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Why a holistic SEO approach is essential for small businesses in 2025
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) has come a long way from the days of keyword stuffing and link-building shortcuts.
In 2025, SEO requires a strategic, multi-channel approach that considers the broader online ecosystem. For small businesses and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), competing in the digital landscape is no longer just about ranking on Google; it’s about building authority, engaging audiences across multiple platforms, and delivering real value.
At Whizz Marketing, we specialise in affordable, flexible SEO solutions designed for start-ups and SME’s.
Here’s how you can take a holistic approach to SEO to gain a competitive edge!
The modern SEO landscape: multi-channel strategies for success
Your target audience no longer spends time in just one place online. They’re browsing Google, engaging on social media, reading blogs, watching videos, and using platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok.
To stand out, your business needs to adapt by developing a multi-channel strategy that not only boosts search rankings but also engages audiences wherever they are.
When revising your SEO strategy, focus on your business’s unique aims and objectives.
Are you looking to drive more traffic, generate qualified leads, or establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry? These goals should guide your strategy, ensuring every piece of content and marketing effort aligns with your mission.
Content marketing: the backbone of modern SEO
Content marketing is the cornerstone of effective SEO. High-quality, relevant content drives organic traffic, builds brand authority, and helps convert leads into loyal customers.
To succeed, you’ll need a solid content marketing strategy that integrates seamlessly with your SEO efforts.
Here’s how to create one:
1. Craft a mission statement
Start by answering these key questions:
- Why are we doing content marketing?
- Who is it for?
- What will it achieve, and who will it help?
For example, if you’re a local bakery, your mission might be to educate food lovers about artisan baking, attract more customers to your store, and share recipes that build trust and connection with your brand.
2. Define your authority and goals
To rank and gain authority, you need to focus on a specific niche.
Ask yourself:
- What do we want to rank for? Identify the keywords that reflect your business’s expertise.
- What is the topic? Focus on a single, overarching topic that aligns with your business objectives.
- What is the outcome? Decide how your content will impact your audience and your business.
By establishing your niche and positioning yourself as an authority, you can dominate the search results for relevant topics and stand out from competitors.
3. Build a strategy to reach, engage, convert, and retain
To achieve your SEO and content marketing goals, you’ll need a comprehensive plan that covers every stage of the customer journey:
- Reach: Understand where your audience is coming from. Analyse your traffic sources and explore new platforms that offer growth opportunities. Optimise your content with opportunity keywords – terms that have high search potential but low competition.
- Engage: Create content that resonates with your audience. Blog posts, videos, infographics, and podcasts are all powerful tools. Use long-tail keywords to answer specific questions your audience is asking, and ensure your content is both valuable and engaging.
- Convert: Make sure your content drives action. Include clear calls-to-action (CTAs), such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase. Use focus keywords that indicate high purchase intent.
- Retain: Generate loyalty by fostering ongoing engagement. Share exclusive tips, run contests, or create community-focused content to keep your audience invested in your brand.
4. Use data to inform your strategy
Invest time in understanding your audience’s needs and preferences. Conduct keyword research to identify the phrases and questions your target audience is searching for. We can help with topical keyword research and you can also use free tools like Google Search Console, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to uncover valuable insights.
Remember to focus on both short-tail and long-tail keywords. While short-tail keywords are often highly competitive, long-tail keywords can help you bridge the competitive gap and attract highly targeted traffic.
Paid vs. Organic search: a balanced approach
It’s tempting to rely solely on paid search for quick results, but this can be a costly mistake. Organic search remains the foundation of long-term success. By investing in both paid and organic strategies, you can drive immediate traffic while building sustainable authority over time.
Monitor key metrics such as engagement rates, page views, and conversions to ensure your strategy delivers results. Balancing paid and organic efforts will help you maximise ROI while maintaining visibility in search results.
Research competitors to gain an edge
To outperform your competitors, you need to know what they’re doing. Identify your content competitors (not just your direct business competitors) and analyse their strategies. Whizz also conduct in-depth competitor analysis!
- What keywords are they ranking for?
- What content performs best for them?
Use these insights to identify gaps in their approach and create content that fills those gaps.
Final thoughts
SEO in 2025 is about more than just ranking on Google; it’s about creating a meaningful online presence that connects with your audience across multiple platforms.
By developing a clear mission, producing high-quality content, and balancing paid and organic strategies, your business can thrive in an increasingly competitive online search marketplace.
At Whizz Marketing, we’re here to help SMEs succeed with affordable, flexible SEO and marketing support. Contact us today to start building a holistic SEO strategy that drives real results.
SEO Hub for Small Businesses
Take a look at our SEO Hub for Small Businesses – tips and tools from the experts!
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