Affordable SEO Company for Small Businesses

Understanding Small Business SEO

What is Keyword Research?

When we say ‘keyword’ we really mean ‘keyphrase’ as there’s no chance you’re going to be able to rank for a single word on Google. E.g. imagine you’ve got a plumbing business, you won’t be able to rank for ‘plumbing’ as think how many other plumbing websites there are online!

‘Plumbing services’ is now a much more intentional keyword, but still very competitive.

‘Plumbing services Beckenham’ is now a very viable keyword to rank for and it is very specific. Customers are looking for a specific service in a location. As you’re targeting a location, you also don’t compete with all the national companies, but are instead competing with your local target market, the business you actually want to attract.

This is Keyword Research! And it’s the most important aspect of an SEO campaign. Here you can see that when deciding what keywords to target we must consider the intent behind a keyword, your customer relevancy and the competition to see if your website is able to viably rank for that keyword.

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When starting off an SEO campaign, we should focus ranking keywords that will have the biggest impact on your business. This means targeting keywords toward the bottom of the funnel.

Dealing with Competition

Small businesses can stand out by highlighting unique strengths or specialties on their websites and creating detailed pages for these attributes.
Google values the stability indicated by a long-held domain name, which can benefit small businesses in SEO.
Content quality and the authority of a website contribute to its longevity and act as a competitive ‘moat’ against new entrants in SEO rankings.
Studying and incorporating successful tactics from competitors can enhance a business’s competitiveness in its market.

The Effects of Ranking Positions on Your Traffic

The first 3-4 search results are Ads (we can also help here with your Google Ads campaign) this is where you pay your way to the top of the search results. However, once you stop spending money on it, you’ll lose the positions. With SEO, you earn those positions, which makes it a much more lengthy and long-term investment. If your website is brand new we recommend setting up a Google Ads campaign (budget providing) to initially get the leads in, and then once the SEO starts delivering results, we can then stop this service.

Our goal in SEO is to keep tweaking and optimising certain aspects on the web page to rank higher in the results. The higher we rank, the more traffic you’ll generate. The graph below details the CTR (clickthrough rate) of traffic you can expect from each position.

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The Elements Needed for A successful Small Business SEO Strategy

There are three elements of SEO.

On page SEO
Off page SEO
Technical SEO

Let’s go through the nuances of each:

On page SEO

Building an SEO-Friendly Website

An SEO-friendly website must be technically sound and provide a good user experience to be easily found and indexed by search engines.
Planning a website’s structure by keeping important pages close to the homepage ensures that search engines crawl these pages more frequently.
URLs should be concise and descriptive, which aids site navigation and informs users about the content of the page, supporting both user experience and SEO.
Creating content that is useful and interesting, while also being optimised for target keywords, caters to both searchers and linkers.
Implementing internal links and optimising keywords for top-level pages are pivotal in improving a webpage’s visibility and its category pages in search engine rankings.

On-Site Optimisation Techniques

Title tags should be optimised with keywords to improve a page’s ranking and clickability in search results.
Meta descriptions provide information about a page’s content and encourage users to click through from the SERPs.
Using keywords in headers connects the page content with the terms the target audience is searching for.
Reviewing website structure for ease of finding information helps in improving user experience and site navigability.
Technical SEO issues like problems with website structure can prevent proper crawling and indexing by search engines and should be addressed.

Optimising Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

Title tags should be accurate, concise, and engaging to improve visibility in search results, with a recommended length of under 60 characters to avoid truncation.
Including the target keyword in the title tag is vital as it is a minor ranking factor and helps to align the page with user search queries.
An enticing title tag can increase clicks and traffic, with popular terms needing to be integrated naturally, and effectiveness can be enhanced using the ABC formula of adding adjectives, benefits, and confidence boosters.
Meta descriptions should succinctly summarise the page’s content within about 160 characters to avoid being cut off and should include target keywords to increase visibility during relevant searches.
Crafting a compelling meta description acts like a sales pitch, encouraging users to select a specific page among competing webpages in search results.
For optimal impact, meta descriptions for each page should be unique, use an active voice, and include a call to action, avoiding the use of generic auto-generated content.

Off-Page SEO

Cultivating Quality Backlinks

Off-page SEO increases external signals to impact a site’s authority and complements on-page efforts by optimising the website itself. This is also called link building.
Backlinks and domain authority are fundamental to off-page SEO tactics helping to enhance a website’s credibility and search engine ranking.
Small businesses can build backlinks by asking suppliers and business associations to link to their website or by pitching stories to local media and collaborating with peers.
Not all links contribute to SEO; social media links, links in comment sections, and links in sponsored articles are typically less beneficial.

Backlinks serve as signals of trust and authority to search engines, influencing website ranking and indicating the site as a credible resource.
High-quality backlinks can be acquired through engagement with influencers and niche blogs, potentially leading to traffic and sales via reviews and affiliate arrangements.
Creating shareable content such as infographics, conducting original research, and elaborating comprehensive ‘ultimate guides’ are effective ways to earn backlinks.
Additional methods include guest blogging, leveraging partner networks, contributing expert insights, replacing broken links, and maintaining a presence on directories and social media for a robust backlink profile.

Managing Online Reviews and Local Listings

Online reviews (such as those on your Google business profile) are critical for local SEO success, impacting search engine rankings directly and consumer purchasing decisions.
Positive reviews signal to search engines that a business is trustworthy and offers a positive customer experience, improving its ranking in search results.
The quantity, quality, and diversity of online reviews are key factors in local SEO, contributing to a business’s reputation and credibility.
Businesses can generate positive reviews by encouraging customers to leave feedback and making it easy to do so, whilst offering incentives that adhere to platform guidelines.
Prompt, professional, and personal responses to reviews show customers that their feedback is valued and can influence the perceptions of potential customers.
Addressing negative reviews effectively by connecting with the customer and showing care can mitigate their impact and improve search rankings.
Maintaining accuracy and consistency in local listings, such as Google My Business, is important as errors can affect Google rankings and consumer trust.
Reputation management through positive reviews enhances consumers’ trust, leading to more sales as consumers often rely on online reviews when choosing local businesses.
Testimonials and responses to customer comments build credibility and rapport, potentially leading to higher conversion rates for small businesses.
Remarketing can be utilised by local businesses to generate reviews by targeting customers who have recently completed a purchase or interaction.

Technical SEO

At the start of every campaign we implement an SEO audit to find out what areas we need to work on. These could be:

Improving Site Speed and Mobile SEO

Creating mobile-friendly websites became critical for maintaining visibility following Google’s Mobile-Friendly Update, which emphasised the importance of mobile usability for competitive ranking.
A well-optimised mobile website should be designed with features that cater to mobile users, like easy vertical scrolling and easy-to-push buttons, fitting the screen of any device perfectly.
Small businesses can set themselves apart from competitors by ensuring their websites are responsive and function effectively across different mobile devices.
Improving site speed is essential as slow page load can negatively impact search rankings and user experience, leading to higher bounce rates.
Google prioritises mobile page load speed as a metric when determining search result rankings, making site speed optimisation crucial for online visibility.
Technical SEO elements such as SSL certificates, mobile-friendly design, and proper site mapping are fundamental components of creating a search-friendly website.

Tracking Performance with Google Analytics and Google Search Console

Google Analytics offers insights into website traffic, user behaviour, and page performance, enabling small businesses to shape effective digital and business strategies.
Using Google Analytics, small businesses can identify their top content, measure user engagement, and track conversion goals, facilitating the understanding of which SEO efforts are yielding the best results.
Google Search Console provides detailed reports on search traffic, page performance, and technical page status, aiding small businesses in optimising their search presence.
Small businesses can leverage Google Search Console for monitoring their site’s performance in Google’s search results, which includes insights on indexing, user discovery, and mobile usability, enabling informed SEO decisions.
Regular tracking and analysis of SEO efforts through these SEO tools are essential, with monthly reviews recommended for staying informed on SEO success and making data-driven decisions.

Transform Your Business with Small Business SEO Services

In the expansive digital landscape, small businesses encounter the perpetual challenge of distinguishing themselves amidst intense competition. Recognising the distinct needs of small enterprises, Improve My Search Ranking strategically tailors affordable SEO services for small businesses to not only meet, but exceed these unique demands.

Through our dedicated team of SEO experts, we understand that each small business possesses its own identity and unique set of opportunities we can use to capitalise on. Through meticulous keyword research, we delve into the intricacies of your business, identifying nuanced opportunities and formulating strategies aligned with your specific objectives.

The Process

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Let our dedicated SEO team at Improve My Search Ranking guide you through the potential of tailored small business SEO strategies. By partnering with us, you’re not just investing in SEO; you’re investing in more business, increased revenue, and the recognition you truly deserve from a growing customer base.

What Awaits You:

More Online Business: Attract a steady stream of customers actively searching for your products or services.
Increased Revenue: Watch your profits soar as your online visibility and conversions skyrocket.
Customer Praise: Experience the satisfaction of a growing and satisfied customer base, singing your praises.

Don’t miss out on the chance to propel your business to new heights. Click the button below to schedule your consultation now!

FAQs

How much does small business SEO cost?

The cost of SEO for small businesses can vary widely based on factors like industry, competition, and specific goals. Generally, a range of £500 to £2,500 per month is common, but tailored packages are available.

Is it worth paying a SEO company?

Yes, investing in a reliable SEO company can yield significant returns by leveraging their expertise to improve your online presence and increase your business’s success.

How much should SEO cost in the UK?

SEO costs in the UK vary, but on average, small businesses might budget between £500 to £2,500 per month. However, bespoke packages tailored to your needs are available.

How much should I pay someone for SEO?

The cost of hiring someone for SEO depends on their experience and the scope of your project. Skilled freelancers might charge £30 to £100 per hour, while agencies may have monthly packages. Here at Improve My Search Ranking, we have small business SEO packages. Please get in touch with us!

How much do SEO consultants charge per day in the UK?

SEO consultants in the UK may charge £300 to £1,000 or more per day, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the project.

How much do freelance SEO consultants charge per hour?

Freelance SEO consultants may charge £30 to £100 or more per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the project.

How much does Google charge for SEO?

Google does not charge for organic SEO. However, businesses often invest in paid advertising through Google Ads.

Why is SEO so expensive?

SEO requires expertise, ongoing effort, and continuous adaptation to algorithms. The cost reflects the value of these efforts in driving sustainable results. However, you should look into getting a small business SEO package.

How long does it take to do SEO?

SEO timelines vary, but it typically takes several months to see substantial results. The timeline is influenced by factors such as competitiveness, website history, and the SEO strategy implemented.

Is it worth hiring an SEO expert?

Absolutely! Hiring an SEO expert ensures that your strategies are effective, keeping up with industry trends, and maximising the return on your investment.

Should I hire an SEO specialist?

Hiring an SEO specialist is highly recommended, especially for small businesses aiming to enhance their online presence and drive organic growth. An expert can navigate the complexities of SEO and tailor strategies to your business’s unique requirements.

What are the search engine results pages

The Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) are the pages displayed by search engines in response to a user’s query. When you enter a search term into a search engine like Google, Bing, or Yahoo, the results are presented on these pages.

Our organic traffic in December is up 257%, that’s 20,000 more visitors than same time last year. Enquiries via this channel up 239% which equates to several hundred more sales leads.

Dan, Ski Line

In 12 months Improve My Search Ranking increased our website traffic by over 6,500%. Enquiries are through the roof, resulting in hundreds of thousands of pounds in revenue.

Stuart, Oakleigh Manor

Josh and his team have helped us grow our company in an exceptionally effective manner. With their digital marketing expertise they have helped us achieve Page 1 Google rankings for over 1,000 keyword phrases, which in turn has allowed us to dominate a great number of local areas in the South East of England. They have been paramount in increasing our sales and helping us reach our business objectives.

James, Carpet Bright

My old website was going downhill so I signed up with Improve My Search Ranking and six months later we are on every page at the top - I thoroughly recommend this company to anyone who is thinking about improving their SEO - the team have been fantastic.

Paul, PR Solar

Improve My Search Ranking show great commitment to their specialism in SEO. They are effective and a pleasure to work with and the results have been very positive.

Ron, Royal Hotel

SEO Company for Small Businesses