The Real Value of SEO: the Bang Small Businesses Get For Their Bucks

26 Jan The Real Value of SEO: the Bang Small Businesses Get For Their Bucks

Most small businesses know that they need search engine optimization (SEO) to help build their online presence, increase their web traffic, and generate more web leads. At the same time, SEO can be a touchy subject. It takes time, and too much of it if you ask some small business owners.

However, SEO gets real results if given time. Here’s what you should know.

It costs less than traditional marketing
Content marketing, an SEO tentpole, has been proven to cost less than traditional marketing tactics. Research shows that it costs a staggering 62% less than traditional marketing, but that’s not all. It also generates about three times as many leads as traditional marketing.

SEO leads are highly valuable
The leads generated by your SEO strategy are far more valuable than the ones generated by traditional marketing strategies, because they close at a far, far higher rate. Organic search leads have been show to have a 14.6% close rate, while outbound marketing leads — ones generated by direct mail or TV ads — only have a 1.7% close rate.

It’s great for small businesses
As previously mentioned, small businesses have a very tenuous relationship with SEO. While other modes of marketing have gotten them results quickly, online marketing takes time, something many small business owners can’t afford. They need to get people in through the doors ASAP, and that’s quite literally what search does. About half (50%) of all mobile searches are conducted in the hopes of finding local results, and about 61% of those searches result in a purchase. In other words, online marketing can actually give small businesses an advantage over bigger chains and franchises once their campaign and tactics get traction.

Don’t underestimate the value of SEO. It’s not only one of the most cost-efficient marketing strategies out there, it’s one of the best. If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.