What is SEO and Search Engines?

When people think of search engines, Google often springs to mind first. However, Google is not the only option out there. Anything that enables you to look for information, products or services using an algorithm to generate results can be classed as a search engine.

YouTube and Amazon are also examples of search engines, but Google remains the most popular.

SEO or Search Engine Optimisation allows your content to rank higher in search engines when users search for related topics. It helps you stand out amongst competitors in results pages.

There are numerous SEO tactics depending on your business type and target audience. This is why we offer bespoke solutions tailored to your goals here at Graham SEO.

How Does Google Work?

Google aims to provide users with the most relevant results for their queries. If someone urgently needs a plumber, for instance, they will likely click on paid ads or local listings towards the top of Google.

However, in most cases, around 85% of Google users are just browsing, not ready to buy yet.

Google can determine search intent and will display appropriate sites in results. But it doesn’t always get it right, even though Google remains the best search engine available. Most people still prefer it over Bing, Yahoo etc. So SEO efforts tend to focus on Google.

Google uses “web crawlers” or “spiders” to scan websites and try to understand their purpose.

It caches scanned websites to store and display in results when related searches are made.

Is SEO a One Size Fits All Approach?

No, we offer tailored SEO strategies here at Graham SEO. Requirements vary between local businesses and national companies with wider target markets.

A website’s domain age and history also impact SEO success. This can work for or against you.

We categorise clients into phases 1, 2 or 3. Phase 1 is brand new startups with no prior web presence.

Phase 2 has been around a while but lacks online visibility, though the brand is established offline.

Phase 3 means the website already ranks well so there are lots of quick wins when optimising.

Our strategies are bespoke based on these factors. We also study your competitors for inspiration, then do it even better!

Content marketing helps sustain growth in the final phase by continually creating quality assets. Our in-house team or your own writers can develop content.

Will We See ROI from SEO?

We track performance via Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Our main ones are:

• Leads generated
• Website traffic growth
• Search engine ranking

In that order. Yes, SEO delivers return on investment but the timeframe depends on your domain history and target market. Our proven results demonstrate what we can achieve.

Why Graham SEO?

Graham SEO is led by very experienced consultant Graham McCormack. He oversees every project.

We’re a small, close-knit team of writers, content creators, link builders, technical SEOs and account managers.

You have lots of options, but only results matter. We’ve achieved results for over a decade. Most of our clients now come from word-of-mouth referrals and rarely leave us.

Still unsure? We’re happy to audit competitors’ SEO and show where you could improve with us, using hard data.

Do You Build Websites?

No, we specialise in SEO but work closely with web designers so you hit the ground running for SEO after launch.

We can also assist with site management and anything digital – consider us your one-stop digital shop! Just ask our happy clients.

Can I Do My Own SEO?

Effective SEO is not one-size-fits-all. Following a template doesn’t guarantee results, especially against seasoned SEO pros.

Most serious businesses now invest in SEO as part of digital marketing. The playing field isn’t level.

You could get some results from basic SEO best practices but it’s not as effective as a tailored strategy based on our decade of experience. No two websites are alike.

How Much Does SEO Cost?

Our SEO starts from £350 per month but pricing varies based on current SEO levels and target market size.

Our campaigns are bespoke with the goal of delivering ROI, so we’ll suggest a budget that’s affordable and ensures profitability.

I’ve Seen Cheaper SEO – Why?

We’re not expensive, our aim is to generate revenue for you. But cheap SEO brings poor results and risks Google penalties. We’ve heard all the excuses over the years!

SEO packages don’t work. Tailored strategies are needed so you’re not doing the wrong things at the wrong time.

Where Are You Based?

I’m an SEO consultant based in Wirral, between Chester and Liverpool.