How do you ensure AI-driven search engines, social platforms, and recommendation tools put your business in front of customers? Here are five strategies

If you’re still focusing all your energy on ranking #1 on Google, it’s time for a rethink. People don’t search the way they used to. Instead of scrolling through links, they’re turning to AI tools, social media, and recommendation engines to find businesses.

For years, businesses have relied on SEO to get found online. The strategy was simple: target keywords, rank high on Google, and wait for leads to roll in. But in 2025, that approach is no longer enough.

Getting your business to rank in local map searches can be straightforward—until you try to reach customers outside your immediate area.

Why? Because proximity to the searcher is the #1 ranking factor—even for service-based businesses that travel to clients.

I review both professionally built and self-built websites, and while some are beautifully designed, they often miss key ingredients for success. Here are some of the most common issues I encounter:

To get straight to the point: if you’re focusing all your energy on growing followers instead of building your email list, you’re playing a losing game. For as long as I can recall an email list has been a secret weapon—a dependable, high-performing channel that has weathered every algorithm shake-up and social media fad. Yet, many businesses still ignore it, opting instead for the vanity metrics of likes and shares.

In today’s cluttered digital landscape, simplicity in web design has never been more important. A well-designed, simple website cuts through the noise, offering clarity and purpose that resonates with users. But what does simplicity truly mean in web design, and why is it so effective?

Choosing a domain name is one of the first steps in establishing an online presence. With these tips, you can pick a name that reflects your brand and supports your business goals.

Choosing the right colour scheme for your small business website is more than an aesthetic decision—it’s a strategic one. The right colours can evoke emotions, reflect your brand identity, and influence user behaviour. As we head into 2025, here are some of the top colour trends and schemes to consider for your website.

You might have a sharp website and matching social media handles, but if your visuals are all over the place—like using images from different clipart libraries and three slightly-off shades of “brand red”—you’re sending mixed signals. And it’s more common than you’d think! 

Here’s a breakdown of five common design mistakes that small businesses often encounter, along with some insights on how to avoid them.

Running your own business can be incredibly rewarding, but there are moments when staying motivated feels like an uphill battle. Whether it’s juggling multiple tasks or simply feeling worn down, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Here are a few tips to help reignite that spark:

Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business, so keeping it fresh and functional is essential. But how do you know when it's time for a redesign? Here are seven signs it may be time to give your site a refresh:

Reinventing oneself after retirement can be daunting, but it's also one of the most rewarding journeys. After decades in corporate life, transitioning to something new was both exciting and a little intimidating

Managing a blog isn’t just about posting content regularly—it’s about creating a repeatable process that makes the work easier and more efficient over time. When you have a blogging process in place, you streamline tasks, improve collaboration (if you have a team), and ensure that your content production flows smoothly.

From my earliest days in sales, I was taught one simple truth: People buy from people.

If two people are selling the same product, the one who is more personable and professional will most likely win the business.

It was a familiar phrase that took on new meaning in this digital age. Despite working largely behind a screen, I realized that every design, every piece of advice, and every interaction carries my personal stamp.

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and blog management requires adaptability. Changes in search engine algorithms, shifts in audience preferences, and new content trends all affect how your blog performs. The key to staying relevant is being flexible and ready to adapt

You can't improve what you don’t measure. To run a successful blog, it’s essential to track performance through analytics. Metrics like page views, time on site, and bounce rates can provide valuable insights into how your content is performing and whether it’s resonating with your audience.

Successful blogging isn’t a one-way street—it’s all about engagement. The more you interact with your readers, the stronger your community becomes. Engaging with your audience not only fosters loyalty but also provides valuable insights into their preferences and needs.

Consistency is the backbone of successful blog management. A well-planned schedule ensures that you’re regularly publishing fresh content, keeping your audience engaged and returning for more. But consistency doesn’t just happen—it requires an editorial calendar.