Wordpress SEO Expert

Improve your Google ranking with Peter Mahoney, 20+ years SEO & Wordpress experience

Feedback on another SEO company’s proposal

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I’m looking at a local firm for my digital marketing and would like your feedback on their proposal.

The company we met proposed £900 per month for a full package including paid advertising on google/ socials and SEO.

SEO Analysis

The current domain authority score of your website stands at 9 out of 100. Given the fact that your site has only secured 7 backlinks, this is a respectable figure. It’s clear that no prior search engine optimization efforts have been made on the site, presenting us with a blank canvas to start our work. This means there’s no need to undo any previous SEO mishaps. At present, your site is listed for 27 distinct keywords within the UK market, the specifics of which are included in the attachment to this email. Currently, the keyword foundation is quite minimal.

Our strategy should encompass a dual approach of link building and content generation. These foundational SEO practices do not require extraordinary measures. Your website exudes a high-end, luxurious appeal, though it lacks substantial textual content. Enhancing the blog and integrating more content throughout the site will significantly contribute to improving your D/A rating and achieving organic rankings for your chosen keywords.

Paid Advertising Insights

Google Ads allows for precision in selecting search terms to appear on the first page, leveraging our existing data on effective terms, optimal times, and target demographics.

Social Media Advertising requires more targeted efforts, focusing on individuals who have expressed interest in similar products, even if they have not specifically searched for yours. We advise directing users to a Meta-generated form upon ad click, facilitating direct communication.

Advertising Budgets

We suggest a minimum budget of £500 for Google Ads and £300 for social media to begin.

Our Agency Services

We offer a comprehensive package that includes SEO efforts, such as content and blog creation and link building, alongside management of Google Ads and Social Media Ads, for a monthly fee of £900 plus VAT.

There’s a couple of red flags in that proposal.

900 quid a month is a lot. And I guarantee that almost all of that will go towards PPC, which has a very low ROI.

They also mentioned something about getting you first page listings through PPC. That’s a bit of a bait and switch – hearing ‘first page’ sounds exciting but of course they’re just buying that, there’s nothing clever or sustaining about it (like there is with proper SEO). Also all kinds of studies have demonstrated people are a lot less likely to click on ads they see in search compared to organic results–which is precisely why Google keeps experimenting with ad placement, style, etc.

In my experience (which is longstanding, it predates even Google and certainly their PPC system) people selling PPC and SEO are usually just focussing on PPC. It requires the lowest amount of work from them (and therefore easy income) and looks like it gives quick results (“Look! You’re on page one!”) even though that’s not really what’s going on, nor is it providing the most useful visitors.

Your crew here may be different. There are definitely exceptions, and also some really awesome people out there.

I would suggest this as a measure. SEO grows over time and builds upon itself, but PPC doesn’t – it’s just one click costs x – so in that regard any return you get should be immediate.  Ask them to give you access to the PPC account, so you can see the monthly spend. If you didn’t make more than that spend in that month from revenue sourced through ads–it’s not worth it.

I know they say they’ll do SEO too – and I do hope that’s the case. But a red flag there is that they seem to put a real focus on link building…again, ask to see the list of links they made in a month. Because most people focusing on link building as a primary strategy are just clicking a few buttons and auto-generating (through inexpensive software) low quality links that will hurt in the long term. And it takes them about 30 seconds a month to action that.

I guess all I’m saying is…be careful out there. 🙂

Investing in decent web hosting is a smart move for savvy businesses

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In the digital landscape, your website serves as your virtual storefront, greeting customers and presenting your brand around the clock.

Given its pivotal role, it’s surprising that the crucial decision of selecting a web hosting service often receives less attention than it should.

Let’s explore why investing in quality web hosting is not just a good idea but a fundamental aspect of your online success.

Consider this: you’ve dedicated time, creativity, and resources to develop a website that perfectly encapsulates your brand’s essence. To complement this investment, choosing a robust web hosting service is essential. It’s akin to selecting a prime location for a physical store; the right setting makes all the difference.

Drawing a parallel to traditional business expenses, think about the cost of maintaining a landline. Many businesses willingly incur monthly charges for their phone, recognizing its utility despite dwindling usage. Yet, when it comes to web hosting—a service that has a broader reach and a more significant impact on business growth—a lot of people don’t even want to pay 20% of the cost of the phone line. But a website, when optimally set up, SEO’d and hosted, acts as a tireless advocate for your business, accessible to a global audience 24/7.

The benefits of premium web hosting are huge. Speed, for instance, is a crucial factor. Websites that load quickly offer a better user experience, keeping visitors engaged and reducing bounce rates. In today’s fast-paced digital world, users expect instant access to information. A slow-loading site not only tests their patience but can also drive them directly to your competitors.

Security is another critical consideration. High-quality web hosting provides robust protection against cyber threats, safeguarding your site’s integrity and your customers’ sensitive data. This commitment to security builds trust with your audience, a vital component of customer loyalty and brand reputation.

Furthermore, reliability is a hallmark of premium hosting services. Ensuring your website is always available and performing optimally means you’re always ready to welcome visitors, answer queries, and conduct business. This reliability strengthens your brand’s presence online and supports continuous growth.

To put it simply, decent web hosting is an investment in your website’s performance, security, and reliability. It’s about giving your digital presence the foundation it needs to thrive. Like any wise investment, it costs, but the returns—in terms of site performance, customer satisfaction, and business growth—are substantial.

The decision to invest in quality web hosting should be viewed as an integral part of your business strategy. It’s not merely a technical necessity; it’s a strategic investment in creating a seamless, secure, and swift online experience for your customers. Just as you wouldn’t compromise on the quality of your products or services, the same should hold true for your website’s hosting.

In the grand scheme of your digital marketing efforts, premium web hosting is not a cost but a critical driver of success.

The Critical Role of Digital Marketing and SEO during Economic Downturns

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As businesses grapple with the challenges of economic recessions and difficult financial times, the importance of maintaining a robust digital marketing strategy, particularly in the realm of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), becomes ever more critical.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder of our increasing reliance on digital platforms for discovering products and services.

This shift in consumer behavior underscores the necessity for businesses to prioritize their digital presence, ensuring they remain visible and competitive in an increasingly crowded online marketplace.

During times of economic uncertainty, companies often scrutinize their budgets, looking for areas to cut costs. However, reducing investment in digital marketing, and SEO in particular, can be a short-sighted decision that jeopardizes long-term success. Organic search remains one of the most cost-effective and powerful digital marketing strategies, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses to reach potential customers without the need for paid advertising.

The benefits of a well-optimized website extend beyond immediate visibility. SEO enhances user experience, making it easier for customers to find the information they need and interact with your brand. This improved engagement not only boosts your site’s ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) but also fosters trust and loyalty among your target audience. In a recession, where every customer’s decision is more deliberate, being the top choice in organic search results can make all the difference.

Furthermore, SEO is a long-term strategy. The efforts you put in today will continue to yield results months and even years down the line. Unlike paid advertising campaigns that stop the moment funding is pulled, SEO builds a foundation for sustained organic growth. This resilience is particularly valuable in uncertain times, providing businesses with a steady stream of potential customers even when budgets are tight.

Investing in digital marketing and SEO during a recession is not just about surviving; it’s about positioning your business for growth when the economy rebounds. History has shown that companies that continue to market aggressively during downturns often outperform their peers once the economy recovers. The digital landscape is no exception. Maintaining or even increasing your SEO efforts can give you a significant advantage over competitors who cut back, allowing you to capture a larger share of the market as conditions improve.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, with more people than ever turning to the internet to find products and services, the value of a strong online presence cannot be overstated. SEO is at the heart of this presence, helping businesses connect with their audience at the moment they’re searching for solutions.

To help businesses navigate these challenging times and strengthen their digital footprint, I offer a comprehensive WordPress SEO overhaul service. This service is designed to optimize every aspect of your website, from improving site speed and mobile responsiveness to crafting keyword-rich content that resonates with both search engines and customers. By investing in a thorough SEO overhaul, businesses can enhance their online visibility, attract more organic traffic, and build a solid foundation for growth, regardless of the economic climate.

In conclusion, while economic downturns present undeniable challenges, they also offer unique opportunities for businesses willing to invest in their digital future. SEO, with its unmatched ability to connect businesses with their target audience organically, should be at the forefront of this effort. By prioritizing SEO, even in tough times, businesses can not only weather the storm but emerge stronger on the other side. For those ready to take their digital marketing to the next level, my complete WordPress SEO overhaul service offers the perfect solution to ensure your business remains visible, viable, and competitive, no matter what the economic landscape looks like.

Visit here to learn more and get started on fortifying your digital presence today.

 

Prices are quoted exclusive of VAT unless expressly stated.

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