If you own a business, you’ve probably got a lot of questions about digital marketing. Does social media actually bring in customers, or is it just for show? Should you be spending money on SEO or Google Ads—or both? And how do you know if marketing agencies are actually getting you results, not just throwing fancy reports your way?
We hear these questions all the time. So, let’s break it all down—no fluff, no confusing buzzwords—just straight answers to help you make the best decisions for your business.
Marketing Basics
Is My Agency Delivering Results?
If you’re on the fence about whether marketing agencies are pulling their weight, here are a few signs of what a great agency should be doing for you:
- Educate & guide you (not just take your money)
- Be transparent with reports & results
- Communicate clearly (no vague promises)
- Be proactive (not just react when something goes wrong)
- Ensure you own your assets (like your website & logo)
If you’re feeling left in the dark, unsure about what you’re paying for, or not seeing progress toward your goals, it may be time to evaluate the relationship.
Want a deeper dive into how to evaluate your current marketing partner? Check out our full article:
👉 How Do I Know If My Marketing Agency is Doing a Good Job?
Getting More Customers Online
Where Should I Start?
It depends on where you are in the sales process:
- Step 1: Awareness – Do people know about your business? Start with social media, branding and a professional website.
- Step 2: Engagement – Can customers find the info they need? SEO and an easy-to-use website help them get answers fast.
- Step 3: Conversion – Already have visitors but need more leads? Google Ads can drive immediate traffic to your site.
Should I Spend More or Less on Marketing?
- Growing fast? Invest more in marketing to keep up with demand.
- Experiencing a slow season? Cutting marketing can actually hurt you—this is your chance to stand out while competitors pull back.
Before adjusting your budget, check the data: Is there demand? Is your current strategy working? More money doesn’t always mean more leads if the demand isn’t there.
Can I Remove Negative Google Reviews?
Nope. But you can report fake ones that violate Google’s policies.
Beware of companies that promise to “delete” bad reviews—it’s a scam. Instead, respond professionally and encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews.
Your Website: Is It Helping or Hurting You?
How Often Should I Update My Website?
Think of your website like your physical store. Would you let it sit unchanged for years without maintenance? Probably not.
- Every 2-3 years – Most businesses need a design refresh.
- Under 2 years – If you’ve rebranded, changed services or shifted audiences, update sooner.
- Over 3 years – If your site still works well, minor updates might be enough.
Signs It’s Time for an Update:
- It looks outdated – If it feels like a time capsule, customers might assume your business is outdated, too.
- It’s hard to use on mobile – If people have to pinch and zoom, they’ll leave fast.
- It loads slowly – If it takes forever, customers won’t wait.
- It’s confusing to navigate – If people can’t find what they need, they’ll find someone else.
Regular Maintenance Matters:
Even if a full redesign isn’t immediately necessary, regularly updating content, images and features can keep your site fresh and engaging. Think of it as routine maintenance—like cleaning and organizing a physical store—to ensure customers have a pleasant experience every time they visit.
How Much Should I Invest in a Website?
It depends on what you need! A good website should include:
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- SEO-friendly design (so people can find you on Google)
- Professional photos & copy (so customers trust you)
- Mobile-friendly layout (because most users are on their phones)
- Fast loading speed & security (so customers don’t get frustrated)
Think of it like investing in your storefront—if it looks cheap or is hard to use, customers won’t stick around.
Which Website Platform is Best?
We recommend WordPress. It’s the best for SEO, flexibility and long-term growth.
While Wix and Squarespace are easier to use, they limit your ability to scale. Custom-coded sites sound great, but they can lock you into an agency or developer.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization): What You Need to Know
What is SEO?
SEO helps your website show up on Google for free instead of paying for ads. It includes:
- Technical SEO – Making sure your site is fast & functional
- Content SEO – Creating blog posts & web pages that answer real questions
- Authority SEO – Earning trust through backlinks & Google Business optimization
If people search for services like yours, SEO helps them find you.
How Long Before I See SEO Results?
SEO isn’t instant—it’s a long-term game.
- Expect small improvements in 3-6 months
- Bigger, consistent results in 6-12 months
Think of SEO like a gym membership—you won’t see results overnight, but consistency pays off.
What is a “Conversion”?
A conversion is any action a customer takes that brings you business, like:
- A phone call
- A contact form submission
- A booked appointment
- A product purchase
More conversions = more business!
Social Media: Does It Actually Help?
Will Social Media Increase My Sales?
Social media helps, but it’s not a magic sales machine.
- Organic social builds brand awareness & trust
- Paid social (ads) targets ideal customers & drives traffic
Social media is one piece of the puzzle, not the whole strategy.
What Social Media Platforms Should I Use?
Go where your audience is! Not every business needs to be on every platform.
- Local businesses – Focus on Facebook & Google Business
- Visual brands (boutiques, restaurants) – Try Instagram & TikTok
- B2B companies – LinkedIn is a must!
How Often Should I Post?
Quality > Quantity. Post content that educates, informs or entertains your audience.
- Helpful info (FAQs, industry tips)
- Business updates (new hours, offers, events)
- Behind-the-scenes moments (team highlights, customer stories)
A strong social presence builds trust over time!
Paid Ads (Google & Facebook): Worth It?
SEO or Google Ads—Which is Better?
It depends on your goals:
- SEO – Best for long-term growth & credibility
- PPC (Google Ads) – Best for immediate leads
Most businesses do best with a combo of both. Want the full breakdown? We covered it in our blog:
👉 SEO vs. SEM: What’s the Difference and Which One Do I Need?
Do I Need to Track Calls?
Yes! If you’re running ads, call tracking helps measure success.
Tracking options:
- Basic (Free): Ask callers where they found you
- Better: Use a CRM to track leads
- Best: Use call-tracking software (like CallRail) to link calls to ads
How Do I Know If My Ads Are Working?
Look at real data, not just more clicks.
- Google Analytics – Tracks user activity
- Google Ads – Shows clicks, conversions & cost per lead
- Dashboards – Summarize key metrics for easy tracking
A successful campaign brings quality leads—not just traffic!
Marketing can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need a better website, SEO, social media or ads, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to grow? Let’s chat!
