Nine out of ten times, the modern consumer will research a product before purchasing it. For a small business looking to compete online, this opens up an opportunity. The correct SEO strategy can turn a struggling business into a successful endeavour.
However, if you’ve never applied SEO tactics before, the process of optimising a website can be confusing. An effective solution could be the SEO packages provided by many marketing agencies.
But how is a small business owner supposed to know what to ask for? In this article, we’ll cover all the basic SEO methods necessary for a small business.
Search Engine Ranking Factors
PPC marketing brings immediate exposure to a business. However, if you want to choose an organic route to creating traffic for a website, SEO is the way to go. But that does leave the question of how the customer is supposed to find you.
While you don’t have the power to control search engines, there are tactics an SEO agency can employ to increase the chances of your website ranking high.
It’s impossible to list all of the factors search engines will consider when ranking a website – there are hundreds of them. But there are some which are particularly important:
- Page and site speed
- Mobile usability
- Internal and external links
- Keyword targeting
- Title tags and meta description
- Image alt-text
- URL structure
- Content quality
That’s why it’s crucial to find them in a proposed SEO package. UK-based SEO agencies should be able to map out these tactics clearly.
SEO Packages – What Should They Contain
Let’s get into the specifics. What should a small business owner expect from SEO packages? London SEO agencies will often suggest customised packages for their clients.
This is, undoubtedly, the right approach, as every business is unique. The first sign that an SEO package might not be suitable is if there’s no budging on what you get.
However, here’s what they should absolutely contain, regardless of the direction you want to take with your digital marketing strategy.
Technical Audit
If your small business already has a website, then it’s time to check its functionality. What is the technical infrastructure of the website and how can the architecture of the website be improved?
Perhaps you’re wondering what that looks like in an SEO package. UK SEO firms should be able to analyse the on-page and off-page elements and find the impediment to the website’s success. This is the crucial starting point, as there is no use building an SEO campaign on faulty foundations.
Keyword Research
There is no SEO without keyword research. Some marketers downplay the significance of extensive keyword research.
Still, a comprehensive SEO package will provide a comprehensive keyword list that is continually growing and evolving. Keyword research should include analysing Google analytics, as well as competitors’ keywords.
SEO Content Creation
While not always listed in an SEO package, content writing and copywriting should be a part of only the best SEO package. UK-based small businesses should look for agencies that will provide this service as well.
If you already have content on your website, perhaps it’s necessary to re-write it or add a fresh perspective to an existing story. This is an acquired skill, because it requires seamless keyword implementation, among other things.
Dedicated SEO Experts
One of the best SEO services small business owner might receive in an SEO package is a dedicated consultant. There is one person in charge of optimising your website, and you can take all of your questions and ideas to them.
Having one point of contact makes the business of optimising your website so much easier. Ideally, you would get regular updates and feedback on how the implemented strategies are working out.
The Best SEO Packages Contain Custom SEO Strategy
Depending on which agencies you partner with, an SEO package can vary substantially. Most marketing agencies, however, will always include the introductory offer. Technical audits and keyword research are the bare minimum of an SEO package.
But all the factors that impact Google search results should be considered when choosing the right SEO package for your business.
Make sure to ask if an SEO consultant will be there to guide you through the process as well. That can be one of the most crucial selling points for a small business owner.
