When discussing the benefits of SEO, the usual topics include improved Google visibility, increased organic traffic, and more clients. However, there’s one significant advantage that often gets overlooked—indirect PR promotion, which can have a priceless impact on a brand and its reputation.

One of our clients, from an industry currently in the public spotlight, has maintained the top position on Google for a key search term for over two years. Recently, as the topic related to their industry has become widely relevant, many renowned media outlets turned to the internet to find experts who could speak on the matter.

Thanks to their strong SEO position, this client was contacted by some of the biggest media houses without spending a dime on PR. Media outlets like Bloomberg Adria, BBC Serbia, Forbes Serbia, Euronews, as well as local giants such as Novosti and Blic, reached out to interview the client and quoted them in articles and reports. This not only gave the client massive exposure but also helped build their credibility in the eyes of the general public and potential customers.

To truly understand the value of this kind of media attention, it’s important to consider how much this coverage would cost through paid PR campaigns. PR services and media placements vary depending on the outlet and the scope of the campaign, but they range from several thousand euros for a mention or short interview in smaller outlets, to €10,000 or more for appearances in major regional or international publications.

For example, sponsored articles in large media outlets can cost between €1,500 and €5,000 per publication, while major players like Bloomberg or Forbes may charge even more, depending on the reach of the article. When this kind of promotion is achieved organically, as a result of a well-executed SEO strategy, the cost is zero, and the impact can be even more valuable, as it comes through reputable sources and is perceived as an objective endorsement.

This indirect PR benefit of SEO represents an enormous potential for brands looking to position themselves as leaders in their industries. Instead of directly investing in paid PR campaigns, a properly optimized SEO strategy can lead to similar results, but without additional costs and with a long-lasting effect.