Salem Surround

Should you start a blog for your business? Here’s the real question to ask yourself first: “Am I ready to create content that drives value?” Here’s why a blog is one of the smartest moves for your business ?? ??Every post is a chance to rank for what your audience is actively searching for. Start creating content that answers their questions. With every post, you’re building visibility that drives organic traffic straight to your site. ?People buy from businesses they trust. Use your blog to answer the tough questions, showcase how your product or service solves real problems, and educate your audience. The best blogs don’t just talk AT people. They bring value that helps your audience grow stronger, smarter, or better equipped. ??Blogs don’t stop working after a budget runs out. Publish something of value today, and it’ll still be working for you six months or even six years from now. That’s the kind of ROI you can’t ignore. ??The best blogs do more than inform. They tell your story, share what you stand for, and give people something to rally behind. If you’re thinking, “Where do I even start?” here’s some honest advice: Pause until you understand the WHY behind your blog. Content created without purpose is wasted energy. But if you’re ready to create, repurpose, and rethink what your audience really needs, your blog could become the engine that powers your business forward. Of course, if you need help getting started with your business's blog...We're here. ?? ????Read about our content writing services: https://lnkd.in/gs2_eBFZ ????Or...Contact us today: https://lnkd.in/gVBtSm7s #Blogging #ContentMarketing #DigitalMarketing #SmallBusiness

Creating "quality content" has been the mantra for years now, but let's talk real talk for a second. Too many businesses still churn out content for the sake of having content—not because it solves problems, answers questions, or moves the needle with their audience. If your content isn’t hitting those marks, it’s noise. Content formats that actually deliver value... It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about understanding how your audience consumes information. Meet them where they are. Diversify your formats and stop throwing all your eggs into one basket. Here’s how you can think bigger and create more impact across multiple platforms: ??Blogs: Great for SEO and in-depth thought leadership, but don’t stop there. Tie it into social posts or guided email campaigns. ??Videos: People want stories and real, human connections. Show who you are, what you stand for, or even a behind-the-scenes look. (PRO TIP - People LOVE to see brands that feel real. Share your wins AND losses!) ??Infographics: Simplify overwhelming data to build trust. No one wants to scroll through another spreadsheet. ??Interactive Content: Try polls, quizzes, or even low-barrier webinars. It’s all about engagement, not passive viewing. If you’re not experimenting, someone else is. Why your content is more than just a traffic driver... Content isn’t about cramming keywords or vanity metrics anymore. No one remembers the post that got “500 likes” if it doesn’t deliver VALUE. It’s about creating a ripple effect that touches every part of your business. ??Visibility builds trust. When you start to rank in search for the right in things, you prove you understand what your audience is searching for (literally). ?Credibility converts. Thoughtful, problem-solving content moves you from “just another option” to THE option in your space. ??70% of marketers report strong ROI from content marketing. ?? The strategy question you need to answer... Before you hit “publish” on anything, ask yourself these questions: Who am I really talking to here? What’s their pain point, and does this content actually solve it? What’s the next step I want them to take when they finish this? ?? Maximize what you’ve already got... Game-changing content doesn’t mean starting from scratch every time. Chances are, you’ve got a few gems sitting unused. Repurpose smartly: ....That blog post with decent traffic? Turn it into an email series, a podcast script, or short-form social posts. ...A podcast episode that crushed it? Slice and dice it into 2-minute videos or micro-quotes for LinkedIn or X. ...An internal deck that wowed your team? Reframe it for external insights. Don’t settle for “meh” content. Dig deeper. Innovate. Make it impossible for your audience to look away. The businesses who GET THIS are the ones who stay top of mind. What’s the best piece of content you’ve created that brought real results? ???? #ContentMarketing #BusinessGrowth #ContentStrategy #DigitalMarketing

First newsletter, right heeerrree ????

Algorithm updates. They shake things up for SEO and PPC...But not in the same way. Here’s what we mean?? SEO: Google changes the rules. Rankings shift overnight. Your traffic? Poof! It can drop or rise depending on what Google now values (relevance, trust, content quality...). PPC: It’s more of a ripple effect. ?? Search habits change (thanks to the update). Keywords perform differently. ?? Ad relevance? Costs? Those can shift too, especially if Google updates how they score ads. We see PPC as essential. Why? It keeps your business visible when Google changes. ...And, man, HOW IT HAS CHANGED RECENTLY! PPC is a steadying force and a way to grow alongside algorithm updates.

Zero click searches are on the rise. And while some may see them as a challenge, they’re actually an amazing opportunity for small businesses to shine. ??What’s a zero click search? It’s when Google gives answers directly in the search results—no clicking through required...AI overviews, featured snippets, local packs, or “People also ask” sections.... Here’s the opportunity for small businesses?? You can show up in these valuable spots without needing to outrank everyone for traditional organic search. Features like AI overviews, knowledge panels, or direct answer boxes can put your business front and center. But...HOW? ?????? Here's how you can optimize for zero click searches: 1?? Focus on your content structure - Use headers, bullet points, and concise answers to make your content easy for Google to pull. 2?? Boost your E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust) - Show your expertise with high-quality content and build credibility through reviews, case studies, and testimonials. 3?? Use schema markup - Help search engines understand your content better by implementing structured data (think FAQs, product details, and more). 4?? Step up your local SEO game - Zero click searches are particularly powerful for local businesses. Ensure your Google Business Profile is optimized, maintain a strong reputation via reviews, and keep your contact/location info updated. Are you seeing the potential here? What steps are you taking to maximize your chances in zero click results?

The rise of AI overviews and zero-click results is a huge opportunity for small businesses. But how do you make sure your content gets chosen? It’s all about structure. Here are some actionable tips to help your content get featured ?? ? Use active voice - Clear and direct sentences are more likely to make the cut. ? Simplify your content - Make it readable for a wide audience. Keep sentences and paragraphs short, and stick to an easy-to-digest tone. ? Headings and subheadings are your best friends - Break up your content into scannable sections so Google knows exactly what’s covered. ? Add lists and bullet points - These formats are gold for snippets and overviews—they’re easy for Google to grab and display. ? Answer as many relevant questions as possible - Anticipate what your customers are asking and provide clear, concise answers to boost your chance of being featured. By structuring your content thoughtfully, you’re not just creating material for your website—you’re positioning your business EXACTLY where your customers are looking. Need proof this works? A small Appalachian farm’s blog about jam vs. jelly is ranking with the likes of Smucker’s and Food Network....How? Smart content strategies. Here’s what they’re nailing: ? Clear structure - Headings and subheadings make info scannable for both readers and Google. ? Readable formatting - Short paragraphs and sentences keep it digestible. ? Answering questions directly: They tackle popular queries head-on to get featured in snippets or “People also ask.” ? E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust) - Personal expertise builds credibility. The result? Massive visibility without a massive budget. The takeaway? With well-structured, intentional content, small businesses can compete with industry giants. What tweaks will you make to your content today to level the playing field? ???? Source: Joyce Friend Pinson | https://lnkd.in/g6NmYff4 Need help with your content??? https://lnkd.in/gVBtSm7s

?? Is your business showing up where it matters most? Local business listings matter for SEO. Here’s why ?? ? Boost Local Search Rankings Search engines lean on local listings to gauge your relevance. More listings = better rankings when people search in your area. ? Enhance Brand Consistency Uniform details across platforms build trust. When your info matches everywhere, it tells both Google and your customers you’re the real deal. ? Drive Traffic & Leads The more platforms listing your business, the more chances you get to attract visitors to your website and convert them into loyal customers. Local SEO isn’t just about being visible... It’s about being trusted and FOUND. Lost in the listings? Let's put you on the map ?? https://lnkd.in/gVBtSm7s

Why do content marketers constantly feel cold? They’re surrounded by drafts. #sorrynotsorry for the dad joke. I'll see myself out. ??♀?????

What specific goals are you hoping to achieve with your social media presence—brand awareness, engagement, sales, or something else? ????