are?

Wouldn't you want to show up in Google ABOVE those negative things?

"Looks like your car needs a-servicin'"

Meet Bob the Mechanic (may not be his real name)

A brief (and completely fictitious) example to explain SEO...
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Case 1: Bob opens an auto repair business
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• But, he does it in the middle of the desert…
• His shop is quite nice and he has some of the latest tools
• But nobody is connected to him and nobody can find him

​Case 2: Bob opens his workshop on a busy street corner filled with cars...
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• Bob is seen by many people passing by
• Bob puts up a big sign to promote his 24 hour emergency service
• Bob gets referrals from other local businesses and happy customers

Which situation would you prefer for your business?

But, Is SEO Right for My Business?

There are a lot of considerations which we cover in detail in this article.

At any level, it's important to give thought to:

• Your budget
• Your goals
• Timeframe in which you need to see results (4-12 months+)
• Competition from ads
• Big competitors
• Your starting position (do you already have a well established website, or are you starting from zero?)
• ​Choosing the right SEO partner

Still not sure where to start? Perhaps consider seeking some unbiased, independent advice.

Using SEO to Grow Your (Small) Business

Check out our presentation on Slideshare for even more info relevant to businesses big and small along with a completely free download: