Do you want to start an SEO business? If yes, you are in the right place. Here in this article, you will find a complete SEO Agency business plan with types of services, costs, licenses, and more.
SEO consulting professionals provide organic search engine optimizing tactics and improve a website from a virtual unknown to page one ranking. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. When people look forward to information regarding products or services on the web, they mostly use search engines. Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc are some of the popular search engines people use.
The websites that appear higher up on the results on the first page of the search engines are supposed to attract the most visitors. And here lies the scope of the SEO consulting business.
Starting an SEO consulting business is a very creative business whereby you can earn unlimited income while helping business owners and individuals attract more visitors to their websites. The service you provide will consist of analyzing clients’ websites and letting your clients know what could be done to get their sites to rank higher.
Here are the 8 Steps to Start SEO Business
1. Learn the SEO Techniques
As an SEO Consulting service provider, your job will be to analyze clients’ websites and suggest to them what could be done to get their sites to rank higher in search engines.
If you are not an expert in website creation and SEO, there are several training courses you can take to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to start this business. You can also hire SEO experts to work for you. However, expertise in basic skills of website development and SEO is highly advisable.
2. Select SEO Consulting Services
As a new startup, it is extremely important to choose the SEO services you are going to customers. The services initially must be based on the expertise and skills you already have. Some of the services you can offer are as follows:
a) SEO audits
In-depth analysis of the client site’s on-page optimization and locating immediate areas for improvement.
b) Implementation guidelines
Guiding your client already mapped out strategies for development
c) Software recommendations
The search marketing industry is filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of software solutions to help track, analyze and improve your keyword rankings. Help your client with the right solutions.
d) SEO strategy development
Creating an entire SEO plan as per maximum optimization of the budget
e) Keyword research and analysis
Keyword research is the most important aspect of the on-page SEO optimization process. Preparing an in-depth report on keyword status analysis and guidelines for improving site rankings.
f) Link-building Services
Helping your client in a better link-building process.
g) Redesign guidance
You can create a strategy document for the redesign of the client site if needed.
h) Content Provider
Presently, every business needs a dynamic website. To do that, one needs to post regular articles. Since business owners don’t find much time to write, they hire professional content writing agencies to provide them with relevant articles.
i) Retainership for quality assurance
Monthly retainers to guide your client’s SEO needs.
3. Create an SEO Consulting Business Plan
Like any other business, an SEO consulting company also needs a well-drafted business plan. This plan document works as a roadmap for future courses of action and also is an important document for arranging funds from investors.
Some of the basic topics to be covered in your SEO consulting business plan are the following:
- Startup and recurring costs
- Services to be offered
- Target customers
- Pricing plan
- Hiring manpower
- How do you plan to get customers
4. Name your Business
Select a catchy name for your SEO consulting business. The name must correctly manifest the services offered by the company. A properly coined company name not only helps in bringing more customers but also adds value to the brand personality of the company.
Furthermore, do not forget to check domain availability book a relevant domain name for your upcoming website and register it of your own. It is important to select a similar business and website domain name so that customers can easily identify your SEO company both online and offline.
Learn More: How to Name Your Business
5. Register your Business
It is essential to register your business if you want to run your company hassle-free and without a headache. Talk to the local competent authority or a local attorney to help you choose the right company structure.
As an example, if you are from the United States, forming an LLC will provide you with some extra benefits like protecting your assets. You can form an LLC yourself or hire a reputed LLC company formation agent paying some extra fees.
6. Licenses and Permits
Another legal aspect that you must cover is procuring the required licenses and permits to run a company in your locality. It is best to contact a local lawyer and get them.
7. Hire Skilled Manpower
The SEO consulting business is a big industry. There are many verticles to cover. For a beginner, it is almost impossible to cover all of them. As a result, you have to build a network of skilled personnel both in-house and on a contract basis. Identify the services and recruit them accordingly.
However, if you are a beginner with a low budget, hiring SEO experts will not be a good idea. A professional SEO expert will charge anywhere between $100 to $200 per hour. This can be a huge cost for startups. For new search engine optimization service companies, it is much better to outsource SEO project jobs to a reputed white-label SEO service-providing company.
8. Promote Your SEO Consulting Business
The first step in the process of promoting your business is to create a catchy logo. Imprint this logo in your marketing materials like business cards, brochures, and media kits.
The next important step is to invest in creating a website so that customers and reach you online. Do remember, that your SEO business website must look professional. In addition, it is essential to conduct keyword research and begin implementing essential SEO methods like modifying title tags and improving link structure. It will make your prospective customers feel confident that you are the right company to do their SEO-related jobs.
Mention all your services, your company, a portfolio page, and contact details on your website. Since SEO consulting is essentially an online business, chances are more customers will visit your website to learn more about the credentials of your company.
Frequently Asked Questions on SEO Consulting Business
Do I need formal education or certification to start an SEO business?
While formal education and certifications can be beneficial, they are not mandatory. What matters most is your knowledge and practical skills in SEO.
How much can I charge for SEO services?
SEO pricing varies widely based on factors like the scope of work, competition, and client expectations. Some agencies charge hourly rates, while others offer monthly retainer packages. Research industry standards and consider your expenses when setting your rates.
Do I need a physical office for my SEO business?
Many SEO businesses operate successfully without a physical office. You can start as a home-based business and later consider an office if needed.
What You Need to Start an SEO Agency Business?
Anybody can start an SEO consulting business. However, the success rate of skilled professionals will be higher. Some of the basic things you need to have are the following:
- Expertise in search engine optimization methods.
- A detailed website that advertises your services.
- Computer with a high-speed Internet connection.
In addition, there are various SEO tools available, both free and paid, to assist in keyword research, competitor analysis, and tracking performance. Some of the popular options include SEMrush, Moz, Google Analytics, and Ahrefs.
Is SEO Consulting Business Profitable?
You can easily run this business from home (or anywhere in the world with an Internet connection). It can be very lucrative. The start-up costs for this business are very low. Normally the service is a long-term arrangement as clients need to maintain their rankings. You can increase your earnings by offering additional related services such as website creation and website design.
However, the SEO consulting business is an entirely performance-oriented service. You have to be dedicated and perform as per client needs. You have to master communication skills to understand what exactly your client expects from you.
Furthermore, one needs to be patient in your approach and continuously work on building a good reputation as a reliable SEO consulting professional as clients will prefer working with people whom they can trust.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.
