Starting a local SEO agency is like jumping on a roller coaster—you’re excited, maybe a little nervous, and you know there are going to be some unexpected twists and turns. But before you get too caught up in the thrill, you’ve got to lay the groundwork. The decisions you make now will set the stage for whether your agency skyrockets to success or fizzles out before it even gets off the ground.
Defining Your Services: What Are You Really Selling?
You’d think this part would be easy, right? After all, it’s a local SEO agency—so you’re selling local SEO, obviously. But here’s the catch: local SEO is a broad umbrella that covers a ton of different tactics. You’ve got Google Business Profile optimization, reputation management, local link building, copywriting, citation building, social marketing, and more. It’s a lot.
So, how do you decide what to offer? Here’s a tip: Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Focus on your strengths. If you’re a wizard at Google Business Profile optimization, make that your bread and butter. If local link building is where you shine, double down on it.
It’s tempting to offer a full-service solution right out of the gate, but that can stretch you too thin, especially if you’re flying solo or working with a small team. Instead, consider whether you want to be a niche expert or go full-service, and be honest with yourself about what you can realistically deliver.
Niche or Full-Service: What’s Your Game Plan?
Deciding whether to niche down or offer a full suite of services is a biggie. Here’s how to think about it:
Going Niche: Be the Big Fish in a Small Pond
Focusing on a specific industry or type of client can be a game-changer. Say you decide to work exclusively with dentists. After a few successful campaigns, word will spread, and soon every dentist in town will know you’re the go-to agency for boosting local search visibility. You’ll become an expert in that niche, which not only makes your services more valuable but also simplifies your marketing efforts—you know exactly who you’re targeting.
Full-Service: The One-Stop Shop
If you prefer a broader approach, offering a full range of local SEO services could help you attract a wider variety of clients. But remember, this requires a more diverse skill set and possibly a bigger team. If you’re ready to scale, bringing in experts to cover areas where you’re less confident can help you deliver a comprehensive solution to your clients.
Who Are Your Clients?
With your services in mind, it’s time to think about who you’re selling them to. This is where your client niche comes in. You could focus on a specific industry, like real estate or healthcare, or target businesses in a particular geographic area.
The Advantages of Niche Targeting
Become an Authority: When you focus on one industry, you can dive deep and become the go-to expert in that field.
Streamlined Operations: Specializing in a niche allows you to fine-tune your processes and deliver consistent results.
Focused Marketing: Knowing exactly who you’re targeting makes it easier to craft messaging that resonates.
But be careful—if your niche is too narrow, you might run out of potential clients or be too vulnerable to industry downturns.
Pricing: The Ultimate Balancing Act
Pricing your services is one of the toughest decisions you’ll make. Set your prices too low, and you’ll struggle to stay afloat. Set them too high, and you risk scaring off potential clients.
Deciding on a Pricing Model
There are a few ways to go about this:
Hourly Rates: Offers flexibility but can be unpredictable for both you and your clients.
Fixed Fees: Easier for clients to budget, and gives you a steady income stream.
Pay-on-Results: High risk, high reward—just make sure you’re clear on what “results” mean.
Do some research to see what other agencies in your area are charging. This will give you a ballpark figure to work with. But don’t just copy what others are doing—factor in your costs, your expertise, and the value you bring to the table.
Positioning: Carve Out Your Space in the Market
Your positioning is what sets you apart from the competition. It’s not just about what you do—it’s about how you do it, who you do it for, and why it matters.
Crafting Your Positioning Statement
To create a strong positioning statement, consider the following:
Target Audience: Who are they, and what do they need?
Your Service: What’s the main benefit you offer?
Differentiator: What makes you different from everyone else?
A clear positioning statement helps you stay focused and communicate your value effectively to potential clients.
Lead Generation: Time to Hustle
Getting your first clients is always the hardest part. But as a local SEO pro, you already have the skills to market your agency effectively.
Some Quick Wins for Lead Generation
Optimize Your Google Business Profile: Practice what you preach by making sure your own GBP is in top shape.
Content Marketing: Start a blog, create videos, or host webinars to share your expertise.
Networking: Attend local events, join business groups, and connect with potential clients in your community.
Referrals: Don’t be shy about asking happy clients to refer you to others.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Comments