BT Business Enters U.K. Search Wars

BT Business is taking on search upstarts such as ReachLocal U.K. by launching BT SearchSmart. The service will provide a full range of search services for £74.99 per month ($123.30). There is an additional £100 setup fee ($164.42).

Developed in partnership with Latitude Group, a large U.K. search agency, BT SearchSmart will include a phone consultation, a site audit, optimization tips and keyword targeting. The company can also build and manage pay-per-click campaigns on a white-label basis.

BT SearchSmart will give SMBs access to a portal where their search marketing activity can be tracked via online reports, and where they can receive recommendations and expert advice. The reports will track improvements in individual keyword rankings, and report on paid search spend and allocation.

“Professional marketing services have in the past been out of reach for the vast majority of small businesses who don’t have access to the skills or tools needed to manage search campaigns. That’s the gap we are filling with BT SearchSmart,” said Bill Murphy, managing director, BT Business, in a statement. “We want to make sure that small businesses can participate in this rapidly growing market at a price they can afford and with access to the tools to manage their campaign performance effectively.”