Content Compass
What is Search Engine Optimization?
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a digital marketing strategy that gets websites to rank higher on Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other search engines. There are two ways that SEO can work: on-page and off-page. On-page SEO involves the actual website, using keywords that will allow the website to rank higher on search engines. Off-page SEO uses inbound links (your website link on other websites/blogs) to help drive traffic to your website.
This is one of the most effective online marketing strategies that a business can use. But is SEO marketing a useful strategy for all types of businesses? Here’s a look at the four different types of business structures and how SEO marketing can benefit them.
#1: Corporations
A corporation is a public company owned by shareholders. Apple, Microsoft, and Walmart are three examples of corporations. Although these are popular examples of larger corporations, there are smaller corporations that exist as well.
The larger corporations probably don’t rely too much on SEO marketing because their company is already well-known and has established itself as a national/international business. Still, these large corporations shouldn’t rule out SEO as a marketing strategy. On the other hand, smaller corporations can definitely benefit from SEO services. As long as the business has a website, they can use SEO techniques (and other marketing strategies) to help expand their business.
#2: Limited Liability Company (LLC)
LLCs are one of the most common types of business entities formed. Many big-name companies (such as Nike and Sony) are LLCs, but almost all businesses of any size are formed as LLCs if they’re not public and they’re not considered a sole proprietorship. Check out LLCBuddy to learn more about how to start an LLC.
This type of business structure can definitely benefit from SEO marketing. Once again, as long as the company has a website and a product to sell or a service to provide, SEO techniques can help their website rank higher on search engines. For optimal results look for an SEO company that can specialize in your specific industry, such as a law firm SEO company. Their knowledge of your industry will help your website rank higher.
#3: Partnerships
Some types of businesses are actually a partnership, and there are two types. Limited partnerships are formed with a legal agreement between the two parties coming together and they also have limited liability. General partnerships don’t require a legal agreement and both businesses invest all of their assets into the business and assume full liability. Some of the most popular partnerships between larger companies are:
- Apple and MasterCard
- BMW and Louis Vuitton
- Pottery Barn and Sherwin-Williams
- Uber and Spotify
Partnerships can essentially function like corporations or LLCs, so they can also benefit from SEO marketing. Because partnerships are two businesses coming together, they’ll be able to pull all of their resources together to try a variety of different marketing strategies to determine which one works the best. Boost your online presence effortlessly; simply pay with PayPal and get Spotify plays to increase your music’s reach
#4: Sole Proprietorships
A sole proprietorship means that a business is owned by a single individual, and it’s the simplest type of business structure. Some larger corporations, such as McDonalds, can grant a piece of the franchise to a business owner, allowing them to operate it as a sole proprietor— but the company itself remains a corporation. However, the majority of sole proprietorships are typically found in the form of:
- Consultants
- E-commerce stores
- Freelancers (artists, graphic designers, photographers, writers, etc.)
- Local store owners
Sole proprietors probably benefit the most from SEO marketing. Owners of online boutiques and other e-commerce type stores definitely need SEO marketing because their actual website functions as their store. Still, local small businesses can also benefit from SEO marketing if they have a business website— especially if their business is located in or near a popular tourist town.
Freelancers and consultants also need SEO marketing, as well as other digital marketing strategies to help get their business noticed. They too, rely heavily on the internet for their business. Bloggers also use SEO marketing tactics to boost traffic and monetize their blog through affiliate offers and paid advertisements.
The Bottom Line
Obviously, all types of businesses can benefit from SEO marketing techniques. Even content creators who blog as a hobby or create YouTube videos can get more people to their blog/YouTube channel through SEO marketing.
Keep in mind that SEO marketing is only one type of digital marketing strategy. For optimal success, businesses need SEO as well as other forms of digital marketing, such as social media marketing. All businesses will benefit from having a strong online presence to help reach as many people as possible.