Looking for the answers to all of your small business marketing questions? Look no further! TMS Digital's blog is full of advice for your small business before getting started on this journey together.
Looking for the answers to all of your small business marketing questions? Look no further! TMS Digital's blog is full of advice for your small business before getting started on this journey together.
Published Apr. 2, 2025 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
Pro tip: Optimize your images for each platform to boost engagement & visibility!
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Ever uploaded an image to social media only to have it cropped awkwardly? Knowing the right aspect ratios ensures your visuals look professional and eye-catching across platforms! In this blog, we've created a quick guide for the most popular social media platforms for small businesses.
Pro tip: Optimize your images for each platform to boost engagement & visibility!
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Published Mar. 19, 2025 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are essential for tracking progress and measuring success. While industry-standard KPIs provide valuable insight, TMS Digital takes a holistic approach by combining data with real-world impact. This means we don’t just focus on clicks and rankings—we prioritize you.
Your Success is Our KPI
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Published Mar. 11, 2025 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
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Having a presence on Google is non-negotiable (unless, of course, you're running a top-secret business you don’t want people to find!).
The easiest first step to getting noticed—even without a website or social media—is setting up a free Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business. It puts your business on the map, literally.
This guide, brought to you by TMS Digital, will walk you through how to give access (as a business owner) or request access (if you’re an agency or freelancer) to a Google Business Profile.
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Published Feb. 27, 2025 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
Granted, I've been saying for years - since before COVID became a thing, that people buy people, not products. Heck, if you've been to our office, you'll see it written on the chalk wall in the conference room.
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People aren't buying your products or services anymore, they're buying you.
About a year ago, a good friend and fellow networker of mine posted on his Facebook page: "If you own a business, your personal page is also your business page." Those words live rent-free in my head.Granted, I've been saying for years - since before COVID became a thing, that people buy people, not products. Heck, if you've been to our office, you'll see it written on the chalk wall in the conference room.
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Published Feb. 14, 2025 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
Happy Valentine's Day!
Are you head-over-heels about the service(s) you're receiving from your current marketing company? Are you head-over-heels about the results and ROI you're receiving from your current SEO & marketing campaign? If the answer isn't yes to both questions, this article is for you. You deserve to want to speak to your web design & development team.
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Happy Valentine's Day!
Are you head-over-heels about the service(s) you're receiving from your current marketing company? Are you head-over-heels about the results and ROI you're receiving from your current SEO & marketing campaign? If the answer isn't yes to both questions, this article is for you. You deserve to want to speak to your web design & development team.
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Published Feb. 3, 2025 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
Long-tail keywords are specific phrases people type into search engines when looking for something. For example:
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Long-tail keywords are specific phrases people type into search engines when looking for something. For example:
- Short-tail keyword: “painter”
- Long-tail keyword: “interior house painter near me”
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Published Jan. 22, 2025 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
Both geotargeting and geofencing are powerful tools for leveraging location data in digital marketing campaigns. In this article, we'll examine their differences and strengths, and how businesses can effectively use these strategies to enhance their outreach, engage audiences, and achieve their marketing objectives. Whether you’re a large retailer targeting broad demographics or a small business seeking local customers, there’s a location-based solution to fit your needs.
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Both geotargeting and geofencing are powerful tools for leveraging location data in digital marketing campaigns. In this article, we'll examine their differences and strengths, and how businesses can effectively use these strategies to enhance their outreach, engage audiences, and achieve their marketing objectives. Whether you’re a large retailer targeting broad demographics or a small business seeking local customers, there’s a location-based solution to fit your needs.
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Published Jan. 6, 2025 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
Happy New Year Friends!
Whether you’re a current client of TMS Digital’s or you’re shopping around for the best web design company in North Carolina, the start of the new year is the perfect time to reassess your design – or lack thereof. As a small business owner, you should always be looking for ways to improve your online image and increase brand awareness; the way to do that is to get a website that’s befitting of your business.
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Happy New Year Friends!
Whether you’re a current client of TMS Digital’s or you’re shopping around for the best web design company in North Carolina, the start of the new year is the perfect time to reassess your design – or lack thereof. As a small business owner, you should always be looking for ways to improve your online image and increase brand awareness; the way to do that is to get a website that’s befitting of your business.
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Our Most Popular Marketing Blogs From 2024:
The Power of SEO
We explore a Cary electrician's success with SEO.
Nextdoor, Angi, and the Like
This one's for you Mr. Consumer. Read on to learn about the red flags.
Time to Flex Your Marketing Investment
When you start a project, it's just that - the start.
DIY vs DFY
We explore the do-it-yourself versus done-for-you. Pros and Cons.
Published Jan., 2024
As per the recent announcement by Google, the Business.Site websites will be shut down on June 10, 2024. If you are currently using a Business.Site website, it will be redirected to your Google Business Profile (GBP) listing that’s associated with that website starting from March 1, 2024. To ensure that your business website remains accessible to your customers, it is recommended that you switch to a new website provider before the transition, like the locally-owned TMS Digital.
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As per the recent announcement by Google, the Business.Site websites will be shut down on June 10, 2024. If you are currently using a Business.Site website, it will be redirected to your Google Business Profile (GBP) listing that’s associated with that website starting from March 1, 2024. To ensure that your business website remains accessible to your customers, it is recommended that you switch to a new website provider before the transition, like the locally-owned TMS Digital.
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Published Jan 08, 2024
In the digital age, having a website is not a luxury, but a necessity for any small and micro business that wants to grow and succeed. A website is your online storefront, your digital identity, and your most powerful marketing tool.
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In the digital age, having a website is not a luxury, but a necessity for any small and micro business that wants to grow and succeed. A website is your online storefront, your digital identity, and your most powerful marketing tool.
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Published Feb. 5, 2024
As Johnston County's highest reviewed website developer, we strive to help create a Google Business Profile for your North Carolina small business; in the past year, there have been significant updates which have kept the TMS Digital team from being able to fully create, claim, and verify the Google Business Profile on your behalf - like their video verification process.
It is worth the headache. Google's making the verification process more tenuous to ensure the only businesses that have access to their tools are legitimate businesses.
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As Johnston County's highest reviewed website developer, we strive to help create a Google Business Profile for your North Carolina small business; in the past year, there have been significant updates which have kept the TMS Digital team from being able to fully create, claim, and verify the Google Business Profile on your behalf - like their video verification process.
It is worth the headache. Google's making the verification process more tenuous to ensure the only businesses that have access to their tools are legitimate businesses.
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Published Mar. 4, 2024
In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of keeping up with your social media page as well as marketing to new followers aka new customers for your business. Social media is a powerful tool for any business that wants to reach and engage with its target audience, increase brand awareness, generate leads, and boost sales. Both Social Media Marketing and Social Media Management are important for your business.
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In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of keeping up with your social media page as well as marketing to new followers aka new customers for your business. Social media is a powerful tool for any business that wants to reach and engage with its target audience, increase brand awareness, generate leads, and boost sales. Both Social Media Marketing and Social Media Management are important for your business.
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Published Mar., 2024
Hey all you 90s kids, this one’s for you! We’re already a quarter into 2024, and we’re seeing a resurgence of a trend that’s as nostalgic as it is futuristic: the Y2K effects in web design. It’s a throwback to the days when the internet was a new frontier, and now, it’s being reimagined. In this blog article, we evaluate why Y2K has gotten its groove back, key elements of a Y2K design, and where we might go next.
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Hey all you 90s kids, this one’s for you! We’re already a quarter into 2024, and we’re seeing a resurgence of a trend that’s as nostalgic as it is futuristic: the Y2K effects in web design. It’s a throwback to the days when the internet was a new frontier, and now, it’s being reimagined. In this blog article, we evaluate why Y2K has gotten its groove back, key elements of a Y2K design, and where we might go next.
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Published Apr., 2024
Updated Nov., 2024
In this article, we explore the saying "Free isn't always free."
Free website services might sound appealing, but the reality is they often come with hidden costs. You might get a few basic pages hosted on their platform, but to have a truly independent website with your own domain name, a unique design, analytics, removal of the builder name from the URL, and removal of ads - all require additional fees. Often, these fees add up to more than what you'd pay with a low-cost website management company that provides those features from the start.
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Updated Nov., 2024
In this article, we explore the saying "Free isn't always free."
Free website services might sound appealing, but the reality is they often come with hidden costs. You might get a few basic pages hosted on their platform, but to have a truly independent website with your own domain name, a unique design, analytics, removal of the builder name from the URL, and removal of ads - all require additional fees. Often, these fees add up to more than what you'd pay with a low-cost website management company that provides those features from the start.
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Published Apr., 2024
Updated Nov., 2024
In this article, we'll talk about the reason(s) why high performing websites are high performing websites: maintenance. management. attention to detail. UX.
High performing websites are not a "build and sit" website. Just look at Wikipedia - the most untrusted website, also quite hideous, also top 10 most trafficked websites worldwide. Why? Attention. Maintenance. Management.
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Updated Nov., 2024
In this article, we'll talk about the reason(s) why high performing websites are high performing websites: maintenance. management. attention to detail. UX.
High performing websites are not a "build and sit" website. Just look at Wikipedia - the most untrusted website, also quite hideous, also top 10 most trafficked websites worldwide. Why? Attention. Maintenance. Management.
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Published May, 2024
Updated Nov., 2024
In this article, we dive into the differences & similarities of branding, marketing, and advertising. Why are these terms so often used interchangeably? What is their significance to your small business? How do you define your brand? What the heck even IS a "brand" other than the name of a company. Read on to learn more.
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Updated Nov., 2024
In this article, we dive into the differences & similarities of branding, marketing, and advertising. Why are these terms so often used interchangeably? What is their significance to your small business? How do you define your brand? What the heck even IS a "brand" other than the name of a company. Read on to learn more.
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Published May, 2024
Updated Nov., 2024
Listing Management aka Citation Management aka Local SEO aka Off-Page SEO (yes, it has that many nicknames!) is imperative for any business, old or new, big or small. If you want to increase your online visibility + your "near me" search results, Listing Management is step 1.
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Updated Nov., 2024
Listing Management aka Citation Management aka Local SEO aka Off-Page SEO (yes, it has that many nicknames!) is imperative for any business, old or new, big or small. If you want to increase your online visibility + your "near me" search results, Listing Management is step 1.
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Published June, 2024
Updated Nov. 08, 2024
Sure, paid placement can result in quick bursts, but the numbers don't lie: the majority of consumers skip right past those paid placements. Consumers trust organic placements over PPC and, yes, even LSA's.
In this month's blog, we'll explain why SEO holds stronger results than SEM.
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Updated Nov. 08, 2024
Sure, paid placement can result in quick bursts, but the numbers don't lie: the majority of consumers skip right past those paid placements. Consumers trust organic placements over PPC and, yes, even LSA's.
In this month's blog, we'll explain why SEO holds stronger results than SEM.
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Published June, 2024 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
"Everyone is not your customer." And that's okay. In fact, that's a good thing. As a business owner, it'll probably take some time, but you'll want to find who your ideal client is. Once you've done that, the marketing can become more streamlined, you can figure out the best places to network and make connections.
In this article I reflect after a one-to-one with a small business owner in the Johnston County community.
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"Everyone is not your customer." And that's okay. In fact, that's a good thing. As a business owner, it'll probably take some time, but you'll want to find who your ideal client is. Once you've done that, the marketing can become more streamlined, you can figure out the best places to network and make connections.
In this article I reflect after a one-to-one with a small business owner in the Johnston County community.
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Published July, 2024
Updated Nov., 2024When consumers visit your website, they haven't quite made up their mind about your business yet, so make sure your online presence - website and online listings - make a great first impression! In this article, we talk about Google & consumers "dating" your online presence and how to get them to "marry" your business.
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What Do They Mean When They Say You Have SEO?
Demystifying Search Engine Optimization
Published July, 2024 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
Updated Nov. 11, 2024
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is simply the practice of improving your website's visibility in search engine results. The higher you rank, the more likely people are to find your business online.
In this blog, I reflect on a conversation with a networking colleague and it's a perfect example of non-transparency with web developers, digital marketing companies, and their client base.
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Published Aug., 2024 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
Updated Nov., 2024
Personal branding isn't about self-promotion; it's about building genuine connections... just a couple months ago, someone called in, and as per usual, we asked “How’d you find us?” Her response is what inspired me to write this article:
“I was searching for web designers near me, and sure, y’all were the first one to pull up, but I really liked that I could see your staff. Everyone looks happy. I watched a couple videos too.”
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Updated Nov., 2024
Personal branding isn't about self-promotion; it's about building genuine connections... just a couple months ago, someone called in, and as per usual, we asked “How’d you find us?” Her response is what inspired me to write this article:
“I was searching for web designers near me, and sure, y’all were the first one to pull up, but I really liked that I could see your staff. Everyone looks happy. I watched a couple videos too.”
CONTINUE READING
Published Aug., 2024
Lead generation websites often prioritize quantity over quality, whereas organic search empowers you to take control of the process and find the perfect fit.
In this article, we discuss why investing in organic search placement beats investing in lead generation sites everyday.
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Published Sept., 2024
Sure, we went over this a little bit back in April. We're going to double down and re-evaluate some topics in this month's:
As a small business owner, you juggle countless responsibilities. By hiring a professional web designer handle your website, this frees up your time to focus on core business activities.
"You get what you pay for." "Free is never free."
And finally, when you're spending time keeping up with the latest online trends, you're not spending time with life's most important things: friends & family.
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Published Sept., 2024 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
Updated Nov., 2024
People buy people, not products.
When you focus on building genuine connections with your audience, you can differentiate your brand from the competition and drive long-term success.
In this article, we discuss the power of human connection and how to best connect with your target audience.
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Published Oct., 2024 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
“The in-laws are coming! The in-laws are coming! The in-laws are coming!"
If you’re in the Home Services Industry, Q4 is a prime opportunity to ramp up your marketing efforts. Whether you’re in the painting, flooring, plumbing, electrical, or remodeling industry, here are some effective marketing ideas to help you attract more clients in Q4.
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Published Oct. 24, 2024 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
When you start a project, it's just that - the start. Year over year, in order to get better at something, you should be adding effort to that something.
In a relationship, you have to work at it for it to stay healthy. To get fit, you'd start by first just getting up and going to the gym, then by eating healthier, then adding more reps. In this article, we discuss a healthy marketing campaign consists of not just ongoing work, but additional work. Nothing is meant to be complacent - especially your SEO efforts.
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When you start a project, it's just that - the start. Year over year, in order to get better at something, you should be adding effort to that something.
In a relationship, you have to work at it for it to stay healthy. To get fit, you'd start by first just getting up and going to the gym, then by eating healthier, then adding more reps. In this article, we discuss a healthy marketing campaign consists of not just ongoing work, but additional work. Nothing is meant to be complacent - especially your SEO efforts.
CONTINUE READING
Nextdoor, Angi, and the like are filled with curiosity – and not the fun kind.
Why you shouldn’t rely on directory sites when making purchasing decisions
Published Nov. 6, 2024 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
I've counseled countless small businesses on additional advertising and marketing methods. One question that has been brought up plenty of times - mostly by contractors - is "What's your thought(s) on Angi/HomeAdvisor/Thumbtack?"
Well, Sam, I'm glad you asked! For real though, I am always genuinely pleased when my clients ask my opinion.
My answer used to be "It seems to work if your pockets are deep enough." ...but the majority of small businesses can't afford $80 per lead without a guaranteed job. ($80 avg for Home Service call in Raleigh)
"It seems to work if your pockets are deep enough." used to be my answer. Now, the response is "Stay away."
This answer is directed to the consumer especially!
The "businesses" they have listed on their websites may not even be licensed to do the job! Angi, Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, they're in it for one thing and one thing only: dolla dolla bills y'all.
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I've counseled countless small businesses on additional advertising and marketing methods. One question that has been brought up plenty of times - mostly by contractors - is "What's your thought(s) on Angi/HomeAdvisor/Thumbtack?"
Well, Sam, I'm glad you asked! For real though, I am always genuinely pleased when my clients ask my opinion.
My answer used to be "It seems to work if your pockets are deep enough." ...but the majority of small businesses can't afford $80 per lead without a guaranteed job. ($80 avg for Home Service call in Raleigh)
"It seems to work if your pockets are deep enough." used to be my answer. Now, the response is "Stay away."
This answer is directed to the consumer especially!
The "businesses" they have listed on their websites may not even be licensed to do the job! Angi, Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, they're in it for one thing and one thing only: dolla dolla bills y'all.
CONTINUE READING
Published Dec. 9, 2024 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
Alright y'all, it's the second week into December and I'm just now getting around to writing December's first blog. That's how quickly December is going. If December is going by this fast, imagine how quickly we'll be in 2025. It's time to get to drafting your business plan.
Were there several goals you wrote down in 2023 that didn't get accomplished this year? Are there milestones you want to hit, but don't know where to start?
2025 is right around the corner, and now is the perfect time to prepare for a successful year.
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Alright y'all, it's the second week into December and I'm just now getting around to writing December's first blog. That's how quickly December is going. If December is going by this fast, imagine how quickly we'll be in 2025. It's time to get to drafting your business plan.
Were there several goals you wrote down in 2023 that didn't get accomplished this year? Are there milestones you want to hit, but don't know where to start?
2025 is right around the corner, and now is the perfect time to prepare for a successful year.
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Published Dec. 23, 2024 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
"I couldn't be happier with the service from TMS Digital! They created my website, handled SEO, and set up my Google page. After working with two other companies in the past, I can confidently say that TMS Digital is where I'll stay for the long haul."
After two and a half years and two nationally owned marketing companies (moonlighting themselves as local), I met this electrician at a local networking event. We sparked up - all puns intended - a conversation about Off-Page SEO, and the rest is history! Well, not history since SEO is ongoing, but you know what I mean...
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"I couldn't be happier with the service from TMS Digital! They created my website, handled SEO, and set up my Google page. After working with two other companies in the past, I can confidently say that TMS Digital is where I'll stay for the long haul."
After two and a half years and two nationally owned marketing companies (moonlighting themselves as local), I met this electrician at a local networking event. We sparked up - all puns intended - a conversation about Off-Page SEO, and the rest is history! Well, not history since SEO is ongoing, but you know what I mean...
CONTINUE READING
Contact Details:
(919) 553-9042
120 N. Tech Dr., Ste. 102
Clayton, NC 27520
Mon-Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm
After-hours appt's available at discretion of our team.
120 N. Tech Dr., Ste. 102
Clayton, NC 27520
Mon-Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm
After-hours appt's available at discretion of our team.