Does Your Business Need Search Engine Optimization Management?

Search Engine Optimization is one complicated subject. How do you know if you need some help getting Google’s attention? Maybe you think you don’t need Search Engine Optimization.

Maybe one or more of the following apply to you:

• I don’t have a website.  I just use Facebook.
• I can do it myself.
• My web hosting service comes with some SEO tools, so I’m good.
• I don’t really get any customers online.
• I don’t have a website or anything like that.

If you used excuse #5, you get a pass on this one – although you should ask yourself whether ignoring the Internet as a whole is a sound strategy.  Everyone else, do-it-yourselfers and Facebook-only users included, can benefit from some SEO guidance.

What Is SEO Management?

SEO management is exactly what is sounds like:  a person, team, or even a software program that helps keep your search engine results in good shape.  Here’s what this process generally entails:

• Keyword Research and Development. The search engine universe is a competitive place, and creating an effective keyword strategy takes time.  Lots of it.  And research.  And experience.
• Link Curation.  Remember, high-quality links are an important way to establish your site's credibility.
• Mastery of SEO Tactics.  This goes beyond the basics, and it needs to be customized for the goals of each organization.
• Social Media Integration. Bing admits that it uses social media feedback to help assess your website's rank and authority; other search engines probably do too.
• Content Development and Marketing.  SEO managers either create good content themselves or work with content writers and developers to do so.  They also make sure that the content works with their SEO goals.
• Analysis and Insight.  Using Google Analytics is one way to find out how your site is performing, but other comprehensive tools are also available.  SEO Managers need to understand the information presented on these tools and use their own experience to make it better.

 Even a veteran DIYer will admit this is a lot to take on, especially if you’re also trying to run a business.  What are your options?

Getting SEO Help

At the very least, you should have an SEO professional optimize your website and Facebook pages when you set them up.  From there, you have four options: 

• Hire an SEO Manager or Management Company who can do all the things listed above.  This is the easiest and most complete solution, but it’s also the most expensive.  If your business relies heavily on online use (i.e. a web-based store), this is a good investment.  If you don’t have the budget for it, keep in mind that something is better than nothing (and keep reading).

• Use an SEO Management Program to guide your efforts.  You’ll have to invest time in learning the program and how SEO works.  And you’ll have to choose your strategies.  But this can still give you access to performance data and may also give you some ideas on how to fix any problems.

• Periodically Hire an SEO Pro.  If you can’t afford a company and you’d like some expert guidance, consider hiring a freelance SEO specialist to assess your site and strategy every quarter or at least once a year.

• Combine #2 and #3.  I’d recommend this as the best option for businesses that can’t afford to hire an SEO manager or company.  You still get expert feedback and guidance, but you can also make small adjustments on your own.

At Techsperts, we can help you choose the SEO Management solution that’s right for your business goals and your company budget.  Give us a call or send us an email today to discuss your options.