Search engine optimization, or SEO, is the key to ranking on Google.
I recently went through the process of changing out our SEO provider here at MaidThis, and I feel like I interviewed dozens of other vendors before making my decision.
I learned quite a bit along the way, and I wanted to share my findings with all of you.
Whether you’re considering hiring an SEO vendor or looking to do it yourself, my hope is that this guide will equip you with valuable insights to make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Short-Term vs. Long/Medium-Term Strategies
Before diving into specific tactics, it's important to distinguish between short-term and medium/long-term marketing solutions.
Short-term strategies involve capturing existing demand through paid advertisements, targeting potential customers who are actively searching for your services.
On the other hand, SEO plays a crucial role as a medium to long-term game, where ranking on search engines like Google can sustainably drive organic traffic to your website.
And before you start saying, “Neel, this all sounds too complicated for me,” know that while SEO takes time to yield results, it offers substantial benefits that paid ads alone just can’t provide.
To DIY or Not to DIY
There are two schools of thought when it comes to using SEO. Some believe in doing it themselves, as it saves money and builds a valuable skill set (shoutout to all my bootstrappin’ entrepreneurs). However, consistency is key for successful SEO, which requires a significant time investment each week, month, and year.
If you can commit to this long-term effort, DIY might be the right choice. Conversely, if you lack the time or consistency required, hiring an SEO vendor is a wise investment.
4 Key Aspects of SEO
To effectively optimize your website for search engines, you have to be able to wrap your head around the four core components of SEO, especially if you plan on DIYing it.
- Map Pack Ranking: Related to your Google My Business (GMB) profile, which influences how you appear on local map searches. It involves optimizing your GMB profile, ensuring complete information, accurate descriptions, and soliciting online reviews with relevant keywords.
- Link Building: Involves acquiring backlinks from other reputable websites, which indicates your website's credibility to search engines. High-quality, relevant backlinks from local companies or authoritative websites positively impact your search rankings.
- Content Writing and On-Page SEO: Creating valuable content on your website is crucial for SEO success. On-page SEO techniques involve optimizing your web pages, including header tags, keywords, and interlinking relevant pages within your website. Regularly updating and optimizing existing content ensures search engines understand your website's purpose and boosts your rankings.
- Technical SEO: Optimizes various technical aspects of your website, such as website speed, site structure, and navigation. You can work with a reputable SEO vendor to conduct a thorough website analysis and propose improvements to enhance your website's performance and user experience.
Investing in SEO
At the end of the day, SEO is a vital part of your marketing strategy. The cost varies depending on the scope of work, competitiveness of the keywords you’re going after, and the vendor’s expertise. Plan to throw down between $750 to $2,000 per month.
As soon as you have the funds, I suggest investing in it instead of doing it yourself — that way you can start to rely more heavily on organic search traffic rather than paid, and get your valuable time back.
With a clear understanding of how it all works, realistic expectations, and the help of a vendor when you can afford it, SEO is definitely worth the time and effort.
This article was written by Neel from MaidThis Franchise, a remote-local franchise opportunity for people looking to escape the rate race and reach financial freedom. Learn more here.
