Blog – Page 3 – CGL Marketing | Digital Marketing for Small Business

Why Your Small Business Needs a Website (and Why Social Media Isn’t Enough)

Why your small business needs a website with image of arrow clicking on website icon

You’ve spent years growing your Instagram followers. Or maybe you’ve been faithfully posting on your Facebook Page, hoping to reach more people in your community.

But here’s the hard truth: if you’re building your audience only on social media, you’re building on borrowed land.

Let’s talk about why your website matters more than ever — and how it works hand-in-hand with your email list and social media.

Why isn’t social media enough for small businesses?

Don’t get me wrong — I love social media. It’s a fantastic tool for connecting with customers and showing off your business’s personality. But at the end of the day, it’s still not yours.

Too Busy to Market Your Small Business? Try These 3 Smart Shortcuts

Running a small business is no small feat. Between serving customers, managing your team, and keeping operations running, marketing often slips to the bottom of the to-do list. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do everything to get noticed online. With a few small business marketing shortcuts, you can make a big impact in less time.

Here are three simple strategies to help you market your business — even on your busiest days.

Shortcut #1: Let Your Google Business Profile Work Overtime

When people search “estate attorney near me,” “CPA in [your city],” or “coffee shop nearby,” Google shows local businesses in the results. This is called local search, and it’s how most customers find businesses today. Your Google Business Profile is your key to showing up in these results.

Here’s how to make it work for you:

Create Your Brand Voice: A Simple Guide for Small Business Owners

Because your business already has a personality — now it just needs a voice

If you’re a small business owner, solopreneur, or nonprofit, chances are you wear a lot of hats — and “marketing team” might be one of them. But what happens when you sit down to write a social post or update your website and feel stuck?

That’s where having a clear brand voice comes in.

What is a brand voice, and why does it matter?

Your brand voice is how your business sounds — the tone, language, and personality behind everything you write. When it’s consistent, your messaging feels more human, more trustworthy, and easier for your audience to connect with.

5 Budget-Friendly AI Tools I Use Daily (For Clients, Content, and Staying Sane)

If you’re a small business owner, you already know that there’s always so much to do. From content creation and client projects to staying on top of emails, schedules, and that never-ending to-do list — it’s a lot to juggle.

Over the past few years, I’ve built up my go-to toolkit of AI-powered platforms that help me do more in less time—not just for my business but also for my clients. These tools help me create great content, stay organized, and show up consistently online. And the best part? They’re actually affordable.

Here’s a peek at the five tools I rely on most — all beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and made for the real world of small business.

1. Canva – For Graphics That Look Pro Without the Headache

Canva is my absolute go-to for anything visual. Whether I’m designing a social media post, a lead magnet, a presentation for a client, or graphics for an email campaign — Canva keeps it simple and stylish.

The 5 Most Important Places Your Small Business Should Be Online

As a small business owner, you’ve likely heard it before: get your business online. But what does that actually mean? You don’t need to be everywhere — just in the right places.

Whether you’re just getting started or cleaning up your digital presence, here are the five online platforms every local business should prioritize to be visible, build trust, and attract new customers.

1. Google Business Profile

If you only choose one platform, make it this one. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) powers your business listing in Google Search and Google Maps — which is where most people start their search.

Whether you’re a local shop, service provider, or even a real estate agent, having a Google Business Profile helps you show up when potential clients search for what you offer — especially with phrases like “realtor near me” or “best dog groomer in [your city].” For realtors, it’s also one of the best ways to build local visibility, showcase client reviews, and stand out from the crowd — even if you’re part of a large brokerage.