The Hill Media Group blog

Marketing insights for small businesses.

Practical, education-first marketing — SEO, email, content, and the systems that tie them together.

non profit communication mistakes
Email Marketing, Blog

5 Communication Failures That Cost Nonprofits Donors and Volunteers (And How to Fix Them)

Last year, I attended the annual fundraiser for a nonprofit I’ve supported for several years. I walked into that event expecting the usual energy and excitement;…

By Jerad Hill · July 2, 2025
Use AI To Grow Maintain Customers
Online Marketing, Blog, Email Marketing, Search Marketing

5 Ways Local Service Businesses Can Use AI to Win More Customers (And Keep Them Coming Back)

After attending Search Marketing Expo Advanced earlier this month, I’ve been flooded with questions my clients about one topic: artificial intelligence. The feedback from my recap…

By Jerad Hill · June 30, 2025
3 Website Updates Drive Customers
Online Marketing, Blog

3 Website Changes That Actually Drive More Customers

Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. In today’s mobile-first world, that first impression happens on a smartphone screen while…

By Jerad Hill · June 18, 2025
SMX Advanced Recap
Search Marketing, Blog

SMX Advanced 2025 Recap: What Small Businesses Need to Know About the Future of SEO

SMX Advanced 2025 marked the first in-person SMX conference since early 2020, and it was worth the wait. Held in Boston, the event brought together some…

By Jerad Hill · June 16, 2025
Tourism SEO
Search Marketing, Blog

Tourism SEO: How to Rank #1 When Customers Search From 1,000 Miles Away

How to Rank for Non-Local Travelers Planning Trips to Your Destination In the competitive world of tourism, having a strong online presence isn’t just helpful—it’s essential…

By Jerad Hill · May 29, 2025
5 ways to stand out small business social media
Social Media, Blog

5 Powerful Ways Small Businesses Can Stand Out on Social Media in 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, social media continues to evolve at lightning speed. For small businesses and local organizations, keeping up with these changes while maintaining…

By Jerad Hill · May 22, 2025
5 Ways to get more Google Business Reviews
Search Marketing

5 Proven Strategies to Increase Your Google Business Reviews

Why Google Reviews Matter for Your Small Business Google reviews have become a cornerstone of local business success in today’s digital marketplace. When potential customers search…

By Jerad Hill · May 15, 2025
Winning Local SEO Strategy
Search Marketing, Blog

How to Build a Winning Local SEO Strategy: Expert Guide for Service Businesses

I’m constantly amazed by how many service businesses offer exceptional work yet remain virtually invisible online. The truth is striking – 98% of customers now turn…

By Jerad Hill · May 14, 2025
5 Ways Re-engage old customers
Email Marketing, Blog

5 Powerful Ways to Re-engage Your Small Business Customers

Are you leaving money on the table by neglecting your existing customers? As a small business growth consultant, I’m consistently amazed by the lack of follow-up…

By Jerad Hill · May 13, 2025
5 Growth Email marketing Automations
Email Marketing, Blog

5 Essential Email Marketing Automations That Drive Business Growth

In today’s digital landscape, effective email marketing automation isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for small businesses looking to nurture relationships and drive revenue growth. At Hill…

By Jerad Hill · May 9, 2025
Email List Cleaning
Email Marketing

The Power of a Clean Email List: Why Less Is More in Email Marketing

Here’s an email marketing truth many businesses overlook: maintaining a pristine email subscriber list is just as crucial as growing it. Working with hundreds of local…

By Jerad Hill · March 27, 2025
Social Media Trust Online Shopping
Social Media

Beyond the Push: Rebuilding Trust in Social Media Marketing

In today’s digital marketplace, we’re facing a significant disconnect between how businesses use social media and what consumers actually want. Recent data highlights this gap in…

By Jerad Hill · March 20, 2025