Every business owner and marketer dreams of having the website and content others rave about. 

It’s this type of attention and trust that leads to more deals, stronger relationships, and increased revenue. 

Chances are you’ve thought at least once about what it would be like to have the best content in your niche. 

What if you could have remarkable content with a few powerful principles and consistent effort?

And why is unique content important for SEO, including for both editorial planning and budget allocation? 

There are several benefits to unique SEO content which we’ll look at in this blog post. Read now to discover why unique content is important for SEO and simple, yet effective steps you can take to revolutionize your posts. 

  1. Unique Content Is More Useful

The number one reason unique content is essential for SEO success is because it’s more useful. Among all the chatter about this SEO technique and that SEO technique, one content creation principle stands above them all: helpfulness. Putting yourself in your reader’s shoes before you write a single sentence is the most important way to create unique content.

There are millions of blog posts out there about the same topic. What makes yours any better? The usefulness of every step you included.

You may remember Google’s 2022 helpful content update, in which the search engine juggernaut announced they’d be prioritizing content that’s original and helpful, not just lengthy or SEO optimized. This means content with a human touch quickly became the most powerful way to drive organic traffic. 

Do you offer an easier way to understand a process, or a faster or less expensive way to do it? Do you infuse your own way of solving a problem into your content? This is the type of content readers love and search engines reward. 

  1. Original Content Differentiates Your Site and Brand

The more original your content is, the more your brand stands out. Most people have read a blog post like “How to Get More Traffic to Your Website” but few people have come across a headline like “The 16 Best Ways to Drive Free Traffic to Your Site.” The former is generic whereas the latter is both specific and enticing, because it mentions the best ways to accomplish a valuable task cost-effectively. 

There’s no shortage of information today; what people are lacking is reliable strategies that lead to proven results. By putting fresh thought into age-old topics, you demonstrate your expertise and make it easier to attract attention in a marketplace that’s growing noisier by the day. 

When researching new topics for your editorial calendar, ask yourself, “How can I create content on this topic in a way no one else has before?” If you can answer that honestly, your content will already have an advantage few other businesses attempt to harness. 

  1. Google Deems Unique Content as More Trustworthy

Not long ago, people used to try to game Google’s algorithm by copying old content, changing a few sentences and headers, and posting it on their site again. The idea was to repurpose most of one’s work under different titles to garner more organic traffic. 

Google and other search engines caught onto this quickly and began downranking sites that recycled content. Readers can also tell whether or not your content is original and thoughtful, so you should never cut corners. 

Making each post unique supports Google’s expertise and authority guidelines–parameters that determine how trustworthy a brand’s content is. Without meeting this benchmark, you’ll be shuffled into the millions of websites that never get seen or visited by readers. 

  1. Unique Content Fosters Enduring Rankings

Another major benefit to unique content is your rankings stay high longer. Achieving high rankings is the first step to reliable organic traffic, and the more thoughtful your content is, the longer your posts stay on page one (ideally the top three positions) of Google. This creates a positive feedback loop where the higher rankings you achieve, the more traffic you get, which improves more of your rankings, and so on.

Original, even mind-blowing content if possible, is the fastest way to get higher rankings. If you’re writing content that’s never been written before or from a brand new perspective, people will pay attention in greater numbers. The higher clickthrough rate your work achieves, the more Google prioritizes your URLs for its keywords. 

Best Practices for Creating More Original Content

Unique content is so helpful for your business that you can’t afford to neglect it. Unfortunately, content is a commodity, so content that changes your readers’ perspectives or habits requires a whole new level of intentionality. 

Here are the top three best practices for upleveling the uniqueness of your content: 

  1. Make Excellent Research the Standard

One of the most effective ways to make your content stand out immediately is to commit more research to your writing and editing. Most content marketers don’t dig deep enough to provide an empirically sound argument for their answer or strategy. 

If you’re going to write a blog post about the best strategies for email deliverability, including every detail someone needs to know is the bare minimum. Providing your own case studies or findings takes your post to the top. Email marketing is such a complex matter that cursory coverage simply doesn’t cut it. 

Similarly, if you’re creating blog content about a highly technical topic like reaction injection molding or open circuit voltage, you must have expert-level knowledge. Your target readers will be able to tell instantly if your content is authoritative, so make it excellent the first time. 

  1. Include Personal Stories and Perspectives

One of the most overlooked ways to create original content is to include stories and perspectives from your own life. Stories are the oldest form of human communication and still work better than any other marketing technique. 

Think back to when you first started your business. What kinds of obstacles did you encounter, and what types of challenging decisions did you have to make? Who did you talk with during these chapters of life and what were the outcomes? 

These are real moments from your life that are identical to timeless storytelling elements (setting, conflict, dialogue, resolution). The next time you sit down to write a blog post, incorporate a moment in your business or life that relates to the problem or question at hand. 

  1. Add Videos, Infographics, and Charts

One of the simplest ways to increase your content originality is adding more images and videos. Most people prefer visual content, yet the average blog post doesn't have more than three images, and only 23% of bloggers include a video in their posts. Imagine how much your posts will stand out as soon as you add visual elements! 

The best way to do this is embedding a relevant video (ideally one of your own) at the top of every blog post. Readers see it before scrolling to the rest of your content, and a significant percentage of them will watch some or all of the video before reading the content.

The video acts as a supplement to your well-researched written content, making all of your content more authoritative and engaging. You no longer have a bland blog post like everyone else on the Internet; you’re offering a multimedia experience. 

The Bottom Line

Knowing why unique content is important for SEO puts you ahead of the majority of small businesses. Unique content also demands time and effort to create. You won’t become authoritative overnight and it takes creating enough of it to see what your audience appreciates most. 

As you see what content takes off, you’ll have a clear view into how to best serve your audience. Keep delivering what they want most, and you’ll have the best content in your niche before you know it. 

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Building a thriving dental practice doesn’t simply require offering quality services and treatment. Although generating positive word-of-mouth among your patients is vital, to develop a strong reputation, you need to continue attracting patients in the first place.

Search engine optimization (SEO) can help a dentist achieve this major goal. Generally, SEO for dentists consists of managing various components of a dental practice’s web presence to improve rankings in Google searches. To better appreciate the value of investing in SEO as a dentist, consider the following points:

Patients Search for Dentists Online

According to a 2018 survey of nearly 2,000 adults in the United States, about 80% of patients will turn to the internet when seeking answers to healthcare questions. Perhaps more significantly, about 63% of survey participants indicated they would choose to see a healthcare provider with a strong online presence over one with a limited online presence.

Research such as this confirms that patients often use the internet to find dentists in the digital age. Thus, a proper SEO strategy can improve a dentist’s chances of attracting new patients naturally.

Be aware that the next generation of patients has never known a world without the internet. Attracting younger patients requires adapting to their means of finding brands, services, and healthcare providers.

SEO Can Boost a Dentist’s Credibility

A thorough SEO strategy features several components. Content marketing is often one of them.

For example, one aspect of a dentist’s SEO strategy may involve regularly posting blogs offering valuable dental health information to potential patients. Such blogs don’t merely improve the odds that a patient will find a particular dentist when performing a relevant online search—they also allow a dentist to establish themselves as an expert in their field.

If a new patient learns something useful from a dentist’s SEO content, they might be more inclined to conclude said dentist is an expert. A user who considers a dentist to be a qualified professional may be more likely to schedule an appointment.

Nearly Half of Google Searches Involve ‘Local Intent’

Understanding a user’s intent when performing a Google search is vital to SEO. If a user performs a search with local intent, that means they are searching for results that account for geographic location.

A user searching for a dentist will virtually always have local intent. Rather than searching for any dentist in any location, they will search for a dentist treating patients in their geographic area.

Research indicates nearly half of all Google searches involve local intent. As such, SEO can play a major role in the way any business that serves those in a specific geographic area attracts new customers. A dental practice is a prime example of such a business.

Mobile Browsing is Increasingly Common

As far back as 2016, mobile internet browsing was more common than desktop browsing. SEO professionals account for this when planning campaigns, ensuring that the mobile versions of websites they create boast mobile-friendly layouts and function reliably on mobile devices.

SEO Helps Dentists Reach Those Who Are Searching for Them

When compared to more traditional marketing strategies, such as radio or print ad campaigns, SEO has the potential to deliver a strong ROI for one very basic but critical reason - an SEO campaign can attract those who are actively seeking dentists.

A radio ad on a popular local station may, theoretically, cast a wide net for a dental practice. However, there’s no guarantee that those who hear the ad will be in the market for a new dentist.

An SEO strategy is different. With SEO, a dental practice’s online presence will naturally garner the attention of those who are seeking dental services. Therefore, a dentist who invests in SEO can be confident they aren’t needlessly spending their marketing budget reaching those who have no interest in the services and treatments they offer.

Why Dentists Should Coordinate With SEO Specialists

For dentists, building a robust online presence through a multi-faceted SEO strategy isn’t a task you need to handle on your own. While you focus on treating your existing patients, our team at DentalFone can help you attract new patients with effective digital marketing. Learn more about how our dental practice SEO experts can help by calling us at 855-385-3663 or contacting us online to schedule a meeting.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential to any successful digital marketing strategy for local businesses. It involves optimizing your website and online local presence to rank higher in search engine results, which can help attract more local customers to your business. However, many local business owners are uncertain of what SEO entails or how to implement it effectively. Here are the top 10 local SEO questions asked by small businesses, along with detailed answers to each.

1. What is local SEO and why is it important for businesses?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing a website and online presence to appear in local search results. Local searches are important for businesses because it helps them reach potential customers who are searching for local products or services. By appearing in local search results, businesses can increase their online visibility and drive more traffic to their website.

2. What are the key elements of local SEO?

The key elements of local SEO include optimizing the website and online presence for local keywords, creating and optimizing local business listings on search engines and directories, obtaining backlinks from reputable local sources, creating a linking strategy, and generating positive customer reviews.

3. How can local businesses optimize their website for local search?

Local businesses can optimize their website for local search by including location-based keywords in page titles, meta descriptions, and content. They should also include their NAP (name, address, phone number) information on every page and create location-specific landing pages to target specific geographic areas.

4. What are local business listings, and why are they important for SEO?

Local business listings are online directories that provide information about businesses, including their name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. These listings are important for SEO because they provide backlinks to the business website and improve the business's online visibility.

5. What are backlinks, and how can local businesses obtain them?

Backlinks are links from other websites that point to a business's website. These links are important for SEO because they signal to search engines that the business is reputable and trustworthy. Local businesses can obtain backlinks by creating high-quality content, contacting other local businesses or organizations for links, and participating in local events or sponsorships.

6. What role do online reviews play in local SEO?

Online reviews play a significant role in local SEO because they signal to search engines and potential customers that the business is reputable and provides high-quality products or services. Local businesses should encourage customers to leave reviews on their website and other review platforms, respond to all reviews (both positive and negative), and address any customer complaints or issues.

7. How can local businesses use social media to improve their SEO?

Local businesses can use social media to improve their SEO by sharing content and engaging with their followers. This can lead to increased website traffic, backlinks, and social signals (likes, shares, and comments) that signal to search engines that the business is popular and relevant.

8. What is mobile optimization, and why is it important for local SEO?

Mobile optimization is the process of optimizing a website for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. This is important for local SEO because a large percentage of local searches are performed on mobile devices. A mobile-optimized website provides a better user experience, which can lead to increased engagement and conversions.

9. What is local link building, and how can local businesses implement it?

Local link building is the process of obtaining backlinks from local sources such as local news outlets, blogs, and other businesses. Local businesses can implement this by reaching out to local sources and offering to contribute content or participate in local events or sponsorships.

10. How can local businesses measure the success of their SEO efforts?

Local businesses can measure the success of their SEO efforts by tracking metrics such as website traffic, keyword rankings, and online reviews. They can also use tools such as Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor their website's performance and identify areas for improvement.

Ready to Improve Your Local SEO?

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In today's digital age, consumers often turn to search engines to start their buying journey, which mean companies need to show up for relevant searches. Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). SEO can benefit businesses of all sizes, but it is particularly important for small businesses. In this blog, we will discuss why SEO is important to local businesses.

Increased Visibility

One of the main benefits of SEO is increased visibility. When a potential customer searches for a product or service related to your business, they are more likely to find your business if your website ranks higher in the search results. In fact, most clicks on Search Engine Result Pages go to the top three organic search results. If your website is not ranking in the top three results, you are likely missing out on potential customers.

SEO helps to improve the visibility of your website by optimizing your website's content, structure, and meta tags. These components help search engines understand the content of your website and rank it higher in relevant searches. With the help of a professional SEO company, you can optimize your website and increase your visibility to potential customers.

Increased Website Traffic

Increased website traffic is another benefit of SEO. When your website ranks higher in the search results, it is more likely to receive clicks and visits, which means that you can drive more traffic to your website and potentially generate more leads and sales.

SEO not only helps to increase the quantity of traffic to your website but also the quality. When your website ranks higher in the search results, it is more likely to attract visitors who are interested in your products or services. These qualified visits are more likely to convert into leads and sales.

Cost-Effective Marketing

SEO is a cost-effective marketing strategy for small businesses. Unlike traditional advertising, which can be expensive and difficult to measure, SEO can provide a high return on investment (ROI) at a relatively low cost. SEO does require an initial investment to optimize your website and create quality content, but the ongoing maintenance is minimal once your website is optimized.

Local SEO is particularly cost-effective because it targets a specific geographic area. This means that you can focus your marketing efforts on potential customers in your local area, who are more likely to convert into leads and sales. With the help of a professional SEO company, you can create a customized SEO strategy that targets your local market and maximizes your ROI.

Improved User Experience

SEO not only benefits search engines but also improves the user experience on your website. By optimizing your website's content, structure, and meta tags, you can improve the navigation, readability, and usability of your website. This means that visitors to your website are more likely to have a positive experience and stay on your website longer.

Improved user experience can also lead to higher engagement and conversions. Visitors with positive experiences are more likely to engage with your website and take the desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a contact form to request more information.

Competitive Advantage

In today's business environment, having a competitive advantage is crucial for success. SEO can provide a competitive advantage for small businesses by helping them to rank higher in search results than their competitors. Potential customers who find your business at the top of the SERPs are more likely to choose your company over competitors.

Local SEO is particularly important for small businesses that compete with larger businesses. With the help of a professional SEO company, you can create a customized SEO strategy that targets your local market and helps you to compete with larger businesses in your industry.

Learn More About How SEO Can Grow Your Business

SEO helps increase visibility, drive website traffic, improve user experience, and provide a competitive advantage. With the help of a professional SEO company like Let It - Be Local, your small business can enjoy the benefits of being found by qualified customers. Contact us today to learn more!

Below are the five of the most popular questions searched online regarding search engine optimization (SEO):

  1. What is SEO and how does it work?
  2. How do I improve my website's SEO?
  3. What are the important ranking factors for Google?
  4. How can I do keyword research for my website?
  5. What are backlinks and why are they important for SEO?

These are some of the most common questions people have when they first start learning about SEO when seeking to improve their website's visibility and ranking in search engines. Understanding the answers to these questions is essential in developing a comprehensive SEO strategy and improving the overall performance of a website in search engine results pages (SERPs).

What is SEO and how does it work?

SEO stands for "search engine optimization." It is the process of optimizing a website to improve its ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific keywords or phrases. SEO aims to increase the quantity and quality of traffic to a website through organic (non-paid) search results.

The process of SEO involves optimizing various aspects of a website, such as its content, structure, and technical components, to make it more appealing and relevant to search engines. Components include keyword research to identify the phrases people are searching for, on-page optimization to ensure the website's content and structure are optimized for search engines, and link building to establish the website's authority and credibility in the eyes of search engines.

SEO also involves ongoing monitoring and analysis of the website's performance in search results to identify areas for improvement and make necessary updates.

In essence, SEO is about helping search engines understand what a website is about and what it offers to users so that the website can be ranked higher in the SERPs for relevant keywords. By doing so, SEO will increase the visibility and credibility of a website, leading to more traffic and potentially more customers.


How do I improve my website's SEO?

Improving your website's SEO involves an ongoing combination of on-page optimization and off-page optimization strategies. Here are some steps you can take to improve your website's SEO:

These are just a few of the many steps you can take to improve your website's SEO. It is important to remember that SEO is a long-term strategy that requires ongoing effort and monitoring to be effective.


What are the important ranking factors for Google?

Google considers hundreds of factors when ranking websites in its search results pages (SERPs). Some of the most important ranking factors for Google include:

These are some of Google's most important ranking factors, but it's important to note that the search engine's algorithms constantly evolve, and new ranking factors may emerge. Staying up-to-date with the latest best practices in SEO, and continually monitoring and adjusting your website's optimization strategy is the best way to achieve sustainable results.


How can I conduct keyword research for my website?

Keyword research is an essential step in the process of optimizing your website for search engines. Keyword research helps you identify the keywords and phrases that your target audience is searching for and incorporate them into your website's content and meta tags. Here are some steps you can follow to do keyword research for your website:

Keyword research can be a time-consuming process, but it is a critical step in the process of optimizing your website for search engines. By conducting thorough keyword research, you can ensure that your website's content is optimized for the keywords and phrases that your target audience is searching for, which can help improve your website's visibility and ranking in the SERPs.


What are backlinks and why are they important for SEO?

Backlinks, also known as inbound links or incoming links, are links from other websites that lead to your website. Backlinks are crucial in search engine optimization because they serve as a "vote of confidence" from other websites to yours.

From a search engine's perspective, a backlink is seen as an endorsement of your website's quality and relevance. The more high-quality backlinks you have pointing to your website, the more likely it is that search engines will view your website as an authoritative and trustworthy source of information. This can have a positive impact on your website's ranking in the search results pages (SERPs).

In addition to improving your website's ranking, backlinks also help increase your website's visibility and drive more organic traffic to your website. When someone clicks on a link from another website to your website, this is referred to as referral traffic.

To build high-quality backlinks, you must focus on creating valuable, relevant, high-quality content that other websites want to link to. This can include blog posts, infographics, videos, and other useful and informative content for your target audience. Additionally, you can reach out to other websites in your industry and ask for a backlink in exchange for linking to their website or for creating a guest post for their blog.

It's important to note that not all backlinks are created equal. Low-quality or spammy backlinks from sources such as link farms or directories can harm your website's ranking. Therefore, it's important to focus on building high-quality backlinks from reputable and relevant sources.

In conclusion, backlinks are an important factor in SEO and can have a positive impact on your website's ranking and visibility. By focusing on building high-quality backlinks, you can help improve your website's SEO and attract more organic traffic to your website.

Want to Learn More About SEO?

If you are new to search engine optimization, consulting with an experienced digital marketing agency like Let It-Be Local will help to guide you through the process and ensure that your website is optimized for success. Contact us today!

Whether you're a small business owner or part of a large corporation, digital marketing can help you reach your target audience and drive sales. However, many small businesses struggle to achieve the desired results with their digital marketing efforts. This is where a digital marketing agency can come in and help. Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring Let It Be - Local to support your digital marketing efforts.

Hiring a digital marketing agency can provide many benefits for businesses, including:

  1. Expertise: Digital marketing agencies have the knowledge and experience to create effective marketing strategies and campaigns that are tailored to a business's specific goals. One of the biggest advantages of working with a digital marketing agency is the level of expertise and experience we bring to the table. 

    Let It Be - Local has a team of professionals who specialize in different areas of digital marketing, such as SEO, social media marketing, PPC advertising, and more. We have experience working with various clients across different industries, so we can bring unique perspectives and insights to your business. By hiring a digital marketing agency, you can tap into expertise and benefit from years of experience to create a comprehensive and effective digital marketing strategy for your business.
  1. Time-saving: Many small business don’t realize how time-consuming managing digital marketing campaign can be until getting one started. A digital marketing agency can handle all aspects of your business’ online strategy, allowing owners to focus on other areas of their business.
  1. Cost-effective: Hiring a digital marketing agency can be more cost-effective than hiring an in-house marketing team, as agencies have a range of skills and expertise that would be difficult to replicate with a small team. By working with a digital marketing agency, you can access a team of professionals without the costs associated with hiring and maintaining an in-house team. 

    Many agencies, like Let It Be - Local, also offer flexible pricing models, which means you can choose the services you need and pay only for what you use. This can be a cost-effective solution for businesses that want to optimize their digital marketing efforts without breaking the bank.
  1. Access to tools and resources: Digital marketing agencies have access to various tools and resources that can help improve your marketing performance, including analytics tools, marketing automation software, and advertising platforms. Digital marketing is constantly evolving, and it can be challenging for small businesses to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. 

    Digital marketing agencies like Let It Be - Local invest heavily in the latest tools and technologies to stay ahead of the curve. By working with an agency, you can benefit from access to the latest marketing tools and technologies that can help you optimize your campaigns for better results. 
  1. Flexibility: Digital marketing agencies can work with businesses on a flexible basis, providing support as and when it is needed rather than requiring a long-term commitment.
  1. Keeping up with trends: Digital marketing agencies stay up-to-date with the latest digital marketing trends and algorithm changes, ensuring that businesses are always ahead of the curve.
  1. Creativity: Digital marketing agencies can bring a fresh perspective and creative ideas to marketing campaigns, helping businesses stand apart from the competition.
  1. Measurable Results: One of the biggest advantages of digital marketing is that it's highly measurable. However, measuring the effectiveness of your digital marketing campaigns can be a complex and time-consuming process. Let It Be - Local has access to advanced analytics tools that track and measure the performance of your campaigns in real-time. This means you can get a clear picture of how your campaigns are performing and make data-driven decisions to optimize your campaigns for better results.

By choosing to hire a digital marketing agency, small businesses can increase their online visibility, reach new customers, and grow their profits.

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Search is essential to any effective online marketing strategy in today's digital age. By optimizing your website for search engines, your business can increase its online visibility, attract more targeted traffic, and ultimately drive more leads and sales. However, many businesses struggle to understand the distinction between organic and paid search and how these approaches differ in their impact and effectiveness.

This blog post will explore the differences between organic and paid search, and why businesses need to understand these distinctions.

What is Organic Search?

Organic search (also known as SEO or search engine optimization) refers to the process of optimizing a website to improve its search engine ranking without paying for ads or placement. It involves various techniques, including keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and content creation.

SEO aims to improve a website’s visibility and authority in the eyes of search engines, which can lead to higher rankings in local and organic search results. The higher a website’s ranking, the more likely it is to be seen by potential customers who are searching for products or services in that particular niche.

Organic search is a long-term strategy that requires patience and persistence. It can take several months or even years to see significant results, as search engines need time to crawl and index a website’s content and links. However, once a website has established a strong organic presence, it can continue to reap the benefits for years to follow.

What is Paid Search?

Paid search, or pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, involves paying for ad placement in search engine results pages (SERPs). With paid search, businesses bid on specific keywords or phrases, and their ads appear at the top of the search results when someone searches for those terms.

Paid search can be a highly effective way to drive targeted traffic to a website, as businesses only pay for clicks on their ads, which means they can control their advertising costs and ensure that they only pay for relevant traffic to their products or services.

Paid search can also produce results much more quickly than organic SEO. As soon as a business sets up its ad campaign, its ads can start appearing in search results and driving traffic to its website. This makes it an excellent option for businesses that want immediate results from their online marketing efforts.

However, paid SEO can also be expensive, especially if a business is competing for highly competitive keywords. Additionally, once a business stops paying for ad placement, its ads will no longer appear in search results. This can mean that paid SEO is often not a sustainable long-term strategy for driving traffic to a website.

Organic Search vs. Paid Search: What’s the Difference?

While both organic search and paid search aim to improve a website’s visibility in search engine results, the two approaches differ significantly in their impact and effectiveness.

One of the key differences between SEO and paid search is the level of control businesses have over their online presence. With organic SEO, businesses have complete control over the content and structure of their website, which can be optimized for search engines in various ways. In contrast, with a paid search strategy, businesses have less control over the placement and appearance of their ads in search results, as a bidding system and other factors determine these.

Another difference between SEO and paid search is their cost-effectiveness. While paid search can produce results faster than organic search, it can also be much more expensive, especially for businesses competing for high-value keywords. SEO is a more cost-effective strategy in the long run, as it can produce sustainable results for years.

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Ideally, your marketing budget would have a lot of wiggle room - allowing you to pursue both SEO and Google Ads. Many small businesses find that this is just not feasible, leaving them with an either/or scenario. So, instead of putting you in a position of feeling guilty for not being able to provide the best of both worlds, we are going to give you the knowledge you need to choose the best one for your business. 

SEO: What Is It? 

SEO stands for search engine optimization. In the vast world of digital marketing, this term is heard everywhere. Though it makes sense since being found via search engines is vital for nearly all businesses. 

Whenever you build a website, Google will, on its own, find it and index it without you having to do anything to optimize it. Here’s the thing, though - just because your website is indexed doesn’t mean it will show up for the searches you want it to. Let’s take a look at an example. 

Construction crews often vary their services based on the season. For instance, during the winter months, they may offer snow removal services. If their website only mentions construction and not snow removal, then it isn’t likely to show up when someone searches for snow removal in their town. This is still true even if snow removal is mentioned, but done so only briefly. It may very well show up in search engine results, but it will likely be somewhere after the first few pages. However, by creating a specific service page outlining the specifics of the snow removal services, there will be a greater chance of ranking higher in the search results. This is known as on-page optimization. 

If another construction company offers the same sort of snow removal services, they may have added backlinks to the local chamber of commerce, newspaper, or other local government offices. When it comes down to ranking two similar sites, Google will prioritize those websites that have backlinks from trustworthy sources - as well as those with business profiles on Google. This is known as off-page optimization. 

Certain technical key points also play a role in how a website is ranked. Google wants high-ranking websites to be safe, easy to use, quick to load, and free of errors. 

All in all, SEO’s goal is to optimize your web presence so that you can rank well with Google. Unfortunately, you can’t control the search engine’s algorithms and rankings - and that means there are no guarantees that your SEO efforts will work. But, by knowing the main factors Google looks for in a website and combining it with SEO best practices, you can increase your chance of ranking high. 

What are Google Ads? 

Depending on how long you’ve been following digital marketing, Google Ads used to be called AdWords. They are a means of getting around SEO, rankings, algorithms, etc., and have your business ranked at the top of the search engine results pages (SERPs). Does this just happen? No. You have to pay to get there. 

Google search ads allow you to target a very specific audience and their search queries. The result is that you drive qualified and relevant traffic directly to your site. Google places these paid ad placements both above and below the organic search results. They appear similar with the only significant difference being that they are labeled as “ads.” 

Before you get too excited, there are a couple of catches. For one, you must bid on keywords. This means you are not always guaranteed that top spot on the first page of SERPs - a competitor may outbid you. Also, Google will assign an Ad Quality Score for each ad. This score, as well as your bid, will determine where your ad will end up on the page. 

SEO and GoogleAds: What’s the Difference?

By now, you can probably tell that both SEO and Google Ads serve their own purpose - and can work very well together. Google Ads can give you fast results while SEO builds long-term success. But if putting them to work together isn’t an option, then we need to break down the pros and cons of each. 

The Pros of SEO

More Cost-Effective: SEO costs less than Google Ads, and its effects have longevity. 

Steady Traffic: If you take the time to invest in SEO and quality content, you will likely always have a source of traffic to your website. 

Larger Potential Audience: The number of people who click on organic search results rather than ads is significantly higher. So, in that way, SEO gives you a larger target audience.

Build Trust with Consumers: Those ranking high in organic results are seen as being more trustworthy by consumers. 

Consider it an Asset: The effort you put into your SEO is an asset that can grow. The more you invest in your SEO, the higher your rankings - and the more it will drive traffic to your website and lead to conversions. 

The Cons of SEO

Results Can Be Slow: SEO doesn’t happen overnight - it takes time. 

Limits on Local SEO: You are limited by proximity regardless of the size area you serve.  

Limited Control: Google is always changing their algorithms. And, opting for SEO means this is something you’re going to have to deal with. 

The Pros of Google Ads

Quick Results: It is no secret - Google Ads yields faster results – that is, as long as you make large enough bids. 

Tracking and Metrics: Because you are paying for Google Ads, Google gives you all sorts of easily accessible tools to use for tracking and metrics.

Target Your Ideal Customer: With Google Ads you are bound to get precise targeting for your audience.

Expand Your Reach: By advertising,  you can expand your visibility for more search terms, including keywords that you may not be ranking for organically. So in this way, Google Ads also increases your reach. 

The Cons of Google Ads

Costly in Competitive Markets: Depending on your niche, you may find that pay-per-click costs are too high to make your campaigns profitable. 

Little Long-Term Value: Google Ads do not create value for your business over time. Once you stop paying for it, the benefit ends - and traffic to your site comes to a halt. 

SEO and Google Ads: Pick One

Remember, it will take a long time to see results from SEO, but the results will continue to be valuable to you for a much longer period. SEO is most often recommended as the go-to digital marketing channel for those with a smaller budget, an established business, and who don’t require fast results. Meanwhile, we recommend emphasizing Google Ads for newer businesses looking for sales, leads, and fast results -- and who don’t have the patience for the fruits of SEO labor to develop. 

If you have the budget, both SEO and Google Ads work well together. Consider using your Google Ads to uncover the best keywords with the highest conversions - and then focus your SEO efforts on these keywords. 

Want Help with Digital Marketing?

If you are interested in learning how your business can benefit from these digital marketing tools, contact us today.

Data aggregators are companies that collect, distribute, and sometimes sell business listings and consumer data, depending on their business model. These companies play a crucial role in the data ecosystem by gathering information from various sources and making it available for purchase. While the specific buyers of this data can vary, they typically include online directories like YP.com, local-mobile applications, and mapping and GPS companies such as TomTom. Even search engines like Google might engage in purchasing this data to ensure the completeness of their own databases. By comparing the acquired data against their existing information, search engines aim to provide users with the most comprehensive and accurate results. So, data aggregators cater to a wide range of buyers, ensuring that the data they collect reaches the hands of those who can benefit from it.

Local SEO listings include a lot of data, encompassing various key pieces of information that are essential for businesses to establish their online presence effectively. Among the primary data points collected are the name of the company, address, and phone number (commonly referred to as NAP). This ensures that accurate and up-to-date contact details are readily available to potential customers. Additionally, the company URL plays a crucial role in directing online users to the business's website, providing them with further information and opportunities for engagement.

To provide a comprehensive overview, local SEO listings also incorporate a business description and category, enabling businesses to effectively communicate their offerings and unique selling points. Furthermore, hours of operation are included, ensuring that customers are well-informed about when the business is open for business. Accessibility details are also considered, providing valuable information for individuals with specific needs or preferences.

Recognizing the significance of social media presence, local SEO listings may incorporate social media profiles/links. This allows businesses to leverage the power of social media platforms to connect with their target audience and foster engagement.

While these are key data points, it is important to note that Data Aggregators, such as companies specializing in aggregating and distributing local business data, play a vital role in collecting and presenting this information elsewhere online. Through their efforts, they collect and organize data on local businesses, including their name, address, phone number, opening hours, and other relevant details. This ensures that businesses can establish a consistent and accurate online presence across various platforms, ultimately enhancing their visibility and accessibility to potential customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the uses of the data purchased from Data Aggregators?

The data purchased from Data Aggregators serves various purposes for different companies. Online directories, such as YP.com, utilize this data to enrich their listings and provide comprehensive information to their users. Local-mobile applications also rely on this data to enhance their functionality and offer accurate location-based services. Mapping and GPS companies, such as TomTom, acquire this data to update their mapping databases and improve the accuracy of their navigation systems. Additionally, even search engines like Google may purchase this data to augment their own databases, enabling them to offer more complete search results to their users. Overall, the data purchased from Data Aggregators serves the purpose of enhancing various online platforms and applications, ensuring users have access to up-to-date and reliable information.

What do search engines like Google do with the data they buy from data aggregators?

Search engines like Google might buy data from data aggregators to compare it against their own databases. This comparison helps them make their databases as complete as possible.

What are some examples of companies that buy data from data aggregators?

Some examples of companies that buy data from data aggregators include online directories such as YP.com, local-mobile applications, mapping and GPS companies like Wayze, and search engines like Google.

Data aggregators are companies that collect, distribute, and sometimes sell business listings and consumer data, depending on their business model. These companies play a crucial role in the data ecosystem by gathering information from various sources and making it available for purchase. While the specific buyers of this data can vary, they typically include online directories like YP.com, local-mobile applications, and mapping and GPS companies such as TomTom. Even search engines like Google might engage in purchasing this data to ensure the completeness of their own databases. By comparing the acquired data against their existing information, search engines aim to provide users with the most comprehensive and accurate results. So, data aggregators cater to a wide range of buyers, ensuring that the data they collect reaches the hands of those who can benefit from it.

In what context is the collected data presented elsewhere online?

The collected data is presented elsewhere online by these companies in order to provide information about local businesses such as their name, address, phone number, opening hours, etc.

What type of company collects data on local businesses?

Data Aggregators/Networks are the companies that collect data on local businesses.

Choosing a web design company is an important step for any business or individual who wants to set up a website. Afterall, online presence is important, so you need to create an attractive and easy to navigate website. But how do you choose the right firm to create a new site or help update an existing one?

Research Pays Off

Start with online searches to find web design companies and ask your peers for references. You can also make a list of websites you like, both as examples and to find out who constructed these sites that appeal to you the most.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, research the company or companies to uncover their reputation and expertise. See how long they’ve been in business, and what skills they have in regard to development, SEO, and marketing.

A good way to do this is to check for reviews and testimonials, both on the company’s own site, and Yelp, Google, Facebook and other resources for reviews. 

Ask for a Portfolio

Along with looking at each web company’s own website, explore their portfolio so you can view samples of their work. Are they professional? Simple to use? Do the sites the company has developed fit well with the kind of function and approach that you’d like for yourself?

And it’s also important to see the range of the company’s work. Are the designs unique for each website, or do they appear to have been built from a template? 

Make a List of Your Website “Must Haves”

Decide on your basic requirements and make a list of what these are. Knowing your “must haves” will make it easier to choose the web design company that suits you best. 

Examples include experience with WordPress, logo design, hosting, and specifics that you might need such as online payment or online registration options. 

Know Your Time and Budget 

Being aware of your own time frame and budget will also help in choosing a web design firm. If a company’s services are too expensive to fit your cost parameters, then you should not choose that resource. And if a company takes many months to create work you needed yesterday, then another choice is also in order. 

Establish both a timeline and budget for your web design needs. If you have a hard and fast deadline, such as a new product launch or company location, be sure to express that to the web design company in advance, to make sure there are no questions about delays.

Evaluate Web Design Companies as Long-term Partner

Interact with the web design company to find the right fit for you and your business. Make sure that their personality as well as their skills fits your needs. Chances are you’ll be entering a long-term relationship with a web design company, so make sure it’s the right relationship for you.

Ready to Learn More about Web Design from Let It Be Local?

If you’re ready to learn more about the capabilities we offer, reach out to us today! Whether you have a specific project in mind, or just want to talk about the design services we provide, we’re ready to help. 

Ready to Get Started?

We would love to help you accelerate your business. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your online objectives.
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