S5E19 - Build a Profitable SaaS SEO Strategy: Leverage Customer Insights to Drive Sustainable Organic Growth with Sam Dunning
Jan 28, 2025
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Sam Dunning, founder of Breaking B2B, shares his expertise in SEO for B2B SaaS companies. He emphasizes that SEO isn't suitable for every business, particularly those needing immediate results. The discussion highlights the advantages of targeting the right keywords and understanding customer insights to drive effective SEO strategies. Mistakes like focusing solely on traffic metrics are addressed, along with optimizing content for better conversion. Dunning also touches on AI's impact on SEO, urging businesses to adapt to changing search behaviors.
SEO is vital for B2B SaaS companies targeting active buyers, but it requires time and resources for sustainable results.
Investing in SEO may not be advisable for companies needing quick results or operating in immature markets without search demand.
Focusing on lower-funnel keywords and understanding customer needs is essential for converting visitors rather than just driving traffic.
Deep dives
The Role of SEO in B2B SaaS Growth
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for B2B SaaS companies looking to capture the attention of prospects actively searching for their solutions. In most markets, approximately 5% of potential customers are in a buying mode, making it essential to target those interested in the product or service offered. Successful SEO allows a company to appear in the organic search results rather than relying solely on paid advertisements, which many tech-savvy users tend to ignore. Additionally, the evergreen nature of SEO content can provide long-lasting traffic benefits, ensuring a continuous flow of potential leads without incurring costs for every click.
When Not to Invest in SEO
There are particular scenarios where investing in SEO may not be advisable for B2B SaaS companies, especially when rapid results are necessary. Companies under pressure from investors or needing immediate leads should prioritize paid media or leveraging their existing networks instead of committing to SEO, which can take time to yield results. Similarly, if the product is new in an immature market, where knowledge of the solution is low or prospects are not actively searching online, focusing on education and direct outreach may be more beneficial. Limited resources also pose a challenge, as without sufficient investment in time and capital, committing to an SEO strategy can be a risky endeavor.
Common SEO Mistakes for SaaS Companies
A prevalent mistake among SaaS companies is the traffic trap, where they prioritize attracting high volumes of visitors through broad, top-funnel content without considering conversion. Many companies create content targeting generic informational keywords, yet this approach can lead to dilution as users find their answers without ever engaging further with the brand. Focusing on lower-funnel, high-intent keywords—such as product comparisons and pricing—is often more effective as they exhibit stronger buying signals and lead directly to conversions. Additionally, an overemphasis on technical SEO at the expense of truly understanding user needs and creating valuable content can stall a company's growth in the search space.
Implementing an Effective SEO Strategy
To execute a successful SEO strategy, B2B SaaS companies should start by analyzing insights gained from past sales calls and understanding client pain points. Identifying relevant keywords, especially long-tail variations that reflect actual search intent, should take precedence, particularly focusing on niches and competitors. Once the keywords are identified, companies can create content that addresses these specific queries while weaving in their unique product advantages. Establishing a publishing rhythm that supports fast content development and leveraging backlinks from industry-relevant sources helps create a competitive edge in a crowded market.
Measuring SEO Success and Challenges
Tracking the success of SEO initiatives involves looking at both leading indicators, like rankings and click-through rates, and lagging indicators, including actual conversions such as demo requests or trial sign-ups. While reaching the desired outcome can take several months, early signs should be monitored closely to adjust strategies as necessary. Unique challenges for SaaS firms often stem from the necessity of rapid content publication, especially in larger organizations where bureaucracy can slow efforts. However, companies that prioritize continuous experimentation and adaptation to the ever-evolving digital landscape can better position themselves for growth and heightened visibility.
Want to build a profitable SaaS SEO strategy and leverage customer insights to drive sustainable organic growth? Are you unsure whether SEO is right for your business? In this episode of the Grow Your B2B SaaS Podcast, host Joran Hofman sits down with Sam Dunning, the founder of Breaking B2B, to explore the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Sam shares his expert insights on why SEO might not be the best fit for every company, particularly in the B2B SaaS sector. He stresses the importance of not rushing into SEO if your company is under pressure to deliver quick results, as SEO is a long-term strategy that requires time, resources, and dedication.
Timestamp
(0:48) - Episode Introduction: Meet Sam Dunning
(1:21) - Guest Welcome: Sam's Career Journey
(1:32) - What is SEO? Explained for SaaS and B2B
(2:30) - Importance of SEO vs. Paid Ads
(3:36) - Gains of SEO: Evergreen Effect and Funnel Stages
(4:11) - Long-term Gains: SEO vs. Paid Ads
(4:24) - When to Use SEO: Good Fit for Companies
(5:37) - Scenarios Where SEO is Not Ideal
(6:47) - Market Demand and Resources for SEO
(7:02) - Not for Everyone: Quick Results and Resources
(7:18) - Channel Testing: Commitment to Quarters
(7:30) - Common Mistakes in SEO: Traffic Trap
(8:41) - Informational Keywords and AI Impact
(10:00) - Focus on Bottom Funnel: Money Keywords
(10:43) - Mistake: Focusing on Traffic Metrics
(11:41) - Strategy: Start with Bottom of Funnel First
(14:02) - SEO for SaaS: The Right Approach
(15:08) - Leveraging Sales Insights for SEO
(18:22) - Assessing Intent: Researching Keywords
(20:05) - Quick Wins in SEO: Competitor Keywords
(21:16) - Content Strategy: Landing Pages and Gaps
(22:17) - FAQs for SEO: Addressing Objections
(24:16) - SEO Optimization: Technical Basics
(25:25) - Publishing Mindset: Speed over Perfection