Do you really need search engine optimization (SEO) if you’re not in that competitive of a market? What if you manage a business that offers sweat lodge retreats in a part of the country where you’re the only sweat lodge for hundreds of miles? Unfortunately, many businesses think it’s pointless to budget for SEO because they don’t see how it fits in with their strategy. Every single website, business, or person with an online presence will benefit from SEO, but there are a few fields which are particularly stubborn when it comes to opting out.
Proper SEO will benefit the business/website as well as those who visit it. Remember the point of SEO: To make sure the best matches between people and websites are made. It’s kind of the eHarmony of web browsing, going beyond the surface to look at qualities that make good “matches” between sites and users.
Here are some of the biggest industries that don’t think they need SEO, but actually do:
1. Universities and colleges
From small, private liberal arts colleges to massive universities, it doesn’t matter the size of the campus or population. Even if a university is the biggest in the state, that might not mean much to anyone outside of the region. Diversity is key, and attracting students from around the world is a priority which means SEO needs to maximize “matchmaking.”
2. Health-based organizations
It’s a given that health-based sites such as those selling supplements practice good SEO. However, clinics, urgent care practices and other health-centric websites that aren’t as obviously “for profit” should also get on the bandwagon. If someone is desperately looking for an emergency dentist open on Saturdays because their veneer fell off, they’re going to go with the first result they find (and that’s all up to healthy SEO choices and moves).
3. Car dealerships
Particularly with used car dealerships, the inventory is constantly changing. Someone’s probably not Googling “used car dealership Boston” because they’re Googling “2013 Nissan Versa Boston” or another very specific query. Ensuring SEO and local SEO (LSEO) is flawless will best bring the customers in.
4. Historical sites and attractions
Does Pittock Mansion in Portland, Oregon need SEO? It’s not like are many other historical mansions open to the public in the area, but the answer is yes. When travelers are putting together their itinerary, they’re going to be Googling keywords that might have nothing to do with “Pittock” or “mansion.” Optimizing for more generic terms such as “top attractions Portland” is crucial.