How can SEO help us win business from companies outside our usual network?

SEO can help businesses win clients beyond their usual network by increasing visibility on search engines, targeting relevant keywords, and building authority in their industry. By optimising content and leveraging local SEO strategies, companies can attract interest from untapped markets and establish credibility with potential clients who may not have discovered them otherwise.

Why Expanding Your Reach Matters

Imagine you’re a B2B software company. You’ve been catering to a niche market here in South Africa, but now you want to expand. You know there are businesses in other sectors and countries that could benefit from your services. This is where SEO steps in.

SEO isn’t just about getting more eyes on your website. It’s about getting the right eyes. When you optimise your site to rank for specific keywords, you’re essentially setting out a welcome mat for companies searching for solutions you provide. And let’s face it, the digital space is crowded. If you’re not visible, you’re invisible.

Consider this: a local SAAS company used SEO to target industries they hadn’t previously considered. By optimising for terms related to those industries, they not only increased traffic but also secured new contracts from unexpected places.

Practical Steps to Expand Your Reach

To effectively use SEO to win business outside your usual network, there are a few key strategies you should consider. It’s not about reinventing the wheel, but rather fine-tuning your approach.

• Keyword Research: Identify keywords that potential clients in other industries might use. This is the foundation of any good SEO strategy. Think broad and specific.

• Content Optimisation: Tailor your content to address the needs and pain points of these new markets. This shows potential clients you understand their challenges and can offer solutions.

• Local SEO: If you’re targeting businesses in specific regions or countries, make sure your local SEO is on point. This includes optimising for local search terms and ensuring your business is listed on relevant local directories.

• Link Building: Establish authority by getting backlinks from reputable sites within the industries you’re targeting. This boosts your credibility and helps search engines see your site as a trusted source.

• Technical SEO: Ensure your website is technically sound. Fast loading times, mobile responsiveness, and secure connections all play a part in how search engines rank your site.

These steps are not exhaustive, but they’re a solid start. Remember, SEO is a long game. It requires patience and consistent effort, but the payoff can be substantial. If you need expertise to guide you through this process, consider engaging with an SEO specialist to refine your strategy and improve your rankings on Google.

Why This Approach Works

Here’s the deal: SEO is like a digital handshake. It introduces you to potential clients you didn’t even know existed. It’s not magic, but it’s close.

By focusing on SEO, you’re not just casting a wider net. You’re casting a smarter one. You’re targeting the businesses that are actively looking for what you offer. It’s about being in the right place at the right time.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to be the first name that pops up when someone is searching for a solution you provide? With the right SEO strategy, you’re not just competing. You’re leading.