Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to actual questions we get everyday. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, feel free to call me or text me anytime at 828-506-9517. I’m here to help!
FAQ Categories
What types of businesses do you work with?
We primarily work with small businesses across Western North Carolina, including retail stores, insurance agencies, restaurants, professional services, and local service providers. Our full-service approach means we can handle everything from your website to your social media, which is especially valuable for small business owners who don't have time to coordinate multiple vendors.
Do I need to sign a long-term contract?
We offer both project-based work (like website design or commercial production) and ongoing services (like SEO and social media management). For ongoing services, we typically work on monthly agreements rather than locking you into year-long contracts. We'd rather earn your business each month than trap you in a commitment.
How involved do I need to be in the process?
This depends on the service. For things like web design and commercial filming, we'll need your input on brand vision, messaging, and approval at key milestones. For ongoing services like social media management and SEO, we handle the day-to-day work but keep you informed with regular updates. Most of our small business clients appreciate that we don't need to monopolize their time with constant meetings.
What's the difference between hiring an Agency versus doing it myself?
The main advantage is cohesion and time savings. When your website, SEO, social media, and advertising all come from the same team, they work together strategically rather than fighting each other. Plus, you have one point of contact instead of juggling multiple freelancers. For small business owners already wearing ten hats, this usually means your marketing actually gets done instead of sitting on your to-do list.
SEO Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is SEO and why does my small business need it?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of helping your website show up when people in your area search for what you offer. For example, if you own an insurance agency in Asheville, you want to appear when someone searches "home insurance Asheville NC" or "car insurance near me." Without SEO, you might have a beautiful website that nobody ever finds. For small businesses competing against national chains, local SEO levels the playing field.
How long does SEO take to show results?
Honest answer: It really depends on the competition in your market. Some businesses serve a small niche in the market, and in those cases, I’ve seen newly created pages rank within 8 hours; however, this isn’t the norm. Generally, we can make substantial progress in a month of the development of your site and see compounding growth around 4-6 months into the process. SEO is more of a marathon than a sprint but focusing on bottom-of-funnel keywords can get your pages ranking faster and higher. Read more about our SEO approach HERE.
What's your approach to SEO different from other agencies?
We use what's called the "compact keywords method." Instead of creating dozens of thin, fluffy pages hoping something sticks, we do deep research to find specific keyword gaps in your market—search terms your competitors aren't targeting but your customers are actually using. Then we create focused, high-quality content around those opportunities. This means your pages rank faster and higher because we're being strategic rather than just throwing content at the wall.
What's involved in SEO research and why does it take time?
Real SEO research involves analyzing what keywords people in your area actually search for, studying what your competitors rank for (and where they have gaps), understanding search intent, and finding opportunities where you can realistically compete. We look at search volume, competition level, and relevance to your business. This isn't guesswork—it's a data-driven strategy. That research is what separates SEO that works from SEO that wastes your money.
Do you guarantee first-page rankings?
No, and you should run from anyone who does. Google's algorithm has over 200 ranking factors and changes constantly. What we do guarantee is transparent reporting, ethical tactics that won't get you penalized, and a strategic approach focused on keywords that will actually drive business.
Can't I just do SEO myself?
You can, just like you can technically do your own accounting or legal work. The question is whether your time is better spent running your business or learning the constantly changing world of SEO. Most small business owners who try DIY SEO either give up after a few months or do it inconsistently, which means they see little to no results. We stay on top of algorithm updates, tool access, and strategy so you don't have to.
Web Design Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a website?
Most small business websites take 4-8 weeks from kickoff to launch, depending on complexity and how quickly you can provide content (photos, text, etc.). A simple 5-page site for a local insurance agency will be faster than a 20-page e-commerce site for a retail store. We'll give you a realistic timeline in our proposal.
Do you build websites that I can update myself?
Yes. We typically build on platforms like WordPress that allow you to make basic updates (changing text, adding photos, posting blog content) without calling us every time. We'll train you on the basics, and we're available if you need help or want us to handle updates for you. If you want to be even more hands-on on sometimes we use services like WIX or Squarespace for customers already familiar with those platforms.
Will my website work on mobile phones?
Absolutely. Every website we build is mobile-responsive, meaning it automatically adjusts to look great on phones, tablets, and desktops. This isn't optional—over 70% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, and Google penalizes sites that don't work well on phones.
What happens if my website breaks or gets hacked?
We offer ongoing maintenance plans that include security monitoring, updates, backups, and priority support if something goes wrong. Think of it like insurance for your website. For clients not on a maintenance plan, we're still available for emergency fixes, but you'll pay hourly rates rather than the discounted maintenance rate.
PPC/Paid Advertising Frequently Asked Questions
What is PPC and how is it different from SEO?
PPC (Pay-Per-Click) means you pay for ads to appear at the top of Google search results, on Facebook/Instagram feeds, or on YouTube. You pay each time someone clicks your ad. SEO is organic—you're not paying for clicks, but earning rankings through content and optimization. The big difference: PPC gets you traffic immediately but stops when you stop paying. SEO takes months to build but keeps working without ongoing ad costs. For most small businesses, SEO should be your foundation, and PPC is something we add strategically when it makes sense.
When should my business use PPC advertising?
We typically recommend PPC in a few scenarios: (1) You need leads NOW while your SEO is still ramping up, (2) You're in a highly competitive market and need to supplement organic rankings, (3) You've maxed out your SEO results and want to break through a growth ceiling, or (4) You have a seasonal promotion or time-sensitive offer. Honestly, if your SEO is working well, you might not need PPC at all. We'd rather build you sustainable organic traffic than create dependency on paid ads.
How much do I need to spend on PPC?
For small businesses in Western NC, we typically recommend starting with at least $750-$1,000 per month in ad spend, plus our management fee. That might sound like a lot, but here's the reality: if you spread $500 across Google, Facebook, and Instagram, you're only spending $5-6 per day per platform—not enough to gather meaningful data or reach enough people. Lower budgets can work for very targeted local campaigns, but you need enough spend to actually test and optimize. We'll be honest about whether your budget can realistically achieve your goals.
What's the difference between Google Ads and Facebook/Instagram Ads?
Google Ads targets people actively searching for what you offer (like "car insurance Asheville"). They have high intent—they're looking to buy NOW. Facebook and Instagram ads target people based on demographics, interests, and behaviors—they're not necessarily searching for you, but they fit your customer profile. Google Ads typically cost more per click but convert faster. Facebook/Instagram are better for building awareness and retargeting. For most small businesses, we start with Google Ads for that high-intent traffic.
How long does it take to see results from PPC?
You'll see traffic almost immediately—that's the beauty of PPC. But "results" meaning quality leads and a positive return on investment usually takes 2-4 weeks of testing and optimization. We need time to see which ads perform, which keywords convert, what audiences respond, and where we're wasting money. Anyone promising perfect campaigns on day one is overselling. Month one is about learning; months two and beyond are about scaling what works.
What's your management fee for PPC?
We charge $500 per month flat OR 15% of your ad spend, whichever is greater. This covers campaign setup, ongoing optimization, A/B testing, monthly reporting, and strategy adjustments. The ad spend itself (what you pay to Google, Facebook, etc.) is separate and goes directly to those platforms. So if you spend $1,000/month on ads, your total investment would be $1,500/month ($1,000 to the platforms + $500 to us for management).
Can I just run PPC myself to save money?
You can, but most small business owners who try either waste money on the wrong keywords, give up after a month when they don't see results, or don't have time to optimize daily. PPC platforms make it VERY easy to spend money and surprisingly hard to spend it wisely. Google and Facebook want you to spend more, not smarter. We've seen business owners blow through $5,000 with nothing to show for it because they didn't understand audience targeting, negative keywords, or bid strategies. Your time is valuable—most clients find that our management fee pays for itself in saved ad waste.
Do you require a long-term contract for PPC management?
No. PPC works on a month-to-month basis. That said, we do ask clients to commit to at least 3 months initially because month one is learning and setup—if you quit after 30 days, you're bailing right when we're starting to see what works. After that initial period, you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice. We'd rather earn your business each month than lock you into something that's not working.
What happens to my ads if I stop paying?
They disappear immediately. That's the nature of PPC—you're renting visibility, not building it. This is exactly why we focus on SEO first with most clients. Once your organic rankings are strong, you're not dependent on paid ads for survival. PPC becomes a growth accelerator, not a life support system. If budget gets tight, you can pause ads without losing everything because your SEO keeps working.
How do you measure success for PPC campaigns?
It depends on your business goals. For most of our clients, we track: (1) Cost per lead or cost per phone call, (2) Conversion rate (clicks that turn into actual inquiries), (3) Return on ad spend (revenue generated vs. money spent), and (4) Quality of leads (not just quantity—are these people who actually buy?). For retail clients with online stores, we track direct sales and revenue. We provide monthly reports that show exactly where your money went and what you got for it.
Can PPC help my insurance agency get more clients?
Absolutely. Insurance is one of the best industries for PPC because people actively search for it ("home insurance near me," "cheap car insurance Waynesville"). The challenge is competition—lots of big national companies are bidding on those same keywords. Our approach is finding the local, specific searches where you can compete without blowing your budget. We've had success with insurance agencies targeting neighborhood-specific searches and using Facebook ads to reach people who just bought homes or turned 25 (life events that trigger insurance needs).
Why do you recommend maxing out SEO before doing PPC?
Because SEO builds an asset; PPC rents attention. If we can get you ranking organically for the searches that matter, you're getting clicks without paying for each one. That's sustainable. PPC makes the most sense when: (1) You need leads while SEO ramps up, (2) You're in position #4-6 organically and want to also appear in the paid spots, or (3) You've topped out your organic traffic and want to grow beyond that ceiling. Starting with PPC before SEO is like renting a storefront forever instead of buying the building—it works, but it's not the smartest long-term play.
What platforms do you run PPC campaigns on?
Primarily Google Ads (search and display), Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads. We can also run YouTube ads, LinkedIn ads for B2B clients, and local digital TV advertising if it makes sense for your goals and budget. For most Western NC small businesses, Google + Facebook/Instagram gives you the best bang for your buck. We'd rather focus your budget on two platforms done right than spread thin across five.
Video/Commercial Production Questions
How much does a commercial cost?
It varies widely based on length, complexity, locations, and whether we're using professional actors or featuring your team. A simple 30-second testimonial-style video might start around $500-$1,500, while a more produced commercial with multiple locations and professional talent could be $3,000+. We'll provide a detailed quote based on your specific vision and budget.
Where would my commercial air?
We can produce commercials for local TV, social media platforms, your website, or YouTube advertising. Increasingly, our small business clients get more bang for their buck running commercials as targeted social media ads rather than traditional TV, because you can target specific demographics and track results more precisely.
Do I need to provide a script or do you handle that?
We handle it. We'll work with you to understand your message, target audience, and goals, then we'll develop script concepts for your approval. Most small business owners know what they want to say but aren't sure how to say it in 30 seconds—that's where we come in.
Pricing & Process Frequently asked Questions
How much do your services cost?
We provide custom quotes because every business has different needs and budgets. A 5-page website costs less than a 30-page e-commerce site. SEO for a single-location business is less complex than multi-location business. Rather than ballpark numbers that might not apply to you, we'd rather learn about your needs and provide an accurate quote. Initial consultations are free.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. For project-based work (websites, commercials), we typically require 50% upfront and 50% upon completion. For ongoing services, we bill monthly. This is standard in the industry and protects both parties.
What if I'm not happy with the work?
We build revision rounds into our process for creative work. For web design, you'll see mockups before we build. For commercials, you'll approve scripts and rough cuts. Our goal is to get it right, and we'll work with you until you're satisfied. That said, we can't read minds, so clear communication from you helps us deliver what you're envisioning.
Can I start with one service and add more later?
Absolutely. Many clients start with a website or social media management and add SEO or other services once they see results. There's no pressure to do everything at once, especially if you're working with a limited budget. We'd rather start with one thing done well than overwhelm you or stretch your budget too thin.
Social Media Management Frequently asked Questions
Which social media platforms should my business be on?
It depends on your business and where your customers spend time. For most local businesses, Facebook and Instagram are the core platforms because that's where local consumers are looking for businesses. LinkedIn makes sense for B2B companies or professional services. TikTok can work for retail and restaurants targeting younger demographics. We'd rather do 2 platforms really well than spread thin across 5 and do them all poorly.
How often should I be posting on social media?
Consistency matters more than volume. For most small businesses, 3-4 quality posts per week on each platform is more effective than daily posts that feel rushed or irrelevant. We focus on content that engages your local audience rather than just filling a quota.
Can you guarantee my posts will go viral or get X number of followers?
No, and be wary of agencies that promise specific follower counts. Virality is unpredictable and often not even helpful for small local businesses. What matters is reaching your local target audience and turning followers into customers. We'd rather get you 500 engaged local followers who might buy from you than 5,000 random people across the country who never will.