As businesses across the globe begin to assess and adjust to a new way of doing things in a world after COVID-19, the current climate is undoubtedly one of more questions than answers. However, what may be an extended transitional period to a new normal is also an opportunity for leading SEO agencies to deliver the expertise and value that is going to be in high demand by businesses looking to recover and rebuild.
In the days and weeks after the virus took hold, and country after country began to lockdown, it became increasingly obvious how reliant the world’s population is on ‘being online’.
Not just in terms of the huge swell in numbers of people working, schooling and communicating online, or those streaming their entertainment during the weeks and months staying indoors. But also the volume of businesses who were forced to move almost completely online, and the increase in customers who were now shopping for goods and services on the Internet.
For businesses that were already predominantly online, and those ‘brick and mortar’ businesses who pivoted to develop and expand their capacity to service existing and new customers online. Being ‘found’ in the increased number of searches on Google and other search engines became even more important – and this is where SEO agencies can help.
SEO agencies are uniquely positioned to align with the new landscape in a way that will not only help them to support their clients and their own businesses’ viability. But it also simultaneously plays a key role in the larger economic recovery.
A Unique Position
Even though there are many larger issues and longer-term effects to consider. Profitability is not the only concern right now for any business owner, it is still a vital consideration. Yet many businesses are being cautious or even reluctant with their marketing, as we continue to witness an unprecedented sensitivity in the marketing landscape.
People are rightly concerned about how their brand and business will be perceived by a customer base still reeling from recent events, or who are dealing with losses and setbacks that have shaken their priorities and even their values.
No decent business owner wants to come across as too promotional and self-serving during this unusual time. And for some businesses, now may not be the ideal climate for their message or offerings.
But agencies are in the fortunate position of providing the very SEO services that are so urgently needed by many businesses right now. At the core of any SEO agency’s work is a fundamental aim to help other businesses be successful – and many of these businesses need this help now, more than ever.
Supporting Economic Recovery
In addition to providing those crucial connections between clients and their customers, connections that can determine business success more than ever before. SEO agencies can also play a role in the larger economic picture.
Many SEO agencies work with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs make up the backbone of many modern economies. Helping them to function profitably is a unique opportunity to aid in the national or even global economic recovery.
So, rather than shying away from current opportunities for fear of being insensitive, agencies can take a more proactive and positive approach to the services they offer, in a way that contributes to an improved future for everyone.
For the majority of experienced, professional agencies, this isn’t being self-promotional or taking advantage of the situation – far from it. If you run an ethical business, i.e. you believe your work helps other businesses succeed and make a positive difference in the world, your work is required now more than ever.
Viewing their own business efforts as part of the solution the world needs can help agencies to market their services with confidence, integrity, and enthusiasm. These are qualities that will help both their customers’ and their own businesses succeed.
Adopting this perspective may help agencies to feel more comfortable in marketing or promoting their services in the current climate. This is good news for the clients who are in greater need of these skills, and for the economy that needs thriving businesses.
Taking this approach will also ensure that agencies are in as strong a position for what could be an unpredictable future. With a sensitive mix of positivity, compassion, creativity, and optimism, ethical SEO agencies can survive and thrive on the current challenges. They can contribute to the much-needed solutions of the post-COVID world.
“We can and will succeed.
Humans are endlessly resourceful, optimistic, and adaptable.”
~ Stephen Hawking
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