We’re currently optimizing our Google Business Profile with posts, geo-tagged images, FAQs, and more. What other on-page SEO strategies are you using to rank locally? For example, are you building location guides or resource pages on your website?

Lane mentions a new way to properly grab the map embed code … can anyone point me to how to do this?

What tools are out there to help with this stage? 1.Map Existing Content: If you have an existing website, map your current pages to your new topical structure. 1. Plan New Content: Identify gaps in your current content and plan new pages to fill these gaps.

Let’s talk about a topic that gets tossed around in every SEO meeting: long-form content. If you’re running a digital marketing agency or a small business, you’ve probably heard that “longer is better” when it comes to blog posts and articles. But is that really the case? Let’s break it down, keep it light, and-most importantly-make it useful for your next content strategy session. Why Does Everyone Obsess Over Long-Form Content? There’s a reason the idea of lengthy articles has stuck around. For many, it feels like a tangible plan in a world where marketing advice is often vague. Telling a team to “write a really long post” is easier than saying, “understand your audience’s problems and solve them in the best way possible.” The former is a checkbox; the latter takes real work and insight. Another reason is that it’s easier to dump every idea you have into a single post than to carefully select what’s truly helpful. Editing takes discipline, and it’s tempting to believe that more is always better. But as any seasoned writer will tell you, making things simple is much harder than making them long. And, of course, we see long articles ranking well on Google. But is that because they’re long, or because they’re actually helpful and attract links? Correlation doesn’t always mean causation. When Does Long-Form Content Actually Work? Long pieces do have their place. They shine when you’re tackling complex topics-think finance, health, law, or when you’re putting together a foundational guide or resource. Sometimes, a subject can’t be covered in a few paragraphs without leaving readers confused or unsatisfied. In those cases, the length is a byproduct of doing the topic justice, not the goal itself. But here’s the kicker: long-form is just a container. The real aim is to be useful, thorough, and relevant. Sometimes that means going long; other times, a short, sharp answer is all your audience needs. What Actually Matters for SEO and Your Audience? - Search Intent Comes First: Before you start writing, figure out what your audience is looking for. Are they beginners needing step-by-step guidance, or experts seeking advanced tips? Match your content to their needs, not to an arbitrary word count. - Be Clear and Complete (But Not Overwhelming): Give readers enough information to feel supported, but don’t drown them in details. Too much information can be as unhelpful as too little, especially for newcomers. - Structure Is Everything: People skim online. Use headings, summaries, and bullet points to get your main points across quickly. Start with the most important info, then add details for those who want to go further. This way, both skimmers and deep readers get what they need.

So, you want your website to show up when people search for what you offer? Welcome to the world of keyword ranking—a place where a little strategy can make a big difference for digital marketing agencies and small businesses. Let’s break down how to actually get your pages to the top, without the jargon or fluff. Pick the Right Keyword (Don’t Just Guess) Not every keyword is worth your time. Some are too broad, some are too niche, and some just don’t bring in the right kind of visitors. Before you start, check if people are actually searching for your keyword and whether it fits what your business does. Keyword research tools can show you search volume and help you spot if your keyword is just a subtopic of something bigger. If your target term is rarely searched or doesn’t match your business, move on. Make Sure Your Keyword Has Business Value Ranking high is nice, but what’s the point if those visitors never become customers? Assign a “business potential” score to your keyword. Ask yourself: Will people searching for this term actually want what you offer? Focus on terms that bring in leads or sales, not just traffic for traffic’s sake. Understand Search Intent (What Are People Really Looking For?) Search engines want to show users what they’re after. If your page doesn’t match their expectations, it won’t rank. Check the top results for your keyword. Are they how-to guides, product pages, or something else? Your content should match the format and depth of what’s already working. Some tools can even help you quickly identify the intent behind a keyword. Cover the Topic Completely Search engines reward pages that answer all the questions a searcher might have. Don’t just scratch the surface—cover the topic from every angle. Use tools or brainstorm to find subtopics and related questions. For example, if you’re writing about “content creation,” include sections on tools, strategies, and analytics. The goal: leave no gaps. Find Your Unique Angle The web is packed with content. To stand out, you need something special. Maybe it’s your personal experience, original data, or a creative approach others haven’t tried. Don’t just rehash what’s already out there. Give your readers a reason to choose your page over the rest.