If you are hungry to explore SEO but you are worried that you will not be able to afford it, this is the article for you. We’re going to look at whether or not small businesses can tap into SEO on a tight budget and if it’s worth it. Here’s what you need to know… 

    Can small businesses do SEO on a budget? 

    The short answer is yes. The fact is, there are many different things that you can do to improve your SEO that are free. 

    The best way to look at it is time Vs. money. Which do you have in great abundance / which is more important to you? 

    There are many ways to market your small business online (though they are time-consuming). Or, you can outsource them to an SEO company in exchange for money, to save yourself the time. 

    As a small business, it’s likely worth finding a balance between the two. You should do some research and identify which SEO tasks will be easier and less time-consuming for you to handle in-house. Then, find a reputable SEO company that you can afford to take on some small-scale SEO while you get your feet off the ground. 

    Once you start experiencing an ROI from your SEO investments, you can up your spending accordingly. 

    Is SEO worthwhile for small businesses? 

    Absolutely. In fact, it’s fair to say that SEO is an essentiality for small businesses – particularly if you wish to grow your business and establish yourself as an authority among your competitors. 

    The mistake that many small business owners make is looking at SEO as an expense, rather than an investment. When executed well, SEO can bring your business an attractive ROI and before long your digital marketing spend will be paying for itself. 

    However, the longer you put it off, the more work you will invariably have to do to catch up with your competitors. 

    Start small by all means, but make sure you actually do start

    It’s no different than trying to lose weight. Perhaps you have gone without any form of exercise for so long that you don’t have the strength or stamina to do much in the way of exercise at all. Rather than give up and do nothing, you can start with very minor exercises. With consistency, things will get easier and before long you’ll be running marathons and deadlifting 336 lbs! 

    Start with your local SEO 

    A great way to dip your toe into the water and start benefiting from SEO is to start locally. For example, as a Miami based business, start by focusing on Miami-related keywords. 

    Let’s say that you own a cross fit gym in Miami. Focusing on the keywords: “Crossfit” or “Crossfit gym” would be a seemingly impossible task. However, long-tail keywords like: “best beginners crossfit gym in Miami” or “cheap crossfit studio in Coconut Grove, Miami” would be a good place to start. 

    Your time is worth more 

    As a small business owner you’ll already have a million-and-one things to take care of. Adding SEO to the list of responsibilities is not recommended. 

    The fact is, your time is worth so much more than your money. So, find a reputable Miami SEO company and see if some smaller-scale SEO can be arranged while you find your feet. 

    Either way, make sure you’re taking action! 

    Richard is an experienced tech journalist and blogger who is passionate about new and emerging technologies. He provides insightful and engaging content for Connection Cafe and is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments.