Search engine optimization (SEO) and local SEO (LSEO) are sets of evolving best practices that determine where a website ranks in Google (or any other search engine, including Amazon). For example, if you Google “paleo dog cookies Portland”, there’s a reason why certain doggie bakeries come out on top: Good SEO practices. There are also “illegal” practices or black hat tricks which, if severe enough and usually intentional, can result in a penalty including being removed from search engine results all together. Once you upset Google, it’s hard to get back in their good graces.
When it comes to B2B companies, which ones benefit best from eCommerce SEO and white hat tricks? According to
Grey Umbrella Marketing
, if you have a web presence, and you should, you should be practicing SEO. However, it’s challenging and can be costly, especially for a startup. However, remember that if you don’t exist on the first page of Google, you may as well not exist at all. Here are some of the top contenders that should up their SEO game:
1. Any IT-related company
Obviously this goes for SEO companies, but also IT support and troubleshooting, graphic design teams, web developers, hosting companies, and so forth. Most small and even mid-sized businesses simply don’t have the budget to create their own, permanent in-house IT crew. They outsource and like to rely on local providers, so your
2015 SEO strategy
needs to be on point to attract the best customers.
2. Office supply providers
Whether you deliver bottled water, paper supplies or other basic office goodies, you need to be searchable. In fact,
according to Search Engine Journal
most people don’t look past the first page of Google when querying, so you need to stand out. No matter the size of the region you serve, there are numerous offices that are looking for affordable rates and top notch service. However, they can only find you based on your SEO.
3. Cleaning crews
If you’re a cleaning company who specializes in commercial spaces, you have a lot of competition. Your forte might not be IT, which means your SEO might be wanting, and that means your potential clients aren’t finding you. Hire an SEO agency that can optimize your site, and rest easy knowing that a lot of your competition is lagging behind. Take advantage of this business niche that isn’t SEO savvy, and you can quickly dominate the field.
4. Event venues
If you offer an event space that’s popular for tradeshows, corporate events, or otherwise have a lot of business clients, they probably already know a little about you. Even in major metros, there are only so many venues available. However, being at the top of search engine results is crucial once corporate employees start the planning phase. The venue is one of the first things booked, and you want to always be a top contender. Plus, you never know when out of town businesses might be planning a meeting from afar (and don’t know where to start).
5. Business consultants
Whether you specialize in HR, management or another niche, if you’re a consultant it’s your first task to be reachable. People aren’t going to dig too deep to find a consultant when there are so many on offer. With SEO in your corner, you can be the easiest to find and dominate in key phrases and themes.
No matter what type of B2B business you have, it can be made better with SEO. If you’re a startup, begin your business with proper SEO so you don’t have to “fix” it in the future.
