Are you considering Search Engine Optimization for your website as a way to increase your presence or improve marketing results? If so, take these things into consideration prior to beginning the process.
How long have you been in business?
How long has your website been “live?”
How much traffic does your website generate per month?
Have you submitted your site to all of the major search engines?
If so, when was this done?
Have you submitted your site to any directories?
If so, which ones?
Is your site still listed on those directories?
Who are some of your potential linking partners?
Friends
Co-workers
Clients
Similar businesses which aren’t competitors
Business journals
Local chambers
Complimentary products/services
Affiliates/distributors
Suppliers
Do you currently distribute press releases about your business?
Do you currently distribute articles on topics related to your business?
If not, do you know of anyone within your organization that may be a good candidate for writing these types of articles?
Do you have case studies or white papers you could share?
Does your company have a blog?
What other forms of advertising and marketing does your company utilize?
How much have you budgeted for a complete SEO Program?
Is this budget specific to the SEO effort, or is it a percentage of your overall marketing budget?
What are your plans should an SEO program not produce immediate (1-3 month) results?
Please Note: Most SEO programs take a minimum of six months to begin to reap benefits. We suggest utilizing traditional marketing methods until the SEO program begins to produce the desired results. Backing out of an SEO program after 3 months will likely produce minimal results although it is not impossible to see results that quickly.
Roger Bauer is Founder and CEO of SMB Consulting, Inc., a Louisville, Kentucky based small business consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, sales, marketing, SEO, technology, and business analysis. To learn more, point your browser to Search Engine Optimization.
