Short for Search Engine Optimization, SEO is one of the most common digital marketing strategies that are available nowadays. With search engines being the most common way people look for information online, it makes sense for business owners to make sure that their websites are visible to potential customers. But how exactly does it work and cost anyway? Is it a scam? Here are some of the things that you need to know about SEO in Malaysia.
How does SEO work?
Before we head into details, the first thing you should know is that search engines like Google are answering machines. When users type in a search query, it tries to answer users by providing relevant search results.
SEO is the process of making your website more relevant so that they will appear in the Search Engine Results Page (SERP). It does this by optimizing various aspects of your website such as layout and content. This makes it easier for the search engine to crawl, scan and index your website for relevant information. Sites that are deemed user-friendly and relevant are then rewarded with higher rankings in the SERP.
Why Google?
When did you last use Google to search for something? Being the biggest search engine in the world, optimizing your sites for Google is the most effective SEO strategy. In fact, Google gets the biggest piece of the pie when it comes to total internet search traffic.
Another thing to note is that Google localizes search results. When you search for a café, Google will not show you a random hippie café located in Los Angeles. This is why you should focus on making your website more relevant to your local target audience.
Why are rankings important?
The main reason is simple – top positions simply drive more traffic to your website. Higher rankings will let audiences believe that your website is more relevant and authentic. This will, in turn, generate more leads for your business. Building trust and brand authority is an important strategy in any marketing campaign, and the same goes to digital marketing.
However, the journey to the top is not an easy one. To get there, you have to compete with other websites and corporations that might have bigger budgets and brand awareness. In addition, top rankings also do not mean that you will stay there forever.
Digital marketing is a competitive industry and businesses constantly try to outdo one another. Many business owners are now practising SEO in Malaysia. Therefore, getting to the top has never been more competitive. This is where professional SEO services come into play. These are specialists that understand how search engines work, and how to make your website more relevant to them.
How much do SEO services cost in Malaysia?
While there is not a definitive price tag, SEO services usually charge monthly or campaign-based. These could easily range from less than RM2000 to well over RM10,000. For the average business owner, these are lofty figures to be injected into a marketing campaign. However, do note that additional leads generated due to your SEO efforts could be well worth it in the long run.
SEO is an on-going effort. Focus on building for the long term and your hard work will be rewarded with increased rankings and traffic. Consider engaging with a local SEO company in Malaysia to jumpstart your SEO project!