Short answers to the questions small business owners ask us most. Each links to a fuller explanation where there is one.
What’s the difference between CPM, CPC, and CPA?
CPM charges per 1,000 impressions (you buy visibility), CPC charges per click (you buy visits), and CPA charges per action like a lead or sale (you buy outcomes). Full breakdown: CPM vs. CPC vs. CPA.
How much should a small business spend on ads?
Enough to gather real data without pain — many local businesses start at $300–$1,000 per month on a single channel, run it for at least a month, and judge by cost per result rather than clicks. See your first paid campaign.
Do I need SEO or paid ads?
Both do different jobs. Paid ads buy immediate visibility you can switch on today; SEO builds free traffic that compounds over months. With a small budget, most service businesses use ads for quick wins while investing in SEO for the long term. More: organic vs. paid.
What is local SEO?
It’s the work that helps a business show up for “near me” and city-specific searches — mainly your Google Business Profile, consistent contact details across the web, and location-relevant pages. See local SEO basics.
Can I make money from my website?
Yes, but how much depends on your traffic and audience. Options range from display ads to affiliates to selling your own services — the last usually pays best. See Website Monetization.
How do I know if my advertising is working?
Track a real result (calls, form fills, sales) and your cost per result, not just impressions and clicks. Our guide to reading your ad metrics covers the few numbers that matter.
How do I choose a marketing agency or freelancer?
Look for clear reporting, no lock-in contracts you don’t understand, and honest talk about timelines. Google publishes sensible guidance on this too. See how to choose a marketing partner.
Have a question that isn’t here? Ask us — if it’s common, we’ll add it.