I’m often asked why I only take on clients who’ve been in business over 12 months. Well, there are a couple of main reasons, namely;

1. They’ve figured out their niche and know what they’re going to sell – I can build a strategy to leverage a business clear on its position – I can’t really work on ‘vague’.
2. They’ve made the decision that they’re ‘all in’ and see a bigger vision for their Brand beyond the immediate future.

When is the right time to invest in Brand Growth?

Stop Playing Small: Why SEO Is Your Brand’s Next Big Move

Social media is like the neighbourhood potluck: everyone’s invited, it’s easy to show up, and you might even score a tasty dish or two. But if you’re serious about building a brand with a real, lasting presence – you need a more strategic approach. That’s where SEO comes in.

Social Media is popular when online businesses get started because the entry-barrier is low – read non-existent! Anyone can set up a profile and start posting. Trouble often is – Socials can be fickle beasts and shut down your account with zero warning – and then where are your audience?

Once you’ve been in business a while and you know that you want to continue working for yourself – and it’s not all rainbows and unicorns – it can be a real pita at times(!) – then you work to streamline your systems, automate what you can – and, look at ways you can increase the sustainability and viability of your long-term growth.

Investing in SEO is like graduating from the potluck to a Michelin-star restaurant (why are fancy restaurant menus so confusing and so tempting at the same time? 😉 ). It signals a deliberate choice to elevate your brand, invest in quality, and play the long game because you know you’re in.

Here’s why prioritizing SEO demonstrates serious brand growth:

You’re Playing the Long Game

Social media is fleeting. Platforms change, trends change, algorithms shift – and your audience’s attention span is shorter than a hyperactive goldfish who’s OD’d on Ritalin.

SEO, on the other hand, is about building a solid foundation that will stand the test of time. Search Engines as we know are changing – but, search intent remains.

It’s about creating valuable content, optimizing your website, and serving up the kind of answers your customers are looking for. The ice-challenge and all its ilk were gone in a fortnight… but, the information you share with your clients when creating your quality content – well, they’re always going to be en vogue. And this all contributes to long-term, sustainable growth.

You’re Committed to Quality

Anyone can slap together a social media post. I’ve done it myself – buy a pack of templates and half the time you don’t even need to do the design or craft the caption. But then you’re just one tiny little drop of mist in a Niagara Falls of same.

But crafting high-quality, optimized content that truly resonates with your audience? That takes effort, strategy, and a commitment to excellence. Investing in a long-term SEO organic marketing strategy shows that you’re not just chasing quick wins; you’re dedicated to creating a valuable online experience that will attract and retain loyal customers.

You’re Investing in Your Brand’s Future

SEO is an investment in your brand’s future – because it demonstrates you believe in what you’re doing. This is what I mean when I say my clients are sure they’re in it for the long haul – come hell or high water! They’re absolutely determined to make their business a success and want to build solid foundations.

It’s the difference between perching on a stool in Starbucks for the free WiFi while you get your business off the ground – and taking a big breath and signing the lease on your own office space knowing that you’ve got serious work to do.

It’s about building authority, credibility, and trust with your audience. When your website ranks high in search results, it signals to potential customers that you’re a leader in your industry and are a powerful brand they can rely on.

You’re Reaching a Wider Audience

While social media can be effective for reaching your existing followers and interacting with them – it’s actually really hard to build a tribe of superfans just by using Socials. Not all of us actually use socials (yes really! check my phone!) and prefer to rely on Search Engines to answer questions. SEO helps you expand your reach and attract new customers who are actively searching for what you offer. Seriously, I should probably count how many times a day I fire up Google to check something out.

A friend told me she does most of her searches on TikTok – but when push comes to shove, she’s not buying from TikTok – she’s actually firing up Google and finding stuff there to buy from trusted retailers. The rub of that is – many of us are wary about being scammed from socials – I think we’ve probably all received something in the mail from Temu (or similar) which was not quite what we were expectin 😉 – but, you know when you go to the department store that’s been in your city for 70 years – you’re not going to get ripped off. Because that department store has a reputation and you can go right in and have a look around, touch the fabrics, try stuff on. (Oh gosh… don’t let me get lost away on a train of thought about clothes shopping and shitty fabrics!)

By optimizing your website for relevant keywords, you’re casting a wider net and increasing your chances of being discovered by your ideal clients. Not just any clients – but the ones who are actively searching for a solution to their problem – not just getting a sore thumb or whiling away the hours because of a deep ennui.

You’re Demonstrating a Data-Driven Approach

SEO is a data-driven discipline. It requires analyzing website traffic, tracking keyword rankings, and measuring results. By investing in SEO, you’re showing that you’re not just winging it; you’re making informed decisions based on real data and insights. The real data and insights which are served up to you on a silver platter by your customers themselves.

When you post to Socials you don’t really have a true idea of how much your content resonates with your audience. Got a like? Could be a slipped thumb, could be they liked the picture, could be a cat stood on the screen – it happens! But with your page metrics – if you see all your users are spending more than 3 minutes on one particular page, you know it’s not just about the picture – they’re reading – and taking it all in.

Beyond the Potluck

Social media has its place in a well-rounded marketing strategy. But if you’ve been in the game a while, know your heart is truly in it and you’re truly serious about building a brand that lasts, investing in SEO is essential.

It’s a fuck-off big sign that you’re not just playing around; you’re committed to creating a valuable online presence that will attract loyal customers and drive sustainable growth for years to come.

Ready to take your brand impact to greater heights? Let’s talk SEO!