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Let’s face it—if your business isn’t showing up on Google, it’s like it doesn’t exist. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your online presence, getting found on Google is everything for digital growth. So… where do you even start? At ELIO Marketing, we help businesses across Dayton and beyond show up where it matters. Here's a breakdown of how to grow on Google—and what actually works. Start with the Basics: Google Business Profile Before anything else, claim and optimize your Google Business Profile. This free tool puts your business on the map—literally. It's what shows up when someone searches “[Your Business] near me.” Make sure your info is accurate, your hours are up-to-date, and you’ve uploaded quality photos. Ask happy customers to leave reviews—those stars build instant trust and improve visibility in local searches. SEO: The Long Game That Pays Off Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is how you get found organically on Google. That means optimizing your website so it appears higher in search results for relevant keywords (like “digital marketing company in Dayton” or “best brunch near Beavercreek”). Here’s what strong SEO involves: Keyword research Fast, mobile-friendly website design Fresh, helpful content (like blog posts!) Backlinks from other reputable sites Good user experience It takes time, but once it starts working, SEO delivers long-term traffic without ad spend. Google Ads & Local Service Ads: Pay to Play (Smartly) If you want immediate visibility, Google Ads can get you to the top of search results fast. You only pay when someone clicks your ad—and with the right targeting, that can drive serious leads. Local Service Ads (LSAs) are a great fit for service-based businesses (plumbers, HVAC, lawyers, etc.). These ads appear above regular Google Ads and come with a “Google Guaranteed” badge, which adds trust. Google Maps & the New AI Section You’ve probably seen businesses show up in the Maps section when you search for something nearby. That’s prime real estate—and it’s tied to your Google Business Profile, reviews, proximity, and local SEO. As Google continues rolling out its AI-powered search experience (SGE), showing up in AI-generated responses will also become key. Google is pulling info from your site, reviews, and structured data, so staying active and optimized is more important than ever. Should You Worry About Bing, Yahoo, or DuckDuckGo? Short answer: Google should be your main focus. Google owns over 90% of the search engine market. But… that doesn’t mean you should ignore the rest completely. Optimizing your site for Google will often help with other search engines too. If your audience skews older (who may default to Bing), or you're running Microsoft Ads, it’s worth paying some attention there. Just don’t spread yourself too thin—Google is where most of your results will come from. How Long Does It Take to Rank? This is the million-dollar question. The truth is: SEO is not instant. Local businesses can start seeing traction in 3–6 months with the right strategy. Highly competitive industries or brand-new websites may take 6–12 months or more. That’s why we often recommend combining SEO (for long-term growth) with Google Ads (for short-term wins). It’s not either/or—it’s both.
AI is everywhere right now—and for good reason. It’s changing the way we do business, especially in digital marketing. Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably already seen AI at work in your news feed, your email inbox, or even your online shopping habits. At ELIO Marketing, we’re always looking at how new tools can help our clients grow smarter and faster. AI isn’t just some trend—it’s a real shift in how brands connect with people online. Here’s how it's making an impact: 1. Smarter Content Creation AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and others can help generate content ideas, captions, blog drafts, email subject lines—you name it. For small businesses, this can be a huge time-saver. But here’s the key: it’s not about replacing your voice—it’s about speeding up the process so you can focus on strategy and storytelling. 2. More Personalization AI helps marketers deliver the right message to the right person at the right time. Whether it’s recommending products based on browsing behavior or customizing email flows based on customer actions, AI makes it easier to connect in a way that actually feels human. 3. Better Ad Targeting Platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok all use AI-driven algorithms to decide who sees what—and when. The better your data and creativity, the better the AI works for you. It’s no longer about guessing; it’s about feeding the system the right signals so your ads land where they matter. 4. Advanced Analytics Tracking performance is easier and more insightful with AI tools. From automated reports to predictive analytics, AI can show patterns we might miss on our own. This means quicker pivots, better ROI, and more confident decision-making. 5. Chatbots & Customer Service You’ve probably interacted with a chatbot before—maybe without even knowing it. AI-powered bots are getting better at helping customers instantly with FAQs, bookings, and even basic troubleshooting. That’s less time your team spends on repetitive tasks, and more time building real relationships.
If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, you’ve probably noticed the same thing: video is everywhere. From quick behind-the-scenes clips to polished brand promos, it’s clear that video isn’t just an option anymore—it’s a must. At ELIO Marketing, we’ve seen firsthand how professional video content can elevate a brand’s presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Whether you’re a small business trying to grow or a more established brand looking to modernize, investing in professional video makes a huge difference. So why does professional video matter? 1. It Stops the Scroll Let’s be honest—attention spans are short. You’ve got maybe three seconds to grab someone’s interest. Professionally shot videos catch the eye with clean visuals, smooth transitions, and strong storytelling. That polish helps your content stand out in a sea of shaky phone footage. 2. It Builds Credibility Low-quality content can make even great brands look amateur. On the flip side, a well-produced video tells your audience you’re serious about what you do. It shows you’re willing to invest in your message and your image, which builds trust fast. 3. It Tells a Stronger Story Video lets you combine visuals, audio, and emotion in a way that static posts just can’t. With professional help, you can shape a story that connects with your audience and leaves an impression. Whether it’s your origin story, a customer testimonial, or a product showcase—video brings it to life. 4. It Performs Better—Period Algorithms love video. Platforms push it. Engagement rates are higher. We’ve watched client campaigns double (or even triple) their performance just by introducing pro video into the mix. If your goal is to drive clicks, likes, shares, or sales, video delivers. 5. It’s Not Just for Ads This is something I always remind clients of: professional video isn’t just for paid promotions. It can power your organic content, your website, your email marketing—basically every part of your digital strategy. One good shoot can generate weeks’ worth of high-quality content. At ELIO Marketing, we work with businesses across the United States and beyond to create video content that works—real content that feels authentic but looks amazing. We’re not about fluff. We’re about results. If you’re ready to level up your social media presence with professional video, let’s chat. You don’t have to go viral to win—you just have to be real, consistent, and visually strong. We can help you get there.