Affordable SEO Services for Small Business
If you're a small business owner like me, the realm of Search Engine Optimisation, let-alone finding affordable SEO, can be a head-scratching prospect.
But before you throw your hands in the air - take a read-through of this article. It's been designed to help you achieve an affordable SEO service for your Small to Medium Business (SMB).
If you'd prefer a more concise version, jump ahead and check out our range of SEO agency services. And as you'll see, from grand in scale to a more homegrown, organic approach - there are many affordable SEO options hidden in the digital undergrowth. And, with a little digging, you can unearth these tactics and put them to work for you.
WHAT IS SEO, AND HOW CAN IT BENEFIT ME?
If you find the whole idea of establishing your digital presence a little difficult to get your head around, then kick-back, relax and maybe boil the kettle. Because it's time to take a deep-dive into these strategies and find out how they relate to your search for affordable SEO.
In this article we’ll broadly cover:
SEO basics - what is it exactly?
DIY - SEO and free keyword search tools.
How to target specific page rankings.
SEO agencies, pricing structures and services.
Along with the arrival of the digital age, comes an array of weirdly unfamiliar terms to a lot of people. Which they are.
Some of the new terms to keep an eye out for in relation to affordable SEO services for small business can include:
Content strategy, expertise, authority and trust (EAT), search intent, and topical authority.
Domain rank, backlinks and technical, on-page and off-page SEO.
SERP (Search Engine Results Page), google search console (GSC), analytics and featured snippets.
Whether these terms are familiar, or unfamiliar to you, doesn't really matter. Most small business SEO services will generally consist of a range of these elements, all working towards placing your website at the top of the SERP.
Relevant search terms, SEO keywords and phrases will drive an audience to your small business website.
These searches: around 5.5 billion of them every day, through either Google or Bing primarily, are using something critical called search intent, and it's from an understanding of this, and what your searchers are looking for, that your very own SEO journey can begin.
CAN I DIY MY SEO?
Yep, you sure can.
Creating an affordable strategy can be a fairly simple and cheap affair. It can also leave you with very little time to do anything else, If you aren't the SEO type, as many SMB owners have found out the hard way.
For some, however, the home-made and organic approach to SEO research, strategy and implementation can be fun. As enjoyable and pleasant as any DIY project around the home, on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Although before you make a start on your own SEO adventures, it might pay to tick a few of these boxes first:
Free up a good chunk of (distraction-free) time.
Grab a solid device (laptop/desktop) - and some internet access.
Understand what you want to achieve with your overall strategy.
Embrace your inner curiosity (It’s in there, trust me) for the parallel universe of keyword research using a free online tool.
In line with the DIY approach: this part of the process can be done for free or with very minimal cost. And with a little elbow grease, time and curiosity invested, it will yield real options to improve your website's digital performance, leading to an increase in visitors, which is the aim.
Here are a few pointers to get you started on the right foot. And help you establish a base level of understanding around search terms, long-tail keywords and gauging user search intent.
Jump onto a free keyword tool like Moz or Keywordtool.io. (There are plenty of free equivalents out there).
Have some fun, and start exploring your keyword tool. Try to find some broad, high search volume, keyword ideas - directly related to you, and what people use in a search when they're looking for you.
Let the tool start to provide some keyword options for you. Keep an eye out for long-tail keywords, signalling an (informed buyer). Alongside 'buy' words, like "affordable" or "cost'—signalling purchase intent.
Look for 'shoulder' or related keywords - which don't exhibit as much competition as the main search terms.
Once you've found a healthy river of these search terms, you can really begin to knuckle down and create some targeted content.
Now to be fair, from here - there's an entire universe of options to learn and explore. But these tips will get you started and let you dip your toe into the water.
“CREATING AN AFFORDABLE STRATEGY, CAN BE A FAIRLY SIMPLE AND CHEAP AFFAIR.”
SHOULD I HIRE A SMALL BUSINESS SEO SERVICE?
As with so much in the SEO realm, The answer to this question is intrinsically linked to your unique requirements. If the DIY approach sounds either time consuming or totally dull, It's ok; I get it. The world of digital optimisation isn't everyone’s idea of a good time.
Of course, one of your options is to engage an SEO company like ours at West Coast Content.
In many situations, engaging a specialist in the field can be a simpler, and ultimately, more affordable way to go with regards to your campaign.
There are many good consultants, practitioners and experts out there, most of whom will be more than willing to guide you across the deep waters towards SEO success. Undertaking the complexities of research, site audits, writing content, building links, image detailing and page speed optimisation for you.
More than a few of these operators however have been known to lead their clients into shark-infested waters. Luring them in with bold claims, little action, and a bill that'll sink the Titanic.
SEO IS A LONG-TERM STRATEGY
It's important that your SEO company explains this to you, and to any potential customer, as success in SEO will (sadly) not come overnight.
Whether you're going it alone, or have decided to hook up with a practitioner, it's essential to keep an eye on the distant horizon. This will help to ensure that performance expectations are realistic and can be met, on budget and on time.
Finding the right approach in achieving sustainable, long-term growth in search traffic is key. You want to be generating leads, and improving your click-through rate, long into the future. This will require some composure, commitment and an SEO company that knows the lay-of-the-land.
WHY COPY AND CONTENT WRITING FOR SEO IS A DIFFERENT BEAST.
Have you noticed something throughout this piece of content? Maybe, or maybe not?
Either way, I'll let the cat out of the bag. This post has been created to highlight topical authority, using creative copy designed to attract searchers and inform the search engines around a particular keyword phrase. It's actually the title of this article - and a particularly tasty long-tail keyword as well.
Affordable SEO for SMBs is a long-tail keyword chain, that I know, will drive relevant search traffic to our website. And, with a good chance that these potential clients are already on their way to purchasing a product, or utilising our SEO content creation and copywriting service, due to the 'buy' word included - "affordable".
Now, it might appear at first as if you've been deceived in some way! Rest assured, if you've found your way to this page, it's because we offer a highly relevant service to you and your SMB.
THE WIDE WORLD OF SEO TACTICS
In all seriousness, though: the use of your researched and specific search terms or phrases contained within written content like this plays a major ranking factor. And when combined with a package of SEO tactics, it can really begin to drive your web page up the SERP.
That said - simply stuffing a blog post, article or web page with a particular target keyword is not ideal. And can actually lead to a penalty from Google and others.
With 93% of online experiences beginning with a search engine - you want to be a part of that.
To achieve maximum success, from a keyword tool to targeted content; you'll need to incorporate the full suite of SEO tactics into your approach.
These can include:
An SEO site audit: to determine inherent technical issues which might penalise your ranking. (Any good SEO should cover this immediately), and tools like ahrefs.com can really help.
On-page SEO: meaning everything within your control. In terms of copy, structure, on-page/off-page links, meta tags, image data and URL’s - to name a few big ones.
Backlinks to other domains and web pages. These can really act as a door opener - when you want to research and target a specific keyword.
A competitors backlink profile, will give you a good idea of how challenging it’ll be to rank, and where you need to up your link building game.
“WITH 93% OF ONLINE EXPERIENCES BEGINNING WITH A SEARCH ENGINE - YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THAT.”
WRITE FOR REAL PEOPLE FIRST
Great SEO content must read well. The best copy is crafted for real people first. With real brains. Who will - (hopefully) - really read it.
This is where content comes into its own light as a tactic. To integrate seamlessly, targeted SEO keywords, throughout a body of content. Weaving it in and then back out, in different ways, while keeping the text utterly readable - takes real skill - (if I do say so myself).
This is where a good SEO justifies their bill. By ensuring the search engines are clear on what your content is really about - while your readers are kept engaged, informed and even entertained.
SEARCH ENGINE CONTENT CASE STUDY: BARRY’S A CRACK PLUMBER.
Let's create an example case study: Barry's small plumbing operation in Perth is very interested in the idea of an affordable SEO package, and creative copywriting service for his small, local business.
Barry has discovered that people use the search term, "best plumbers in Perth" - more often than not, when looking for a service that he and his team provide.
Barry then creates a content section on his website, social media platform or blog page called "Looking for the Best Plumbers in Perth?"
He then uses those, or very similar keywords, in his site title, meta tag and meta description. All of this goes towards on-page SEO best-practice.
From here, Barry or a team member with some content writing talent goes ahead and creates a good amount of in-depth copy - around the target keywords. Combined into a page, article, blog post - or so forth on Barry's website.
This provides the basis of their content strategy.
SEO CONTENT EXAMPLE
Here's an example of some SEO content; written for Barry and his small plumbing team.
"Barry's plumbing has been providing down and dirty services to the residents of Perth for decades now. Establishing Barry's as one of the most trusted names and best plumbers in Perth."
Now, this is an overly simplified example, but It's all in there, from research to copy, as part of an SEO campaign.
From there, with time and a steady hand, Barry's plumbing in Perth will start to rise among his competitors on the SERPs.
He'll eventually begin to receive organic search traffic and leads from potential customers on the search engines; once his targeted page begins to rank highly enough among the page results.
Leads generating from organic search results, also convert at a higher level than paid ads. Meaning a better and longer-lasting ROI for you.
This approach is the way to leverage your digital strategy long-term, and into the future. While mitigating your reliance on paid ads.
IS SEO BETTER THAN PAYING FOR ADS?
The truth here is that over the long-term, affordable local SEO services, should really sit alongside social media and paid ads. All of these elements can be part of a meaningful and balanced approach.
As an owner/ startup business operator, your SEO copywriting services Perth is something that will play out and deliver results over the medium to longer terms.
It also might be in your best interest to target some of your relevant key phrases on the search engines - with a specific paid advertising campaign also.
This can help to cover the gap while you're implementing a broader SEO strategy; or allow you to explore other, newly-discovered, avenues of opportunity/interest on the web.
WHEN WILL I SEE ROI WITH MY SEO?
As time goes by, your investment of energy and resources into SEO will begin to pay dividends.
Dividends that paid advertising just can't match.
Because, of course, when you stop paying the ad bill, your leads stop generating. But with SEO, your hard-earned organic results are far more long-lasting, and far more... free.
In terms of a spend, and If you decide to engage digital marketers, an initial site analysis may very well yield a few immediate problems with your website, and associated pages, that need to be quickly addressed. This may also incur an up-front or one-off cost.
Perhaps your chosen SEO agency will provide that service free of charge, with an eye on a longer-term relationship.
These are important things to discuss with your local SEO practitioner.
“AS TIME GOES BY, YOUR INVESTMENT OF ENERGY AND RESOURCES INTO SEO, WILL BEGIN TO PAY DIVIDENDS. ”
WHAT DO WE OFFER IN OUR SMALL BUSINESS SEO PACKAGES?
At West Coast Content, we offer a quick site inspection, free of charge.
This gives our SMB clients, an idea of what technical issues need to be fixed in the short term, and regarding their overall SEO performance and bigger issues.
This works for trade businesses that are looking for SEO as well.
From here we like to discuss longer-term SEO research, strategies and tactics to determine the right approach for you.
At WCC, our affordable small business SEO packages, start from $500 p/m. These tailored plans can include:
An initial, in-depth, site audit.
Time allocated for all-important research and keyword targeting - based on your vision.
Interviews with you, or your staff - to generate interesting and relevant content writing ideas.
A content marketing strategy and work-flow. Targeting up to 10 closely related keywords. With our premium, in-house SEO copywriting service. WCC’s number one product.
Reach out to us any time for a free site inspection, and the opportunity to have any of your SEO questions answered.
WHAT MAKES WRITTEN SEO CONTENT SO IMPORTANT?
In the fast-moving world of SEO, it's important to remember that it's the written content - the words themselves - that remain king.
Crown and all.
There is still, no substitute for well-written copy. With seamless integration of SEO keywords, and following a structured, unique plan.
You can do this yourself.
With some home-grown research, and a few practice runs. However, many folks prefer to outsource this task, to either their small business SEO practitioner or to a dedicated SEO copywriter.
Alongside a healthy and realistic link profile; a good page of well-written SEO content can make or break your position on the SERPs. As Google is rewarding quality content more and more; this is an essential element to include in any package or plan.
Consider this when choosing an agency - or when putting a campaign together for yourself.
DOES CONTENT QUALITY REALLY MATTER?
At West Coast Content, we pride ourselves on the quality of content that we produce.
Full stop.
And, while integrating SEO best practice into our copywriting is important - nothing whatsoever can overcome a bad batch of content. Doomed to remain unseen, unread and un-beneficial to both you, and the search engines - for eternity.
It happens—a lot.
Needless to say. You don't want this. And it can render an otherwise well-put-together campaign completely toothless. Not to mention the waste of time - and money.
So start with your content. Either sit down and do your own SEO research before typing up some good quality copy. Or, hire yourself an excellent copywriter. And have that oh-so-important - solid base of content - put together for you.
Quality written content remains a central pillar to the long-term SEO success of your SMB. Take care out there; and it's good to remember, you still get what you pay for.
WHAT TECHNICAL SERVICES ARE INCLUDED IN A PACKAGE?
Small business SEO campaigns can live or die on a few important technical factors. Factors which either you or your agency, should be taking care of.
Errors on your pages like:
URLs that are either incorrect, too long or too short.
Meta Descriptions and tags that are problematic; alongside poor heading formats and word selection.
Problems with a broken backlink or in-links can affect your domain’s strength in the eyes of Google.
Anchor text, and whether your links are Do-follow, or No-follow; also play a part in the overall ranking tapestry of your website.
Suitable 404 pages, alongside page load times (particularly mobile), also play a critical role.
These technical factors will impact the way that Google and other search engines index your site.
And the way it gets displayed to searchers. These issues can have a cumulative effect on your overall SEO performance - and should be taken into account for a robust plan.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS WITH ‘DODGY’ SEO SERVICES?
There are, of course, the ever-present cheap services out there. Many of whom will claim to offer an affordable solution - while in reality - are using devious and outdated methods.
These methods, while initially effective, can have a harmful long-term impact on your SEO package.
These methods were (somewhat) acceptable back in the day. However, algorithms are constantly in flux - and will no longer tolerate this sort of 'gaming'.
These operators are often shady.
Offering cheap deals in the extreme, (too good to be true cheap) - and are generally not in your geolocation. This facet alone should exclude you as a potential customer, and them, from your short-list of affordable SEO providers.
HOW TO BUY AFFORDABLE SEO SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESS IN 2020?
On the other hand, the most reputable yet affordable SEO packages will be designed around the opposite and so-called 'White Hat' methods. This really just implies following SEO standards and best practices to ensure that you are getting what you've paid for.
The right approach will see medium to longer-term ROI - and certainly won't attract a penalty from search engine algorithms for unethical short cuts.
In short, 'White Hat' is the only way to go for an effective, efficient and long-term SEO strategy.
At West Coast Content, we consider ourselves to operate in a manner that coincides with these best practice guidelines.
Be it web design, copy and content writing or building out a comprehensive plan. We take pride in our approach and deliver results that can't be mimicked.
HAVE I REACHED SEO NIRVANA FOR MY SMALL BUSINESS?
You're certainly on the way to firing-up a successful campaign for your business.
Whether you've decided to go with a DIY approach - using some of the methods outlined in this post - or think you might like a little help with your digital marketing approach.
If you follow the right path, you're sure to improve your search engine performance.
From keyword research to content marketing to local Perth copywriting and quality link building, WCC’s affordable SEO packages have something to offer any SMB.
If you would like some guidance - or to discuss things in a more personalised way - don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
You can also visit us online by clicking through or even put in a call.
Thanks for reading!
Jim
