Aleyda Solis recently released the findings of her SEOFOMO survey, shedding light on where SEOs are finding clients, the types of clients they attract, and the strategies they use to attract more clients. As a renowned digital marketer specializing in International SEO, Solis is well-known for advocating best practices in SEO and speaking at search conferences worldwide.
The survey, which involved 337 self-selected respondents, offers a comprehensive look at how SEO businesses are acquiring new clients, the demographics of their client base, and the services they provide in 2024. The data provides valuable insights for digital marketers looking to expand their businesses.
Specialization in Technical SEO emerged as a dominant trend among respondents, with 64% focusing on this area. This emphasis on technical aspects of SEO is crucial in addressing website issues that affect search engine crawling, indexing, and content comprehension, all essential components of optimizing a site for search engines.
The breakdown of specialization areas among SEOs is as follows:
– 64% Technical SEO
– 60% Content Focused SEO
– 54% SEO Generalist
– 51% SEO Management
– 14% Link Builder
– 8% Other
While only 14% of respondents indicated that they specialize in link building for clients, this does not diminish the significance of this service. Link building remains a challenging area of expertise due to its complexity, requiring a nuanced approach to achieve optimal results.
The survey participants comprised a diverse group of SEO specialists, with 44% identifying as Full-Time Agency SEO consultants, 32% as freelance and independent SEO consultants, 24% as part-time SEO consultants, and 6% as other roles. This demographic distribution reflects the varied landscape of the SEO industry.
In terms of client base, the survey revealed that the majority of respondents work with small to medium-sized clients, with 49% handling sites containing fewer than 100K URLs and 33% managing client sites with 100k to 1 million URLs. The prevalence of local search SEO among small to medium businesses highlights the evolving nature of this market, with agencies now able to leverage platforms like Wix and Duda to streamline client management and billing.
While larger clients accounted for 18% of the respondents, working with multinational B2B companies can be lucrative but comes with limitations on the extent of SEO influence. Despite the challenges, SEOs servicing larger clients can still capitalize on opportunities within this segment.
Client acquisition strategies varied among SEO professionals, with referrals emerging as the most cited source of clients at 77%. Cultivating satisfied clients and promoting an SEO business effectively can lead to a steady stream of referrals, underscoring the importance of reputation and customer satisfaction in the industry.
Ranking in search results was identified as the second most significant source of new clients, particularly for SEOs targeting specific geographic regions or verticals. Social media also played a critical role in client acquisition, with 26% of respondents attributing new clients to their social media presence.
Participation in industry events was another effective channel for attracting clients, with 25% of respondents leveraging speaking engagements to build their reputation and secure referrals. While speaking at events can be challenging, it offers a platform to showcase expertise and establish credibility within the industry.
The top sources of SEO client business identified in the survey include:
– Client Or Company Referrals 77%
– SEO 39%
– Social Media 26%
– Industry Events 25%
– Blog Posts, Studies, Research
– Other 15%
– Cold Outreach 14%
– Paid Outreach 9%
Securing clients necessitates proactive efforts, encompassing client relationship management, marketing initiatives, and thought leadership demonstrations. SEO professionals must leverage their unique strengths, whether in public speaking, content creation, or social media engagement, to stand out in a competitive landscape.
In conclusion, the SEOFOMO survey offers valuable insights into the client acquisition strategies, client demographics, and services provided by SEO professionals in 2024. By understanding the trends and best practices outlined in the survey, digital marketers can optimize their approach to attract and retain clients effectively.