After a couple of years in the marketing field, I realize that while SEO works well for some businesses, only so many will ever be able to make the first page of Google. I believe SEO can work for small businesses where there is little information or competition. But, I think it's absolutely absurd to expect local dentist offices and contractors in a highly competitive environment to be able to rank and reach a relevant audience in their community using broad national search terms.

I cannot recommend SEO as a marketing practice to the majority of small business owners I meet in bars. Instead, I talk to them about the audience they are trying to reach and what community issues their customers are encountering. Then, I look for opportunities to turn the tide and create empowered and engaged audience members and customers who are voting with their paychecks for a company with values they believe in.