Competing as a small agency on a limited budget—advice needed

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Competing on a Budget: Strategies for Our Small Agency to Succeed Without a €3000/Month SEO Commitment

My wife and I co-own a small creative agency specializing in 3D animation, illustrations, and explainer videos. Our website, jillipp.com, was launched earlier this year, but we’ve struggled to gain visibility on Google.

Hiring an SEO agency in Austria is financially out of reach, as their services cost around €3000 monthly. With a 9-month-old daughter, every euro is precious. So, I’ve embarked on a journey to self-learn SEO.

We’re hosted on Squarespace and I’ve learned we primarily need help with off-page seo, backlinks, and content to improve our search rankings, especially for keywords like “explainer video.”

Here are some strategies I’m considering to boost our seo:

  • Start a Blog: Share insights on topics like explainer video tool comparisons, selling footage on stock sites, and AI tools.
  • Gain Media Exposure: Aim to be featured in newspapers for valuable backlinks.
  • Enhance Social Media Presence: Regularly create compelling posts.
  • White Hat Backlinks: Purchase these on platforms like Fiverr.
  • Encourage Client Reviews: Ask satisfied clients to leave Google reviews.

I’m looking to develop a comprehensive seo roadmap and could use your expertise. What strategies would you recommend prioritizing? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
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Hubsadmin

2 responses to “Competing as a small agency on a limited budget—advice needed”

  1. Certainly! Competing with larger agencies on a tight budget is challenging but certainly feasible with a strategic, focused approach. Here’s a detailed roadmap that can help optimize your SEO efforts without overspending:

    1. Content Creation: Blog

    Starting a blog can be an effective way to increase traffic to your site and improve your search engine visibility. Focus on these strategies:

    • Keyword Research: Use free tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to identify keywords that your potential clients are searching for. Focus on long-tail keywords as they tend to have lower competition.
    • Consistency is Key: Aim to publish high-quality content regularly. Writing about topics such as explainer video tool comparisons, trends within the 3D animation industry, and beginner guides can attract a niche audience.
    • On-Page SEO: Utilize proper header tags (H1, H2, etc.), meta descriptions, and alt text for images. Ensure your blog posts are engaging and easy to read.

    2. Build Relationships for Backlinks

    Getting featured in newspapers for backlinks can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some actionable steps:

    • Leverage Local Media: Reach out to local newspapers or online publications with press releases or stories about your agency’s unique services or any noteworthy projects.
    • Guest Blogging: Offer to write guest posts for other relevant blogs. This can help you earn reputable backlinks and increase your visibility.
    • Collaborate with Industry Influencers: Partner with influencers in your niche who can provide backlinks through social media shoutouts or blog mentions.

    3. Social Media Engagement

    Social media is an affordable way to engage with your audience and drive traffic:

    • Platforms to Focus On: Utilize platforms where your target audience spends time. LinkedIn can be great for professional exposure, while Instagram and Facebook are ideal for showcasing visual content.
    • Content Ideas: Share snippets of your work, behind-the-scenes content, and educational posts about explainer videos.
    • Engagement: Respond to comments, engage with followers, and join relevant groups or hashtags to increase your reach.

    4. Google Reviews

    Encouraging clients to leave reviews can help build credibility:

    • Prompt Review Requests: After completing a project, ask clients to provide feedback on Google. Offer an added incentive, like a future discount, to encourage participation.
    • Quality Over Quantity: Focus on getting detailed, positive reviews, as they carry more weight
    Reply

  2. Hi there! First off, it’s wonderful to see the passion you and your wife have for your agency, particularly as you navigate the challenges of balancing business growth and family life.

    Your strategies are definitely on the right track, especially starting a blog—it’s a fantastic way to establish your expertise in the field of 3D animation and explainer videos while also improving your SEO through content. Here are a few more ideas that might add value to your roadmap:

    1. **Content Diversification:** In addition to blog posts, think about creating video content showcasing your work or tutorials on using animation tools. This could not only enhance user engagement but also improve visibility on platforms like YouTube, which is the second-largest search engine.

    2. **Leverage Local SEO:** Since you’re based in Austria, tailor some of your content and keywords to target your local audience. Create a Google My Business profile if you haven’t already; it’s a free way to enhance your local visibility and gather more reviews, which you mentioned.

    3. **Utilize Social Proof Effectively:** Client testimonials can be a powerful tool. Consider not just written reviews, but also video testimonials where clients share their experiences. This builds trust and could work as persuasive content on your site as well.

    4. **Networking for Backlinks:** Instead of purchasing backlinks, focus on building relationships with local businesses, bloggers, or influencers in your industry. Guest posting or collaborating on projects can lead to high-quality backlinks that are more sustainable and

    Reply

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