How AI is Changing Local Search (And What West Michigan Businesses Need to Know)
AI Overviews are changing how Google shows local results. Here is what West Michigan service businesses need to do about it right now.
March 30, 2026Read more →
The Guide MKTG Blog
Marketing Tips
No fluff. No guru talk. Just practical marketing advice for service businesses that want real results.
AI is an Intern. Treat It Like One.
AI can do a crap ton of work, but it needs direction, oversight, and editing, just like a new intern would.
March 30, 2026Read more →
How to Use ChatGPT for Your Small Business Without Publishing Garbage
Most small business owners treat ChatGPT like a vending machine and get vending machine results. Here is how to actually get something useful out of it.
March 30, 2026Read more →
Marketing for CPAs: How to Fill Your Calendar With Clients You Actually Want
Most CPA firms rely entirely on word of mouth, which works until it doesn't. Here's how to build a marketing presence that attracts the right clients.
March 30, 2026Read more →
Why Most Financial Advisors' Marketing Doesn't Work (And the Fix Is Simpler Than You Think)
Most financial advisor marketing fails for the same reason: it talks about the advisor, not the client. Here's what to fix first.
March 30, 2026Read more →
How Financial Services Firms Can Build Trust Online (Without Being Boring)
Compliance concerns are real, but they're not an excuse for a website that puts people to sleep. Here's what content actually works for financial firms.
March 30, 2026Read more →
How Plumbers, Electricians, and Contractors Can Win More Jobs Without Lowering Their Prices
Competing on price is a race to the bottom. Here's how home service contractors win on trust instead, and keep their margins intact.
March 30, 2026Read more →
The Home Services Marketing Checklist: What You Actually Need to Keep Your Schedule Full
A practical checklist of what a home service business actually needs online to stay consistently busy, without the overwhelm.
March 30, 2026Read more →
HVAC Marketing: How to Keep Your Schedule Full All Year (Not Just When It's Hot)
Most HVAC companies only run ads when it's hot. Here's the marketing system that keeps your schedule full year-round.
March 30, 2026Read more →
What Makes Marketing Financial Services So Different From Everything Else
Marketing a financial firm isn't like marketing a restaurant or even a law firm. The trust bar is higher, the sales cycle is longer, and the stakes feel personal.
March 30, 2026Read more →
Roofing Marketing That Actually Gets You Jobs (Without Door Knocking)
Referrals and storm chasing are unreliable. Here's how roofing companies build a marketing system that generates leads consistently.
March 30, 2026Read more →
5 Things AI Does Well in Marketing (And 3 Things It Really Doesn't)
AI tools can save you serious time on the right marketing tasks. Here is an honest breakdown of where they shine and where they fall apart.
March 30, 2026Read more →
Owning a blue-collar business is the new American dream (and it has dirt under its fingernails)
Owning a blue-collar business is the new American Dream. Discover why trades-based entrepreneurs are reclaiming freedom through ownership,and how to grow your service business without selling out.
July 28, 2025Read more →
SEO for Landscapers: 5 Best Practices that Boost your Ranking
Five practical SEO best practices for landscaping companies that want to rank higher in local search and get more calls from qualified customers.
May 21, 2025Read more →
5 Strategies That Work for Marketing Landscape Companies
Five proven marketing strategies for landscaping companies that want more of the right clients. Real results from real landscape businesses in West Michigan.
May 8, 2025Read more →
Is the Curse of Knowledge Killing Your Marketing Strategy?
Discover how the 'curse of knowledge' could be sabotaging your marketing strategy and get 8 effective tips to help you regain clarity.
April 16, 2024Read more →
How to Use AI Responsibly in Marketing
Discover the 5 pillars of responsible AI use and how to create clear company policies that explain how to use AI responsibly in marketing.
April 2, 2024Read more →
The Subtle Difference Between Self-Promotion vs. Marketing
Learn to differentiate between self-promotion vs marketing. Effectively engage your audience by shifting the spotlight from your greatness to your customer's success.
April 1, 2024Read more →
The Unbreakable Link Between Marketing & Company Reputation
Explore the unbreakable link between marketing and company reputation. 4 key strategies to build a positive brand reputation in your community & online.
March 11, 2024Read more →
Say More With Less: The Art of Brevity in Marketing
Did you know our attention spans are shorter than a goldfish’s? In a world of information overload, brevity in marketing is your secret weapon.
February 27, 2024Read more →
Mastering the Inbox: 9 Effective Email Copywriting Tips
Unlock the secrets of emails that spark action with these 9 effective email copywriting tips. Get ready to write emails that engage and convert.
February 20, 2024Read more →
The Ultimate Guide to Balancing Creativity vs Clarity in Marketing
Increase the effectiveness of your marketing by finding the perfect ratio of creativity vs clarity in marketing.
February 13, 2024Read more →
The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Marketing Agency vs an In-House Employee
Which is better? Working with a marketing agency or hiring an in-house team? There's pros and cons of each.
February 5, 2024Read more →
The Pros and Cons of Using Humor in Marketing
Should you use humor in marketing? 90% of people are more likely to remember a funny ad, but humor isn't a one-size-fits-all strategy.
January 31, 2024Read more →
Marketing’s Most Powerful Duo: The Demographics and Psychographics of Customers
Do you know your target market? Or are you missing half the story? Unlock marketing’s most powerful duo: demographics and psychographics.
January 15, 2024Read more →
Clear Company Messaging: The Foundation of Good Marketing
Are your best marketing ideas falling flat? 😩 It might be time for a messaging makeover. Clear company messaging is the foundation of good marketing.
January 3, 2024Read more →
How Giving Away Valuable Content Generates Leads
Is it time to share your secret sauce? 7 reasons why giving away valuable content generates more leads.
January 3, 2024Read more →
4 Steps to Increase Revenue Without Creating New Services
Looking at your business numbers & realizing you need to increase your revenue ASAP. Increase your revenue without offering new services.
December 11, 2023Read more →
Write an Effective Sales Pitch in Minutes With This Easy Sales Pitch Script Generator
Struggling to close the deal? What if I told you a good sales pitch and a good book have more in common than you think?
December 5, 2023Read more →
Reignite Your Team with 3 Powerful Guiding Principles
Leaders: say goodbye to wasted time and hello to productivity with these 3 game-changing guiding principles.
November 27, 2023Read more →
The Power of Purpose: Why Every Company Needs a Motivating Mission Statement
Ever feel like your team needs a boost? It might be time to unleash the power of purpose with a motivating mission statement.
November 20, 2023Read more →
The Relationship between Business and Marketing: Why Marketing Can't Save a Bad Business
Your marketing campaign called. 📞 It says your business practices are weighing it down. 😮 Business and Marketing...
November 13, 2023Read more →
14 Magical Words to Boost Conversions: Where and How to Use Them
There are 171,467 words in the English language but just 14 are proven to boost your marketing conversions. Can you guess what they are?
November 6, 2023Read more →
Meta Ads for Small Business Owners: 5 Tips That Work
Want to get better results than ☝️ that ad you just scrolled past without even noticing? Here's 5 tips for scroll-stopping Meta Ads
October 24, 2023Read more →
The Complete Guide to Easy Data Analysis for Small Business Owners
Learn to decipher the story the numbers are telling. Get a stress-free data analysis plan for small business owners.
October 24, 2023Read more →
7 Google Business Profile Hacks to Boost Your Small Business Rankings
Use these 7 tips to make your Google Business Profile shine AND improve your ranking in local search results.
October 16, 2023Read more →
Everything You Need to Know about Google Ads
A step-by-step Google Ads tutorial for newbies. Reap the rewards without the stress.
October 2, 2023Read more →
How to Write Great Ads for Your Small Business: 6 Essential Steps
Are your ads wasting more money than they are bringing in? Write great ads with our 6-step process for writing great ads.
September 26, 2023Read more →
Digital Ads Done Right: Navigating the Maze of Paid Advertising
Want to find out how to make your ad dollars work smarter, not harder? Read our Digital Ads Done Right post for actionable tips and insights!
September 11, 2023Read more →
How to Find and Improve Your Website Ranking
Wondering how your website fares in the digital arena? Unlock the Potential of Your Website Ranking. Your site's search engine ranking isn't just a number,
September 4, 2023Read more →
How Small Businesses Get Found Online: 4 Simple Solutions
Try these 4 game-changing strategies to help your small business get found online.
August 28, 2023Read more →
3 Ways Blogs Help Small Businesses Grow
Should small business owners take up blogging? 3 ways blogs help small businesses grow and how to write them well.
August 21, 2023Read more →
The Ultimate Guide for Small Business SEO: Is it Worth the Effort?
Discover why SEO is essential for small businesses and learn effective strategies to improve your search engine rankings.
August 14, 2023Read more →
4 Simple Steps to Harness the Power of LinkedIn in Small Business Marketing
4 simple steps on how to use LinkedIn in Small Business Marketing. Learn how to build a LinkedIn profile you can use to grow your small business.
August 4, 2023Read more →
5 Valuable Instagram Tips to Help Grow Your Small Business
Want to use Instagram to grow your small business without posting all the time? Check out these 5 Instagram tips.
July 31, 2023Read more →
5 Essential Facebook Marketing Tips and Tricks for Small Businesses
Facebook marketing success requires a lot more than just creating an account and sharing posts. 5 tips to turn engaged followers that into happy customers!
July 24, 2023Read more →
7 Important Social Media Tips for Small Business Owners
Use social media to grow your revenue, not just your to-do list. Check out these 7 important social media tips.
July 17, 2023Read more →
3 Essential Marketing Actions to Boost Your Small Business
Ready to make waves with your small business? Focus on these 3 essential marketing actions to boost your small business.
July 10, 2023Read more →
How to Revive a Dormant Email List and Get More Leads
Need a spark to bring your email list back to life? Check out these 7 tips to turn that snoozing email list into one that's wide awake and ready to engage with your business.
July 4, 2023Read more →
7 Pro Tips to Make the Most of Your Time for Marketing
Check out these 7 tips to maximize your time for marketing AND get better results.
June 27, 2023Read more →
The 19 Best Marketing Books For Small Business Owners
Knowledge is power.💥 Ignite your business with the best marketing books for small business owners.
June 20, 2023Read more →
11 Insanely Effective Marketing Tools for Small Businesses
Got a to-do list 5 miles long but no money to hire help? Use these 11 small business marketing tools to lighten your workload without breaking the bank.
June 12, 2023Read more →
5 Steps to Success: A Simple Marketing Plan for Small Businesses
Feeling stuck in the marketing mud? Implement this simple marketing plan for small businesses.
June 5, 2023Read more →
The Power of Intentional Marketing Strategy: Why Everything You Do and Say Matters
Are you using an intentional marketing strategy to propel your business forward? Or are random acts of accidental marketing holding you back?
May 30, 2023Read more →
Use Clear Podcast Messaging to Get More Listeners
Thinking about starting a podcast? Here are 5 steps to create clear podcast messaging to get more listeners.
May 23, 2023Read more →
Recruitment Marketing Strategy: Pine Hiring Success Story
Looking for a winning recruitment marketing strategy? We’ve got a 5-step process that will leave your inbox overflowing with qualified applicants.
May 8, 2023Read more →
A Clear Hiring Process: Don't Leave Candidates in the Dark
Include a Clear Hiring Process in Your Job Description. Learn 6 reasons why you should include your hiring process in your job descriptions.
April 28, 2023Read more →
The Competitive Edge: Why Applicant-Centered Ads are the Future of Hiring
Applicant-centered ads are taking over the hiring game. Learning how to write yours can change your business!
April 19, 2023Read more →
3 Benefits of Using Employee Testimonials in Your Hiring Process
One of the most powerful elements of recruitment is using employee testimonials to illustrate what it is really like to work with your company.
April 17, 2023Read more →
Uncover the Essential Components of a Winning Job Description
If you want to attract top talent you need to know how to write a winning job description that compels the right candidates to take action.
April 5, 2023Read more →
Craft the Perfect Careers Page to Attract Top Talent
You only get one chance to make a good first impression. If you want to hire top talent, that means you need a careers page that showcases your company well.
March 27, 2023Read more →
6 Recruiting Strategies to Hire Great Employees
Use these recruiting strategies to hire great employees that will fit your company culture and your business needs.
March 21, 2023Read more →
Should you respond to client reviews?
Use these templates to respond gracefully to all of your client reviews (both positive and negative).
March 7, 2023Read more →
Your Success stories 📣
Many of the reviews/testimonials we see businesses use miss the mark. Learn what the most effective testimonials do instead.
March 7, 2023Read more →
Nurture Email Ideas
When you don’t know what to write about, you’ll be tempted to write about yourself. Never run out of ideas for your nurture email sequence
February 20, 2023Read more →
How Nurture Emails Boost Sales
Nurture email campaigns are focused on building trusting relationships with your potential and existing clients.
February 13, 2023Read more →
Simple 5-Step Process for Writing Valuable Nurture Emails
Implement a simple 5-step process to craft nurture emails that provide value and strengthen customer relationships.
January 31, 2023Read more →
How to Write a Catchy Email Subject Line
Your emails don't have to get lost in your client's cluttered inbox. A good subject line is the key.
January 23, 2023Read more →
How to Write Effective Sales Emails
Sales emails can be an effective way to convert potential customers into paying customers on autopilot.
January 16, 2023Read more →
The Benefits of a Sales Email Sequence for Small Businesses
Sales emails are highly effective when done well. They don't have to be spammy or annoying. In fact, a sales email can be helpful, and even welcomed, by your potential customers.
January 9, 2023Read more →
🎙 My first podcast all about hiring. Listen today!
Becky Martin talks with Dr. J.J. Peterson about hiring and using StoryBrand strategies to attract your ideal employees!
December 7, 2022Read more →
33 Types of Lead Generators You Can Use to Grow Your Business
Are you using a digital lead generator to grow your business? If not, you’re working way too hard!
October 24, 2022Read more →
These 3 Email Automation Tools Will Accelerate Your Email Marketing
Email is not dead. These 3 email automation tools help you stay top of mind with your audience and turn leads into clients on autopilot.
October 13, 2022Read more →
How to Create a StoryBrand-Style Lead Generator
A lead generator built with the StoryBrand framework does more than collect emails. Here is how to create one that moves people closer to buying.
October 5, 2022Read more →
How We Helped Small Engine Warehouse Develop Their Own Marketing Habit
See how Guide MKTG helped Small Engine Warehouse build a consistent marketing habit that generates leads without relying on outside agencies.
September 27, 2022Read more →
How to Deliver Valuable Content That Converts
Learn effective strategies to create valuable content marketing that engages your audience and drives conversions.
September 24, 2022Read more →
Effective Lead Generation Strategies for Small Business
To motivate qualified leads to give you their email address, you offer them a free gift, also called a lead generator or lead magnet, related to the problem your business solves.
September 20, 2022Read more →
Taglines vs. One-liners: Which Matters More for Your Business?
Taglines and one-liners are not the same thing. Here is which one actually matters more for your business and how to build the right one.
September 16, 2022Read more →
Concept of Reciprocity
The concept of reciprocity is a powerful marketing tool that leverages human psychology to make potential customers more likely to do business with you.
September 13, 2022Read more →
How to Recession Proof Your Small Business
A recession-proof business isn't one that hides out until it is all over. A recession-proof business is one that continues to do their best work and serve their people well. Read more about how to strengthen your business, even in an economic downtur
September 3, 2022Read more →
4 Pro Tips for Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing people see. These 4 tips help you optimize it and show up where local customers are searching.
August 26, 2022Read more →
How to Leverage Your One-Liner Like a Growth-Minded B2B
Your one-liner is more than an elevator pitch. Here is how growth-minded B2B companies use it to open doors and win more business.
August 24, 2022Read more →
The Value of Email Marketing
Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach potential customers and stay connected with existing customers.
August 18, 2022Read more →
How to Create a Successful B2B Marketing Website
A B2B marketing website that actually works needs more than good design. Here is what separates sites that convert from ones that just sit there.
August 6, 2022Read more →
No one is coming to your website 😞
You've got clear messaging, a website built to convert, a lead generator that provides incredible value....What happens if no one shows up?
July 25, 2022Read more →
Client Wins
Is marketing always on your “I’ll-get-to-it-someday” list? With Guide as their marketing director, our clients are exceeding goals and becoming leaders in their fields. You can do the same.
June 14, 2022Read more →
GBP FTW
Don't miss out on free digital marketing,Set up Google Business Profile now! GBP is often the forgotten channel of digital marketing.
April 25, 2022Read more →
I’m not sure I want to do that.
Understand the reasons behind customer hesitancy and learn strategies to address objections and build buyer confidence.
April 15, 2022Read more →
To Blog or Not To Blog 🎭
Whether or not to invest in blogging is a big question for many business owners. Is it worth it?
March 10, 2022Read more →
Are you an expert?
Assess your expertise level and discover ways to position yourself as a thought leader in your industry to enhance credibility.
March 1, 2022Read more →
How to Raise Your Prices 🏷️
Wish you could charge more? Or spend less time convincing people your product or service is worth the price you’re asking?
February 23, 2022Read more →
I see you 👀
When looking for a company or product to solve a problem, customers want to work with someone who truly understands their problem and the pain it’s causing.
February 23, 2022Read more →
What Does Your Customer Want? 🏷️
Uncover strategies to identify and fulfill your customers' desires, leading to enhanced satisfaction and loyalty.
February 23, 2022Read more →
Let’s Get Negative!
Learn how to embrace negative feedback as an opportunity for growth and improve your business practices effectively.
January 9, 2022Read more →
They’ve got cash in their hand...
Learn how to identify and engage customers who are ready to buy, ensuring you capture sales opportunities effectively.
January 7, 2022Read more →
You’ve got 7 seconds ⏱️
The header is everything your visitor sees when they first get to your site. It is first impressions and everything “above the scroll.”
January 7, 2022Read more →
Steal my website checklist ✔️
Access a comprehensive website checklist to ensure your site is optimized for success and user engagement.
December 9, 2021Read more →
Waving a magic wand around 🪄
Explore how addressing your customers' pain points directly can feel like waving a magic wand, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
December 9, 2021Read more →
Websites Gone Wrong
Discover common website mistakes and learn how to fix them to improve user experience and drive better results.
December 9, 2021Read more →
What does it cost to do nothing?
Explore the hidden costs associated with business inaction and the importance of proactive decision-making.
December 9, 2021Read more →
![Your company message is almost ready! [Free Tool]](https://res.cloudinary.com/dh0xneapb/image/upload/v1782311920/guidemktg/blog/2021-12-set-of-tools-and-instruments-scaled-e1637678720731.jpg)
Your company message is almost ready! [Free Tool]
Utilize our free tool to refine your company message and communicate more effectively with your audience.
December 9, 2021Read more →
Social Media Last
Learn why prioritizing other marketing channels before social media can lead to more effective strategies.
November 30, 2021Read more →
How do we get there?📍
Explore effective strategies for setting and achieving business goals with a clear roadmap.
November 25, 2021Read more →
No one comes to your website to “learn more.” 💤
Understand user intent and optimize your website to meet visitors' needs effectively, enhancing engagement.
November 23, 2021Read more →
Who's the hero of this story? 🦸
Discover the importance of positioning your customer as the hero in your brand's story to enhance engagement.
November 18, 2021Read more →
This book will make you💰
Discover insights from a must-read book that promises to enhance your financial success and business growth.
November 16, 2021Read more →
Your customer’s 3 problems
Learn how to identify and align your customers' external, internal, and philosophical problems to enhance your marketing strategy.
November 11, 2021Read more →
Using Your BrandScript
Finished your BrandScript? Here is how to use it across your website, emails, and sales conversations to get real results from the framework.
November 9, 2021Read more →
4 StoryBrand BrandScript Mistakes We See Every Day
Four BrandScript mistakes that show up constantly and tank your marketing message. Here is what to watch for and how to fix each one.
November 8, 2021Read more →
A Quick How To Guide on StoryBrand Marketing
New to StoryBrand marketing? This quick guide breaks down how the framework works and how to apply it to your business right away.
November 5, 2021Read more →
How to Improve Your Website Marketing
Your website is your most important marketing tool. Here are practical steps to improve your website marketing and turn more visitors into leads.
November 4, 2021Read more →
StoryBrand Website Design Tips
Four StoryBrand website design tips from a certified StoryBrand guide. Build a site that clearly communicates what you do and turns more visitors into clients.
November 2, 2021Read more →
What is a BrandScript?
A BrandScript is the foundation of the StoryBrand framework. Here is what it includes and why getting it right changes everything about your marketing.
November 2, 2021Read more →
Make the feeling disappear! 💥
Marketing Tip: How are your customers FEELING when they search for your product or service? Use those "internal problem" words in your marketing copy.
November 1, 2021Read more →
Best StoryBrand Website Template
Looking for the best StoryBrand website template? Here is what to look for and how to use the framework to build a site that works for your business.
October 28, 2021Read more →
It’s Time to Design a Superior Website with the StoryBrand Framework
Your website should do more than look good. Here is how to design a StoryBrand website that turns visitors into paying customers.
October 22, 2021Read more →
THIS Is Your Problem 🚨
Identify core business challenges and explore strategies to effectively address and overcome them.
October 11, 2021Read more →
Make Your Brand Stand Out (By Talking About Your Customers)
Most brands talk about themselves. Learn how making your customer the hero of your message is what actually makes your brand stand out.
May 17, 2021Read more →
5 Tips to Better Position Your Professional Firm
Five practical ways to sharpen how your professional firm is positioned so the right clients find you and understand what you do.
April 19, 2021Read more →
3 Places People Get Stuck on StoryBrand BrandScripts
The BrandScript process trips people up in predictable spots. Here are the 3 places people get stuck and how to work through each one.
April 12, 2021Read more →
What is a One-Liner?
A one-liner is the most concise, complete story you can tell about how you solve your customer's problems. Here's a simple formula for writing yours.
April 1, 2021Read more →
💊 For when it hurts to sit down
People are motivated to solve the problems that cause them pain. If your marketing doesn't talk about your customer's problem, you'll be ignored.
March 14, 2021Read more →
Can your customers find you?
If the words your customers are using to describe their problem don’t show up in your marketing, your customers won’t find you online. Improve your SEO.
March 12, 2021Read more →
What do you want? 🤷
What do your customers want? When you know the answer, use those exact words and phrases throughout your marketing. You'll connect faster with leads and improve your search ranking.
March 11, 2021Read more →
A Better Version of You ✨
Use the power of transformation when you’re talking with a customer. Talk about how your product or service will transform them.
March 10, 2021Read more →
StoryBrand Website Example - Financial Services
See a real StoryBrand website example built for a financial services firm and how the framework improves clarity, conversions, and trust.
March 5, 2021Read more →
DeVries Design and Landscape
See how Guide MKTG helped DeVries Design and Landscape sharpen their marketing message and attract more of the right clients.
March 3, 2021Read more →
WEBIT Managed IT
See how Guide MKTG helped WEBIT Managed IT clarify their message and build a marketing strategy that attracts more of the right clients.
March 3, 2021Read more →
Framesuite
See how Guide MKTG helped Framesuite clarify their message and build a marketing strategy that connects with the right buyers.
March 1, 2021Read more →
Are You Really Customer-Centric?
Most businesses say they are customer-centric. Few actually are. Here is how to tell the difference and what to fix in your marketing message.
February 27, 2021Read more →
It Starts with a Clear Message
Before the website, the ads, or the social posts, everything starts with a clear message. Here is why message clarity is the foundation of good marketing.
January 22, 2021Read more →
FREEBIE: Thriving in Uncertainty
Leading through change is one of the hardest things a business owner can do , especially when that "change" is global and entirely out of your control. If you're feeling disoriented, we've put together a checklist of 5 things you can do and use to he
March 24, 2020Read more →
3 StoryBrand Website Pitfalls - And How to Avoid Them
Using StoryBrand on your website but not seeing results? These are the 3 most common pitfalls and exactly how to fix each one.
June 21, 2019Read more →