Should Small Businesses Run Google Ads in 2026?
Short answer: sometimes. The longer answer is the one that actually saves you money, so stick with me. I’ve spent thirty years watching small businesses pour money into advertising and wonder why it didn’t “work.” The ads usually worked fine. The business around the ads didn’t. That distinction is everything, and it’s the difference between […]
AI for marketing – it’s changing everything. How can you know if you’re ready?
There’s no question that AI is changing everything. According to Stanford University, 53% of people have seen a profound change in daily life due to AI. And 67% of people anticipate a profound change in daily life in the next 3-5 years. AI for marketing? It’s changing that too. My coach Garry and I were […]
What Marketing ROI Should Small Businesses Expect? (Real Numbers, Not Promises)
The number one metric you should be measuring when it comes to marketing? Marketing ROI. It’s the first question smart business owners ask. And the last question most marketing agencies want to answer clearly. Why? Because most agencies would rather talk about impressions, engagement rates, and “brand awareness” than actual dollars and cents. After 30 […]
When Should You Expect Results from Marketing your Business? (A Realistic Timeline)
Every small business owner asks the same question when they start investing in marketing: “When will I see results?” It’s a fair question. You’re spending money, time, and energy on marketing. You deserve to know when that investment will start paying off. After 30 years of helping small businesses grow, here’s what I tell clients […]
Why Most Construction Marketing Companies Get It Wrong (And How to Spot the Good Ones)
Let me guess how you ended up here. You Googled “construction marketing companies” because you’re tired of your phone not ringing. Or maybe it IS ringing, but it’s tire-kickers who want a $5 million custom home for $100/square foot. You talked to a few agencies. They all said the same thing: “We’ll run Facebook ads! […]
Social Media for Construction Companies: Stop Posting Like It’s 2015
Let’s talk about your social media. You know you’re supposed to be on Instagram and Facebook because “that’s where people are.” So you post: Finished project photo Caption: “Another beautiful custom home! #construction #customhomes #builder” Job site progress photo Caption: “Progress on the Smith project! #remodel #renovation #progress” Team photo Caption: “Our amazing crew! #team […]
Marketing for Custom Homebuilders: Why “We Build Quality Homes” Isn’t a Strategy
Let me guess what your marketing looks like right now. Your website says: “We build quality custom homes with attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship.” Your social media posts: Beautiful photos of finished homes. Maybe a “Happy Monday!” thrown in there. Your marketing strategy: Hope people find you. Maybe run some Facebook ads when business […]
Small Business Marketing Director Job Description (And Why Yours Is Probably Unrealistic)
You’re here because you need to hire a Marketing Director for your small business. You’ve been doing marketing yourself (or your office manager has been “handling it”), and you’ve finally decided it’s time to hire someone who actually knows what they’re doing. So you start writing the job description. And you realize: You need this […]
Why Most Companies Outgrow Their Marketing Agency
Most small businesses don’t “break up” with their marketing agency overnight. It happens slowly. A missed deadline here, a recycled strategy there, a growing feeling that you’re paying for activity instead of growth. If you’ve ever felt like your agency has stopped leading and started coasting, you’re not alone—this is one of the most common […]
The ROI of a Fractional CMO vs. a Traditional Marketing Agency
When small businesses hit a growth ceiling, most owners assume they need to hire a marketing agency. It makes sense—you’re overwhelmed, you need more visibility, and agencies promise fast results. But here’s the uncomfortable truth:a traditional marketing agency often can’t give you the ROI you actually need. Why?Because agencies are built for service output, not […]
