How do we justify SEO spend in a company with no previous digital presence?

Justifying SEO spend in a company with no previous digital presence involves demonstrating the potential return on investment through increased visibility, traffic, and leads. By establishing a strong online presence, SEO can drive measurable growth and provide a competitive advantage in digital markets. It’s about showing how SEO aligns with business goals and delivers tangible results.

The Importance of Visibility

Imagine you’re running a B2B company that’s been thriving on referrals and word-of-mouth for years. The digital world might seem like uncharted territory, but it’s where your future clients are hanging out. SEO is your ticket to joining that conversation.

Without a digital presence, your company is essentially invisible to a massive segment of potential customers. SEO helps you get noticed. It’s not just about being seen; it’s about being seen by the right people. Think of it as planting your flag in the digital landscape, establishing credibility, and opening new channels for business.

For instance, a SaaS company without digital traction could see SEO as a way to showcase its expertise and solutions, making it easier for potential clients to find them online. Visibility leads to trust, and trust leads to sales.

Steps to Justify SEO Spend

Before you can convince anyone to invest in SEO, you need a game plan. Here’s how to make your case:

• Show the Numbers: Present data on how competitors are performing online. Highlight their traffic and rankings, and show the potential gap you could fill.

• Align with Business Goals: Connect SEO outcomes to specific business objectives. Whether it’s increasing sales or expanding into new markets, make it clear how SEO supports these goals.

• Highlight Long-Term Benefits: SEO isn’t a quick fix. Explain how it builds over time, increasing brand visibility and authority, which leads to sustained growth.

• Demonstrate ROI Potential: Use case studies or projections to illustrate potential returns. Show how even a modest increase in search rankings can lead to significant revenue growth.

• Leverage Expertise: Consider bringing in an seo optimisation expert to provide insights and strategies tailored to your industry.

Once you’ve laid out the case, it’s easier to see SEO not as a cost, but as an investment in the company’s future.

The Real Talk

Let’s keep it real. SEO isn’t just a line item in the budget. It’s a strategy that can transform your business.

Think of SEO as the digital handshake you give to the world. It’s how you introduce your company to those who need your services but don’t know you exist yet. And in a world where everyone’s glued to their screens, that’s a handshake you can’t afford to miss.

Some might say SEO is a gamble. It’s not. It’s a calculated move. A way to ensure your business doesn’t just survive, but thrives in the digital age. So, when you’re at the table justifying that spend, remember: you’re not just buying SEO. You’re buying growth, visibility, and the future of your business.