Since I specialize in small and home based businesses it’s only natural that I have a certain percentage of clients who come on board all hot and heavy only to drop out 3-6 months later.
The number 1 reason they drop out? - “Not enough business.”
Is this frustrating for me? You bet it is. But, no matter what I say at the beginning or how much I emphasize the fact that SEO / Internet marketing takes time, it just doesn’t seem to get through. Some entrepreneurs just are convinced that their “widget” is the best widget and everyone will want to buy it. It’s a rude awakening when they find out how wrong they were.
But, for the realistic entrepreneurs. For those of you who KNOW what you’re getting into and have true expectations, here’s how you can get the most from your SEO dollars.
1) If your SEO consultation says you need more pages on your website, add those pages!
2) If you want to be found on the Internet for specific keyword phrases then take the recommendation from your SEO consultant on how to do that. Don’t just expect your website to come up for phrases your SEO consultant has not optimized your site for.
3) Take the time to look at your reports. Don’t ignore them. They hold the answer to everything you need to know about your website.
4) Listen to your customers. If they tell you they can’t maneuver through your website, fix it! Don’t be so concerned about the aesthetics of your website that you ignore the pragmatic function of your website.
5) Your SEO consultant should give you suggestions on what you can do for your site, free or paid, you should get this every month. Do them!!!
The number one stumbling block in SEO is the website owner. The limitations they place on the SEO consultant can be overwhelming. Everything from “don’t change the text” to “I’m not paying for writers” to “But I have to have flash”. It’s a constant struggle trying to get website owners to step away from their “baby” and allow them to grow.
