What is the Google Map Pack? The three local listings that sit above the organic results of a search engine results page, Google introduced the map pack, also known as the 3 pack, back in 2015. Depending on what you search for through Google, the system will often decide that you’re looking for a local business. When that occurs, the map pack will show three local companies at the top of the results page. Getting into this map pack can drive large amounts of traffic [...]
Google Analytics is a powerful tool, jam-packed with useful information about your website. Facts such as who is visiting, how long they are staying, where they’re coming from, and how many pages they’ve visited are just the tip of the analytics iceberg, and the volume of information can make it a confusing experience for many users. While Google Analytics is an excellent source of data about your website, figuring out what the numbers mean and whether or not your website is successful can be difficult. [...]
Search engine optimization is a complex field that’s constantly changing. But in an industry of ever-changing algorithms and almost no guarantees, it’s reassuring to know that certain eternal SEO “truths” persist. Here are our top 5 Eternal SEO Truths: Results are not immediate, nor are they permanent Search engine algorithms take time to index content, which usually means you won’t see a return on your investment for six months or more. Additionally, because search engine algorithms are constantly evolving to bring better and faster results to [...]
Local search and contextual algorithms are two of the most important search engine optimization trends to have developed in a long time. But, while a lot of marketers are aware of them, many internet marketers aren’t using these features to their fullest potential. Local search, of course, just means using geographic keywords within your pages to attract buyers from your area. And contextual search refers to Google’s ever-increasing ability to go beyond simple keyword matches to determine searcher intent. A smart way to make the [...]
Ever wish you had your own personal panel of advertising experts that you could tap for insider-only insights on how to market your business online, in print and via direct mail? Well, now's your chance: Our own Mark Dalnodar will help lead an advertising panel discussion on January 27th at the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin office in Milwaukee that will include advertising industry experts across a wide range of advertising distribution channels. Seating is limited, so RSVP here soon for the opportunity to ask [...]
The new year is here, so if you haven’t already shored up your local marketing business plan, now is the time to tick that box off your to-do list. As the buy local movement continues to grow, so does the need for a smart local marketing plan that engages your consumers where they are: online. Here are three of the biggest internet marketing trends we see affecting local businesses in 2016. Some may seem like oldies, but that’s because they’re goodies, and the fact that [...]
Somewhere along the way, some local internet marketers forgot that they had to keep up with the ever-changing rules of SEO to stay competitive. For them, the old days of carefully calculated keyword percentages is still in full effect, even while their page rankings continue to slip. Web marketers who’ve paid attention to the changing rules of the game, however, realize that those old-school SEO tactics don’t work anymore. Instead, businesses need to focus on delivering usable websites that make an impression. Only then will [...]
When you’re building a business, every online review counts. And, the smaller your business, the more painful each negative review feels (and looks). So, how should you cope with bad online reviews and negative social messaging? Here are a few tips: Have a plan in place to catch issues early. If you get a bad review, you should address it as soon as possible. That means having a plan in place to detect bad reviews quickly. Whether that’s using a reputation monitoring service or taking [...]
As web-savvy internet marketers, we understand the allure of tapping a global marketplace to meet your business needs. But, as business owners ourselves, we also recognize that sometimes it’s better to source your services from your local economy rather than trying to outsource it online. If you’re a Milwaukee business owner in the market for a new website, consider this: A Milwaukee web design company will know your market, intimately. A good web site speaks through colors, words, and myriad other design elements that resonate [...]
As smartphones continue to become more complex and more important in our day-to-day lives, more users are turning to digital personal assistant apps (think Siri, Google Now and Cortana) to help them manage all of the information and possibilities that the latest phones make possible. In fact, according to Thrive Analytics, the use of personal assistants increased by 87% over the past year. One of the most important ways that consumers are using these digital assistants is for searching online. Instead of entering search terms [...]
