The Benefits of Search Engine Optimisation

If you have a website, chances are you’ve heard of search engine optimisation (SEO). SEO is the process of optimizing a website for Google’s search algorithm with the goal of earning higher web traffic levels and improving the visibility of the site.

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There’s no Silver SEO bullet

While SEO may seem like a daunting and complex task, there are many benefits that make the effort worthwhile. Make no mistake though, SEO is no quick-fix solution. It takes a lot of hard work, but if you put in the work – or have an expert do it for you, it will pay dividends in the long run. In this article, we’ll break down some of the top benefits of SEO so that you can see why it’s such an important part of your digital marketing strategy.

1. Improved Visibility and Web Traffic Levels

One of the most obvious benefits of Search Engine Optimisation is that it can help improve your website’s visibility in Google’s search results. This is important because being visible on the first page of Google’s search results can dramatically increase your website’s traffic levels.

According to Moz, websites that rank on the first page of Google’s search results receive an average click-through rate (CTR) of 8.5%. This CTR drops to just 2.8% for websites that rank on the second page, and it continues to decrease as you move down the pages. This means that if you’re not ranking on the first page, you’re missing out on a lot of potential web traffic. This in turn means you’re missing out on a lot of leads, customers and ultimately – Sales!

2. Increased Credibility and Trustworthiness

When people see your website ranking high in Google’s search results, they’ll automatically perceive your brand as being more credible and trustworthy. This is because people tend to trust Google’s recommendations—if Google is recommending your site, then it must be good, right?

3. Greater ROI Than Traditional Marketing Methods

Another great benefit of Search Engine Optimisation is that it offers a much higher return on investment (ROI) than traditional marketing methods like print ads or television commercials. This is because SEO is an inbound marketing strategy, which means that you’re targeting people who are already interested in what you have to offer.

In contrast, traditional marketing methods are outbound strategies, which involve interrupting people who are not interested in what you have to say in hopes of getting them to convert. Because inbound marketing strategies are more targeted and efficient, they tend to provide better ROI than outbound strategies.

4. Increased Brand Awareness and Recognition

Finally, good SEO can also help increase your brand awareness and recognition by getting your name in front of more people. The more times people see your brand name, the more likely they are to remember it when they need a product or service that you offer.

Let’s get your website ranking

These are just a few high-level benefits that come with investing in Search Engine Optimisation for your website. From improved visibility and web traffic levels to increased credibility and brand awareness, SEO offers a lot of value for businesses of all sizes. So if you’re not already incorporating SEO into your digital marketing strategy, now is the time to start! And the best place to start is with website performance. Check out our free Website Audit tool below.

Local SEO: Get Your Business on Google Maps

You’ve probably heard of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and you may know it’s important for your business, but what about local SEO? If you’re a Southland business, local SEO is something that should be at the forefront of your digital marketing strategy. Local SEO (including getting your business on Google Maps), helps you connect with customers in your area, boost visibility, and increase traffic to your website. Let’s take a look at why local SEO is so important for New Zealand businesses. Not just businesses in Southland!

Why Local SEO is Important for Southland Businesses

If you’re a Southland business, you most likely rely on customers located in Southland. That means these are the people who should be seeing your website. Search engines like Google have become increasingly savvy when it comes to knowing where users are searching. And what kind of content they want to see. That’s why using local keywords associated with Southland can help boost visibility for Southland businesses looking to maximise their online presence online and on Google Maps.

In addition to using targeted keywords associated with Southland, businesses need to ensure information regarding their location is consistent across all platforms (website, social media profiles, etc). This includes street address, phone number(s), opening hours, contact info—even photos of the physical location can help enhance visibility and improve trustworthiness among potential customers. This information needs to be included in both website content and metadata such as Alt tags & Meta descriptions.

Maximising Visibility on Google and Google Maps

Local search engine optimisation isn’t just about understanding which keywords work best for Southland businesses; it’s also about making sure those keywords reach the right audience. One way to do this is by setting up a Google Business Profile (GBP). GMB allows businesses to create a profile that includes contact info such as address & phone number as well as opening hours & reviews from past customers. This ensures that when someone searches for a service or product near them, your business will appear first in the results list!

Local SEO is essential for any Southland business hoping to increase its online presence on Google Search and Google Maps. It will also help grow its customer base within its immediate area. By focusing on local keywords and maintaining accurate information across all platforms, businesses can ensure maximum visibility among potential new customers who are searching in their area. Additionally, creating a profile via Google My Business can help put your business ahead of competitors by boosting its ranking in search results pages – putting you one step closer to ultimate success!

Need help with your business SEO? Back9 can help. For more information, click the banner below.

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Updated 19 June 2024

The 10 Best SEO Companies in New Zealand

Updated Friday 5th July 2024.

What is SEO? It stands for Search Engine Optimisation. SEO is the process of improving the visibility and ranking of a website on search engines. A good SEO strategy can help to increase website traffic, leads, and sales. To help you on your way, you’re probably looking for a list of the best SEO companies in New Zealand to deliver on your SEO goals.

Back9 is the only Southern agency on the list so if you’re looking for someone local who can deliver results, get in touch. We let Google search users see the results for themselves and if you were to search best SEO Agency in Southland… well, you can guess who is ranking at #1.

If you’re looking for the Best SEO company to help improve your online presence, here’s some that come up on or around the first page of Google. Specifically for ‘best SEO company in New Zealand’ organically (unpaid) – so they must know a thing or two.

1. Back9 Creative

We’re good at SEO and as proof, our website ranks highly on Google. We’re a humble bunch but we like to toot our own horn when the results speak for themselves. We guess the fact that you’re on our website and you more than likely found us in a Google Search, then reiterates the fact that we know our stuff. We’re much like the other 9 on this list below. Especially when it comes to offering a similar list of SEO services.

So you’ll choose to talk to us if you think we can deliver value (pssst… we can by the way…). And furthermore, we’d love to have a chat and see if we can work together…

2. Top Rank Digital

Offering web design, SEO, SEM, Branding and digital other marketing services, Top Rank Digital has the vision to become the first choice for every business when it comes to digital marketing. They’ve helped thousands of businesses be seen online.

Through brand visibility, revenue growth and great customer experience, Top Rank Digital has become a renowned digital marketing provider that is focused on client growth.

3. The Web Guys

Located in Parnell, Auckland, The Web Guys are a rapidly expanding digital creative agency. Their comprehensive services include strategy development, content creation, product building, campaign launches, and system design, all aimed at engaging the target audiences of their clients’ brands.

Throughout their years of experience in the digital realm, they have crafted innovative solutions for a diverse range of clients. From emerging startups to established corporations, The Web Guys have delivered state-of-the-art creative work across various sectors including technology, e-commerce, hospitality, trade, and more.

4. Firefly

Emerging in 2014, Firefly was driven by a desire to address the shortcomings in the industry and the scarcity of effective digital solutions for business advancement. Anthony Baxter, fuelled by his entrepreneurial spirit, established an agency with a distinct vision. His aim was to create a growth-oriented firm that remained impartial to specific channels or platforms.

Instead of adhering to predetermined approaches, Firefly’s mission became to craft tailored strategies and utilise the most suitable mix of channels to help businesses achieve their unique objectives.

5. Pure SEO

As a digital marketing agency in New Zealand, Pure SEO has earned the distinction of being a Google partner. The team, comprised of certified experts who have garnered industry recognition, offers a comprehensive suite of online marketing services. These include search engine optimisation (SEO), pay-per-click advertising (SEM), strategies to improve conversion rates, data analytics, content development, social media management, and various other internet marketing solutions.

Their expertise spans the full spectrum of digital marketing tactics to help businesses thrive online.

6. Kiwi Website Design (KWD)

With locations across New Zealand and Australia, Kiwi Website Design’s mission has been to transform innovative concepts into exceptional outcomes. Since their inception in 2011, they’ve refined a growth strategy that has attracted thousands of clients and generated millions in revenue.

They pride themselves on delivering high-quality, strategic solutions that drive business success.

7. Chalk & Cheese

Running on the theory that ‘likes’ don’t pay the bills, Chalk and Cheese believe that digital marketing strategies should ultimately lead to sales and inquiries. This Auckland based agency offers a full suite of digital marketing services. Including; Google Ads, Social Media Ads, Website Design, Website Development & Email Marketing.

8. Just SEO

If Just SEO don’t deliver you results to the first page of Google, they claim that you’ll receive a 100% refund. They are a New Zealand based agency who focus only on Search Engine Optimisation. They claim to guarantee they will get you to the first page of the Google rankings.

9. Mint Design

With offices located in both Auckland and Christchurch, Mint Design isn’t just limited to SEO. They cover everything from websites to videography. They say to give them 90 days and they’ll improve your digital marketing campaigns and if they don’t, they’ll refund you your management fees.

10. First Page

Boldly proclaiming their place in the SEO landscape, First Page states they’re the digital marketing agency that will outshine your rivals and drive valuable, conversion-ready traffic to your site. Boasting their status furthermore, as New Zealand’s highest-rated digital marketing firm. (you be the judge!) In addition, they emphasise their core mission: guiding the ideal audience to the most relevant sections of your website.

Their confident approach underscores their commitment to subsequently delivering tangible results and outperforming competitors in the digital marketing landscape.

There are many Best Practise SEO companies in NZ

These are just some of the many fantastic SEO companies based in New Zealand that we’ve found online. But who is the best SEO company in NZ? How do you even pick an SEO Agency? A good Seo company can definitely help you to improve your online presence. But can the best SEO companies in New Zealand give you a return on your investment? Truth be told, they should be able to. Especially if they’re like us and they love SEO too 😉

To sum up, When choosing any SEO agency, let alone the Best SEO Agency in New Zealand, it’s important to consider your budget, objectives, and needs so that you can find the perfect match for your business. With the help of a good SEO company, you can expect to see an increase in website traffic, lead conversion rates, and sales. Look for SEO companies who have a featured Snippet in Google too. So what are you waiting for? Start your search for the perfect digital partner today!

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How to Start a Business: 10 Tips to Get You Started

Starting a business can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it can also be quite challenging. In fact at times it can seem bloody impossible. There are so many things to consider when you decide to start a business in NZ. These things start from the initial planning stages, and choosing a company name and logo, to the day-to-day operations. And then how to advertise a start-up business too.

From experience having started a business from scratch, there are several things you should do. And some things you need to understand – and accept. One of the best bits of gold I discovered, was the E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber. There are some mixed reviews, but the fundamental message is good. And it is well worth the read if you’re looking to start a business in NZ or even anywhere.

In this post, we will provide 10 tips for starting a business that will help you get started on the right foot!

1. Do your research

Before you start a business, it is important to do your research and understand the industry you are entering. This includes understanding the potential customer base, the competition, and the regulatory environment.

2. Create a business plan

A business plan is a roadmap for your business that outlines your goals, strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. This document will be essential as you start to raise funds and grow your business. We recommend talking to our business advisor and mentor, John Schol, or one of the team at Malloch McClean and looking at the one-page business plan

Click the icon below to get the book.

Starting a business One page business plan book

3. Choose the right structure

There are many different legal structures that businesses can choose from (e.g., sole trader, Limited Liability Company, Partnership). It is important to choose the right one for your business based on factors such as liability protection and tax implications.

4. Register your business

Once you have chosen your business structure, you will need to register your business with the relevant authorities. This typically includes registering for a Business Name, obtaining a Tax File Number, and applying for any licenses or permits that may be required.

5. Find the right location

The success of your business can often hinge on its location. When choosing a location for your business, consider factors such as foot traffic, parking availability, and public transport access.

6. Create a marketing plan

A strong marketing plan is essential for any business looking to succeed. This document should outline your target market, marketing strategies, and how you plan on executing them. Check out the options here for a digital marketing roadmap

7. Hire the right employees

hiring the right team is one of the most important aspects of starting a successful business. Be sure to take the time to find employees that are skilled, driven, and share your company’s values.

8. Keep your finances in order

Proper financial management is crucial for any business, big or small. Make sure to keep track of your expenses, create a budget, and stay mindful of your cash flow.

9. Manage your time wisely

As a business owner, you will have a lot on your plate and it can be easy to get bogged down in day-to-day tasks. It is important to manage your time wisely and delegate where possible to free up some time for strategic thinking and planning.

10. Seek professional advice

When starting a business, there will be many challenges and obstacles along the way. It is often helpful to seek professional advice from experienced businesspeople or mentors to help you navigate these challenges.

It sounds easy right… Well, it can be a whole lot easier, if you know what you are trying to achieve. Whilst it will take some time and there’ll be some hard lessons learned along the way, by committing and following these tips, you will be well on your way to starting a successful business!

Your Squarespace Website and SEO – Can it Rank Well in Google? 

When it comes to website building, you have plenty of options. But can a Squarespace website rank well in Google? Is it worth the time, money, and effort to build a website on the Squarespace platform? We’re here to answer those questions once and for all.

Squarespace is an incredibly popular platform for creating websites. It’s easy to use, has a wealth of features, and boasts an impressive suite of templates. But does that mean you should use Squarespace for your business website?

Let’s take a look at what Squarespace offers when it comes to SEO.

The Pros of a Squarespace Website for SEO

First off, Squarespace is equipped with basic SEO tools like meta tags and titles that you can customize for each page on your site. This means you can provide search engines with detailed information about the content of your pages, which helps improve their visibility in search results. In addition, Squarespace also provides an XML sitemap that makes it easier for search engines to index your pages. Finally, the platform also has built-in support for SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption and AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages). Both are important for improving your website’s security as well as it’s ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs).

The Cons of Squarespace for SEO

There is one major downside when it comes to your Squarespace Website and SEO – its codebase isn’t optimized for speed or performance. That means if your website takes too long to load or isn’t responsive enough on mobile devices, it could hurt your SEO rankings in the long run. The codebase for Squarespace is also not accessible, so there’s a disadvantage there too when it comes to technical SEO. There are certainly ways around this issue – such as using caching plugins or leveraging content delivery networks – but they do require extra work and knowledge on your end.

All in all, Squarespace is a great option if you’re looking to quickly set up a basic website without investing too much time or money into the process. Its built-in SEO tools are useful for optimizing your site’s visibility in SERPs, but there may be limitations due to its non-optimized codebase. However, these issues can be addressed by leveraging external services such as caching plugins or content delivery networks. Ultimately, whether or not a Squarespace site ranks well in Google depends on how much effort you put into optimizing it for performance and speed!

What about Squarespace for Ecommerce?

Squarespace offers a comprehensive e-commerce platform, it’s true. But… How does the proprietary system stack up against the opensource Woo Commerce for WordPress? Check out this article: Selling online: Squarespace vs WooCommerce, which is better?

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