How to sell SEO services to local businesses:

1. Determine the SEO markets you want to sell to.
2. Choose which SEO services to sell.
3. Price your SEO services.
4. Approach potential clients.
5. Follow up on your SEO leads.

Selling SEO services to local businesses requires an understanding of local market needs. You need to research and maximize the latest SEO trends and tools. This way, you'll know who to target and what services to offer. Aspiring SEO business owners must also have a deep knowledge of search engines. They need to master keyword research, technical SEO, and link-building strategies.

Ahrefs states that around 68% of online journeys start with a search engine query. Successful SEO professionals recognize the importance of tailoring their offerings. It lets them meet the unique needs of small businesses in specific geographic areas. SEO personalization through off-page and on-page SEO allows experts to deliver tangible results. This drives local search visibility and attracts customers.

A Redditor mentioned making $3,000 monthly for a single client. He grew the local business's organic traffic from 200 to 8,600 monthly. Another Reddit user claimed to have grown a client's site traffic to over 200K visitors. He achieved this within two years by making 2 to 3 high-quality articles weekly. This Redditor ranked for high-volume, low-difficulty keywords.

SEO professionals have built thriving businesses by serving local clients. They provide well-executed local SEO strategies to bolster small business growth and revenue. They also conduct thorough local SEO audits to rank targeted local keywords. These experts showcase the power of custom SEO services for small businesses.

These Redditors have achieved success with their SEO businesses by satisfying their clients. One individual made $130,000 in 2022. He offered content marketing services and white label local SEO. Another Redditor mentioned making $9,000 monthly. However, he found SEO difficult and is planning to venture into dropshipping.

Local businesses increasingly recognize the value of optimizing their online presence. Industry leaders emphasize the critical role of Google My Business optimization. This strategy utilizes local reviews to increase brand awareness. It also uses Google Analytics and content optimization to launch high-performing campaigns.

The market for SEO services will remain robust in 2024. Bright Edge's report says that 53% of trackable web traffic is from organic search. More consumers rely on local search to find products and services. That's why the demand for professional SEO services continues to grow.

I've been using SEO to generate recurring passive income since 2014. That's why I know how the industry works and how to maximize SEO. In this article, I'll talk about the 5 key steps on how to sell SEO services to local businesses. I'll also feature the potential challenges of this model and valuable tips to win more SEO deals. Towards the end, I'll show you a better way to earn passive income with local SEO.

1. Determine the SEO Markets You Want To Sell to.

To identify target SEO markets, start by researching potential clients in areas that don't have a solid online presence for specific services. You can also look for suburbs or neighborhoods that haven't been targeted yet. Use tools like Google Trends or Semrush to analyze search patterns and industry demands. This data can reveal which sectors are actively seeking SEO support.

Consider these key questions when evaluating potential markets:

• What industries dominate the local economy?
• Which businesses have an online presence but rank poorly?
• Are there underserved niches in the local market?

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can streamline market analysis. It allows for tracking potential leads, storing client information, and analyzing engagement patterns. Some popular CRMs include HubSpot or Salesforce. They offer features specifically designed for managing SEO clients. According to a report by SuperOffice, CRMs can increase sales by up to 29%. It also boosts sales productivity by up to 34% and forecast accuracy by 42%.

To stay current with SEO trends, professionals can leverage resources, such as:

• Moz's SEO blog
• Search Engine Journal
• Google's Search Central Blog

Social platforms provide valuable insights into market demands. These include Reddit's r/SEO and r/bigseo subreddits. They often discuss emerging opportunities in local SEO services.

Identifying target markets is crucial for SEO professionals looking to sell their services. This lets you understand local business trends and demands. You also need to consider your client's needs. This entails understanding who their local customers are. These factors will help you focus your SEO efforts.

2. Choose Which SEO Services To Sell.

Select the right SEO services to offer local businesses. You need to pick ones that are in demand and have long-term potential. SEO services can vary depending on different factors. These include business type, location, competition, and target audience. This lets you help businesses allocate their SEO resources appropriately.

Utilize SEO tools. Leverage professional SEO tools to enhance your service offerings. This can include keyword research, competitor analysis, and rank-tracking capabilities. Some examples include Ahrefs, Moz, and Screaming Frog.

Understand your client's SEO needs. Tailor your SEO services to address specific business goals. This approach gives more value to your small business SEO services.

Here are some popular SEO services in 2024:

Offering tailored SEO services shows a deep understanding of the local business landscape. This expertise can help build trust with clients. It also establishes your reputation as a knowledgeable service provider. You recommend services that align with a business's goals and local market dynamics. This leads to better search visibility, website traffic, and customer acquisition.

3. Price Your SEO Services.

You can price your SEO services using 5 different models:

You should charge $100 to $300 per hour for local SEO services, given your expertise. But if you're a beginner, it usually runs between $75 and $200 per hour. For a per-project basis, you can ask around $1,000 to over $10,000. Fixed monthly SEO incomes range from $500 to $5,000. Package-based pricing lets you earn $1,000 to $3,000 monthly. And a results-based pricing would depend on your SEO campaigns' performance.

The right pricing model for SEO services is crucial for both providers and clients. It ensures fair compensation for your work while providing value to the client. The right model should consider the complexity and time of different SEO tasks. These range from technical optimizations to content creation.

4. Approach Potential Clients.

When approaching potential clients, ask these critical questions:

• What are your primary business goals?
• Who is your target audience or potential customer?
• What's your current online marketing strategy?
• What's your budget for SEO services?

Network at local events to build personal relationships with potential clients. These situations let you meet local business owners and learn about their challenges. They give you an opportunity to explain how SEO can benefit their businesses. HubSpot reveals that in-person meetings have a close rate of 40%.

Phone outreach is another powerful method for selling SEO services. SEO experts can schedule consultations to discuss their potential clients' specific needs. Alternatively, you can use content marketing to advertise and establish authority. Creating informative content can position you as a trusted resource.

SEO professionals can use platforms like LinkedIn for networking and Yelp for managing reviews. Tools such as Hootsuite or Buffer can streamline social media management efforts.

Social media platforms are also popular for selling and marketing SEO services. They provide a direct channel to showcase your expertise. These platforms allow you to share valuable content and engage with potential clients. They also facilitate reviews, client testimonials, and case study sharing. BrightLocal found that 82% of customers read online reviews for local listings. These are essential for building credibility. Positive feedback from satisfied customers can influence potential clients' decision-making process.

5. Follow Up on Your SEO Leads.

Follow up on your potential SEO clients by maintaining consistent communication. Studies show it takes an average of 8 touchpoints to close a sale. That's why you have to close SEO service deals at the right moment. Follow up with potential clients to let them know how committed you are to serving them.

This step includes overcoming sales objections. Failure to address concerns can cause lost opportunities and reduced revenue. Common objections include budget constraints and skepticism about results. Some clients even lack an understanding of SEO's value.

Highlight SEO benefits. Emphasize how reliable SEO services can improve online visibility and drive organic traffic. Quantify potential ROI to showcase long-term value. Showcase your SEO expertise. Present case studies and testimonials that illustrate successful outcomes. It proves the effectiveness of your local SEO strategy and digital marketing services.

You can offer a free SEO site audit. Provide a complimentary website analysis using local SEO tools. This shows areas for improvement and positions you as an expert.

To encourage local businesses to invest in SEO services: 

• Create a detailed proposal of your SEO strategy.
• Perform a comprehensive website audit.
• Showcase before and after traffic statistics.
• Offer free trials or pilot programs.

These methods help establish authority and build trust with potential clients. As an SEO professional, you need to show the importance of local SEO efforts. Sagapixel reveals that 46% of all Google searches have local intent. This highlights the value of optimizing local listings and improving website traffic.

Following up is crucial for search engine optimization professionals to grow their business. It transforms leads into paying clients, generating revenue and establishing long-term relationships. Successful closings validate your marketing efforts and sales skills.

What Happens After You Close an SEO Client?

After closing an SEO client, you have to implement post-sale programs. These programs are key to generating recurring SEO income for local businesses. They help maintain client relationships and provide ongoing value. Effective post-sale SEO services include monthly performance reports and regular content updates. It also involves continuous link building. These offerings ensure that clients see consistent progress in their local search results.

SEO professionals often implement retainer-based models for ongoing optimization. They enable continuous local SEO campaign refinement as search algorithms evolve. A report by Credo found that 50% of SEO providers price their services using a monthly retainer model.

Many successful SEO consultants attribute their recurring income to strong client relationships. You can also conduct regular client education sessions on SEO best practices. This keeps clients engaged and shows the value of your SEO services.

What are the Potential Challenges of Selling SEO Services To Local Businesses?

Can the Best SEO Courses Help You Win Over Local Businesses?

Yes, the best SEO courses can help you win over local businesses. These programs equip individuals with up-to-date SEO knowledge and strategies. They cover topics like search engine marketing and Google Business Profile optimization. Semrush Academy and Authority Hacker Pro stand out as renowned options in the field.

This Redditor suggested joining SEO courses that teach basic and advanced SEO techniques. These online programs should cover key topics like technical SEO and local SEO. This also includes off-page and on-page optimization and keyword research.

A digital marketing agency or an SEO agency can benefit from such programs. You can gain confidence in presenting SEO solutions to potential clients. Statistics show that 46% of Google searches have local intent. This highlights the importance of local SEO skills for businesses targeting nearby customers.

However, course completion alone doesn't guarantee success and SEO sales. Personal dedication and application of learned concepts are essential. SEO professionals must adapt course teachings to each local business's unique needs.

Can You Make Money With SEO in 2024?

Yes, you can make money with SEO in 2024 because of the rise in digital marketing. A popular way to generate income is by selling productized SEO services. This approach involves creating standardized packages. It caters to specific client needs, streamlining the SEO sales process.

Another lucrative option is offering SEO consulting services to local businesses. These contractors seek an effective SEO strategy to rank in local search results. They want to expand their online presence because they have limited visibility.

White label SEO companies also present a viable opportunity. This idea fits small SEO agencies looking to expand their service offerings. You can brand an SEO service as your own without investing in additional resources. This is called white label SEO.

Why Local Lead Generation is the Best Way To Maximize SEO

Local lead generation stands out as the best way to maximize SEO efforts. It offers higher conversion rates and increased brand visibility within specific geographical areas. Providing SEO marketing services to local businesses can be profitable. However, competition in the SEO market is fierce, making it difficult to stand out. Clients may have unrealistic expectations or misunderstand SEO's complexity. Measuring and driving ROI can be challenging. This makes it difficult to justify costs to small business SEO clients.

Local lead generation business owners enjoy greater flexibility and scalability. You don't have to compete globally because you target local niches. Plus, you can focus on multiple niches and clients simultaneously. This diversifies your passive income stream.

You can earn around 80% to 95% in profit margins with local lead generation. All you need to do is choose local service niches and build a website for each one. Then, you rank them organically on search engines. Once your sites top the first page of Google, you can start generating leads. You can rent out these websites to local business owners. This offers up to $50,000 in passive income.

If you want to maximize the power of SEO, then I recommend local lead generation. It will help you create a direct pipeline to local businesses seeking qualified local customers.