A Newbie Question on Offline SEO Services

16 replies
Let's see....

I'm interested in doing Offline marketing, SEO for local markets... Offering them SEO services and such...

The Question is...
Now this will sound really newbieish...

What is SEO services?
*Search Engine Rankings for their website?

How do I define this service? I mean how many keywords am I suppose to rank for them?

Will they tell me what keywords they want?
Are we doing it on "Broad Keywords?" or "Long Tail?"

So... We'll be doing the research on keywords for them? Am I right?

And do we provide marketing? Or are we merely focused on bringing them up the ranks?
------ Edit Beyond this line

And would we be doing articles for them? Let's say it's a small company but they want to appear more professional with articles on solving cases in their niche.
#newbie #offline #question #seo #services
  • Profile picture of the author davidsmith985
    Well the first step should be to learn different type on SEO services that comes under offline Seo category. You can learn lot of things online.

    Thanks,
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  • Profile picture of the author GeoFan
    Many local small businesses get 2 or 3 calls per day offering SEO services. It's a cold-calling nuisance to most of the owners. How will you: articulate your offer, establish your credibility, and differentiate yourself from the competition? That is what you will be doing for them, too. It can become an ongoing thing, a monthly service, after you establish a relationship.

    • The typical local business needs not only SEO:

    Website (on-page) optimisation: title, headings, img alt text, keywords, content, etc...
    Keyword research & competitive positioning.
    Inbound links: qualtity, relevance, growth. (Directories, Articles, etc...)

    • But also:

    Google Places... Mobile/Local presence: establish or tuneup.
    Reputation management (reviews.)
    Social network promotion: facebook, maybe a twitter presence, maybe a blog?
    Sync and synergy between print ads and web presence: postcards, flyers, ads, and promos, Craigslist ads, merchantcircle.com, etc...


    EDIT:
    Suggestion: Pick one kind of business, such as: hair salons, car stereo shops, or restaurants, to get started. You will learn from that, and get more efficient and effective, and establish your reputation. Selling can be the hardest part. Referrals are key.

    Entrepreneurs' credo: Find a need, and fill it.
    Corollary: Pick your niche, and focus!
    Signature
    Free SEO Report, good for one site, one keyphrase, one time use ... Don't pay for SEO services, get a Free SEO Report, try before you buy! After your initial free report, the cost is very reasonable. A brief proposal and recommendations will be included with your free report. IF this is against the WarriorForum TOS, I will delete it. Please, just let me know... PM me.
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  • Profile picture of the author MickAdamski
    I would say that SEO services are exactly that Search Engine Optimization. You are going to optimize the site for increased search engine rankings. If you start to offer Marketing services then that is a different service and should be billed differently.

    I would suggest focusing on local keywords for offline businesses and only rank them for one main keyword. It will be easier to do and being number one for one keyword is better then #3 or 4 for 3 keywords. IMO. Base your pricing on researching the keyword you are going to target and then make them a guarentee that you will get them results. (this should be done way before you actually approach a prospect) That should be a start. You can always upsell to additional keywords and services once they see your results.
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    • Profile picture of the author LastWarrior
      Originally Posted by MickAdamski View Post

      I would suggest focusing on local keywords for offline businesses and only
      rank them for one main keyword. It will be easier to do and being number
      one for one keyword is better then #3 or 4 for 3 keywords.
      Dude, if you were my competition, I'd smoke you. LOL!

      I don't agree with this line of thinking. If I'm going to offer my services to
      an offline business, it's my job to get their business more customers,
      period. In so doing, I have to give them a fair opportunity for their site to
      get spotted by potential clients on the search engines... and in spots 1-5
      on the first page... and at big G. I can't possibly do that with only 1
      keyword when most niches can have MANY good keywords or phrases that
      buyers are using to find what they are looking for. Its not necessarily any
      "easier" to focus on one keyword. Why do that anyway? I'd be cutting
      my client short.

      ==================

      amenwolf, First you should think about what you will be doing or how to
      describe what you are doing for your clients. As a marketer who will be
      helping offline businesses establish a better online presence by offering
      them new or refurbished sites that will rank well at the search engines,
      you essentially are taking the online traffic of buyers and getting them to
      go to your client's site. You accomplish this with not a mere website, but
      one that is optimized using both on page and off page methods of
      optimization.

      Unknown terms used with paragraph above can easily be checked and
      learned. Learn how to optimize a webpage, then learn what the things
      you can do that are not on a webpage(off page) that you can do to
      have it appear better at the SERP's. Then learn the various local search
      places a client can and should sign up for that will help their pages get
      better position.

      LastWarrior
      Signature



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      • Profile picture of the author MickAdamski
        Originally Posted by LastWarrior View Post

        Dude, if you were my competition, I'd smoke you. LOL!

        I don't agree with this line of thinking. If I'm going to offer my services to
        an offline business, it's my job to get their business more customers,
        period. In so doing, I have to give them a fair opportunity for their site to
        get spotted by potential clients on the search engines... and in spots 1-5
        on the first page... and at big G. I can't possibly do that with only 1
        keyword when most niches can have MANY good keywords or phrases that
        buyers are using to find what they are looking for. Its not necessarily any
        "easier" to focus on one keyword. Why do that anyway? I'd be cutting
        my client short.

        ==================
        I agree with you on this point (well sort of). In your approach to rank a site on the Search Engines I agree that the more keywords you rank for the better. However when I rank a site I typically focus on one main keyword and then use 5-10 other keywords LSI keywords to support it. Many times these LSI keyword will also rank well at the same time and some times better because they may be less competitive. So in reality we are ranking for multiple keywords all at the same time. Again I just pick 5 - 10 LSI's to focus on maximizing their ranking as well.

        I think if you look at the stats for the percentage of people clicking each link you will find that the first place link is way higher then the 3rd or 4th. So having a 1st place listing will get you more traffic then 3- 4th place listings. If you had 10 4th place listings then the combined total would be greater I guess. It all depends on your strategy.

        Maybe you would smoke me ... Maybe not ... but the competition would be fun LOL and in the end it is all about the client anyways.
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        • Profile picture of the author LastWarrior
          Originally Posted by MickAdamski View Post

          I agree with you on this point (well sort of). In your approach to rank a site on the Search Engines I agree that the more keywords you rank for the better. However when I rank a site I typically focus on one main keyword and then use 5-10 other keywords LSI keywords to support it. Many times these LSI keyword will also rank well at the same time and some times better because they may be less competitive. So in reality we are ranking for multiple keywords all at the same time. Again I just pick 5 - 10 LSI's to focus on maximizing their ranking as well.

          I think if you look at the stats for the percentage of people clicking each link you will find that the first place link is way higher then the 3rd or 4th. So having a 1st place listing will get you more traffic then 3- 4th place listings. If you had 10 4th place listings then the combined total would be greater I guess. It all depends on your strategy.

          Maybe you would smoke me ... Maybe not ... but the competition would be fun LOL and in the end it is all about the client anyways.
          Hello MickAdamski,

          As far as my comment of "getting smoked", that was in jest. Humor was built into me since before my birth. It's a trademark of my parents. I don't think it wise to come to a "real" conclusion on one's ability based on a post or two. Although with some, it's more than enough. LOL!

          Anyway, I concur and agree with your latter post. But I still disagree to a point. I'd rather rank with 3, 4, 5 or more keyword phrases than being "Champ!" on only one. Why? Because if you add up the search volume for the other keywords versus the #1 search phrase/keyword, it accounts for more hits to the owner's website. I use my knowledge to help others, which in turn produces an income that pays my bills. It's a win-win, therefore I try and outrank the competition for my clients based on their needs. And I feel using as many keyword phrases it takes to do the job is worth it for them and myself to get the job done.

          But also you did say:

          "I would suggest focusing on local keywords for offline businesses and only rank them for one main keyword. It will be easier to do and being number one for one keyword is better then #3 or 4 for 3 keywords."

          That's totally different than what you said the 2nd time. Had you said your re-phrased intention in the beginning, we wouldn't be having this discussion. LOL!

          Adios.

          LastWarrior
          Signature



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      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by LastWarrior View Post

        Dude, if you were my competition, I'd smoke you. LOL!

        I don't agree with this line of thinking. If I'm going to offer my services to
        an offline business, it's my job to get their business more customers,
        period. In so doing, I have to give them a fair opportunity for their site to
        get spotted by potential clients on the search engines... and in spots 1-5
        on the first page... and at big G. I can't possibly do that with only 1
        keyword when most niches can have MANY good keywords or phrases that
        buyers are using to find what they are looking for. Its not necessarily any
        "easier" to focus on one keyword. Why do that anyway? I'd be cutting
        my client short.

        ==================

        amenwolf, First you should think about what you will be doing or how to
        describe what you are doing for your clients. As a marketer who will be
        helping offline businesses establish a better online presence by offering
        them new or refurbished sites that will rank well at the search engines,
        you essentially are taking the online traffic of buyers and getting them to
        go to your client's site. You accomplish this with not a mere website, but
        one that is optimized using both on page and off page methods of
        optimization.

        Unknown terms used with paragraph above can easily be checked and
        learned. Learn how to optimize a webpage, then learn what the things
        you can do that are not on a webpage(off page) that you can do to
        have it appear better at the SERP's. Then learn the various local search
        places a client can and should sign up for that will help their pages get
        better position.

        LastWarrior
        And I thought I was going to have to be the bad guy again. LOL. Agreed. It is all about visibility. I would rather triple the recognition and not have to worry about one keyword losing rank ever. Always diversify, in everything.
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  • Profile picture of the author scotth
    Originally Posted by amenwolf View Post

    Let's see....

    I'm interested in doing Offline marketing, SEO for local markets... Offering them SEO services and such...

    The Question is...
    Now this will sound really newbieish...

    What is SEO services?
    *Search Engine Rankings for their website?

    How do I define this service? I mean how many keywords am I suppose to rank for them?

    Will they tell me what keywords they want?
    Are we doing it on "Broad Keywords?" or "Long Tail?"

    So... We'll be doing the research on keywords for them? Am I right?

    And do we provide marketing? Or are we merely focused on bringing them up the ranks?
    ------ Edit Beyond this line

    And would we be doing articles for them? Let's say it's a small company but they want to appear more professional with articles on solving cases in their niche.
    If your looking to cut your learning curve...Jerome here in the WF is one of the best teachers in getting and top SEO rankings for offline clients in your local city....Take Action!

    WSO C4 Method by Jerome
    Signature

    Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

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  • Profile picture of the author 350frm
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author amenwolf
      Been reading and rereading... hahaha

      My minds all jumble up... but after reading the replies here I think I might have misunderstood a few things...

      So kinda let me rephrase myself...

      I'm thinking of providing a SEO services for local business.
      I will admit I'm not a top notch SEO pro or guru.. Cause I'm still learning...

      But internet marketing it's all about taking actions

      From my perspective, or what I've 'learned' is that SEO services is all about offpage backlinking..

      Now going offline local what I'm confused is that are we allowed to 'touch' their on page SEO. Would that fall under website design or such?

      --------------
      hmmm... I'm truly getting nowhere with my questions.. hahahaha
      --------------
      Straight to the point
      Here's what I intend to do....

      *Google Places
      *Search Engine Rankings
      *Directory listings
      *And maybe a facebook fan page.

      - So... Am I suppose to do a revamp of their site and such? Providing content for them?
      -And as I've mention how many keywords am I suppose to rank for them? (but that was answered by Mickadamski)
      -So... (too much 'so' makes this reply seems so rude) All this falls under SEM not SEO?

      As GeoFan Mentioned local business need not only SEO.... And that kinda makes sense... cause for them to see a ranking in first page does not equal more profits....

      --------------
      P.S As I'm typing out these Questions I seem to reply some of them myself.... hahahaha
      I guess I have a rough idea of the direction I'm taking...
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      • Profile picture of the author GeoFan
        Originally Posted by amenwolf View Post

        So... Am I suppose to do a revamp of their site and such? Providing content for them?
        It will depend on their existing website. Is it well designed, with keywords and content in place? If so, all you need is backlinks... write some articles, interview them for ideas about articles... look at what the competitors are doing... other similar businesses in different regions... tuneup their keywords...

        If it is poorly designed, you may have to tweak it or overhaul it. Add a few headings and paragraphs. Maybe a page or two for certain topics.

        Search results are all about keywords. That is a key part of SEO.
        Signature
        Free SEO Report, good for one site, one keyphrase, one time use ... Don't pay for SEO services, get a Free SEO Report, try before you buy! After your initial free report, the cost is very reasonable. A brief proposal and recommendations will be included with your free report. IF this is against the WarriorForum TOS, I will delete it. Please, just let me know... PM me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
    One: Prove you can do it.
    Two. Show off your skills.
    Three. Grab customers.

    If you skip one of these points, you'll get burned and you'll burn everyone doing it the right way. Don't take it personally, but there are many people screwing offline businesses with "SEO" when they can't rank one low competition site.

    My personal advice: prove you can do it, rank 3-5 sites for profitable keywords and then show off what you did, pitching your services.

    Take or leave it, just trying to help you out.

    Signature
    People make good money selling to the rich. But the rich got rich selling to the masses.
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  • Profile picture of the author dmramirez
    I would probably say long tail keywords so that your customers (who probably won't know anything about the internet) can actually see clear results of their campaign without you having to do TOO much work.

    You should limit the amount of keywords that you will rank for them or charge them tiered price points for multiple keywords.

    Hope it helps!
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    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by dmramirez View Post

      I would probably say long tail keywords so that your customers (who probably won't know anything about the internet) can actually see clear results of their campaign without you having to do TOO much work.

      You should limit the amount of keywords that you will rank for them or charge them tiered price points for multiple keywords.

      Hope it helps!
      And that is the difference of providing perception of value, and actual value. If you want to lose clients, then follow his advice. A long tail keyword that gets no traffic is worthless.
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      • Profile picture of the author dmramirez
        Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

        And that is the difference of providing perception of value, and actual value. If you want to lose clients, then follow his advice. A long tail keyword that gets no traffic is worthless.
        Not necessarily. If I'm a consumer and I search "bowling" I'd be less likely to find an actual bowling alley that I could go to than if I typed "bowling alley boise idaho". Most small businesses who need SEO work done really just want local people to come to their location.

        The fact that there isn't as much short tail traffic as there is long tail traffic isn't always such a bad thing either. Someone who types in more keywords while searching is looking for something specific. This means their more the serious type than just curious..

        Just do your keyword research on whether or not the long tail keyword is ACTUALLY BEING SEARCHED at a significant rate. I agree with "iAmNameLess" when it comes to long tail keywords that DON'T get traffic.
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  • Profile picture of the author colston
    Good posting guys.
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  • Profile picture of the author amenwolf
    hmm... Long tail and broad keywords... I think both have it's importance value...

    Sure is getting 'hot' in here hahaha

    I am thinking more of longtail.. maybe 4 and above.. Since it's only a small local biz, with no franchise or such thing... Just 1 small shop secluded in the area...
    And I've done some research.. The niche for that shop / biz... is truly one of its kind in the area...

    Have no idea why that guy wanna set up shop here... so secluded... But I guess he sees the potential of being "Rare" in the area...

    Thats the reason why I kinda thought of approaching him to offer SEO services, at the least to get the shop reputation out to the area..

    P.S ...
    I'm from a small country... where 1 end to the other; 'longest' distance is only a mere
    48 km.. so when I mean area... I think it's only a mere 5km radius (And i have no idea why am i explaining this)
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