How Much Should I Spend on Marketing?

How Much Should I Spend on Marketing?

How Much Should You Spend Monthly on Marketing for Your New Business?

Launching a new business brings exciting challenges—one of the most crucial is setting an effective marketing budget. The right amount can spark growth and establish your brand, while overspending can strain your finances.

Here’s how to strike the balance, featuring guidance from the SBA, industry benchmarks, and a spotlight on Sandy Rowley, a leading digital marketing expert whose services start at $850 per month.

1. Marketing as an Investment, Not an Expense

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) emphasizes that marketing should be seen as an investment rather than a drain on profits, because it drives customer acquisition and growth.
Small Business Administration

2. Percentage-Based Budgeting: Common Benchmarks

SBA Guidance & Industry Averages:

Small businesses often allocate 7–8% of gross revenue on marketing and advertising, especially those with less than $5 million in annual sales and healthy profit margins.

Some SBA-aligned sources suggest a broader range of 5–10% of gross revenue for small to mid-sized firms.
wearecis.com

A historical reference reinforces the 5–10% of gross sales rule of thumb.

Recent Industry Figures:

According to WebFX (2025), digital marketing budgets for small-to-midsize businesses average between $2,500 and $12,000 per month.

Succeeding Small reports that many small businesses spend $5,000–$15,000 per month on marketing, with an average marketing budget around 8.7% of revenue.

Consultus Digital (2025) highlights that local businesses typically allocate 5–10%, while high-growth firms may spend 14% or more of revenue.

3. Determining Your Monthly Spend

Here’s how to estimate your monthly marketing budget based on your revenue:

Monthly Revenue 5% Budget 8–10% Budget High-Growth (14%)
$10,000 $500 $800–$1,000 $1,400
$20,000 $1,000 $1,600–$2,000 $2,800
$50,000 $2,500 $4,000–$5,000 $7,000

Startups or businesses focused on rapid growth may find the 10–14% range more fitting, at least initially.

Businesses with slower growth goals or tighter margins might start with 5–8%, gradually adjusting as revenue grows.

4. Beyond Percentages: Customize Your Strategy

The SBA also recommends crafting a robust marketing plan, complete with detailed budgets and ROI tracking.

Narrow your focus to channels that reach your ideal audience—quality over quantity is key.

Digital-first methods (like SEO, email, social media) often offer cost efficiencies compared to traditional media.

5. Spotlight: Sandy Rowley — Your Digital Marketing Ally

Meet Sandy Rowley, a recognized digital marketing expert specializing in helping new businesses build their online presence.

Packages start at $850 per month—ideal for startups seeking professional guidance without breaking the bank.

With Sandy’s experience, you can expect tailored strategies across SEO, social media, content, and targeted campaigns that deliver measurable results.

Summary: Monthly Marketing Budget Blueprint

Early-stage/new businesses: Aim for 10–14% of monthly revenue

Typical small businesses: Allocate around 7–10%

Budget-conscious operations: Could start with 5–8%

Absolute minimum: A base start with Sandy Rowley’s $850/month offers a solid foundation.

Marketing Workshop in Reno

Marketing Workshop in Reno

Free marketing workshop with a little business networking… ONLINE Event. Bring your marketing-related questions and get ready to scale your business efforts.

Join leading digital marketing expert, Sandy Rowley this Wednesday for a fun, relaxing and helpful SEO workshop on how to market your business.

Share more about your small business and networking with a small group of entrepreneurs.

Learn the following topics:

  • How to build a website?
  • How to do SEO?
  • How to use Social Media to build up trust?
  • Does email marketing still work?

Marketing Workshop – Tips on how to grow your business

You’ve started your business and things are going well, but you want to take things to the next level. You’re ready to start marketing, but you’re not sure where to start or what will work best for your business. Luckily, we’ve got you covered! In this workshop, we’ll be discussing tips and tricks on how to grow your business through marketing.

The Importance of Marketing

No matter what business you’re in, marketing is essential to growing your company. Without marketing, your business will have a hard time reaching new customers and expanding its reach. Fortunately, there are a number of marketing strategies you can use to grow your business. In this workshop, we’ll explore some tips on how to effectively market your business.

The Different Types of Marketing

There are many different types of marketing, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular types of marketing:

– Traditional advertising such as TV, radio, and print ads can be expensive and difficult to measure. However, it can reach a wide audience and can be very effective for building brand awareness.

– Digital marketing includes methods such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, and email marketing. It is often more affordable than traditional advertising and can be more easily measured in terms of results.

– Guerrilla marketing is a low-cost way to create buzz about your product or service. This type of marketing uses creative techniques to get attention, such as street performances or flash mobs.

– Word-of-mouth marketing is free and happens when customers tell their friends and family about your business. This is the most powerful form of marketing, but it can be difficult to generate on your own. You can encourage word-of-mouth by creating great customer experiences and offering referral programs.

SEO Event on LinkedIn with Sandy Rowley SEO

Tips for Effective Marketing

Are you looking for ways to grow your business? Marketing is a great way to reach new customers and expand your brand. However, effective marketing can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you market your business effectively:

1. Know your target audience. It’s important to understand who you are trying to reach with your marketing efforts. What are their needs and wants? What kind of messaging will resonate with them? When you know your target audience, you can create marketing campaigns that are more likely to be successful.

2. Use multiple channels. Don’t just stick to one type of marketing. Try a variety of channels, including social media, email, paid advertising, and events. By using multiple channels, you’ll reach more people and have a better chance of growing your business.

3. Be creative. If you want your marketing campaigns to be successful, you need to stand out from the crowd. Be creative in your approach and come up with fresh ideas that will grab attention.

4. Measure results. Keep track of your marketing campaigns and measure the results. This will help you see what’s working and what’s not so you can adjust your strategies accordingly.

By following these tips,

Creating a Marketing Plan

The marketing plan is the road map for your business’s marketing activities. It provides direction and helps to keep you focused on your goals. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a marketing plan, there are certain elements that should be included in all plans. In this workshop, we’ll cover the essential components of a marketing plan and offer tips on how to create a plan that will work for your business.

Implementing Your Marketing Plan

If you’re like most business owners, you understand the importance of marketing, but you may not have the time or resources to create and implement an effective marketing plan. That’s where a marketing workshop can be helpful.

At a marketing workshop, you’ll learn practical tips and strategies that you can use to grow your business. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with other business owners and hear from guest speakers who are experts in the field of marketing.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, consider attending a marketing workshop. You’ll come away with new ideas and a renewed commitment to growing your business.

Evaluating Your Marketing Efforts

Are you happy with your current marketing efforts? If not, it may be time to take a step back and evaluate what’s not working. Here are a few tips on how to evaluate your marketing efforts and make changes to grow your business:

1. Define your goals. What are you trying to achieve with your marketing? Without clear goals, it will be difficult to measure success.

2. Look at your target market. Are you reaching the right people with your marketing? If not, you may need to adjust your target market.

3. Analyze your results. Take a close look at your marketing campaigns and analyze the results. What worked well and what didn’t? Use this information to make changes to future campaigns.

4. Be flexible. Don’t be afraid to try new things or make changes to your marketing strategy. What works today may not work tomorrow, so it’s important to be flexible and always be willing to adapt.

By taking the time to evaluate your marketing efforts, you can make the necessary changes to help grow your business.

Conclusion

Thank you for attending our marketing workshop! We hope you found it insightful and helpful in learning some tips on how to grow your business. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

How New Technologies Will Change the Marketing Industry in the Next 10 Years

How New Technologies Will Change the Marketing Industry in the Next 10 Years

The advancement of technology is changing how we sell products, goods, and services. In a thriving industry like marketing, new technologies play a fundamental role in the economic and employment growth of the sector. 

 

Growth Projections for Marketing Careers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the marketing industry will grow 10 percent between 2020 and 2030. The main target for this market is to generate more economic prosperity, stability, and employment growth over time. There will be at least 31,100 new advertising, promotions, and marketing manager jobs each year throughout this decade.

 

Three Amazing Changes to the Marketing Industry this Decade

 

Predictive Personalization

According to Adage, 67 percent of Gen Z consumers believe that websites should predict what they are looking for. E-consumers seek automation of their preferences and purchases. 40 percent of consumers will stop visiting a website if the brand does not foresee what they need, like, or want.

Automated Subscription Services

Virtually all great entertainment and e-commerce services work through the subscription system. New customers of the post-pandemic era now prefer automatic payments. According to Gartner, by 2023, 75 percent of direct selling companies will offer their products or services through automated subscriptions.

Voice Assistant Advertising

According to a study by Juniper Research, the number of voice assistants worldwide will triple by 2023, with around eight billion of these devices. This technology will make advertising more personalized, real-time, and automated. This system will interact with thousands of users, showing persuasive advertisements based on their consumption patterns. 

 

Five New Technologies That Will Boom in the Marketing Industry

 

  1. Digital imitation of real people’s voices: This technology will be implemented thanks to a software called Lyrebird, which creates an authentic digital voice from a short recording sample of a person’s voice. This tool will recreate the sound of media figures in advertisements.
  2. Big data-little area: Companies will capture huge data flows to order them through Artificial Intelligence systems in a specific geographic location and market. This way, they will discover opportunities for new customer networks.
  3. Augmented reality: Retail companies will offer augmented reality glasses to interact with the products. Consumers will know the characteristics of the products, see the cost, and much more.
  4. Surveillance robots for big malls: Robotics companies from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain will develop robots to monitor the mass consumption activity of customers in large shopping centers.
  5. Commercial drones: Large mass-market corporations will use drone systems to explore human behavior from the air. Thus, companies will design their marketing campaigns adapted to social behaviors.

The Best Places to Find a Marketing Job Over the Next Few Years 

If you want to expand your career path and obtain excellent economic and professional opportunities in the marketing industry, pay attention to the best academic platforms. We took data from Career Karma to show you the best digital marketing bootcamps right now. Bootcamps are the future schools that will set the trend for getting a marketing job without a degree. Below are the main digital marketing bootcamps:

 

Thinkful

Thinkful offers a three-month program called the “Online Digital Marketing Bootcamp”. The course syllabus includes topics like Content Marketing, SEO, Social Media Management, Email Marketing, and much more. Many grads work for companies like Amazon, Twitter, and Google. This bootcamp also offers software engineering, UI/UX design, and Data Science programs. 

General Assembly

General Assembly provides extensive knowledge in Digital Marketing with in-demand skills to build your career in high-growth tech fields. In addition, the course offers technical training with flexible delivery and an industry-tested curriculum. You will join a career services program, which will increase your chances of landing a job in the marketing industry.

Simplilearn

Simplilearn is the number one online bootcamp to learn digital economy skills with specialized training in emerging technologies. Here, you will become a digital marketer with qualified Data Science, Data Analytics, and Product Management skills. Thanks to its role-based training programs and comprehensive certification programs, this academy will guide you in your job search.

BrainStation

BrainStation trains students to become great professionals in the marketing industry. This bootcamp will provide a full learning experience based on modern digital marketing strategies. With this knowledge, you will solve real-world projects working alongside industry professionals in business contexts. BrainStation also includes Data Science, Web Development, and UX/UI Design bootcamps. 

Conclusion

The digital marketing industry concentrates the highest growth currently and in the coming years. Therefore, being a part of this wide market of opportunities, large projects, and professional development is the best decision you can make amid the technological boom of the new era.

Guide To Marketing For Manufacturing Company: How To Make Your Company Stand Out

Guide To Marketing For Manufacturing Company: How To Make Your Company Stand Out

Marketing for manufacturing companies is paramount during the early stages. Want to get clients who place million-dollar orders with your company? One word: Marketing. Most manufacturing companies get their orders from loyal customers who keep returning for more. This begs the question: How can a new company stand out and get their first customers? Marketing is paramount if your manufacturing company is in the early stages i.e. a start-up.

There are hundreds of potential approaches for manufacturing company marketing that an owner can use to make their products known. This guide will focus on the basics that manufacturing companies need to start marketing their company and create the foundation for future growth.

  • The ultimate goal here is to help your manufacturing company build a loyal customer base interested in placing huge orders on a recurring basis.
  • Recurring clients are the key to marketing for manufacturing company.

Understand The Customer

Use reverse-psychology to determine what the customers in your industry want – and give it to them. This is a proven method to get a head-start in a competitive industry when other manufacturers might slip. Instead of focusing on the company, focus on the customer and what they need. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine what you would do if you were looking for a manufacturer to order from. The buying process usually goes like this:

  • The customer needs X product in your manufacturing industry.
  • The customer researches 5-10 potential manufacturers to buy from.
  • The customer makes a decision based on metrics such as: price, brand, reputation, customer reviews, etc.

The best way to take advantage of this process is to offer an advantage that none of the other companies are offering. Example: If you’re an electric bike manufacturer and the average bike costs $2000, you could make your bikes cost $1499. If the product quality is kick-ass, the customers will keep returning for more.

Develop A Marketing Strategy (SEO, PPC, Alibaba, Social)

Marketing a manufacturing company is different because you’re essentially in the B2B (business-to-business) company and your target market are other entrepreneurs who purchase the products to re-sell at their stores or online businesses. However, this doesn’t mean that those people can’t be reached in the same way that other regular customers can’t. In fact, many of them are actively researching companies to buy from which makes it easier to market to them.

The key to reaching these people is to develop a marketing strategy that caters to people in your industry. Start by developing a presence on trade websites such as Alibaba and Global Sources where you can place your product in front of millions of people looking to buy from manufacturers directly.

Combine B2B marketplace presence with SEO and PPC strategies in your niche in order to cater to people directly looking for these keywords on search engines. Example: An electric bike parts company could target keywords like “Buy electric bike battery”. Smart placement gives you an advantage over all other competitors and you must utilize all marketing avenues at your disposal.

Need improvements in traffic, sales and leads? Call Sandy, top ranked SEO expert @ 775-870-0488.

Manufacturing Company Marketing Expert

 

 

Google My Business Categories

Google My Business Categories

Looking to claim your free Google My Business listing? What category is right for your business? Choose the most relevant category to reach the most views and clicks within Google Maps. View Google Category information. (Link opens in a new window)

Or use this free Google My Business Category updater tool.

Verify that your competitors are using similar categories. See which are gaining the most views and clicks with a free keyword research tool. Then select the category with the highest volume of searches each month.

 

Want to learn more marketing tips? Join me at one of my free marketing workshops in Reno (link opens a new window in your browser) or schedule a one hour session by calling 775-870-0488 and ask for Sandy Rowley, SEO Coach. My web design company is consistently #1 in Google search for buyer intent keywords like: Reno Web design, Reno SEO and thousands of others. As a leading SEO Expert, I practice what I preach.

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Google Business Profile Category List Changes (Formerly Google My Business)
Updated through February 2026

We actively track and document all Google Business Profile (GBP) category updates for the United States. Each month, this list is reviewed and updated to reflect newly added categories, renamed categories, and removed categories.

Maintaining accurate categories is a core component of effective local SEO. Selecting the most relevant primary and secondary categories improves search visibility, strengthens relevance signals, and increases discovery in local search results.

While many category updates expand globally, availability can vary by country. Businesses should verify that selected categories align with their services and market location to ensure proper representation and optimal performance.

2026 Updates

February 2026

New

  • E-bike charging station
    Updated

  • None
    Removed

  • None

January 2026

New

  • Consolidated rental car center

  • Eastern Catholic Church
    Updated

  • None
    Removed

  • None


2025 Updates

December 2025

Removed

  • Swimming Basin

November 2025

New

  • Nursing practice

October 2025

New

  • Public water well

September 2025

New

  • Bilingual preschool

  • Donburi restaurant

  • Insurance agent

August 2025

New

  • Probate attorney

  • RV repair and maintenance service

July 2025

New

  • Vauxhall dealer

June 2025

Updated

  • BMX track → BMX venue

  • Car racing → Car racing venue

  • Go-kart track → Go-karting venue

  • Hockey rink → Ice hockey rink

  • Off-road race track → Off-road racing venue

  • Skateboard park → Skatepark

May 2025

New

  • Bartending service

  • Esthetics service

April 2025

Removed (Selected Highlights)

  • Accounting software company

  • Biochemical supplier

  • Chartered surveyor

  • Drama theater

  • Home hairdresser

  • Mobile hairdresser

  • Printing equipment and supplies

  • Traditional restaurant

  • Video game rental service
    (multiple additional removals in April 2025)

March 2025

New

  • Queer bar

Removed (Selected Highlights – Government Entities)

  • Adventure Sports

  • Animal park

  • BBQ area

  • Citizens advice bureau

  • City administration

  • Department of education

  • Department of finance

  • Municipal corporation

  • Office of vital records

  • State department of tourism
    (extensive list of government-related categories removed)

February 2025

New

  • K-12 school
    Updated

  • Toll booth → Toll station

January 2025

New

  • Drinking Water Supplier


2024 Highlights

December 2024

New

  • Energy Advisory Service

  • Montessori Preschool

  • Rideshare Pickup Location

  • Tractor Parts Store
    Updated

  • Summer Camp → Summer Camp Organizer

October 2024

New

  • Data center

  • IV therapy service

  • Physical rehabilitation center

  • Psychosocial therapist

  • Rental car return location

Removed (Selected)

  • Biotechnology engineer

  • Bookmaker

  • Commercial refrigeration

  • Corporate entertainment service

  • T-shirt company

July 2024

New

  • Auto care products store

  • Catering equipment rental service

  • Church council office

  • Head and neck surgeon

  • POS terminal supplier

  • Tattoo supply store

  • Tire service

May 2024

New

  • Algerian restaurant

  • Animal cafe

  • Applied behavior analysis therapist

  • Drone service

  • European grocery store

  • Hiking club

  • Junk removal service

  • Palestinian restaurant

  • RV inspection

Updated

  • Arborist and tree surgeon → Arborist service

  • Confectionery → Confectionery Store

  • Translator → Translation service


2023 Highlights

January 2023

New

  • Pediatric clinic
    Updated

  • Camp → Children’s Camp

  • Handyman → Handyman, Handywoman, Handyperson

March 2023

New

  • Crypto ATM

  • Electric Motor Scooter Dealer

  • Filipino Grocery Store

  • Personal Chef Service

July 2023

New

  • Branding agency

  • Cannabis club

  • Neuropsychologist

  • Smoke Shop

September 2023

New

  • Boat cleaning service

  • Cat cafe

  • Copywriting service

  • Lesbian bar


2022 Highlights

October 2022

New

  • Auto window tinting service

  • Indian motorcycle dealer

  • Serviced apartment

August 2022

New

  • Pickleball court

  • Support Group

  • Wallpaper installer

April 2022

New

  • Central European restaurant

  • Arab restaurant


2021 Highlights

March 2021

Significant expansion of medical specialist categories, including:

  • Bariatric surgeon

  • Cosmetic surgeon

  • Geriatrician

  • Pediatric dermatologist

  • Pediatric neurologist

  • Transplant surgeon

December 2021

Large addition of Indian regional restaurant categories:

  • Gujarati restaurant

  • Hyderabadi restaurant

  • Kerala restaurant

  • Mughlai restaurant

  • South Indian restaurant


Why Category Selection Matters

  • One Primary Category carries the strongest ranking influence.

  • Up to nine Secondary Categories can be added.

  • Categories directly affect keyword visibility, map pack rankings, and competitor positioning.

  • Updates may create new optimization opportunities.

Regular audits ensure your profile remains aligned with Google’s current taxonomy.

  • Accountant

  • Accounting firm

  • Advertising agency

  • Architect

  • Attorney

  • Auto repair shop

  • Auto parts store

  • Car dealer

  • Car wash

  • Electric vehicle charging station

  • Gas station

  • Towing service

  • Moving company

  • Storage facility

  • Logistics service

  • Courier service

  • Trucking company

  • Taxi service

  • Transportation service

  • Travel agency

  • Hotel

  • Motel

  • Resort hotel

  • Bed & breakfast

  • Vacation home rental agency

  • Real estate agency

  • Property management company

  • Mortgage lender

  • Insurance agency

  • Bank

  • Credit union

  • ATM

  • Business management consultant

  • Marketing consultant

  • Website designer

  • Software company

  • Computer repair service

  • IT consultant

  • Printing service

  • Sign shop

  • Photography studio

  • Event planner

  • Wedding planner

  • Caterer

  • Restaurant

  • Cafe

  • Bakery

  • Bar

  • Coffee shop

  • Grocery store

  • Convenience store

  • Liquor store

  • Pharmacy

  • Medical clinic

  • Dentist

  • Chiropractor

  • Physical therapist

  • Mental health clinic

  • Massage therapist

  • Beauty salon

  • Barber shop

  • Nail salon

  • Spa

  • Gym

  • Fitness center

  • Yoga studio

  • Personal trainer

  • Pet store

  • Veterinary clinic

  • Animal hospital

  • Dog groomer

  • Plumber

  • Electrician

  • HVAC contractor

  • Roofing contractor

  • General contractor

  • Painter

  • Landscaping service

  • Tree service

  • Pest control service

  • Cleaning service

  • Laundromat

  • Dry cleaner

  • Furniture store

  • Home goods store

  • Hardware store

  • Garden center

  • Flower shop

  • School

  • Preschool

  • Day care center

  • Church

  • Non-profit organization

SEO Expert Answers Common Questions

SEO Questions Answered by Marketing Expert Sandy Rowley

Is it easier to rank for some keywords over others?

Yes it is!

SEO is very competitive. Businesses in each city know how important it is to position their website in the #1 position for their products and services. Each clamoring for the top position. Some keywords however are easier to target than others. The goal of most small business SEO marketing plans are to find those hidden jewels (keywords) that are not as competitive, but have plenty of search traffic. Use these long tail keywords to rank your website in Google.

How does the Google search engine decide which website will rank #1 for a particular keyword?

Google uses artificial intelligence named Rank Brain to automatically keep track of what a user (person) does while using the Google search engine. RB (Rank Brain) monitors how well your website provides engagement and information for their users.

An example of how RB determines what pages from a website should rank #1 in the search results:

Suzy goes to www.Google.com and searches for ‘

Things To Do in Reno

Google displays a list of websites in the paid and free clicks section of their search results.

Suzy scrolls down and looks at a handful of search results and determines from the words used in these search results, which will probably be the closest to what she is searching for.

things to do in reno

*How to increase the chances that your website listing in Google gets the lions share of clicks?*

Once she decides to click on a search result, Google keeps a note of this and then follows her actions even closer. What happens next on her journey to find something fun to do in Reno tonight.

After she clicks onto the listing, she notices that the website is easy to navigate, she also sees that there are a number of things she can do tonight. She then starts clicking around in this website. She even finds an art class and decides to sign up to join this class directly on the site.

These actions tell Google that the page on this website is a relevant match for the keyword phrase ‘Things to do in Reno’. So, if this trend continues, where other users find what they are looking for on this site, chances are, this website will continue to hold their #1 position for this popular keyword.

What does Google think of SEO experts and the service that they provide?

 

SEO experts

What Are Some Things That Could Cause A Website to Lose their #1 Rankings?

If enough people went to Google and searched for ‘Things to do in Reno’ and clicked on the same website, but immediately clicked on the back button, this would tell Google’s Rank Brain AI, that this website or page on this website is not a good fit for that keyword phrase and over time, this website or page on this website would start to drop down to the 2nd, 3rd and eventually to the back pages.

Looking for some quick answers on SEO? Check out this SEO infographic.

Is there a way to outsmart my competitors SEO rankings?

Yes, yes there is. In the world of Internet Marketing there are the good gals and the bad guys. One SEO expert will promise you the highest rankings in Google for almost nothing. Or worse, sign you up for a long SEO contract and hope you never notice the fake traffic that they paid to go to your website to inflate your Google Analytics stats. These guys focus on the quick fix solutions, the dazzling sneaky SEO tactics that may work in the short run, but will most certainly cause a great deal of harm to the clients website rankings.

Then you have the good gals, the ladies who dedicate their time, energy and expertise to work closely with her clients, making sure that all the t’s are crossed and all the I’s dotted to the exact liking of the Google search engine. These hard worker bees deeply care about their clients success, and take it personally when their clients outrank the bad guys.

How does the average small business know who is who in the online SEO world?

It’s easy, you check out their Google, Facebook and Linkedin Reviews. If their reviews are from real businesses like you, then your golden. If the reviews are oddly enough from other SEO agency’s or Marketing Firms, something is off. Why is that? Think about it, why would your competitors, especially in the SEO industry, give their competitors 5 star reviews? It is a Ponzi scheme to fool the review site. See, the more 5 star reviews you have on your profile or listing, the higher your website will rank in LinkedIn and other review sites. These SEO experts all hop on this bandwagon of fake reviews because they are not direct competitors, so they all agree to give each other fake reviews to beat the system.

Also keep in mind the adage, “If its too good to be true, it probably is.”

I have had new clients send me their login information to some humongous SEO corporations dashboard only to learn that the SEO corporation did nothing, absolutely nothing for this small business SEO, but charged their credit card $99 a month for a whole year!

SEO should be a customized solution for each website. A one size fits all mentality is a big warning sign to run the other direction. There are hundreds of factors that determine whether a website will be ranked #1 or on the last page of Google search results. Even websites in the same industry. No two are alike, ever.

Is all of this necessary? Seems like a lot of work?

The short answer is of course, don’t be silly. The full answer is, it depends. Some industries are just too saturated for a small company to stand a fighting chance. Some keywords and keyword phrases will take at least 2 years to rank organically in their market or city. While, others can rank within 2 weeks in the #1 spot. An experienced and knowledgeable SEO expert will be able to give you an honest answer before signing you up for their services. Although they cannot look into a Google Crystal Ball and give you exact dates, they can give you a good estimate of the time it will take them to get the job done.

What if your small business wants to knock the local leader off their throne in Google? What if that competitor is doing all the right things with SEO?

This is where we get to the good part. The part that gets my blood pumping and lots of creative ideas flowing. A good, solid challenge!

The first step to take is to do a full SEO audit of your competitor’s website as well as your website. Why?

A full technical SEO audit includes analyzing the structure of the website, as well as a list of the top development errors and broken links.

Any errors that we can find with an audit, will be one more item that we can do better with your website.

Next step is to devise a custom SEO Marketing Plan for the next 3, 6 and 8 months. Assess what content is working for the competitor, then use this data to create more engaging and useful content. Maybe we create a customized calculator, or we create a video series… the goal is to assess your competitors CTR (click thru rate) and their bounce rate, then improve on those numbers.

SEO in a very competitive market requires more than building backlinks and creating articles. This is why it is super important to know what your up against, if you can actually accomplish your goals or maybe need to utilize other online marketing tactics to reach your goal like PPC (pay per click), Guest Blog Posts and other outreach techniques.

seo professional

 

Can I just pay a local SEO expert to do this for me?

Yes! That’s the whole point of this article. One is to show you that yes, you can and need to have a solid SEO plan of attack in place for your business and Two, that you can do this work yourself, heck, I can even create the SEO plan, come into your office and train you and your staff how to implement the work. I even can check in twice a month to make corrections if needed.

If you are way too busy to do any of those items, I can totally take charge and make things happen for you as well.

 

SEO looks like it is too competitive, what else can I do to position my business in Google?

You might be surprised at what hidden gems, or keywords that I can dig up for your company. Say your target keywords are super competitive and you have a smaller budget and resources of time. I can look for related keywords and long tail keywords that are easier to rank for and if targeting enough of these long tail keywords, can send just as much traffic if not more traffic than the big, competitive keywords your top competitors are dominating in.

I have clients all the time use this strategy. I even use this myself, even though I dominate all of the top SEO related keywords in my industry and city, I still target the long tail keywords as well.

 

Web Design

Have more questions on internet marketing? Post your comments in our free SEO Marketing Facebook group here to have them featured in this post.

Learn more about SEO Expert, Sandy Rowley…here.

Top SEO and Digital marketing strategist, Sandy Rowley, continues to lead the way in Northern Nevada for those looking to rank their websites high in search engines.

Her down to earth attitude has won the hearts of many local Reno businesses as well as world renowned brands.

“She is candid, funny and really knows her stuff.” Brittney S. Hi Line Travels

“With Sandy’s expertise our company sky rocketed up the search engine list. Her professionalism, SEO skills and customer service is second to none. Thanks to her the Pure Glow Salon has experience a substantial increase of web hits, phone calls and most importantly dollars to our bottom line. If you are looking to do the same for your business the only option is Reno SEO, Marketing & Design.”

Greg Enholm