So was it the rabbit or the turtle who won the race?
There are two key strategies for driving traffic to small business websites, the turtle being Search Engine Optimisation and rabbit, pay per click advertising.
Search Engine Optimization when done correctly, completely and with integrity – works – but it takes time and commitment. The results will take longer to achieve, however the long term benefits cannot be underestimated.
Figures indicate that only 6% of search engine users click on sponsored listings. These figures reinforce the importance of ensuring your website is optimised for search engines and achieving the highest possible search engine rankings across multiple key word searches.
There are a number of great sites that you can visit to get tips and ideas on how to get started, however working closely with your web designers in the first instance is a great way to start. It’s always good to start with a strong foundation and build from there.
Pay per click on the other hand will deliver immediate responses when well targeted and well written and if managed well can deliver incremental traffic and business in a cost effective manner. Pay per click provides you with the opportunity to reach segments that you may not be achieving the rankings that you aspire to as a result of competition. In addition it is also an important tool in further developing your brand awareness and allows you to develop the message that you want to get across to the potential visitor.
So which one is it? Search Engine Optimisation or Pay Per Click – The rabbit or the turtle?
Both have a place and both are great tools to drive targeted traffic to your website. But always keep your focus on your customer, and the integrity in your brand and you will succeed.