invisible-online

Why ChatGPT's Yelp Deal Changes How You Approach Local SEO

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:01:43 GMT

Yelp began licensing its reviews, ratings, and business photos to OpenAI on July 23, 2026, and ChatGPT can now surface that content, with Yelp's name and a link attached, when someone asks about a local business.

Yelp's Request a Quote feature, which will let a user contact a local business for a quote without leaving ChatGPT, is coming next. For local businesses, a Yelp profile is no longer a secondary listing. NAP consistency, review volume, and profile completeness on Yelp now feed into how ChatGPT answers local questions, the same way they already feed into Google. If your reviews are concentrated on Google and thin on Yelp, start with the profile itself.

What does this change for a local business?

I think most clients still give one instruction: give me a Google review. That's been reasonable advice. It's just not the whole picture anymore. Reviews concentrated on Google with next to nothing on Yelp is now a real gap.

Google is typically still the first place people look for a local business, and that's not changing overnight. What's changing is Yelp. It's becoming more important, so it has to be managed the same way businesses already manage a Google Business Profile: name, address, and phone number matching across both, a profile that stays current, and a review count that holds up next to a competitor's. Whether Yelp overtakes Google as a source is yet to be seen. What's not in question anymore is that Yelp has to be treated as part of a business's local search profile.

Should you ask customers for a Yelp review?

No. Asking violates Yelp's official rules.

Yelp doesn't want the same approach that works on Google. What they want instead is for you to show that you're listed on Yelp. Interact with the platform. Update your photos, keep your profile current, and answer the reviews you already have.

It's a different process than Google, but it works. Building up your Yelp visibility and your branding on the platform, without specifically asking for a review, doesn't put you in violation.

It'll be interesting to see if Yelp changes these rules now that they have a relationship with ChatGPT. My guess is they won't. When Yelp struck a similar deal with Perplexity, they didn't update their guidelines. You'll want to watch this closely either way.

Is this different from what happened with Google's AI Overviews?

I don't know yet, and I'd rather tell you that than guess. Yelp has been down this road with Google before: featured snippets and AI Overviews were supposed to send traffic back to the publisher, and in practice, Google kept most of the clicks. Yelp is now suing Google over it. Whether ChatGPT plays out the same way is unproven.

What I can say is what I've already seen. Real revenue has come from clients getting referred through ChatGPT. That's why I'm not waiting to see how the Yelp relationship shakes out before acting on it.

What this means for a local business right now

For clients already doing local SEO, this becomes one more thing checked in a profile review: is the listing complete, is the NAP consistent, are the reviews current. It's an extension of work already happening.

For businesses with no real Yelp presence now, now is probably the time to start. It's no longer something we can ignore. Competitors are already building theirs. For more tips on how to improve your Yelp presence read this article.

What to do this week

Pull up the Yelp listing and look at it the way a stranger would: is it current, is the category right, are there photos? Then check two or three competitors and see whether theirs looks more complete. Whatever gap shows up between the business and its competitors is the plan of action.

FAQs

If you want to know how your business is actually showing up when people search on Google, AI platforms, and maps, that's what our free AI Visibility Assessment reviews contact us today.

By Kelly Biggs, Principal Consultant at WSI Biggs Digital, where she works with local service businesses on AI visibility and local SEO . Last updated: July 31, 2026

AI Can Build Your Website. It Cannot Build the Reason People Pick You.

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:50:14 GMT

Should you let AI build your website?

My colleague Kelly Biggs and I were going back and forth recently on the wave of AI website builders, and she made a point that stuck with me: the tools are good enough now that speed is no longer the question. The question is what you're actually left with once the site is live.

Spend ten minutes on YouTube, and you'll see it. “The easiest way to make a website with AI.” “Build a website in 14 minutes as a beginner.” “Free, no coding.” Every video tells the same story: what used to take weeks and cost hundreds now takes one prompt and a few minutes.

The demos are real. Lovable, Bolt, v0, Hostinger, Wix AI. These tools work. If your only goal is to have something live by tonight, they'll get you there.

But watch a few of those videos back to back and notice what none of them cover. They show you the launch, then stop. Nobody talks about the next month, when you need to edit the site, move it, or grow it. That gap matters, because cutting time on the front end can cost you on the back end.

The speed you save now comes back as a bill

The minutes you save at launch move down the road and wait for you. Here's what that looks like in practice.

You go to change a headline and find the layout locked in ways you don't understand. You want to move to a real platform and learn there's no clean export, so moving means rebuilding from scratch. You start to grow, add pages, add products, and the site that took ninety seconds to make now takes weeks to untangle.

You didn't save time. You borrowed it. And the interest is due right when the business is finally producing revenue, which is exactly when you can least afford to stop and rebuild.

What AI-built sites all have in common

Set the maintenance problem aside for a second and ask a different question: if AI wrote your entire website, what's your competitive edge?

The tool built your site from what already exists. That's what it does. It reads the public web for your industry and returns the average of everything it found. Now picture your closest competitor using the same tool, the same industry, roughly the same prompt. They get the average too.

You both end up with a version of the same site. Same structure, same safe language, same stock confidence. Nothing in it points to you, because nothing in it came from you.

A website built entirely by AI can't hold the one thing that makes someone choose you: your actual point of view, the real work you've done, the way you talk about the problem you solve. Those aren't in the training data. They're in your head and in your track record.

Where this connects to what we talk about on the podcast

Kelly and I get into this on the Invisible Online podcast often: you can be online and still be invisible. A generic site doesn't make you findable or memorable. It makes you one more result that looks like the last one. Speed doesn't fix that. It usually makes it worse, because speed rewards the default, and the default is what everyone else already has.

We cover the responsible way to bring AI into your business in our AI Adoption for SMBs episodes , if you want to go deeper than this post.

Getting picked is about being clearly, specifically yourself in a way a prompt can't fake.

Where I think AI actually fits

None of this means avoid AI. It means use it strategically.

Use AI to move faster on a platform you own. Kadence AI and the AI features arriving inside WordPress let you speed up the build without landing on a generic site or handing over control of it. You keep your hosting, your content, and the ability to move, change, and grow on your terms. The AI helps you work. It doesn't decide who you are.

That's how I'm using it right now. WordPress as the platform. AI as an assistant, not a replacement for judgment or voice.

Build fast if the tool fits the job. Just remember what it can and can't do.

AI can build the website. It cannot build the reason someone picks you over the next result.

Related from Invisible Online

How to Check Whether AI Recommends Your Business

Invisible Online podcast on YouTube

Jim Falotico

WSI Digital Drive | Serving Milwaukee, Madison, Lake Geneva & Chicago

How to check whether AI recommends your business

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:04:23 GMT

Customers ask an AI tool for a recommendation before they open Google. They type something like "best plumber near me" into ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity and go with what it says. If your business is named, that is a new source of customers. If it is not, you may not know it is happening.

You can check where you stand in about twenty minutes. Here is how to do it and how to read what you find.

Start with the question a customer would ask

Open ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity and ask the way a customer would. Use plain, buyer-style prompts, not your business name:

"Best [your service] in [your city]"
"Who should I call for [problem you solve] near [your city]?"
"Recommend a [your type of business] in [your area]"

Read the answer and note whether your business comes up, which competitors it names, and how it describes them.

Ask more than once

AI tools do not give the same answer every time. One run is not a reliable read. Ask each question a few times, in a fresh chat each time, and pay attention to how often you appear rather than whether you showed up once.

Being named in one run out of ten is closer to chance. Being named in most runs is a real recommendation. The pattern across several tries tells you more than any single answer.

Check all three tools, because they work differently

Each tool builds its answers from different sources, so your results can vary from one to the next.

Perplexity shows its sources with links, so you can see exactly where its answer came from.
Gemini leans on Google's information, including Google Maps and Business Profile, so what Google knows about you carries weight here.
ChatGPT mixes what it learned in training with live web results, so it can be the hardest of the three to appear in.

Running the same prompts across all three gives you a fuller picture than any one on its own.

Note four things each time

For each answer, write down:

Whether your business is absent, mentioned, or clearly recommended.
Which competitors show up in your place.
What sources the tool cites, when it shows them.
Whether the details it gives about you, like your name, location, or services, are correct.

That last point is worth a close look. When a tool does mention you, the information is sometimes out of date or wrong, which can turn a customer away even when you appear.

What your results are telling you

A few patterns are common:

You appear often and accurately. Your information is consistent enough for these tools to trust and repeat.
You appear sometimes, or with wrong details. The tools have some information about you, and it is either thin or inconsistent across the places they read.
You do not appear at all. The tools are pulling from sources that do not include you, and customers using them are seeing competitors instead.

None of these is permanent. AI visibility comes from the same kind of work that builds trust anywhere: consistent business information across every listing, mentions on sources these tools already rely on, and steady reviews and activity that show a real, working business. It sits alongside your existing SEO rather than replacing it.

How often to check

A check every month or two is enough for most businesses. It also helps to run one after any change to your listings, a batch of new reviews, or a press mention, so you can see whether it moved the needle.

If you would rather we run it for you

Testing across three tools, several prompts, several runs each, takes time to do well. If you would like a clear read on where your business stands when customers ask AI for a recommendation, we can run the assessment for you and walk you through what it shows. Send us a message and we will set it up.

More on getting found in AI search on the Invisible Online podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcF2cwCEFvU

How Buyer Personas Can Transform Your Business

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:46:11 GMT

How Buyer Personas Can Transform Your Business

Ever felt like your marketing efforts are missing the mark? The solution might lie in understanding your audience better.

Buyer personas are a powerful tool that can help you create targeted, effective marketing strategies. Here's how they can transform your business.

The Importance of Knowing Your Audience

To create content that resonates, you need to understand who you're talking to. This is where buyer personas come in.

By conducting thorough audience research, you can identify demographics, interests, and online behaviors, allowing you to tailor your content to your audience's needs.

The Guiding Role of Buyer Personas

Buyer personas act as a guide for your content creation and marketing efforts. Your marketing efforts may not yield the desired results without a clear understanding of your target personas.

I believe that if you don't have a clear target persona, you're going nowhere. It's like throwing grass up in the air to see which way the wind is blowing.

A Tale from the Pharmaceutical Industry

Consider a contract sales/marketing firm that many pharmaceutical companies hire to outsource their sales. Some initial goals for my client included expanding their authority and reach nationally.

Not surprising, my early marketing attempts using general content delivered weak results. The obvious conclusion was that a much deeper understanding of the target audience was needed for content to resonate with potential pharma clients.

By taking the time to understand client behaviors and characteristics, I created meaningful targeted content that addressed specific industry issues.

This shift led to significant improvements in SEO results.

The Impact on SEO and Content Strategy

One of the most significant benefits of well-defined buyer personas is improved SEO performance. Generic content may not improve your SEO rankings, but targeted, specific, and value-added content can make a real difference.

For example, an attorney specializing in wills and trusts found that their primary audience was often the adult children of elderly clients.

By creating content that resonated emotionally with this group, they saw improved SEO rankings and business growth.

Empathy: The Key to Effective Buyer Personas

Understanding your target audience's fears, concerns, and motivations is crucial for creating content that resonates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral homes had to adapt their messaging to address their client's unique challenges and concerns.

By focusing on empathy and offering alternative solutions, these businesses could connect more deeply with their audience and ultimately get more clients.

Choosing the Right Platform

Different personas may be more active on specific platforms. For instance, boomers are more likely to be found on Facebook, while Gen Z prefers Instagram and TikTok.

Understanding where your audience spends their time online can help you choose the most effective marketing platform.

Conclusion

Buyer personas are not just a helpful tool; they are essential for any business looking to succeed.

By understanding your audience at a deep level, you can create content that resonates, improve your SEO performance, and ultimately drive business growth.

So, if you haven't already, take the time to develop detailed buyer personas for your business. It could be the game-changer you've been looking for.

The Art of Nurturing: How to Build Lasting Relationships with Your Customers

kelly.biggs@wsiworld.com (Kelly Biggs) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:45:55 GMT

The Art of Nurturing: How to Build Lasting Relationships with Your Customers

Have you ever wondered why some businesses seem to effortlessly retain customers while others struggle to keep them coming back? The secret lies in the art of nurturing. In today's competitive business landscape, acquiring new customers is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in nurturing those relationships to build lasting loyalty and repeat business.

The art of nurturing involves creating meaningful connections that go beyond the initial sale and foster a sense of trust and appreciation.

Why Nurturing Matters

Nurturing customer relationships is crucial for several reasons:

Increased Loyalty: Customers who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to remain loyal to your brand. Nurturing helps build a strong emotional connection that keeps customers coming back.
Higher Customer Lifetime Value: By nurturing relationships, you can increase the lifetime value of your customers. Loyal customers are more likely to make repeat purchases and spend more over time.
Positive Word-of-mouth: Satisfied and nurtured customers are more likely to recommend your business to others. Positive word-of-mouth can be a powerful marketing tool that drives new business.

Strategies for Effective Nurturing

Personalized Communication: Personalization is key to effective nurturing. Use customer data to tailor your communications and make each interaction feel unique and relevant. Personalized emails, for example, can significantly increase engagement and conversion rates.
Consistent Engagement: Consistency is crucial in nurturing relationships. Regularly engage with your customers through newsletters, social media updates, and special offers. Keep your brand top of mind without being intrusive.
Value-Added Content: Provide valuable content that addresses your customers' needs and interests. This can include blog posts, webinars, e-books, and other resources that offer solutions and insights. Value-added content builds trust and positions your brand as an authority in your industry.
Exclusive Offers and Rewards: Offer exclusive deals, discounts, and rewards to your loyal customers. This not only makes them feel appreciated but also encourages repeat business and referrals.

Case Study: The Wine Shop

One of our clients, a wine shop owner, has mastered the art of nurturing customer relationships. She sends personalized thank-you notes to customers after significant purchases and hosts regular wine-tasting events to show her appreciation. Her customers love the personal touch and often return to her shop, not just for the wine but for the experience.

Her employees also feel valued and appreciated, leading to a positive work environment and high levels of customer service. By consistently nurturing her relationships with both customers and employees, she has built a loyal following and a thriving business.

Conclusion

The art of nurturing is about building lasting relationships that go beyond the initial sale. By personalizing communication, engaging consistently, providing value-added content, and offering exclusive rewards, you can foster loyalty and trust with your customers. Don't underestimate the power of nurturing—it can be the key to unlocking long-term success for your business.

If you're looking for ways to incorporate nurturing strategies into your business, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you build lasting relationships that drive growth and success.

Why Your 'About Us' Page Might Be the Secret to Better SEO

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:27:06 GMT

Why Your 'About Us' Page Might Be the

Secret to Better SEO

In the digital marketing landscape, there's one page on your website that often gets overlooked but holds a lot of power: the 'About Us' page. This isn't just a place to dump some basic info about your company; it's a secret weapon for better SEO and more engaged visitors. Let's see why this page is important and how you can optimize it to drive traffic and improve your rankings.

The Power of Personal, Authentic Stories

First, your 'About Us' page should be personal and authentic. This is your chance to tell your story, highlight your team, and share your company values. Don't be afraid to get real and show some behind-the-scenes moments. This sets the tone for the rest of your website and helps visitors connect with you on a deeper level.

As we discussed in Episode 6 of our podcast, "AI Won't Make You Stand Out—Here’s What Will," authenticity is key to standing out in a world of AI-generated content. Google rewards unique, high-quality content that signals trust and boosts your visibility and rankings.

How Small Businesses Can Compete with Bigger Brands

You might think, "That's great, but how can my small business compete with bigger brands with way more resources?"

Here's the thing: as a small business, you've got something those big brands don't—a unique perspective and the ability to create highly targeted, niche content. Leverage customer stories and local insights, or offer specialized advice that bigger competitors might overlook. It's all about authenticity and delivering value in ways that bigger brands can't easily replicate.

Law firms have improved their rankings by removing generic legal jargon and focusing on engaging, up-to-date topics tailored to their target clients. This real-life example shows the power of a strong content strategy.

Injecting Personality into Your Content

But how do you inject more personality into your content without over-complicating things? Easy! Speak directly to your audience like you're having a conversation with them. Use a friendly, approachable tone and avoid jargon. Share personal anecdotes, challenges you've faced, or success stories that reflect your values.

And remember to showcase the personality of your team. Behind-the-scenes photos or team stories can make your brand feel more relatable. Remember, people connect with people, not faceless corporations.

Real photos resonate more than stock images, especially for brands looking to build trust. We help healthcare professionals use actual photos to create a more relatable, engaging brand presence.

The Role of AI in Content Creation

You might wonder, "Can I still use AI tools for content creation, or is it all about being 100% human-generated now?"

AI tools can be helpful in brainstorming ideas, generating basic drafts, or optimizing content. But here's the key: don't rely solely on them. A human touch should guide your content—the insights you provide, the stories you tell, or the unique angle you bring. AI-generated content can help speed up the process, but it shouldn’t replace the creativity, personality, and authenticity that resonate with both Google and your audience.

Optimizing Your 'About Us' Page for SEO and Visitors

So, how do you optimize your 'About Us' page for both search engines and visitors? Here are some quick tips:

Use Keywords Naturally: Incorporate relevant keywords, but ensure they flow naturally within your story.
Include Visuals: Real photos of your team, office, or community can make a huge difference. Stay away from stock photos if you can.
Keep It Updated: Your story evolves, and so should your 'About Us' page. Regular updates can signal to Google that your content is fresh and relevant.
Make It Engaging: Use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make your page scannable and engaging.

Wrapping Up

Your 'About Us' page is more than just a placeholder—it's a powerful tool for building trust, driving traffic, and improving your rankings. You can turn this often-overlooked page into a secret weapon for better SEO by focusing on authenticity, personality, and value.

So, get personal, get real, and watch as your About Us page starts working harder for you. Until next time, keep it authentic!

AI in Search: How to Use It to Your Advantage

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 13:05:54 GMT

What you need to know about the Generative Search Landscape

ChatGPT just rolled out generative search in its platform, and the world is rapidly changing. As AI continues to transform the way we interact with technology, it's also revolutionizing how search engines operate. In this post, I'll dive into how AI is impacting search and provide practical tips on how you can use it to your advantage.

The Power of AI in Search

AI is revolutionizing the way search engines operate. Tools like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) are just the beginning. These AI-powered platforms are designed to understand user intent better and provide more relevant search results. As a business owner, it's important to adapt your SEO strategies to stay visible in this evolving landscape.

Understanding AI-Driven Search

AI-driven search tools are designed to understand user intent more accurately than traditional search engines. They use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to interpret queries and deliver results that are more contextually relevant. This means that search engines are getting smarter and more intuitive, which can be a game-changer for businesses that know how to leverage these advancements.

Optimizing for Voice Search

With the rise of AI, voice search is becoming more prevalent. Devices like Amazon Echo, Google Home, and smartphones are making it easier for users to search using their voice. To stay ahead, you need to optimize your content for conversational language and high-intent keywords.

Here are some tips:

Use Natural Language: When someone says, "Hey Alexa, find the best medical spa near me," how do you get your business to be found? Use natural language in your content. This makes it easier for voice search tools to understand and rank your content.
Focus on High-Intent Keywords: Voice searches tend to be longer and more specific. Instead of saying "medical spa," focus on phrases that attract people searching for specific services, like "best medical spa near me" or "medical spa with Botox treatments."
Answer Questions: Voice searches often come in the form of questions. Create content that directly answers common questions related to your business. For example, "What services does your medical spa offer?" or "Do you provide skincare consultations?"

Be Sure Your Data is Structured

Structured data helps search engines understand the context of your content better. Think of it as giving search engines a roadmap to your website. Here’s how you can do it:

Label Your Content: Add labels to your website to provide search engines with more information about your content. This can include details about services, events, recipes, and more. Think of it as tagging your content so search engines know exactly what it is.
Make Your Search Results Stand Out: Structured data can help your website appear in enhanced search results that include additional information like ratings, images, and reviews. These enhanced results make your search listings stand out and can attract more clicks.
Improve Click-Through Rates: Enhanced search results can make your search listings more appealing, leading to higher click-through rates and more traffic to your website.
If you're not sure how to implement structured data, trust your SEO expert to handle it for you. They have the knowledge and tools to ensure your website is optimized for search engines.

Focusing on User Experience

AI-powered search tools prioritize user experience. Ensuring your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate can significantly improve your search rankings. Here are some steps you can take:

Optimize Page Speed: Slow-loading pages can negatively impact your search rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix issues that slow down your website.
Mobile-Friendly Design: With more users searching on mobile devices, having a responsive design is crucial. Ensure your website looks good and functions well on all devices.
Easy Navigation: Make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for. Use clear menus, breadcrumbs, and internal links to guide users through your website.

Staying Visible with Emerging Search Trends

In our recent discussions, we've explored how AI is transforming search and what businesses need to do to stay visible. For example, Jim shared insights on how location-based strategies, like creating local pages, can help businesses attract a broader, regional audience by making them easier to find in search results.

Keeping Your Business Visible

The future of search is here, and it's powered by AI. By adapting your SEO strategies to these new technologies, you can keep your business visible to your target audience. Here are some final tips to help you stay ahead:

Stay Updated: Keep an eye on emerging AI-powered search trends and tools. Adapt your strategies as new technologies develop.
Test and Adjust: Regularly test your SEO strategies and adjust them based on performance data. Use tools like Google Analytics to track your progress.
Engage with Your Audience: Understand your audience’s needs and preferences. Create content that resonates with them and addresses their pain points.

Conclusion

Keeping your business visible in an AI-driven search landscape is important for success. By optimizing for voice search, leveraging structured data, and focusing on user experience, you can future-proof your SEO strategy and remain visible as search technology evolves.

SEO vs. PPC: Uncovering the Winning Strategy

jimfalotico@wsiworld.com (Jim Falotico) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:20:49 GMT

In the world of digital marketing, there's a constant debate between two powerhouse strategies: SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and PPC (Pay-Per-Click). Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but which is your business's winning strategy? Let's examine the details and uncover the truth.

The Power of SEO

SEO is about optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results. It's a long-term strategy that focuses on building organic traffic. Here's why SEO is so powerful:

Long-Term Benefits:

SEO is like planting a tree. It takes time to grow, but once it does, it provides sustained growth and visibility.

Unlike PPC, where you pay for every click, SEO can bring in traffic without ongoing costs.

Building Trust and Authority:

High-ranking websites are perceived as more trustworthy and authoritative.

By optimizing your site for SEO, you're not just attracting traffic; you're building a strong brand reputation.

Cost-Effective:

While SEO requires an initial investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs.

Over time, SEO can provide a higher return on investment (ROI) compared to PPC.

The Immediate Impact of PPC

PPC, on the other hand, is all about getting immediate results. It's a short-term strategy that involves paying for each click on your ads. Here's why PPC is a game-changer:

Quick Results:

PPC can drive traffic to your website almost instantly.

If you need immediate visibility and leads, PPC is the way to go.

Targeted Advertising:

PPC allows you to target specific demographics, locations, and interests.

This level of precision can lead to higher conversion rates and better ROI.

Flexibility and Control:

With PPC, you have complete control over your budget and ad placement.

You can adjust your campaigns in real-time based on performance data.

The Perfect Blend

So, which strategy is the winner? The truth is, the best approach is often a blend of both SEO and PPC. Here's how you can combine them for maximum impact:

Short-Term PPC, Long-Term SEO:

Use PPC to get immediate traffic and leads while your SEO efforts are ramping up.

Over time, as your SEO starts to pay off, you can gradually reduce your PPC spending.

Complementary Strategies:

PPC can provide valuable data on which keywords are driving the most traffic and conversions.

Use this data to inform your SEO strategy and optimize your website for the most effective keywords:

Balanced Budget:

Allocate your marketing budget wisely between SEO and PPC.

Invest in SEO for long-term growth and use PPC for short-term gains and targeted campaigns.

Conclusion

SEO and PPC are both powerful strategies, but the winning approach is often a combination of the two. By blending short-term PPC with long-term SEO, you can achieve immediate results while building sustained growth and visibility.

Want to learn more about SEO and PPC? Listen to Episode 3 of "Why Your Business is Invisible Online," where we discuss the common issues businesses face and provide actionable advice on overcoming them. Tune in for more insights and strategies to help your business thrive digitally.

See you soon!

Jim

Why Cold Calling Isn't Working for You—And What to Do Instead

kelly.biggs@wsiworld.com (Kelly Biggs) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:20:49 GMT

If you find cold calling isn't working for you, you're not alone. In Episode 1 of "Why Your Business is Invisible Online," we discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to rethink our lead generation strategies. Cold calling, once a staple, became increasingly ineffective. Let's dive into why cold calling might not work for you and, more importantly, what you can do instead to generate leads and grow your business.

Why Cold Calling Isn't Working

People Don't Want to Be Interrupted

Think about it—when was the last time you enjoyed receiving a cold call? People are busy, and they don't want to be interrupted by someone they don't know trying to sell them something they might not need. As I mentioned in our recent podcast, the cost per lead in digital marketing is high, and cold calling can be particularly challenging.

It's Hard to Build Trust

Building trust is crucial in sales, but doing that over a cold call is tough. People are naturally skeptical of strangers, and building relationships and establishing credibility takes time. Jim Falotico shared how he struggled with cold calling after transitioning from corporate sales to owning his own business.

You're Talking to the Wrong People

One of the biggest challenges with cold calling is that you often end up talking to people who aren't decision-makers. This means you're wasting time and energy on the wrong prospects. The truth is that the pandemic forced us to pivot our strategies and focus on more effective methods.

What to Do Instead

Now that we've identified some of the challenges with cold calling, let's talk about what you can do instead to generate leads and drive growth.

Leverage LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a goldmine for B2B lead generation. Start by optimizing your profile to showcase your expertise and credibility. Then, connect with potential prospects and engage with their content.

Once you've built a connection, send a personalized message explaining how you can help them. This approach is much more effective than a cold call because you build a relationship and establish trust first. LinkedIn was my lifeline during the pandemic, allowing her to maintain and build connections.

Create Valuable Content

Content marketing is a powerful way to attract and engage prospects. Creating valuable content that addresses their pain points and provides solutions can establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.

This could be in the form of blog posts, videos, podcasts, or even webinars. The key is to provide value upfront, which will help you build trust and generate leads over time. It is important to position and brand yourself so people get to know, like, and trust you. (Thanks Zig Ziglar!)

Join Business Networking International (BNI)

If you are an entrepreneur and have not heard of BNI (Business Networking International), you should. BNI was one of the first things we all did when we started our businesses, and it helped us all tremendously.BNI allowed us to connect with other business owners and build relationships that led to referrals and new business opportunities.

Use Retargeting Ads

Retargeting ads allow you to reach people who have already shown an interest in your business. This could be people who have visited your website, engaged with your content, or even opened an email from you.

By using retargeting ads, you can stay top of mind with prospects and increase the likelihood of converting them into customers.

Conclusion

Cold calling might not be working for you, but that's okay. There are plenty of other strategies you can use to generate leads and grow your business.

By leveraging LinkedIn, creating valuable content, joining BNI, and using retargeting ads, you can attract and engage prospects more effectively than ever before.

So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing these strategies today and watch your business grow.

And if you're looking for more tips and tricks to help you generate leads and drive growth, be sure to listen to Episode 1 of "Why Your Business is Invisible Online" and follow us for more insights and strategies to help you take your business to the next level.

Keep Growing!

Kelly

Are You Making These Rookie Online Marketing Mistakes?

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:20:49 GMT

Let’s talk about some of the most common rookie online marketing mistakes that could be holding your business back. As someone who's been in the digital marketing game for a while, I've seen firsthand how these missteps can hinder your online visibility and growth. But don't worry – I'm not just here to point out the problems. I'll also provide actionable solutions to help you get back on track. So, let's get started!

Mistake #1: Focusing on Tactics Instead of Strategy

One of the biggest rookie mistakes is diving headfirst into tactics without a clear strategy. You might be eager to start with SEO, pay-per-click, or social media, but without a strategic approach, you'll likely waste time and resources.

Solution : Start by defining your business goals. Where do you want to be in the next year? 3 years? Once you have a clear vision, you can work backward to create a strategic plan that aligns with your objectives. As we discussed in Episode#2 of our podcast, strategy is the long game, and tactics are the short-term actions you take to achieve those goals.

Mistake #2: Not Understanding Your Target Audience

Many businesses make the mistake of trying to appeal to everyone, thinking it will maximize their reach. However, this approach often leads to vague, ineffective marketing that resonates with no one.

Solution: Take the time to understand your target audience. Who are they? What are their pain points? What motivates them? Create buyer personas to represent your ideal customers, and tailor your marketing efforts to speak directly to them.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Your Website's User Experience

A poorly designed or outdated website can hurt your online marketing efforts. Rookies often overlook the importance of user experience (UX) in their quest to drive traffic to their site.

Solution: Ensure your website is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and visually appealing. Focus on creating a seamless user experience that guides visitors through your site and encourages them to take the desired actions. Regularly update your website with fresh content and optimize it for search engines to improve its visibility and performance.

Mistake #4: Being Unrealistic About Your Budget

It's easy to have big dreams for your business, but it's crucial to be realistic about what you can achieve with your available budget. Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and wasted resources.

Solution: Be honest with yourself about your budget. If you have $1,000 a month to invest in digital marketing, understand what's possible within that budget. Have open and frank conversations with your marketing partner about your goals and what can realistically be achieved with your available resources.

Mistake #5: Treating Your Marketing Partner Like a Vendor

Many businesses make the mistake of treating their marketing agency or partner like a vendor, expecting them to take orders and execute tactics without much thought or input.

Solution: Look for a marketing partner who takes the time to understand your business and your goals. As we mentioned in our podcast, we're not order takers – we're your partners in growth. Work collaboratively with your marketing partner to develop a strategy that aligns with your business objectives and drives sustainable growth.

Mistake #6: Expecting Quick Results

Digital marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Rookies often make the mistake of expecting immediate results and giving up too soon when they don't see instant success.

Solution: Be patient and persistent. Understand that sustainable growth takes time, and focus on implementing a long-term strategy that will drive lasting results. Don't be swayed by the promise of quick wins or overnight success.

Mistake #7: Not Measuring Your Results

Failing to track and measure your marketing efforts is a common rookie mistake. Without data, you won't know what's working and what's not, making it impossible to optimize your strategy.

Solution: Implement analytics and tracking tools to monitor your marketing performance. Use this data to make informed decisions, optimize your tactics, and maximize your return on investment.

Conclusion: It's Time to Up Your Marketing Game

If you're making any of these rookie online marketing mistakes, don't worry – you're not alone. The good news is that you can turn things around by implementing the solutions we've discussed today.

Remember, the key to successful digital marketing is to focus on strategy before tactics, understand your target audience, optimize your website's user experience, be realistic about your budget, work collaboratively with your marketing partner, be patient, and measure your results.

If you found this post helpful, listen to our podcast, "Why Your Business is Invisible Online," for more insights and expert advice.

Until next time!

John

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Conclusion

Are You Making These Rookie Online Marketing Mistakes?

Mistake #1: Focusing on Tactics Instead of Strategy

Mistake #2: Not Understanding Your Target Audience

Mistake #3: Neglecting Your Website's User Experience

Mistake #4: Being Unrealistic About Your Budget

Mistake #5: Treating Your Marketing Partner Like a Vendor

Mistake #6: Expecting Quick Results

Mistake #7: Not Measuring Your Results

Conclusion: It's Time to Up Your Marketing Game

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