Ignorance Isn’t Bliss For Small Business Owners

I want to rank for 10 keywords for $10 each. You guys do that, right?

• Odd question?
• Reasonable  question?

If you chose reasonable, you’re not alone! Many small business owners know they need “SEO”. But, they don’t necessarily know what SEO is or where to find it. The reason for this is simple: ignorance.

Take for instance purchasing or leasing property. This is a learning experience, right? Both deserve preemptive research in order to avoid making a long-term mistake. Just like your home, your business deserved hours and hours of research and time to start up. From legal documents and fees to product and service development and employee training, the blood, sweat, money, sleepless nights, and tears that are associated with forming a business is your equity. Think of all your investments. Which ones turned out right? Which ones turned out to be expenses?

Three months after purchasing or leasing your property, did you notice the leaky plumbing? What about the age of the furnace? Or, your neighbor next door (or upstairs) who won’t quit throwing parties? Before you start thinking about the housing market or your 12-month lease, think about the decision-making that got you here. Did you do your due diligence? Did you educate yourself?

Of course you did (I had faith in you)! Why would your online marketing decision be any different?

I’m not saying go out and rent books from the library, comb the depths of the internet, or listen to Audible books until your ears bleed. You’re too busy for that. Rather, be aware and understand concepts.

For example, let’s revisit the acronym, SEO. What does it mean? SEO stands for “search engine optimization”. SEO can be understood within many different contexts relating to technical components of your website, backlink building, social media, content management, and on, and on, and on… The takeaway is this. SEO involves A LOT. So much so, SEO is better defined as online marketing today.

Search engines like Google evaluate hundreds of factors in order to determine your website’s rankings in search. When a vendor tells you that SEO is about backlink building and they’re charging $10 per keyword, be prepared to notice the leaky plumbing, the struggling HVAC units, or the crazy neighbor. You’re about to make a long-term mistake that could have serious implications on your business and the crazy amount of sweat equity within it.

SEO is online marketing. Just like your house, online marketing should be a long-term commitment you’re excited to start. It should be an investment, not an expense. By understanding the concepts and the benefits of online marketing, you’ll understand the difference between bargain bin solicitors and dynamic online marketing partners.

Suggestion: You’re a small business owner. You’re very busy. Take some time or have someone on your team review our FAQ and other online resources. We’re advocates of informed decision-making, and we’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have!