Without a doubt, search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the hottest tools in marketing, and for good reason. Every year, more businesses are catching onto the trend, which means there’s a high demand on the market!
Well, if you want to get in on the action, you’re in luck! Let’s talk about how to start an SEO business in 2022.
How to Start an SEO Business
First, you should always check your local regulations and see if you need any business licenses or permits before you start a company. Not every state or municipality will require licensure, but it doesn’t hurt to call your local town.
Determine Location
Are you going to be location-specific or available remotely? If you’re offering local SEO services primarily, it is helpful to pick a location or region, as you will familiarize yourself with local directories, potential affiliates, industry regulations, and more.
For example, if you offer SEO services primarily to construction businesses in Massachusetts, it would require a major learning curve to switch to California. However, if you primarily offer SEO services for eCommerce or smartphone app creators, then national or global SEO does not need to be location-specific.
Don’t Neglect Funding
No matter what type of business you run, you need capital. A lack of funding is the primary reason why 90% of startups fail. While you may not think an SEO business, especially one working remotely, will require too much capital, you’d be surprised.
Even if you’ve crunched the numbers, it’s still important to have extra cash on hand for unexpected expenses. Let’s say your math tells you that startup costs will require $100,000 for the first six months, it wouldn’t hurt to have an extra $50,000 on hand.
Also, don’t forget your own personal expenses. $100,000 may sound excessive now, but if you need $60,000 for the business, what about paying your own mortgage, insurance, and other routine expenses? You should try to have at least six months of cash on hand in case you find stalls in revenue.
Utilize Your Marketing Skills
If you’re starting an SEO business, chances are that you know a thing or two about digital marketing. Use that to your advantage, but don’t forget your target market.
SEO services are typically B2B, which means you are primarily targeting business leaders, marketing directors, or other decision-makers. Offer them value with your SEO content, be upfront with your pricing and services, and give them a reason to contact you.
Think about what you would do for a client and put those practices to use. Get yourself listed on directories, try affiliate marketing, build backlinks, and whatever else will help you.
Set Appropriate Rates
Of course, you don’t want to undercharge clients and fold in the area, or overcharge them and not get any leads. Luckily, there are resources available on how to set SEO rates if you want to find more information.
Launch Your Business Today!
Now that you know how to launch an SEO business, there’s no time like the present to get started. The field is growing more competitive, so get in while you can and keep reading our blog for more business news!
