Search engine optimization refers to the tools and strategies you implement to achieve better, more competitive rankings on the Google Search Engine Results Page—and as such, it’s really an investment in the long-term success of your dealership. The question many dealers ask, of course, is how much of an investment that actually is. This isn’t an easy question to answer, for a few different reasons: Much SEO can be done in-house, with minimal costs outside of your time; it’s a long-term process, not a one-time thing, and the costs ebb and flow; SEO strategies can differ greatly from one dealership to the next; and at the end of the day, value and ROI are more important than straight cost.
DIY SEO?
For starters, consider that, when we talk about SEO, we could be talking about anything from a full-fledged, comprehensive marketing approach—which could cost as little as $25 an hour for a consultation, or upwards of $20,000 a month!—to in-house strategies like blogging, asking customers for reviews, and ensuring consistent contact information across your website. That’s part of the complexity involved with determining how much SEO costs; hiring a professional will definitely cost you a few bucks, but there is some SEO you can actually do just fine on your own.
SEO is a Process
Something else to consider about search engine optimization is that it’s not something you do once and forget about. You have to constantly be optimizing your site and publishing new content—plus updating old content. Google rewards websites that grow and evolve, even as its own algorithms are always in flux. You can’t think of SEO in terms of a one-time cost, then. You have to think in terms of a journey—or, if you rather, a relationship.
No Two Dealerships Have the Same Needs
Something else that makes it hard to say just how much SEO costs is the reality that no two dealerships are going to have the same goals, the same needs, or the same expectations. An SEO campaign can be vast and far-ranging, or it can be simpler—all depending on what you want to accomplish. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and as such, there is no one-size-fits-all pricing.
Think In Terms of Value
Finally, remember that, when you invest in SEO, you are investing in being discovered by local consumers. You are investing in increased visibility for your dealership. You are investing in ongoing exposure, and in direct competition with the other dealerships in your area.
As such, you might not want to think just about the cost, but about the return on investment—and make no mistake: A good SEO company will have analytics and data to prove your ROI to you. Get My Auto more than fits that description. To learn more about our rates, our value, and our expertise, we invite you to reach out to our automotive SEO professionals at your next convenience.