It can take years to cultivate a solid working knowledge of SEO. Given so many different areas of focus within the broader skill-set, no one can expect to become an absolute expert in a short period of time. Yet some do apply themselves for years, slowly learning a plethora of new and valuable skills that make it possible to effectively target and rank in search results.

For those with ample knowledge, setting up a SEO firm may be the next logical step in perfecting their skills, establishing experience and building a reputation. Yet launching a SEO firm isn’t some magical, one-step adventure: there are plenty of elements to consider.

Besides the standard considerations that go into starting any business, let’s look at some steps specific to SEO that are required to launch your own firm.

Hone Skills in One (or More) Areas

While plenty of SEO firms offer an array of services, some of the most notable focus predominantly on key tasks. After all, most SEO clients can’t afford to enlist all of the services that fall under the SEO umbrella. When pinging links and content to potential clients, it is important to have the knowledge – and the right marketing approach – for specific tasks.

For example, some firms may focus heavily on building links for brands and businesses. Others may be more dedicated to technical SEO or on-page SEO. You likely have expertise more so in one area than the rest, so it is recommended to emphasize these skills as your firm’s main focus when starting from scratch.

Cultivate Leads

Throughout your past as an SEO enthusiast, you may have made connections or built relationships due to your skills. When launching a new SEO firm, these connections can be valuable as potential initial clients, but expanding beyond this is essential.

SEO firms need to have a solid lead generation and qualification strategy in place from day one. This means your marketing strategies should be designed to focus on specific potential clients based on need (as mentioned above), budget and schedule.

This will ensure that your initial efforts are focused on those most likely to find your services valuable and that those who do engage with the firm in some capacity are more likely to commit.

Know Your Marketing

While some aspects of SEO can be considered aspects of marketing, a SEO firm needs a dedicated marketing strategy in order to generate enough attention. With so many SEO gurus in the game today, ranking via targeted SERPs by pinging links is no longer enough: you need to be able to generate buzz via email, social media and even through cold-calling potential clients.

A comprehensive plan on how to reach audiences via these channels – and more – can make or break your firm’s chances at the onset. Before opening your virtual doors, be sure to have a solid marketing plan that is sustainable, flexible and easily scaled.

Starting your own SEO firm can be risky, complex and stressful. Like with any business, there are potential variables and vulnerabilities that can determine success or failure before the business opens. Nevertheless, planning for a SEO firm that is successful can be assisted by focusing on specific aspects of SEO as your primary services, understanding how best to market your firm across channels and cultivating the right kinds of leads.