Is it getting harder to sell SEO services?
-
Is it just me, or is it getting harder to sell SEO services?
- SEO costs more now and takes longer to achieve results
- There seem to be more good SEO agencies out there (gone are the days where the primary competition was offshore outsourcers and web design agencies)
- It seems that the number of agencies is growing faster than the number of companies buying services
- As online competition heats up, it takes more and more budget to really "win" in a market, but so few companies are willing to invest enough
Any others notice similar trends? What will the future look like?
-
I agree that, for all the reasons listed, selling SEO may be harder. But, for all the reasons listed, you have an opportunity to differentiate yourself. You have access and knowledge of the reasons why potential clients would say no. Address the objections head on and find ways to assure the client that you are different.
If you approach SEO as something that does not differ between providers, then you will only end up competing on price. There are lots of good agencies out there. How many are truly great? In what ways can you edge out these good companies by delivering great value?
-
I agree with Bradley. Offering more than just SEO makes selling services much easier. The way SEO is going anyhow, you truly need to be multi-disciplined anyhow. There will always be a plethora of scammy seo companies because the average business owner doesn't know anything about SEO and it's too easy for them to make money.
-
IMHO, there were so many "scammy seo" companies that many companies believe it's a vodoo type business nowadays and ruined it for many legitimate SEO companies (this is mostly true for small-mid size companies).
It seems like more and more companies look for a good web design/developement company (for either a new site or routine maintenance) and this leads into the SEO work (agree w/Brad).
-
I also wouldn't discount the number of businesses that have previously been burned by so called SEO experts and were left with a bad taste for the industry.
-
Companies that offer services like Moz Analytics, Majestic, Raven Tools, and others probably aren't helping the situation for individuals
I have found it much easier to find projects and clients when presenting myself as a web developer/designer with a strong knowledge of SEO and marketing, rather than just a developer or just an SEO. For me, SEO is just another tool in my belt.
I think that it will become harder and harder to get strictly "SEO" work, as companies with access to the plethora of online tools (free and paid) will begin to bring a lot of that work in-house.
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Please critique my seo packages page on my website
Hello, I think there is a lot of room for improvement to my SEO packages (analysis) page on my website. Visit it by clicking here. I've always done SEO for our own business, so I'm new to this. Any help is appreciated. btw: I'm going to redo the chart on the page. I don't think profit and sales would ever compare like that. Thanks.
Industry News | | BobGW1 -
Local SEO Agency Suggestions
I've looked under the "recommended companies" tab of seomoz, but all of the SEO Agencies listed seem to be geared towards big businesses. Most of their contact pages have starting budgets that are way out of my league. I do my own web-development and on-site SEO, but due to the demands of my job, I do not have the time needed to focus on link-building, and any other kind of content marketing (other than occasional guest blogging). Can anyone recommend an individual or agency that can start with a $500 - $600 monthly budget and move up from there? My search terms are local to my city, and not all that competitive, just looking for someone who can help. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
Industry News | | ChaseH0 -
Upcoming/Fall SEO Conferences (2012)
I have been attending Pubcon for almost a decade now. I have missed only 1 or 2 in the last 9 years. This year, I was considering to go to Mozcon and SMX Advanced, but the dates did not work out for me. Next year I am not missing either of these conferences. For this year, if I was to attend one of the following, which one do folks recommend (I would love to know the 1st hand experiences, comparisons): http://www.pubcon.com/
Industry News | | NakulGoyal
http://www.blueglass.com/conferences/x/
http://sesconference.com/chicago/
http://searchmarketingexpo.com/east/
http://na.ad-tech.com/ny/0 -
Post your favorite SEOs for Mom and Pop Shops
I'm trying to compile a list of SEOs and/or Inbound Marketers that specialize in helping micro-businesses. For the purposes of this study 'micro' means any business with 5 or fewer employees. Names are great. Website URLs would be Fab. Twitter accounts would be super Fab. For instance: David Mihm http://www.davidmihm.com/ @davidmihm I'd be happy to share the final list with anyone who provides a name.
Industry News | | JesseCWalker0 -
What are some good organizations an SEO company can join that are strong trust signals?
We are working on a website redesign, and want to prominently include some trust signals that help people feel comfortable with us. We're including logos of a few places we've guest posted, and also the BBB and local chamber of commerce. Do you have any other ideas on logos we can include that are good trust signals? Any associations or organizations we could join? We are a trustworthy company, we just want a way to communicate that visually, and it seems organization seals and logos are the way to go. Thanks!
Industry News | | brianspatterson1 -
Want to a Medium Cost Seo Firm
Hi, I have a website which is ranged in medium scale, I want some medium cost seo company to do the seo work for my site. I willing to pay upto $500 p/m. Waiting for the replies.
Industry News | | Dexx220 -
Who would you like to ask a SEO question the most?
I was wondering about which people in the industry you'd like to ask a question the most in the q&a? On my list is Matt Cutts (obviously), Marshall Simmonds, Jimmy Wales and Biz Stone.
Industry News | | ThomasHgenhaven0