Tweet

The Cost of SEO

Written by: Michael Fleischner

Article Overview: Achieving top rankings is no easy task - and it can be incredibly costly. Don't think that SEO is free - it's not. To get to the coveted number one position takes time, resources, and money.

The Cost of SEO

I'm often asked by companies how much they should be spending on search engine optimization. As you can imagine, the answer to such a question depends on a large number of factors. An SEO budget could be based on the number of web properties you're managing, how much work there is to do, and who will be doing the work for you. Despite popular belief, search engine optimization is not free. Many times, individuals try to compare SEO to pay-per-click or search engine marketing, but the two are very dissimilar. Many of the costs associated with search engine optimization are involved in labor, site development, and acquisition of in-bound links. Unlike PPC, search engine optimization does not work on a pay-per-click basis.

The costs associated with SEO begin with an expert analysis of your existing websites and web pages. Additional costs are related to competitive and keyword analysis. Many web site owners consider doing these types of activities on their own. In many instances they can, however they will need tools to do so. These resources aren't free because they solve a need. When thinking about a do-it-yourself type commitment, you often spend valuable time " which has a monetary value, and money paying for helpful online tools and resources.

Dont underestimate the value of your time or the time that others are spending on search engine optimization related tasks. You should determine the costs of these activities in order to truly realize and manage your expense. Often times, you can hire a resource for much less per hour than you're spending to do the necessary tasks of keyword research, competitive analysis, or link building.

Once you have completed a thorough review of your web site, completed the necessary analysis, and have determined the keywords you are going to optimize for, the true work begins. And this work can be very costly. Again, you have to consider the time you are spending on SEO related activities and how much its costing you by not focusing on other, more challenging opportunities. The process of link building is an arduous one and can be outsourced to expedite the process or simply lower costs.

Online tools can also be helpful in determining or prioritizing tasks. Once you have specific tasks defined, locate a resource that can save you money. This may be a software application that helps you submit your URL to directories. It could be an article writing service that can do the heavy lifting for you. It may even be an outsource solution for finding link partners and managing link exchanges. All of this link building takes work and requires a good deal of time. So consider your options and choose the one that is most cost effective.

SEO is not free. You may consider it less expensive than other forms of online marketing because you're doing much of the work on your own. However, you should consider the value of your time and alternatives for reducing your workload and improving results. Whether you are thinking about online resources or additional individuals to do many of the repetitive tasks necessary to build in-bound links and corresponding page rank, your analysis should consider costs and benefits. Even though SEO is not free, its worth every penny.

Related Articles
  Low Cost Franchises Offer Way to Own Your Own Business
  What are the 3 biggest challenges faced by supply chain/purchasing professionals today? (Survey Result 20)
  Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
  Trial your adverts
  Retail Costing, FIFO, LIFO, Average COST?

Article Tags: acquisition, budget, competitive analysis, expert analysis, instances, keyword analysis, monetary value, money, necessary tasks, online tools, pay per click, popular belief, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, true work, web pages, web properties



Related Forum Posts
No fee biz banking - I miss Bizsmart - it was a great no fee banking option for businesses but I guess the company wasn't making much returns and had to shut down. Are there any other no fee or Low Cost Business banking options still available in Canada?
Research & Dev Tax Credit - at No Cost (Canada) - Brian, I have a colleague that can provide you guidance and even assist in maximizing a R&D Tax Credit from the Government of Canada (If you are Canadian). All this at No Cost to You. I know her well and have referred other people to her. She's got plenty of experience in the field. If you're interested (anyone else on this forum too) just send me a PM and I will share her details with you.
Re: When did your entrepreneurism start? - I sold my science fair project when I was 9 year old after I won 2nd place. Created crystals from lumps of salt that collected on a string. Cost less than a penny to make and got $1 a piece for them. Not bad profit margin but was too young to realize I was ripping anyone off at the time.
Picking a corporate lawyer - Hi Everyone, I was just curious to know what's the most important criteria a small business owner should look at when choosing a corporate lawyer? -Cost/hr? -Location? -Reputation/Referral? -Experience? -Personality? How did you pick your lawyer? And what's a fair price to pay per hour? Thanks
Points which are considered in a bank? - I have tried to value banks several times and found it very hard to proceed with it. I know a bit. But it seems to be too less to proceed. Can we take this up?? Here is what I know 1. Price to book is a more imp. 2. Net interest income and non-interest income need to thought of. 3. Loan loss provisioning. 4. Coverage ratio. 5. Cost of funds. 6. ROA, ROE 7. NPA 8. Deposits and advances. 9. Capital adequacy ratio 10. Tier 1, Tier 2 capital consideration. 11. Leverage, loan book value 12. LIBOR, SLR, CRR There are many more. And even in the ones above, it’s pretty hard to value a bank.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Common Sense Stress Management

Selling with Humor (and a Sorry Butt)

Anger Solutions at Work: Why Customers Get Angry

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.