How do you ensure AI-driven search engines, social platforms, and recommendation tools put your business in front of customers? Here are five strategies

If you’re still focusing all your energy on ranking #1 on Google, it’s time for a rethink. People don’t search the way they used to. Instead of scrolling through links, they’re turning to AI tools, social media, and recommendation engines to find businesses.

For years, businesses have relied on SEO to get found online. The strategy was simple: target keywords, rank high on Google, and wait for leads to roll in. But in 2025, that approach is no longer enough.

Getting your business to rank in local map searches can be straightforward—until you try to reach customers outside your immediate area.

Why? Because proximity to the searcher is the #1 ranking factor—even for service-based businesses that travel to clients.

To get straight to the point: if you’re focusing all your energy on growing followers instead of building your email list, you’re playing a losing game. For as long as I can recall an email list has been a secret weapon—a dependable, high-performing channel that has weathered every algorithm shake-up and social media fad. Yet, many businesses still ignore it, opting instead for the vanity metrics of likes and shares.

Managing a blog isn’t just about posting content regularly—it’s about creating a repeatable process that makes the work easier and more efficient over time. When you have a blogging process in place, you streamline tasks, improve collaboration (if you have a team), and ensure that your content production flows smoothly.

Consistency is the backbone of successful blog management. A well-planned schedule ensures that you’re regularly publishing fresh content, keeping your audience engaged and returning for more. But consistency doesn’t just happen—it requires an editorial calendar.

Successful blogs focus on a specific niche, providing targeted content that resonates with a particular audience. It’s tempting to cover everything, but the most impactful blogs stay laser-focused on their area of expertise.

Starting a blog is easy, but running a successful one takes dedication, strategy, and a little bit of insider knowledge. If you’re ready to take your blog to the next level, these 10 tips will help you improve your blog’s reach, engagement, and overall success.