Search Engine Optimization SEO - Internet Marketing

Image by edkohler via Flickr

Survey Reveals 72% of Small Businesses Attribute Search Engine Marketing To Increased Sales, But Many Are Too Intimidated To Try It

According to a recent Microsoft Advertising adCenter study, 73% of small business owners said they would rather file their own taxes than set up a search marketing plan. The anonymous online survey of U.S. businesses with less than 250 employees reveals that many small businesses have built Web sites to attract consumers, but don’t include search marketing campaigns as part of their Internet strategy. In fact, nine in 10 businesses that have an online presence have never even given attempted search engine marketing (SEM).

The survey also notes that many owners realize they are missing out on opportunities, but find it too complex and stressful to set up a plan; 89% are afraid that SEM might become too expensive. Other factors preventing small business owners from setting up a search marketing plan include a lack of confidence in their ability and because SEM is too time-consuming.
Ironically, of those who use search marketing, 72% said they have seen an increase in sales inquiries and nearly 68% consider their search marketing efforts successful. With these impressive success rates in mind, and especially because of the faltering economy, SEM makes more sense now than ever before.

"Everyone has heard of the saying, ‘If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?’ Just like the saying goes, regardless of how good your products or services are, or how great your Web site is, it doesn’t matter if they can’t find you online,” said Jason Teck, CEO of S4T Group, a business solutions firm. “SEM is the key to the masses hearing the sound.”
In addition to getting the word out about your company, there are other advantages to SEM. It is completely measurable, making it a desirable alternative to other forms of promotion, as you can accurately track your return on investment and make changes to your program in real time.

Teck says that there are tools to help people take on their own SEM, but warns you must educate yourself about search engine algorithms to get the maximum advantages or you could make mistakes that can negatively impact your site's presence on Google.

Contrary to what some believe hiring an SEO company may be in your budget and is a much more affordable option than traditional marketing tactics such as advertising. For only a few hundred dollars a month, you can hire an expert to handle your website rankings, optimizations and marketing, which allows you to focus on running the business.

For a free consultation, which includes a free SEO analysis, e-mail info@s4tgroup.com, or call us at 954-793-4082.