For U.S. businesses seeking to improve their online visibility, GoDaddy remains a popular choice for website building and domain registration. However, when it comes to SEO software and managed SEO services, the platform has received mixed reviews. This article evaluates the SEO capabilities of GoDaddy’s tools and services based on available documentation and user experiences from 2022 to 2024.
Overview of GoDaddy's SEO Tools and Services
GoDaddy offers two primary SEO solutions: a DIY SEO tool and a managed SEO service. The SEO tool is designed to help users implement basic keyword optimization, while the managed service provides a more comprehensive approach to improving organic visibility.
The SEO tool is available to customers of GoDaddy’s Website + Marketing and Digital Marketing plans. It offers a step-by-step wizard to help users add keywords to page titles, headlines, and meta descriptions. However, it is limited in functionality and does not support advanced SEO features such as 301 redirects or editable robot.txt files, which are available on competing platforms like Wix.
GoDaddy’s managed SEO service is a custom offering that includes a site audit, keyword research, on-page optimization, and ongoing management. According to GoDaddy, 80% of customers achieve first-page rankings within six months when they opt for on-page optimization and follow recommended strategies. However, the source data does not provide independent verification of these claims.
GoDaddy SEO Tool: Features and Limitations
The GoDaddy SEO Wizard is a basic tool designed to help users improve their site’s keyword optimization. It provides a list of recommended keywords and allows users to integrate them into page content. According to the documentation, users who implement the tool have seen up to 2x more traffic and 2.5x more traffic from Google. However, these results are not backed by independent research or case studies.
One limitation of the GoDaddy SEO Wizard is that it requires a subscription to one of GoDaddy’s paid plans. The cheapest option costs $10.99 per month for 12 months. In contrast, many free or open-source tools offer similar keyword suggestion and optimization features without the need for a long-term commitment.
Additionally, the tool does not address other critical aspects of SEO, such as technical site performance, backlink building, or local SEO optimization. For U.S. businesses looking to compete in local markets, GoDaddy’s tool falls short in providing the full range of capabilities required for a comprehensive SEO strategy.
GoDaddy's Managed SEO Service
GoDaddy’s managed SEO service is a more robust offering compared to the DIY tool. It includes a site audit, keyword research, on-page optimization, and ongoing management. The service is available to businesses regardless of whether they use GoDaddy to build or host their website.
The service includes the following features:
- Site review and audit
- Keyword research and implementation
- Submission to search engines and directories
- Link-building through comment submissions and social bookmarking
- Short-form and article content creation
- Google Search Console and Google Analytics setup and monitoring
- Ongoing management and reporting
GoDaddy claims that 80% of customers achieve first-page rankings within six months. However, the source data does not include detailed case studies or independent verification of these results. The success of the service likely depends on the specific needs and goals of the business, as well as the competitiveness of the target keywords.
Cost and Value Considerations
GoDaddy’s SEO tool is available for $10.99 per month for 12 months as part of its Website + Marketing or Digital Marketing plans. The managed SEO service is priced on a custom basis, with some customers reporting hourly rates as low as $50. This is lower than the average hourly rate for SEO agencies, which can range from $75 to $200 or more.
While the pricing is relatively competitive, the value of the service depends on the depth of the strategy and the quality of execution. The source data does not include detailed performance metrics or comparisons against other SEO agencies.
For U.S. businesses, it is important to evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of any SEO service. Businesses should consider not only the cost but also the potential increase in organic traffic, lead generation, and overall online visibility.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other website builders and SEO platforms, GoDaddy’s SEO offerings fall short in several areas. Competitors like Wix and Squarespace offer more advanced SEO features, including the ability to set up 301 redirects, edit robot.txt files, and implement structured data markup.
According to a 2022 comparison of website builders and their SEO capabilities, GoDaddy ranks lower than Wix and Squarespace in terms of advanced SEO features. The comparison highlights that while GoDaddy’s SEO Wizard is a good starting point for beginners, it lacks the tools needed for more experienced users.
For U.S. businesses that require more advanced SEO capabilities, platforms like Wix and Squarespace may be more suitable. These platforms offer a broader range of features that can support both on-page and technical SEO efforts.
User Experience and Interface
GoDaddy’s SEO Wizard is designed to be user-friendly, with a step-by-step interface that guides users through the keyword optimization process. However, the simplicity of the tool comes at the cost of functionality. It does not offer the same level of customization or control as more advanced SEO platforms.
The source data also notes that GoDaddy’s Studio Content Creator is one of its more useful tools for creating social media content. This tool allows users to create and schedule social media posts and can be helpful for businesses looking to integrate their SEO and social media strategies.
However, the SEO Wizard does not support features like alt text optimization for images or advanced keyword research. These limitations may be a concern for businesses that need to optimize for local search or have more specific SEO goals.
Conclusion
GoDaddy’s SEO offerings include a basic DIY tool and a more comprehensive managed service. The DIY tool is suitable for businesses with limited SEO experience but lacks the advanced features needed for more complex strategies. The managed SEO service provides a more robust solution but does not come with independent verification of its effectiveness.
For U.S. businesses, the choice of SEO tools and services should be based on their specific needs, budget, and long-term goals. While GoDaddy’s SEO offerings may be sufficient for basic optimization, businesses that require more advanced capabilities may need to consider alternative platforms or work with an experienced SEO agency.