You’re a business owner. You’ve heard of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You’ve likely also heard good SEO is important for digital marketing. But does BBB accreditation actually help SEO? It’s a valid question many business owners ask.
This question about whether BBB accreditation helps with search engine optimization is one many ponder. Few know the answer. Let’s explore the BBB, its potential SEO benefits, downsides, and other ways it could grow your business. If you want the truth about whether a BBB badge will boost your Google rankings, keep reading.
Does BBB Accreditation Help SEO? Exploring the Connection
The BBB is a non-profit focused on marketplace trust. It accredits businesses meeting its Standards for Trust. These include honest advertising and responsiveness to customer complaints.
Getting accredited may seem good for PR. It can also cost hundreds or thousands of dollars annually. But, what is its actual effect on SEO?
The SEO Impact of BBB Accreditation: A Realistic Look
Some SEO professionals claim a BBB profile provides a followed link back to your website. This might signal authority to search engines, potentially giving your rankings a boost.
The BBB also acts as a NAP citation (Name, Address, Phone Number). This reinforces your business information across the web. Some experts, like those at Blue Corona, believe this is vital for local SEO.
However, in 2017 and 2018, Google’s Gary Illyes and John Mueller stated BBB ratings aren’t a direct ranking factor. As Barry Schwartz reported, Google doesn’t use BBB accreditation to determine rankings.
Moreover, some business owners now report those BBB links are no-follow. This further diminishes their potential SEO value. Consider this when seeking accreditation.
Beyond Rankings: Other Ways BBB Accreditation Might Help
A BBB badge may not directly improve search rankings. But it could help your BBB listing rank prominently when people Google your business name. This can enhance online presence, similar to having well-ranked social media pages. Building trust and online visibility is crucial.
The most noticeable non-ranking benefit? An A+ rating signals trustworthiness, especially for service companies. Many customers see a good BBB rating as social proof, potentially influencing purchasing decisions. Building this trust with potential customers can significantly impact sales leads and customer acquisition.
Some customers only hire BBB-accredited businesses. They prefer a listed business bureau for reassurance in today’s uncertain market.
The BBB offers marketing programs, too. It provides access to industry experts and networking opportunities. Examples include:
- A free membership to the CEO Forum Group Institute.
- Filing auto warranty complaints.
- Signing up for scam alerts.
Other options exist for boosting trust. Consider the CPD accreditation program. Earning high authority followed backlinks can increase organic traffic and online reputation. Does BBB accreditation significantly help SEO beyond building customer confidence? It is a question worth considering.
So, Does BBB Accreditation Really Help SEO?
For contractors, BBB accreditation carries weight. The name is often synonymous with reputability. Some consumers remain skeptical of the BBB and avoid accredited businesses.
Will accreditation transform a contractor into a lead generation machine overnight? Probably not. Focusing on your Google Business Profile might offer a stronger local SEO boost.
Accreditation might improve conversions. This happens due to increased customer trust. Small business owners might use customer retention strategies to manage their online reputation.
No accreditation guarantees business success. Excellent service and results are essential. BBB’s effect on organic search rankings is likely minimal. As news items show, high organic placements lead to increased website traffic. It also leads to greater brand visibility for both local services and other types of businesses. Implementing a strong technical SEO strategy is part of any successful paid media campaign. You also need a good website design that follows current best practices for lead generation. A good user experience with good links on a website design is beneficial. A clean design also makes it easier for Google search engine algorithms to crawl, potentially boosting SEO rankings and increasing potential customers.
Building market trust matters. This is evident in several online marketing news posts. Good customer reviews and word-of-mouth referrals often have a greater impact on business growth than a BBB accreditation alone. Positive reviews can influence potential customers more effectively. Building trust requires offering high-quality service, consistently answering customer questions, and providing helpful services marketing that educates customers. Don’t neglect the importance of high-quality photos and engaging content in establishing your brand’s trustworthiness and authority within your specific industry. Your email marketing should encourage your satisfied clients to recommend businesses they enjoy working with, which helps improve search engine rankings organically.
Does BBB accreditation help SEO? Directly? No. This information may not be helpful to small business owners. They are evaluating the accreditation’s financial and long-term value. Some organizations, similar to Everservice, require agreements. Along with monthly fees, additional memberships might be needed.
Indirectly, BBB accreditation may increase customer confidence. This applies mostly to older, cautious consumers. They perceive accreditation as a backing from a reputable institution promoting good business practices. Ensure your business profile has accurate contact information including your business phone number. Include a complete and accessible privacy policy for greater transparency. These details add credibility in the eyes of consumers and enhance the trustworthiness of accredited businesses.
Does BBB accreditation help SEO or sales? Maybe, by fostering a stronger company with better customer interactions. Forums like the Moz Q&A reveal building authority takes time. Quality customer referrals and positive experiences establish genuine authority. Google favors good websites with great photos. This requires more resources.
Does BBB accreditation quantifiably help SEO? Minimally, if at all. Consumers expect ethical businesses, as business experts highlight. The BBB can help consumers determine relevancy, further bolstering a company’s online reputation.
Pursue BBB accreditation strategically. Consider your target market, audience, and specific benefits. Don’t solely rely on BBB accreditation for SEO or lead generation. It might, however, build consumer trust and encourage more clients to leave recommendations.
