Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
What is SEO, and why does my small business need it?
SEO is the process of improving your website to rank higher in search engine results. For UK small businesses, it’s crucial because most customers search online before making purchasing decisions. Good SEO helps potential customers find you organically without paying for ads.
How long does SEO take to show results?
Typically, 3-6 months for noticeable improvements, though some changes can impact rankings sooner. SEO is a long-term investment that builds momentum over time, making it more cost-effective than paid advertising in the long run.
What’s the difference between local SEO and regular SEO?
Local SEO focuses on appearing in location-based searches (e.g., “plumber in Manchester”). It includes optimising your Google Business Profile, local citations, and location-specific content. It’s essential for businesses serving specific UK areas.
How much should I budget for SEO?
UK small businesses typically invest £500-£2,000 monthly, depending on competitiveness and goals. One-off projects start around £1,000. Remember, quality SEO is an investment that compounds over time.
Can I do SEO myself, or should I hire an expert?
Basic SEO can be learned, but it’s time-consuming and constantly evolving. Professional agencies bring expertise, tools, and save you valuable time. Most small businesses find that the ROI of professional SEO outweighs the cost.
Ready to Boost Your Search Rankings?
Let Module SEO create a tailored strategy for your business
Social Media Marketing
Which social media platforms should my business be on?
Focus on where your customers are. LinkedIn suits B2B businesses, Instagram and Facebook work well for consumer brands, and TikTok appeals to younger audiences. It’s better to excel on one platform than be mediocre on many.
How often should I post on social media?
Quality trumps quantity. Aim for 3-5 times weekly on Facebook/Instagram, daily on LinkedIn, and multiple times daily on Twitter/X. Consistency and engagement are more important than frequency.
Does social media help with SEO?
Indirectly, yes. Whilst social signals aren’t direct ranking factors, social media drives traffic, increases brand awareness, and can earn backlinks – all of which benefit SEO.
Should I pay for social media advertising?
Organic reach is declining on most platforms, making paid advertising increasingly valuable. Even small budgets (£5-10 daily) can effectively target local customers and boost important posts.
How do I measure social media success?
Track engagement rates, website traffic from social, and conversions rather than just follower counts. Use platform analytics and Google Analytics to measure what matters to your business goals.
Maximise Your Social Media Impact
Module SEO creates integrated strategies across all digital channels
Content Marketing
What is content marketing?
Content marketing involves creating valuable, relevant content (blogs, videos, guides) to attract and engage your target audience. It builds trust, demonstrates expertise, and supports SEO efforts by targeting keywords your customers search for.
How often should I publish new content?
Consistency matters more than frequency. Aim for at least 1-2 high-quality blog posts monthly. Regular publishing signals to search engines that your site is active and provides fresh content for visitors to engage with.
What type of content works best for small businesses?
Blog posts answering customer questions, how-to guides, case studies, and local area content perform well. Focus on topics your customers actually search for and problems you solve.
How do I find content ideas?
Listen to customer questions, use tools like Google’s “People also ask,” research competitors, and check industry forums. Your customer service team is often the best source of content ideas.
Should I update old content or create new content?
Both are important. Refreshing existing content can quickly improve rankings, whilst new content targets additional keywords. A good strategy balances both approaches.
Need Help Creating Compelling Content?
Module SEO develops content strategies that drive traffic and conversions
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising
What is PPC, and how does it work?
PPC means you pay only when someone clicks your advert. Google Ads displays your business at the top of search results for chosen keywords. It’s ideal for immediate visibility whilst SEO builds momentum.
How much does PPC cost for a small business?
There’s no minimum spend, but £500-£1,500 monthly is typical for UK small businesses. Costs vary by industry – competitive sectors like legal services cost more per click than less competitive niches.
PPC vs SEO – which is better?
They complement each other. PPC delivers immediate results and precise targeting but requires ongoing spend. SEO builds long-term organic traffic. Most successful businesses use both strategically.
How do I know if my PPC campaigns are working?
Track conversions (sales, leads, calls), not just clicks. Calculate your cost per acquisition and compare it to customer lifetime value. A successful campaign generates more revenue than it costs.
Should I manage PPC myself or hire an agency?
PPC platforms are complex, and wasteful spending happens easily without expertise. Agencies typically improve results and reduce wasted spend enough to cover their fees. Many small businesses see better ROI with professional management.
Stop Wasting Money on Ineffective Ads
Module SEO optimises PPC campaigns for maximum return on investment
Email Marketing
Is email marketing still effective?
Absolutely. Email delivers the highest ROI of any marketing channel (£42 return for every £1 spent on average). You own your email list, unlike social media followers, making it a valuable business asset.
How do I build an email list?
Offer value in exchange for email addresses: downloadable guides, discounts, exclusive content, or newsletter sign-ups. Ensure you comply with UK GDPR requirements and always get explicit consent.
How often should I email my list?
Weekly to monthly works for most small businesses. Consistency matters more than frequency. Provide value in every email – don’t just sell. Monitor unsubscribe rates to gauge if you’re emailing too frequently.
What should I include in my emails?
Mix promotional content with valuable information: tips, industry news, case studies, and helpful resources. Use personalisation and segment your list to send relevant content to different customer groups.
Which email marketing platform should I use?
Popular UK options include Mailchimp (free for small lists), Klaviyo (excellent for e-commerce), and ActiveCampaign (powerful automation). Choose based on your budget, list size, and required features.
Turn Subscribers into Customers
Module SEO designs email campaigns that engage and convert
AI & Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO)
What is AEO, and how is it different from SEO?
AEO optimises your content to appear in AI-generated responses (like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews). Whilst SEO focuses on ranking in search results, AEO ensures AI systems cite and recommend your business when answering queries.
Why should UK small businesses care about AI in marketing?
More customers use AI tools to research purchases. If your business isn’t optimised for AI answers, you’re invisible to this growing audience. Early adopters gain a competitive advantage as these technologies become mainstream.
How do I optimise my website for AI and answer engines?
Use clear, direct answers to common questions, implement structured data markup, create comprehensive FAQ sections, and maintain accurate, consistent business information across all platforms. Focus on being the authoritative source in your niche.
Can AI help me create marketing content?
Yes, AI tools can help draft content, generate ideas, and save time. However, human oversight is essential – AI-generated content needs editing for accuracy, brand voice, and genuine expertise. Google values authentic, expert content.
Will AI replace SEO?
No, it’s evolving SEO. Traditional optimisation techniques remain important, but the focus is shifting towards being cited by AI systems and appearing in AI-generated answers. AEO complements rather than replaces the SEO strategy.
Future-Proof Your Digital Marketing
Module SEO stays ahead of AI trends to keep your business visible
Ready to Transform Your Digital Presence?
Module SEO provides comprehensive digital marketing solutions tailored to UK small businesses. From SEO and content marketing to PPC and emerging AI technologies, we’ve got you covered.