SEO That Drives Business – Not Just Traffic

Top SEO Agency and Consultant in South Africa - Shaun Oakes

You don’t need more jargon. You need more of the right people finding your business – and taking action.

That’s what good SEO does. And yes, it still works when it’s done properly.

Why You're Probably Here

You’re invisible on Google (or ChatGPT) for the stuff that actually matters.

Your site’s getting traffic… but not the right kind.

You’ve been burned by “SEO experts” who chased vanity rankings.

You’re tired of guessing what Google wants.

Your website’s organic search visibility has dropped significantly.

Your competitors are outranking you for important industry keywords.

Your site’s not getting enough targeted traffic from search engines.

You’re struggling to optimise your site for mobile search.

Your website is not appearing anywhere on Google.

Your local search rankings need improvement.

You’re struggling with on-page SEO and technical issues.

Your website’s loading speed is hurting our search rankings.

If any of this sounds familiar, we should talk.

Ready to set up a call?

What Exactly Is SEO?

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is about helping your website show up when people search for things you offer.

That means showing up on Google when someone types in “best running shoes” – not just when they already know your brand.

At its core, SEO is a mix of technical fixes, smart content, and credibility signals that tell search engines: “This site’s legit – and worth showing.”

It’s not about gaming the algorithm. It’s about making sure your site is built, written, and promoted in a way that makes sense to both humans and search engines.

“Would SEO Even Work For My Business? Why Should I Care?”

So here’s the thing – whether you’re a marketing head, business owner or a founder at a startup, SEO can definitely bring a multitude of benefits to your business, including:

  • Increased Visibility: A well-optimised website ranks higher on search results, making it so much easier for potential customers, clients, partners, investors (you name it) to find you.
  • More Organic Traffic: Higher rankings translate to more organic traffic (ie: “free” traffic, or traffic you don’t have to pay for) which is typically more engaged and more likely to convert than paid traffic.
  • Cost-Effective: Unlike paid advertising, organic search traffic doesn’t require ongoing ad spend, making SEO a cost-effective long-term investment.
  • Enhanced Credibility: Ranking high on Google search results signals credibility and trustworthiness to potential customers, clients or partners.
  • Better User Experience: SEO involves optimising your website for both search engines and users, resulting in an improved user experience that can lead to higher conversion rates.

Our Approach to SEO

A good SEO agency or expert wouldn’t focus purely on a few keyword rankings, but would rather look at things holistically, seeing the full picture of the business and plotting how SEO would plug into and help enable your goals.

And that’s pretty much our approach.

So to start off with, we would want to get a good understanding of your business objectives, who your target audience is, the industry you’re operating in as well as the competitive landscape.

This will help us create a tailored SEO strategy that aligns with and contributes to your business goals.

ie: We’re not going to chase #1 Google rankings for silly novelty keywords that don’t have an actual impact on your business.

This obviously isn’t a one-size-fits all approach, but typically our methodology includes:

  • Initial Analysis and SEO Audit: We start by conducting a thorough SEO audit of your website, together with an analysis of your competitors and industry, to identify opportunities for improvement and growth (maybe some quick wins and low hanging fruit).
  • Strategic Planning: Based on the analysis, we develop a custom SEO strategy that focuses on the most effective tactics for your specific situation.
  • On-Page SEO Optimisation:  We optimise your website’s content and structure to make it more search engine-friendly, focusing on aspects like keyword usage, meta tags, URL structure as well as on-page copy.
  • Off-Page Optimisation: Based on the findings from the Strategic Planning, we work on building high-quality backlinks and improving your website’s overall authority and reputation in the eyes of search engines.
  • Continuous Monitoring and Ongoing SEO: We monitor your website’s performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure consistent growth in organic traffic and rankings.
SEO Methodology and Approach

The Actual Steps Involved In SEO

Right, we’ve explained our basic methodology above, but let’s break things down further into a more granular level, and outline the actual steps involved in effective SEO.

When it comes to the actual search engine optimisation of your business, we follow a systematic approach that covers every aspect of SEO:

Technical Audit

We conduct a technical audit to identify and fix issues that may be preventing search engines from properly crawling and indexing your website.

Keyword Research

We perform in-depth keyword research to uncover the most relevant and profitable keywords for your business (ie: which keywords relating to your business, are people actually typing in on Google or Bing or ChatGPT? The ones that will really move the dial in terms of revenue).

Content Creation & Optimisation

We create and optimise high-quality content that targets your chosen keywords and provides value to your audience.

On-Page Optimisation

We optimise your website’s structure, meta tags, headings, internal linking, and more to improve its search engine visibility.

Link Building

We implement various link-building strategies to acquire high-quality backlinks that boost your website’s authority and rankings.

Local SEO / Google Business Profile

If applicable, We optimise your website for local searches, ensuring that customers in your area can easily find and connect with your business.

Performance Tracking and Reporting

We track your website’s performance using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console, using the data to guide our optimisation efforts.

Sound good?

If you’re needing some help increasing the visibility of your website – or battling with any other challenge that can be addressed with SEO – hit the button below and let’s have an initial chat to see where we may be able to assist.

Ready to set up a call?

What Types of Businesses Benefit from SEO?

Pretty much any business with a website can benefit from SEO, but some industries see especially strong returns when it’s done right.

Here’s a quick look at sectors where we’ve seen SEO make a measurable impact:

B2B Companies

Whether you’re in manufacturing, consulting, or SaaS, strong search visibility helps you get in front of decision-makers early. It’s about showing up when buyers are researching – and making sure you look credible when they do.

Tourism & Hospitality

From hotels and guest houses to tour operators and experience platforms – if people are planning a trip, they’re Googling it first. SEO helps you own that moment, drive direct bookings, and reduce reliance on third-party platforms.

eCommerce Brands

Organic traffic is one of the highest-ROI channels for online stores. Whether you’re selling niche products or going head-to-head with bigger players, SEO helps your product pages rank, convert, and scale profitably.

Software & SaaS

SEO helps you tap into demand at every stage of the funnel – from users Googling “how to solve X” to those ready to compare solutions. Done right, it builds trust, generates signups, and reduces your reliance on paid ads.

Professional Services (Law, Accounting, Consulting)

Credibility and visibility are everything in these fields. Local SEO ensures potential clients can find and trust you – even before they make contact.

Healthcare Providers

From clinics and psychologists to private hospitals, SEO helps you connect with patients actively searching for care. It’s about making sure your practice shows up when and where it matters.

If you’re in an industry not listed here, don’t worry.

The point is: if people search for what you do, SEO can help you show up. The key is matching the strategy to the way your audience searches, thinks, and buys.

Common SEO Questions We're Often Asked

Reading the above, you may still have questions.

We love questions. Questions are good.

Here are some questions clients will often ask us when we’re discussing SEO, together with our answers to these questions.

What is SEO and how does it work?

SEO, or “search engine optimisation,” is the practice of optimising your website and content to improve its ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). It works by using a combination of on-page and off-page optimisation techniques to make your website more visible and authoritative in the eyes of search engines like Google.

How long does it take to see SEO results?

Great question and the short answer is… it varies.

The longer(is) answer is that SEO is often long-term strategy or slower burn that requires patience and persistence. Typically, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months to start seeing meaningful results from your SEO efforts.

However, this timeline can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the competitiveness of your industry, the quality of your website, and the effectiveness of your SEO strategy.

How important is content for SEO?

You might get different answers depending on the SEO agency or consultant you speak to (eg: some believe it’s all down to the power of backlinks or changes to the website’s meta data).

But in my opinion, content is a crucial component of any SEO strategy. Not only does it provide valuable information for your target audience, but it also helps search engines understand what your website is about and how it should be ranked.

By creating high-quality, relevant, and engaging content, you’re definitely going to improve your website’s search engine visibility and attract more traffic to your site.

What are the key on-page SEO factors to consider?

On-page SEO refers to the optimisation of your website’s individual pages to improve their ranking in search engine results pages.

Key on-page factors to consider include optimising your page titles and meta descriptions, using header tags to organize your content, optimising your images and videos, using internal linking to improve site structure, and ensuring your website is mobile-friendly.

What are the key off-page SEO factors to consider?

Off-page SEO refers to the optimisation of factors outside of your website that can impact its search engine ranking.

Key off-page factors to consider include building high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites, creating social media profiles and sharing your content, and building brand awareness through public relations and content marketing.

How can I monitor and measure the success of my SEO efforts?

There are a number of tools and metrics you can use to monitor and measure the success of your SEO efforts.

These include tracking your website traffic, keyword rankings, backlink profile, and conversion rates.

By regularly monitoring these metrics, you can identify areas for improvement and adjust your SEO strategy accordingly.

How does Google's algorithm impact SEO?

It may be frustrating for SEO practitioners, but Google’s algorithm is constantly evolving to provide users with the best possible search experience.

As a result, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest algorithm updates and best practices to ensure your SEO strategy is aligned with Google’s guidelines.

Key factors that impact SEO include user experience, mobile-friendliness, page speed, and content relevance.

How important is keyword research for SEO?

VERY.

Keyword research is a critical component of any SEO strategy.

By identifying the keywords and phrases your target audience is searching for, you can create content that is relevant and valuable to them, and optimise your website to rank for those keywords.

The ”sweet spot” of effective keyword research involves identifying high-volume, low-competition keywords that align with your business objectives and audience needs.

How can I optimise my website for local SEO?

Local SEO is an important aspect of SEO for businesses that operate in a specific geographic area.

Key tactics to optimise your website for local SEO include creating a Google Business Profile page (formerly Google My Business), optimising your website for local keywords, building local citations and backlinks, and encouraging customer reviews and ratings.

Can I do SEO myself or should I hire an agency?

An SEO agency or consultant will probably tell you otherwise 😊 but the reality is yes – you certainly CAN do SEO yourself.

However, the reality is also that it can be a complex and time-consuming process that requires specialised knowledge and expertise.

Hiring a top SEO agency can save you time and gives you the added peace of mind that your SEO strategy is aligned with best practices and the latest algorithm updates.

Additionally, whether it’s an agency or a good SEO consultant, they can also provide you with valuable insights and recommendations to help you achieve your SEO goals more effectively and efficiently.

What are some common SEO mistakes to avoid?

Gosh, where do I start 😊

Common SEO mistakes to avoid include things like keyword stuffing, using low-quality or irrelevant backlinks, neglecting on-page optimisation, ignoring mobile-friendliness, and failing to track and measure your results.

By avoiding these mistakes and focusing on best practices, you can improve your website’s search engine visibility and drive more traffic to your site.

How does social media impact SEO?

It’s an interesting one – while social media does not have a direct impact on SEO rankings, it can indirectly influence your website’s search engine visibility.

Because by creating and sharing high-quality content on social media, you can attract more traffic to your website, increase brand awareness and visibility, and build high-quality backlinks from social media platforms to your website.

What are the benefits of a strong SEO strategy?

A strong SEO strategy can provide a number of benefits for your business, including increased website traffic, improved brand visibility and awareness, higher conversion rates, and greater competitive advantage.

Additionally, SEO can be a cost-effective and sustainable way to attract and retain customers over the long-term.

How do I optimise my website for voice search?

With the rise of voice assistants and smart speakers, optimising your website for voice search is becoming increasingly important.

Key tactics to optimise your website for voice search include using natural language and conversational keywords, providing concise and relevant answers to common questions, and using structured data markup to help search engines understand your content.

How often should I update my website for SEO?

Updating your website regularly is an important aspect of SEO, as it signals to search engines that your website is active and relevant.

However, the frequency of updates can often depend on your business goals and the nature of your industry.

Some websites may need to be updated daily, while others may only need to be updated weekly or monthly.

How does website design impact SEO?

Website design can have a significant impact on your website’s search engine visibility and user experience.

Key design factors that impact SEO include website speed and performance, mobile-friendliness, navigation and site structure, and visual appeal.

By designing your website with SEO in mind, you can improve its search engine ranking and attract more traffic to your site.

In simple terms – if you’re planning or are in the middle of a website revamp for your business, include an SEO professional as early as possible in the process.

What are some effective link building strategies for SEO?

Link building can be quite an important component of SEO, as it helps to establish your website’s authority and relevance in the eyes of search engines.

Effective link building strategies include creating high-quality content that attracts natural backlinks, guest posting on authoritative websites, building relationships with influencers and thought leaders, and leveraging social media to promote your content.

How does video content impact SEO?

Much like voice, video content is becoming increasingly important for SEO, as it can help to improve engagement, increase time spent on your website, and attract high-quality backlinks.

By creating high-quality, relevant, and engaging video content, you can improve your website’s search engine ranking and drive more traffic to your site.

How can I optimise my website for featured snippets?

Featured snippets are a powerful way to improve your website’s search engine visibility and attract more traffic to your site.

Key tactics to optimise your website for featured snippets include identifying commonly asked questions in your industry, providing concise and relevant answers, using structured data markup, and optimising your website for voice search.

How do I stay up-to-date on the latest SEO trends and best practices?

I mean the easiest solution would be to just hire me 😊

But in all seriousness, SEO is a constantly evolving field, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices to ensure the success of your SEO strategy.

Key resources for staying informed include industry blogs and publications, attending conferences and webinars, participating in online communities and forums, and yes – working with an experienced SEO agency that can provide expert guidance and recommendations.

Additionally, it’s important to regularly monitor your website’s performance and adjust your SEO strategy as needed to ensure continued success.

Let's fix your SEO today

Let's Fix What’s Not Working

If you’ve made it this far, chances are SEO is either underperforming – or not performing at all.

So let’s change that.

Book a quick, no-pressure call. No pitch decks. No vague promises. Just a practical conversation about where you’re at, what’s holding things back, and what we’d do to turn it around.

Worst case? You leave with a few clear next steps and some honest advice. Best case? We start building you a search presence that actually delivers.

Ready when you are.

Let's have a discussion

How SEO can benefit your business

If it’s done right, Search Engine Optimisation can bring you a consistent, regular stream of more leads, more sales, and more revenue from your website.

Curious to know how?

Hit the button below, and let’s set up some time for an initial discussion around this.

“Shaun Oakes Consulting has been instrumental in helping us improve our online visibility and attract more targeted traffic to our website. We’ve seen a significant increase in leads and sales since they started consulting for us.”

Founder & CEO