I get asked about digital marketing a lot, so I want to answer it in one place. Before I was an author, I spent years in digital marketing and SEO, and I still love that world.
First, a change. I no longer do hands-on SEO and digital marketing work for clients. I still consult, helping business owners figure out what they actually need and where their money should go. And I'm a consultant for Merchynt, an SEO software company I believe in.
So if you're looking for someone to do the work, here's where I'd point you, and how to choose well no matter who you hire.
What to look for in a digital marketing agency
Hiring an agency is a big decision. A good one can grow your business for years. A bad one can burn through your budget and leave you with nothing to show for it. Here's what I'd look for:
- They can tell you what they'll actually do each month. Not "SEO," but the real work: which pages, what content, what fixes.
- They report on results that matter to you. Calls, leads, and sales, not just traffic charts.
- You know who's doing the work. Ask who will be on your account and how often you'll hear from them.
- They don't promise you the #1 spot on Google. Nobody can guarantee that, and anyone who does is a red flag.
- The contract is clear. You should know how long you're committed and what happens if you want to leave.
The agency I recommend: Thrive
If you want a team that does solid work, I recommend Thrive Internet Marketing Agency. They handle SEO, paid ads, web design, social media, reputation management, and more.
I'm not affiliated with Thrive, and I don't get anything for sending you their way. I've worked with them in the past, and they're phenomenal. They're run by a great Christian founder.
The tool I recommend: Paige by Merchynt
Not every business needs a full agency. If you're a local business, one of the most important things you can get right is your Google Business Profile. That's the listing that shows up in Google Maps and in local search results when someone looks for what you offer nearby.
That's where Paige by Merchynt comes in. Paige is an AI-powered local SEO tool that does the ongoing work of optimizing your Google Business Profile for you. It handles:
- Profile optimization, keeping your profile complete and built around the searches your customers actually make
- Posts and images for your profile, so it stays active
- Reviews, including review requests and replies
- Citations, your business info listed across online directories
- Social media and YouTube content
- Rank tracking and performance reporting, so you can see what's working
It learns from your business's own performance data over time. Agencies can also offer it to their clients under their own brand.
For a local business, it's the kind of work that usually takes a whole team. For me, Paige can't be beat.
To be upfront: I'm a consultant for Merchynt. I recommend Paige because I believe in it, but you should know about that relationship.
Let's talk
I love talking business and digital marketing. If you're not sure whether you need an agency, a tool like Paige, or something else entirely, that's exactly what I help with as a consultant.
If I can help you personally, please reach out. Tell me a little about your business and where you're stuck. You can also read more about me or contact me about business.