Intelligence library · 36 files
Everything we know, filed and searchable.
Practical guides, channel deep dives, and straight talk about digital marketing for local businesses. No fluff, no jargon. Search the stacks or filter by category.
Why We Don't Charge a Percentage of Ad Spend
The industry-standard pricing model creates a conflict of interest. Here's why flat retainers are better for everyone.
ReadWhat Happens to Your Ad Account When You Leave Your Agency?
Most business owners don't know they don't own their own ad accounts until it's too late.
ReadMonth-to-Month vs. Long-Term Contracts
Agencies say contracts protect both sides. That's half true. Here's what they actually protect.
ReadThe Problem With Marketing Dashboards
A dashboard full of charts doesn't mean you understand what's working.
ReadWhy Your Agency Won't Give You Access to Your Own Ad Account
It's not about protecting proprietary strategy. It's about making sure you can't leave.
ReadWhat "You Own Everything" Actually Means
Ad accounts, audiences, data, creative — what client ownership looks like in practice.
ReadWhat Is a Product Feed and Why Can't Your Dealer Access Google Shopping?
The technical barrier keeping most inventory dealers out of Shopping results.
ReadLocal Service Ads: What They Cost, How They Work, and Who Should Run Them
The Google Guaranteed badge, pay-per-lead pricing, and which verticals benefit most.
ReadMeta Ads for Local Businesses: When Facebook Actually Drives Phone Calls
How retargeting and prospecting work together to generate real leads.
ReadGoogle Business Profile: The Free Channel Most Businesses Ignore
Reviews, posts, photos, and Q&A — the unpaid tactics that amplify everything else.
ReadRetargeting for Local Businesses: Your Cheapest Leads
Why people who already visited your website are 3-5x cheaper to convert.
ReadGoogle Ads vs. Facebook Ads: Which One Does Your Business Need?
They're not competitors — they do different jobs. Here's when to use each.
ReadWhat Is Cost Per Lead and What's a Good One for Your Industry?
The one metric every business owner should track — benchmarks by vertical included.
ReadThe First 90 Days: What to Expect When You Start Running Ads
Realistic timelines for when leads start, when data gets useful, and when ROI compounds.
ReadHow to Read Your Google Ads Data Without a Marketing Degree
The 5 numbers that actually matter, what they mean, and when to worry.
ReadHow Much Should a Plumber Spend on Google Ads?
CPCs, budget ranges, channel mix, and what to expect at each spend level.
ReadThe HVAC Marketing Playbook
The highest CPCs in home services demand the smartest seasonal strategy.
ReadDigital Marketing for Roofers: Storm Season Strategy
How to scale ad spend in hours when severe weather hits your market.
ReadWhy Most Dog Trainers Waste Money on Google Ads
Low CPCs don't mean easy wins. The targeting has to be precise.
ReadThe Pre-Season Ramp: How Pool Companies Fill Routes Before Summer
Seasonal demand, recurring revenue, and the pre-season ramp.
ReadYour Best Marketing Asset Is the Project You Just Finished
Visual-first marketing for a visual-first business.
ReadTwo Customers, Two Campaigns: Marketing a Garage Door Business
Emergency repair and planned installation need different campaigns.
ReadSmall Radius, Big Results: Marketing a Mobile Detailing Business
Hyper-local targeting and why visual content is your strongest weapon.
ReadThe 60-Day Buyer: Why Remodeling Ads Need a Different Strategy
The longest sales cycle in home services demands extended retargeting.
ReadFill Your Auction Before It Goes Live: Event-Driven Ad Strategy
Event-driven campaigns and bidder list building.
ReadEmergency Calls and EV Chargers: Marketing an Electrical Business
Emergency calls, planned upgrades, and the growing EV charger opportunity.
ReadWhy 'Pest Control' Is the Wrong Keyword to Bid On
Seasonal pest campaigns and recurring prevention contract conversion.
ReadGoogle Shopping for Trailer Dealers
The channel your competitors can't access — and how to be first.
ReadReaching Riders Before They Search: Powersports Dealer Advertising
Reaching enthusiast buyers with Shopping and Catalog ads.
ReadNobody Impulse-Buys a $75,000 RV — Your Ads Should Know That
Highest-ticket inventory vertical. Extended retargeting is non-negotiable.
ReadSelling Dreams on the Water: How Boat Dealers Win Online
Aspirational, seasonal, and deeply visual — boat marketing at its best.
ReadHow to Reach Farmers Before They Search: Ag Equipment Advertising
Geographically concentrated buyers, seasonal planting and harvest windows.
ReadYou Don't Need a Million Impressions — You Need the Right 500
Highest ticket values. Niche audiences, precision targeting.
ReadHow Local Furniture Stores Compete With Wayfair Online
Competing with national e-commerce using your showroom advantage.
ReadHow Independent Car Lots Compete With Franchise Dealers Online
Fast-turning inventory and vehicle listing ads. Independent lots only.
ReadSelling the Backyard Upgrade: Hot Tub and Swim Spa Advertising
Hot tubs and swim spas — seasonal, aspirational, visual advertising.
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