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Insights from our team.

Notes from running paid search, paid social, SEO and AI search for real businesses. Specific, and refreshed when the platforms change.

SEO

Types of SEO Keywords and How to Use Them in Your Strategy

In this blog post, I'll cover the different types of SEO keywords so you'll understand what they are and how to use them properly.

Nick Ernst · Updated September 2026 · 10 min read
PPC

Best Paid Advertising Channels for Lead Generation in 2026

Paid search, paid social or influencers? Which channel actually brings small business leads, which one we start with, and when each is a bad fit in 2026.

Evan Ernst · Updated September 2026 · 9 min read
PPC

PPC campaign management: how to run and optimize a paid search account

A working guide to PPC campaign management: goals, conversion tracking, ad group structure, negative keywords, bidding, and the numbers worth checking weekly.

Evan Ernst · Updated September 2026 · 10 min read
PPC

A Simple Definition of Search Engine Marketing and Its Types

Trying to understand the basics of SEM? This article defines search engine marketing, its types, and its pros and cons in a simple way.

Evan Ernst · Updated September 2026 · 8 min read
Paid social

Why SMBs Can't Ignore Social Media Marketing Importance

As a small business owner, you can no longer afford to ignore the importance of social media marketing. Read through to understand why.

Evan Ernst · Updated September 2026 · 10 min read
Paid social

11 Proven Social Media Tips for Small Business Marketing

Do you want to handle social media marketing like a pro? These proven to work tips for small business marketing will be your handy guide.

Evan Ernst · Updated September 2026 · 11 min read
SEO

Branding and SEO: The Connection You Can Actually Measure

Branding and SEO meet in one number you can pull up in Search Console: branded search volume. Here's how to grow it and what it does not do.

Evan Ernst · Updated September 2026 · 9 min read
PPC

The Ultimate Guide To Performing an SEM Audit That Uncovers Pockets of Opportunity

Evaluating your paid search campaigns is a key factor for success. That's where an SEM audit comes in and here is how to do it right.

Evan Ernst · Updated September 2026 · 10 min read
PPC

How To Structure a Google Shopping Campaign (Basic & Advanced)

Want to scale your shopping ads? Learn how to structure an effective Google Shopping Campaign using basic and advanced strategies.

Evan Ernst · Updated September 2026 · 13 min read
PPC

10 Tips to Step Up Your Paid Search Strategy in 2026

Looking for tips to improve your paid search strategy? Running a digital marketing agency for 15 years, I've got some tricks up my sleeve.

Evan Ernst · Updated January 2025 · 8 min read
Digital marketing

9 Common Digital Marketing Mistakes of Small Businesses (With Examples)

Advertising your business online, or still considering it? Either way, there are common digital marketing mistakes you'd want to avoid.

Evan Ernst · Updated November 2024 · 8 min read
Digital marketing

5 Most Important Digital Marketing KPIs for SMBs

Discover the 5 most important digital marketing KPIs for small businesses. I'll show you what they measure and how to improve them.

Evan Ernst · Updated November 2024 · 7 min read
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