With the importance of local SEO for SME’s front and centre of mind due to the launch of our three SEO packages being launched to market, I thought I would weigh in on the benefits of doing SEO right. No tongue-in-cheek or witticisms for this article I’m afraid, just the facts and what you need know, delivered in my best digital marketing 101 professor tone.

Let me start off by stating the obvious – a robust online presence is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity… For medium-sized local or regional businesses, a good Search Engine Optimization strategy can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

The above ‘good local SEO strategy’ will create visibility in a crowded market. SEO is the key within your digital strategy, to help your business stand out, by improving your visibility on search engines. When potential customers search for products or services that you offer, a technically and content driven, well-optimized website, ensures that your business appears at the top of the search results. This increased visibility not only drives more traffic to your website but also enhances your brand’s credibility.

Let’s talk building trust and credibility, as this is something I can’t stress more as the biggest long-term win for any business and gained from a robust SEO strategy… Appearing at the top of search results is often perceived as a mark of trustworthiness. Customers are more likely to trust and engage with businesses that rank higher on search engines. An effective SEO strategy incorporates elements like quality content, user-friendly website design, and authoritative backlinks, all of which contribute to a positive user experience and enhance your business’s credibility.

SEO is targeted and targeted traffic does equal higher conversions. Which means by default local SEO focuses on attracting targeted traffic. By optimizing your website technically and for relevant keywords and local searches, you will attract customers who are more likely to convert. This means that your marketing efforts are more effective, leading to higher sales and better return on investment (ROI).

A huge win for medium-sized businesses using SEO is it is cost-effective marketing and compared to traditional advertising methods like print, radio, or TV ads, SEO will be your best passive and organic marketing win. The reason for this is you will be targeting users who are already interested in your products or services and reduces the amount of money spent on reaching a broad audience. While SEO requires an upfront investment, the long-term benefits of increased organic traffic and sustained visibility make it a worthwhile investment.

In closing and when looking at why you should focus budget on your SEO, it is a competitive edge scenario. Many medium-sized businesses are likely already investing in SEO. To remain competitive, it’s essential to implement an local SEO strategy that not only keeps up but surpasses your competition. By staying ahead in search rankings, you ensure that your business is the first choice for customers, giving you a significant edge in the market.

Click here to find out more about our SEO packages.