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Practical Marketing Help for Local Businesses
Honest, experience-based articles on Google Business Profile, local SEO, websites, and marketing. Written by Ben Carson for small business owners in Marietta and metro Atlanta.
Google Business Profile Posts Now Show View Counts. Here's Why That Matters
Google Business Profile Posts now include view counts across Search and Maps. Here's what the new data means and how small businesses can use it to improve their marketing.
Google Is Testing Bigger Local Services Ads. Here's My Take for Local Businesses
Google is testing larger Local Services Ads in Search. Here's what the test means for local businesses and why I still recommend building strong SEO and GEO foundations before scaling paid ads.
Google's New Review Guidelines: What Local Businesses Need to Know in 2026
Google tightened its review policy in April 2026. Learn the new rules around employee review quotas, staff-name requests, review gating and how businesses can still ask for reviews.
Google Review Momentum: Why Recent Reviews Matter for Local Rankings
Total review count matters, but the pace at which a business keeps earning reviews is worth watching too. Here's why recent Google reviews, consistency, and responses affect local visibility and customer trust.
The DIY Local Marketing Playbook: What I'd Do If I Owned a Service Business in Marietta
If I owned a pressure washing company, roofer, HVAC company, landscaper or handyman in Marietta, here's where I'd focus first. Most of it you can do yourself for free before spending on ads.
Free Business Listings Every Small Business Owner Should Claim
Claiming free business listings on the right platforms helps customers find you and gives search engines confidence in your business. Here are the ones every small business should claim.
9 Google Business Profile Mistakes That Could Be Costing You Local Customers
An incomplete or poorly optimized Google Business Profile can make it harder for Google to understand your business and harder for customers to choose you. Here are nine common mistakes to fix.
Google Just Dropped New AI Tools — Here's Why Small Businesses Should Pay Attention
Google announced new AI features for Google Ads and Analytics on August 10, 2026. This article breaks down what each feature actually does, who benefits most, and whether small business owners should act on them now or wait.