Should Startups Invest in SEO from Day One
What Is SEO and Why Does It Matter for Startups?
SEO stands for search engine optimisation—it’s the process of making your website more visible on Google (and other search engines). Done right, SEO helps people find your business when they’re actively searching for what you offer.
For startups, SEO is more than a traffic strategy—it’s a trust signal. Appearing on Google gives your business credibility, drives long-term traffic, and reduces reliance on ads. It’s one of the most sustainable ways to build an audience and grow.
Should You Invest Early or Wait?
Let’s be real: SEO doesn’t give you overnight results. It takes time—months, not days. That’s why many startups push it down the to-do list.
But here’s the truth: the earlier you start, the sooner it works. Even if your full strategy comes later, laying a few foundations from day one makes everything easier later on.
Start with:
- Clear, SEO-friendly page titles
- Writing your homepage and service pages around what people search for
- Building a site that’s fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate
If budget’s tight, start small. But don’t ignore it completely. Even a few smart moves early on can save you time and money down the road.
SEO vs. Paid Ads: Which One First?
This question comes up a lot. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- SEO is a long-term play: slower to start, but cheaper over time and more sustainable.
- Paid ads are a short-term play: faster results, but they stop the moment you stop paying.
Ideally, you’ll use both. But if your budget only stretches to one right now, ask yourself:
- Do I need quick leads this month? Consider Google or social ads.
- Do I want to rank for search terms in 6 months’ time? Start building SEO now.
What SEO Can You Start Doing for Free?
You don’t need an agency right away. Here are free things any founder can do today:
- Set up Google Search Console and submit your sitemap
- Use Ubersuggest to find keywords related to your niche
- Add alt text to images describing what they show
- Write clear page titles and meta descriptions for each page
- Optimise your homepage around your key offer and location
- Use a simple blogging strategy: answer common questions your ideal customer has
And don’t forget to list your business on Google Maps—it helps you appear in local searches.
Signs You’re Ready for Expert SEO Help
At some point, DIY only takes you so far. Here’s when it’s time to get professional support:
- You want to scale traffic and leads sustainably
- You’re targeting competitive keywords or markets
- You need help with technical SEO, content planning, or backlinks
- Your competitors are ranking above you and you don’t know why
At Lumos, we offer affordable SEO support designed for startups. Whether it’s one-time setup or ongoing help, we grow with you—and we make it easy to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we address common concerns to ease your worries and help you plan confidently, building on the insights above.
It depends on your goals. SEO takes time, but it builds equity. It’s smart to balance SEO with quicker channels like social or paid ads.
DIY SEO is free but takes time. Working with an agency can start from a few hundred pounds a month, depending on your goals.
No—but regular content helps. Even 1–2 high-quality blog posts a month can move the needle over time.
Yes. Our starter website packages include basic SEO setup, and we offer scalable SEO support as your business grows.
