Your Go-To Web Solution Provider in London, Ontario

by Jonathon Hyjek | May 14, 2025 | Uncategorized

Affordable Sites, Repairs, and Comprehensive Management

For businesses in London, Ontario, a website is essential—but it doesn’t need to be a headache. At Blake Strategies Group, we’ve been simplifying the online experience for local businesses since 2011, offering quick, affordable websites, expert repairs, and all-in-one management services. Whether you need a new site built fast, a broken website fixed, or someone to handle hosting, maintenance, and Google tools like Ads and Analytics, we’re your go-to web team. In this guide, we’ll explore how our comprehensive approach to web design, repairs, and digital management helps businesses in London and beyond thrive without the stress.

Why London Businesses Need a Reliable Web Partner

London, Ontario, is a dynamic city with a mix of small businesses, non-profits, and growing enterprises. From downtown retailers to suburban service providers, every business needs a website that works—and a team to keep it running smoothly. Many business owners don’t have the time or expertise to manage hosting, updates, or Google tools, let alone fix a broken site. That’s where Blake Strategies Group comes in.

Our philosophy is simple: we take care of everything so you can focus on running your business. Unlike agencies that focus solely on flashy designs, we prioritize affordability, functionality, and ongoing support. Here’s why having a comprehensive web partner matters:

Save Time and Stress: Managing a website, from hosting to Google Ads, is time-consuming. We handle it all, so you don’t have to.
Affordable Solutions: You may not need a $10,000++ website to succeed online. A quick, budget-friendly site can still get you results without breaking the bank.
Fixes When You Need Them: Broken links, slow loading times, or outdated plugins? Our repair services get your site back on track fast.
Local Expertise: Based in London, Ontario, we understand the local market and tailor our services to help you connect with customers.

Our Comprehensive Web Solutions

At Blake Strategies Group, we’re more than just a web design company—we’re your all-in-one web partner. Below are the key services we offer to help London businesses succeed online.

1. Quick and Affordable Websites

While we’re proud to serve clients searching for web design in London, Ontario, our focus is on building fast, functional websites that meet your needs without the high price tag. Whether you’re a startup needing a simple site or a non-profit looking for an online presence, we deliver:

Speedy Turnaround: We can launch a basic WordPress site in as little as a week, complete with your branding and essential features.
Budget-Friendly Pricing: Our sites are designed to be cost-effective, starting at a fraction of what traditional agencies charge.
User-Friendly Design: Every site is mobile-responsive, easy to navigate, and built on WordPress for simple content updates.

For example, a roofing company recently came to us needing a basic site to showcase their business and expertise. We delivered a clean, mobile-friendly website in five days, integrated with their Google Business Profile, all within their budget.

2. Website Repairs and Updates

Not every business needs a full website rebuild. Sometimes, your existing site just needs some TLC. At Blake Strategies Group, we excel at website repairs and updates, fixing issues that could be hurting your business. Common problems we tackle include:

Broken Links and Errors: We identify and fix 404 errors, broken forms, or malfunctioning buttons.
Slow Loading Times: Using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, we optimize images and code to boost performance.
Outdated Plugins or Themes: We update WordPress plugins, themes, and core files to ensure compatibility and security.
Content Refreshes: Need new images or updated text? We’ll keep your site fresh and relevant.

3. Hosting and Maintenance

A website is only as good as its uptime and security. Our hosting and maintenance services ensure your site stays online, secure, and up to date. We offer:

Reliable Hosting: Our hosting solutions provide fast, secure servers optimized for WordPress.
Regular Backups: Daily or weekly backups protect your data from unexpected issues.
Proactive Updates: We manage WordPress core, theme, and plugin updates to prevent vulnerabilities.
Uptime Monitoring: We monitor your site 24/7 to catch and fix issues before they impact your business.

Our maintenance packages are flexible, allowing you to choose the level of support that fits your needs. For dozens of businesses, we provide monthly maintenance that includes content updates and performance checks, keeping their site running smoothly year-round.

4. Google Tools for Growth

To succeed online, you need more than just a website—you need visibility. We integrate and manage essential Google tools to help your business get found and grow:

Google Business Profile: We optimize your profile with accurate details, photos, and posts to boost local search rankings.
Google Ads: Our team creates targeted ad campaigns to drive traffic and conversions, tailored to your budget.
Google Search Console: We monitor your site’s performance, fix crawl errors, and improve SEO.
Google Analytics: We set up and analyze data to track visitor behavior and refine your strategy.

For a London contractor, we optimized their Google Business Profile and launched a small Google Ads campaign that started to generate calls within a few days.

Why Choose Blake Strategies Group?

Since 2011, Blake Strategies Group has been London, Ontario’s trusted web partner, led by Jonathon Hyjek and a team skilled in development, project management, and digital marketing. Here’s what sets us apart:

All-in-One Service: From building a site to managing Google Ads, we handle every aspect of your online presence.
Local Knowledge: We know the market in London and surrounding communities across Southwestern Ontario, and design solutions that resonate with local customers.
Stress-Free Process: Our clients love our hassle-free approach. As one London small business owner said, “Blake Strategies Group took our broken website and made it work again, plus they handle our hosting and updates. It’s one less thing to worry about.”
Proven Results: We’ve helped diverse clients, from retailers to non-profits, achieve their online goals with measurable outcomes.

Common Website Issues and How We Fix Them

Many London businesses struggle with website problems that hurt their performance. Here are some frequent issues and how we address them:

Slow Sites: Slow loading times drive visitors away. We optimize images, enable caching, and use fast hosting to improve speed.
Security Risks: Outdated software can lead to hacks. Our maintenance includes regular updates and security scans.
Poor Local Visibility: If your site isn’t optimized for local search, you’re missing out. We enhance your Google Business Profile and on-page SEO to attract London customers.
Broken Functionality: From contact forms to shopping carts, we fix anything that’s not working.

Our repair services are quick and cost-effective, often saving businesses thousands compared to a full rebuild.

Tips for a Successful Online Presence

Whether you’re launching a new site or maintaining an existing one, here are some tips to maximize your online success:

Keep It Simple: A clean, user-friendly site is more effective than a complex one. Focus on clear navigation and strong CTAs.
Update Regularly: Fresh content, like blog posts or new photos, keeps visitors engaged and boosts SEO.
Monitor Performance: Use Google Analytics to track traffic and identify areas for improvement.
Leverage Local SEO: Optimize for terms like “web design London Ontario” and maintain an active Google Business Profile.

We can implement these strategies for you, ensuring your site stays competitive in London’s market.

The Blake Strategies Group Process

Our process is designed to be transparent and stress-free:

Consultation: We discuss your goals, budget, and needs, whether it’s a new site, repairs, or Google services.
Planning: We create a tailored plan, outlining timelines and deliverables.
Execution: Our team builds, repairs, or optimizes your site, integrating hosting, maintenance, and Google tools.
Launch and Support: We test everything before launch and provide ongoing support to keep your site running smoothly.

Why Local Matters

Choosing a London, Ontario-based team like Blake Strategies Group means working with people who understand your community. We’re not a faceless agency—we’re your neighbors, committed to helping local businesses succeed. Whether you’re in Old East Village or near Fanshawe College, we’re here to support you with personalized service.

The Future of Web Solutions in London, Ontario

The digital landscape is always evolving. Trends like voice search, AI-driven analytics, and faster mobile experiences are shaping how businesses connect with customers. At Blake Strategies Group, we stay ahead by adopting tools and strategies that keep your site relevant, from optimizing for “near me” searches to streamlining Google Ads campaigns.

Get Started Today

Your website should work for you, not against you. Whether you need a quick, affordable site, expert repairs, or comprehensive management, Blake Strategies Group is London, Ontario’s go-to web solution. Let us handle the tech so you can focus on what you do best.

Contact us today at [email protected] or book a free consultation here. Discover how our services, from web design, website repairs to Google Ads and web maintenance, can transform your online presence.

B2B Digital Marketing

by Jonathon Hyjek | Mar 28, 2025 | Content Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, SEM, Website Design

B2B Digital Marketing: What It Is and Why It Matters for Industrial, Trades, and Manufacturing

In today’s online-driven world, businesses can’t afford to stay in the analog shadows—not even in industries where the work happens with steel, sweat, and heavy machinery. For those in industrial, trades, blue-collar, and manufacturing sectors, B2B digital marketing might sound like a techy term that doesn’t fit the shop floor. But it does, and it’s transforming how these companies reach their clients. So, what is it? How does it differ from consumer marketing? And why should a factory owner, contractor, or supplier take notice?

I’ve been in digital marketing for over 15 years, working with all kinds of businesses, and I’ve seen how these strategies can bridge the gap between traditional trades and modern buyers. This guide dives into B2B digital marketing with a focus on industrial and manufacturing—covering SEO, SEM, websites, content, and beyond. No made-up stories—just real examples and actionable insights. Questions? Reach me at [email protected].

What is B2B Digital Marketing?

B2B digital marketing is the use of online channels to promote products or services from one business to another. The “B2B” stands for “business-to-business,” meaning your customers are companies—not individual shoppers. In industrial, trades, and manufacturing, that’s folks like procurement managers buying bulk materials, plant supervisors sourcing equipment, or contractors needing tools and services.

Unlike narrow definitions, B2B digital marketing here spans a toolbox of tactics:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Boosting your website’s organic (unpaid) rankings on Google or Bing.
Search Engine Marketing (SEM): Paid search ads (e.g., Google Ads, Bing Ads) to jump to the top of results.
Website: Your digital storefront—where buyers land, research, and connect.
Content Marketing: Creating valuable resources—blogs, guides, videos—to attract and educate.
Email Marketing: Sending targeted messages to nurture leads or retain clients.

It’s about meeting business buyers where they are—online. In 2025, with 90% of B2B purchases starting on the web (Forrester, 2024), these tools get you in front of decision-makers hunting for solutions.

How’s It Different from B2C?

B2B digital marketing isn’t B2C with a fancier logo—it’s built for a different game. B2C (business-to-consumer) targets individuals—selling a welder to a hobbyist or boots to a worker. B2B targets businesses, and in industrial or trades contexts, that means buyers with complex needs and bigger budgets.

Here’s the split:

Audience: B2C reaches one person with a credit card. B2B often faces a group—think a factory owner, a CFO, and an operations manager—all needing to agree. A sale might supply an entire production line, not just one tool.
Sales Cycle: B2C is fast—see an ad, buy a saw. B2B stretches out. A manufacturer might spend weeks researching compressors, gathering quotes, and testing options.
Deal Size: B2C is small—$50 gear or $200 repairs. B2B can mean $20,000 machines or $10,000 service contracts. More at stake, more due diligence.
Messaging: B2C taps emotions—“Feel tough in this jacket!” B2B sticks to logic—“Cut downtime 10% with this valve.” Industrial buyers want specs and ROI, not flair.

B2C might flood TikTok with trendy clips, but B2B for trades and manufacturing leans on search engines, websites, and content—where buyers dig for answers.

Why It Matters for Industrial, Trades, and Manufacturing

If you’re in steel production, plumbing supply, or equipment repair, you might think, “My clients come from word of mouth—why go digital?” Relationships still count, but the tide’s turning. In 2025, 67% of industrial purchases are shaped by online research (Google, 2019, trending up), and younger buyers—millennials in decision roles—are starting with Google, not a handshake.

Here’s why B2B digital marketing fits these sectors:

Visibility: SEO and SEM put you where buyers look—top of search results for “industrial steel beams” or “emergency HVAC repair.”
Trust: A solid website and helpful content (e.g., “How to Choose a Forklift”) build credibility with skeptical buyers.
Reach: Email and SEM target specific industries or regions—like “bulk concrete mix Dallas”—without wasting effort.
Efficiency: Digital tracks everything—clicks, leads, sales—unlike a trade show’s hit-or-miss vibe.

Picture this: A construction firm searches “reinforced concrete supplier near me.” A well-run SEM ad or high-ranking site lands the click, leading to a $15,000 order. That’s digital at work.

How B2B Digital Marketing Works in These Industries

Let’s break down the key pieces and how they apply to industrial, trades, and manufacturing:

SEO (Search Engine Optimization):
- What It Does: Gets your site higher in unpaid search results.
- How It Works: Optimize for keywords like “industrial pump repair” with quality content, fast-loading pages (under 2 seconds), and backlinks from trade sites. In 2025, Google’s AI favors practical guides—e.g., “5 Tips for Maintaining CNC Machines.”
- Why It Fits: Organic grabs 70% of clicks (BrightEdge, 2024), perfect for long-term visibility in “bulk steel tubing” searches.
SEM (Search Engine Marketing):
- What It Does: Puts paid ads at the top of Google or Bing.
- How It Works: Bid on keywords—“emergency electrical contractor”—with ads like “24/7 Service, Call Now.” Costs range from $2-$20/click (WordStream, 2024).
- Why It Fits: Instant results for urgent needs, like a factory needing “replacement conveyor belts” ASAP.
Website:
- What It Does: Acts as your digital HQ.
- How It Works: Build a site with product specs, pricing, and a “Get a Quote” form. Mobile-first is key—80% of searches are mobile (Statista 2024).
- Why It Fits: Buyers research here. A parts supplier’s site with clear PDFs and contact options beats a clunky rival.
Content Marketing:
- What It Does: Draws buyers with useful info.
- How It Works: Write blogs like “Top 10 Tools for Welders” or videos on “Fixing Hydraulic Leaks.” Share on your site or X.
- Why It Fits: Educates buyers—e.g., a guide on “Choosing Industrial Paint” can lead to a sale.
Email Marketing:
- What It Does: Nurtures leads and retains clients.
- How It Works: Send updates—“New Stock: Steel Rods”—or follow-ups to quote requests.
- Why It Fits: Keeps you top-of-mind for repeat orders, like a contractor needing monthly supplies.

For trades, SEM catches urgent searches like “plumbing repair 24/7.” For manufacturing, SEO and content build authority for “custom metal fabrication.” It’s a mix of speed and staying power.

Challenges and Solutions

It’s not all smooth sailing. Here’s what these industries face:

Cost: SEM can get pricey—$20/click for “equipment rental.” Solution: Target niche terms like “forklift battery repair” to cut costs.
Skepticism: Old-school owners resist. Solution: Show data—$300 in ads, $3,000 in sales. Numbers don’t lie.
Complexity: SEO and websites feel technical. Solution: Start simple—Google’s Smart Campaigns or a basic site builder.

In 2025, AI tools—like Google Ads’ auto-bidding or content optimizers—ease the load, but human strategy keeps it relevant.

Why It’s Different in These Sectors

B2B digital marketing for industrial and blue-collar isn’t like SaaS or retail. Buyers here want durability and efficiency, not buzzwords. It’s practical:

Focus on Function: A tech ad might hype “cloud solutions”; a trades ad says “Fix Your Line Today.”
Local Edge: Deals are often regional—“steel supplier Atlanta” trumps broad shots.
Long-Term Play: One client could mean years of business, not a one-off.

This isn’t about viral hits—it’s about solving real problems for real businesses.

Getting Started

Here’s your plan:

Set Goals: Leads? Sales? Pick one.
Research Keywords: Use Google Keyword Planner—5-10 terms like “bulk concrete near me.”
Budget: $500 tests SEM; $1,000+ starts SEO.
Build a Site: Simple, with specs and a form.
Track It: Use Analytics—measure clicks to cash.

A tool supplier might run SEM on “industrial drill bits” and blog about “Choosing the Right Bit.” Blend tactics for max impact.

Final Thoughts

B2B digital marketing—SEO, SEM, websites, content, email—is your toolkit for 2025 in industrial, trades, and manufacturing. It’s not B2C’s flashy dance; it’s a targeted, results-driven approach for businesses that build and fix. Get found, win trust, and close deals—digital makes it happen. Need a hand? Email me at [email protected].

Why WordPress Updates Matter in 2025

by Jonathon Hyjek | Mar 22, 2025 | Website Maintenance

Why Regular WordPress Updates and Fixes Are Non-Negotiable

WordPress powers over 40% of the web in 2025, from small blogs to massive e-commerce hubs. It’s flexible, user-friendly, and free—qualities that have made it a go-to for businesses worldwide. But here’s the catch: that popularity comes with a target on its back.

Without regular updates and fixes, a WordPress site can become a ticking time bomb—slow, insecure, and invisible to search engines.

At Blake Strategies Group, we’ve seen the fallout when sites are left to languish, and we’re here to take the reins with expert Website Management. Hosting, WordPress updates, content refreshes, speed optimizations—we handle it all.

Here’s why keeping your WordPress site in top shape isn’t optional, and how our team can make it effortless.

The Security Stakes: WordPress Under Fire

WordPress’s dominance makes it a prime target for hackers. In 2020 alone, Wordfence reported blocking over 4.3 billion malicious login attempts across WordPress sites—proof that cybercriminals never sleep.

A notorious example came in early 2024 when a zero-day vulnerability in a popular plugin, WPBakery Page Builder, exposed over 4 million sites to remote code execution. The flaw let attackers inject malicious scripts, and sites running outdated versions were hit hardest. Patches rolled out fast, but those who skipped updates? Their data—and their visitors’—paid the price.

Core WordPress updates, plugin patches, and theme fixes aren’t just busywork—they close these gaps. Yet, Automattic’s own stats (Automattic is the company that started WordPress) show nearly 20% of WordPress sites still run versions older than 5.9 (released in 2022), leaving them wide open.

Why?

Many owners don’t have the time or know-how to stay current.

That’s where Blake Strategies Group steps in. Our Website Management service handles WordPress core and plugin updates regularly, and keeps your site locked tight—no manual tinkering required. And, we can even host your website if you want us to look after that too.

Speed: The Silent Killer of Traffic and Sales

A slow WordPress site doesn’t just annoy visitors—it tanks your business. Google’s been vocal since 2021’s Core Web Vitals update: page speed is a ranking factor.

Sites loading over three seconds see bounce rates spike—up to 32% higher, per Google’s data.

In 2025, with mobile users dominating and 5G the norm, expectations are even stricter. A bloated WordPress install—unoptimized images, outdated caching, or clunky hosting—drags you down.

Take the 2023 Elementor fiasco: a buggy update bloated load times for thousands of sites, prompting a swift rollback after user outcry on social media. Speed issues aren’t rare; they’re baked into WordPress if you let them fester.

Our team at Blake Strategies Group tackles this head-on. We optimize website code and images, implement caching and CDNs, and trim database fat. Regular speed audits ensure your site flies—keeping visitors engaged and Google happy.

SEO: Outdated Sites Sink in Search

Speaking of Google, an unmaintained WordPress site is SEO poison. Search engines crave fresh, functional content—not stale pages or broken links. In 2025, Google’s AI-driven crawlers penalize sites that don’t evolve.

A 2024 study by Search Engine Journal found that sites with broken internal links dropped an average of 15% in organic rankings within six months. WordPress sites, with their sprawling plugins and themes, are prone to these cracks if left unchecked.

Content updates matter too. A blog stuck in 2018 screams neglect—both to users and algorithms.

When I land on a site with a ‘Welcome to our new website’ update from 2017, I instantly assume the business has shut down.

Regular upkeep dodges these pitfalls. Blake Strategies Group’s Website Management can include content refreshes—new posts, updated pages—plus technical SEO fixes like sitemap maintenance and link repairs. We keep your site current and climbing, no guesswork needed.

Compatibility Chaos: Plugins and Themes Gone Wild

WordPress thrives on its ecosystem—over 60,000 plugins and thousands of themes in 2025. But that strength is a double-edged sword. When WordPress core updates (like the 6.5 release in March 2024), outdated plugins or themes can break.

Manual checks take time—time most business owners don’t have. Our team manages this chaos. We test and apply plugin/theme updates, fix conflicts, and ensure your site hums along post-upgrade.

Whether it’s a security patch or a new feature rollout, we’ve got it covered, keeping your WordPress install cohesive and functional.

The Hidden Cost of Neglect: Lost Opportunities

Beyond the big risks—hacks, slow speeds, SEO drops—neglect bleeds opportunities. An outdated site can’t leverage new WordPress features, like the 2025 block editor enhancements for faster content creation. Stale content misses trending keywords your competitors snag. A clunky user experience drives customers to rivals. In 2025, with online competition fiercer than ever, standing still isn’t an option.

Regular fixes and updates turn this around. They keep your site secure, fast, and relevant—primed to convert visitors into clients. But who has hours to monitor patches, tweak code, or refresh pages? Not you—and you shouldn’t have to.

How Blake Strategies Group Takes Over

At Blake Strategies Group, we get it: running a business leaves little room for WordPress wrangling. That’s why our Website Management service exists—to lift the burden entirely. Here’s what we bring:

WordPress Updates: Core, plugin, and theme updates applied promptly and tested for compatibility.
Content Updates: Fresh posts, page tweaks, or keyword refreshes to keep your site alive and ranking.
Speed Optimizations: Caching, image compression, and code cleanup for lightning-fast loads.
Security Hardening: Malware scans, firewall tweaks, and patch management to block threats.
Proactive Fixes: We spot and mend broken links, errors, or slowdowns before they hurt you.
Hosting Done Right: (optional) Fast, secure servers with daily backups and uptime you can count on.

No more late-night DIY panic. No more wondering if your site’s safe or sinking. We manage it all, so you focus on what matters—growing your business.

The 2025 Imperative: Act Now

WordPress isn’t set-it-and-forget-it. The 2024 WP Engine drama—where a hosting dispute briefly disrupted thousands of sites—reminded us: maintenance isn’t optional. Hackers evolve. Google shifts. Users demand more. A site that’s not updated and fixed regularly isn’t just vulnerable—it’s a liability.

Start today. Check your WordPress version (it should be 6.5 or higher as of March 2025). Run a speed test on Google’s PageSpeed Insights. Look for broken links.

Or skip the hassle—contact Blake Strategies Group. We’ll audit your site, take over management, and keep it firing on all cylinders. In a digital world that never slows down, your WordPress site shouldn’t either. Let’s make it a strength, not a stress.

SEO Tactics for 2025:
What Works to Rank Higher Today

by Jonathon Hyjek | Dec 26, 2022 | Online Marketing, Search Engine Optimization

The Most Important SEO Tactics of 2025: Dominate Search Today

SEO—search engine optimization—is your ticket to standing out in 2025’s crowded digital landscape. It’s about fine-tuning your website to climb search engine results pages (SERPs) and pull in the right audience.

As we sit in early arch 2025, the tactics driving results blend tried-and-true strategies with fresh twists shaped by AI, user behavior, and Google’s ever-evolving algorithm.

At Blake Strategies Group, we’ve distilled the must-knows into this guide—here’s what works now and how to make it work for you.

Mobile-First Indexing: The Foundation That Won’t Budge

Mobile-first indexing isn’t a trend—it’s the standard in 2025. With over 60% of global searches happening on mobile devices (Statista, 2024), Google judges your site based on its mobile version first. A clunky mobile experience tanks your rank, no exceptions.

What does this mean for you? Your site needs responsive design that adapts to any screen size, from iPhones to foldables. Load times matter—aim for under 2 seconds (Google’s PageSpeed Insights can clock you).

Text must be legible without zooming, buttons tappable, and pop-ups minimal.

If you can’t navigate your website easily on mobile, neither can your prospective customers or clients.

Voice Search & AI: Talk Your Way to the Top

Voice search is exploding in 2025, fueled by AI assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google’s Gemini. Over 40% of U.S. adults use voice search daily (eMarketer, 2024), and it’s not just “weather today”—it’s “Where’s the best vegan pizza near me?” or “How do I fix a slow website?”

To win here, target long-tail, conversational keywords. Swap “best laptops” for “What are the best laptops for graphic design in 2025?” Add FAQ sections to snag voice-driven snippets. Structured data (schema markup) is your friend—it tells Google what’s what, making your content voice-ready.

High-Quality Content: Depth Beats Fluff Every Time

Content is still king in 2025—Google’s AI loves depth, relevance, and freshness. Thin, outdated pages? They’re toast. Top-ranking posts average 1,900–2,500 words (Backlinko, 2024), but it’s not about word count—it’s about value.

How do you nail it? Research your audience’s pain points (Reddit threads and Quora are goldmines), then deliver answers with meaty insights.

A 2025 tactic: “content clusters”—a pillar post (like this one) linking to subtopics (e.g., “Voice Search 101”). Update old posts. This alone can skyrocket traffic.

Keywords? Weave them in naturally—overstuffing triggers Google’s spam filter. Think user-first: solve problems, don’t chase bots.

Backlinks: Authority’s Currency in 2025

Backlinks are SEO gold, signaling trust to Google. In 2025, quality reigns—10 links from high-authority sites (DA 50+) beat 100 from spammy directories. A single mention from Forbes or TechRadar can catapult your rank.

How to score them? Create link-worthy content—think original data (e.g., “2025 SEO Stats You Need”), infographics, or ultimate guides. Outreach works too—email bloggers with a pitch like, “Your post on Facebook inspired this; care to link?”

User Experience (UX): Google’s Obsession

User experience isn’t optional in 2025—it’s a ranking juggernaut. Google’s Core Web Vitals (load speed, interactivity, visual stability) are baked into the algorithm. A site taking 5 seconds to load? Users bounce, and your rank craters.

Optimize images (compress with WebP), minify CSS/JavaScript, and leverage CDNs—our tech team cut a client’s load time from 6 to 1.5 seconds!

Navigation matters too—clear menus and internal links keep users clicking. Design-wise, ditch clutter; clean layouts win. Test your vitals with Google’s PageSpeed Insights—if your Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) exceeds 2.5 seconds, fix it yesterday. UX isn’t fluff; it’s your edge.

AI-Driven Search: The 2025 Game-Changer

AI is rewriting SEO in 2025. Google’s AI Overviews (rolled out fully in 2024) prioritize concise, scannable answers for zero-click searches. Want that coveted snippet? Front-load key info and use bullet points. Video SEO’s surging too—YouTube’s the second-biggest search engine, and short, keyword-rich clips (under 5 minutes) snag SERP real estate.

Video SEO: Visuals That Rank

Video’s a 2025 powerhouse. Over 80% of online content is video (Cisco, 2024), and Google’s pushing it hard in SERPs. Optimize with descriptive titles (“2025 SEO Tips You Can’t Ignore”), transcripts, and tags. Embed on-site with schema markup. Short-form (TikTok-style) or long-form (tutorials)? Match your audience. It’s not optional anymore.

Local SEO: Own Your Backyard

Local search is critical in 2025—70% of mobile users visit a business within 24 hours of a “near me” query (Think with Google, 2024). Claim your Google My Business profile, nail NAP consistency (name, address, phone), and rack up reviews.

Your 2025 SEO Action Plan

Ready to act? Here’s how to start:

Audit Your Site: Use Search Console for crawl errors, PageSpeed for UX gaps.
Keyword Hunt: SEMrush or Ahrefs uncover low-competition gems.
Content Refresh: Update top pages with 2025 data—add 300–500 words.
Link Build: Pitch 5 guest posts this month; aim for DA 40+ sites.
Test Mobile: Fix any Mobile-Friendly Test fails ASAP.

Measuring Success in 2025

Track these:

– Rankings: Monitor target keywords weekly (Google Search Console).
– Traffic: Google Analytics shows organic growth—aim for 20% bumps.
– Conversions: Are visitors buying or signing up? Tweak if not.
– Engagement: Dwell time over 3 minutes signals a win.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

SEO’s a moving target. Subscribe to Search Engine Journal, join Reddit’s r/SEO, or bookmark our blog for regular insights. Tools like Moz Pro or Screaming Frog keep you sharp. In 2025, agility beats complacency.

Compliance: Play by the Rules

Google’s ruthless—keyword stuffing, paid links, or cloaking? Penalties hit fast. Stick to white-hat: real content, legit backlinks, clear disclosures on sponsored posts. Transparency wins trust and rank.

Wrap-Up: Your 2025 SEO Blueprint

SEO in 2025 rewards the prepared. Mobile-first, voice-ready, content-rich, link-strong, UX-obsessed, AI-savvy, video-driven, and local-focused—that’s the playbook. We’ve seen clients double traffic and triple leads with these moves. Ready to dominate? Contact Blake Strategies Group for an audit that turns tactics into results.

The Best of Content Marketing

by Jonathon Hyjek | Dec 26, 2022 | Content Marketing

A few years ago the common mantra of most SEO experts was “create good quality content” and your traffic will increase.

Most SEO companies convinced clients that weekly blog posts would be what was needed to rank a website on the front page of Google and they needed to continue doing it if they wanted to retain that position. This was the industry standard and the results were often “ok”, if not mediocre

While this holds true today to a certain extent, using the “post and pray” method is certainly not the best use of your digital/content marketing efforts.

I will be the first to admit that it “might” work in certain situations if your content somehow gets in front of the right audience, but a better solution is for YOU to get your content in front of an audience by reaching out and finding them.

What is Content Promotion?

Content promotion basically means that you create content for your blog or another web property and then go about the process of driving traffic to that content. Hoping and praying that someone will find your content is far too passive if you want to have more than mediocre results.

Finding the right audience involves networking, emailing, being social on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and many other social platforms to build relationships with other people in a similar niche that may share your content.

Time to become a social butterfly.

We all know people like that in the “real world.” They float in and out of social situations with ease. They can talk to anyone in any situation, about anything and they thrive on it. If you’re NOT one of those people, you know how hard it can be to “put yourself out there.”

The same holds true in the digital space, except that you can quite easily “hide” behind the screen so you aren’t as exposed as if you were mingling at a party full of strangers.

Content promotion isn’t a new concept, but it has been getting more visibility recently because of a few blog posts written by industry heavy-weights that expose just how content promotion works.

While you could wade through dozens of blog posts on the topic, written by a number experts in the digital marketing industry, I’ve summarized the best pieces of advice that I have read recently on the topic. These posts are written by experts in the industry that have gained the trust of the Digital Marketing community because they bring real value to our businesses and the businesses of our clients.

Below are 3 of the BEST Content Marketing, Strategy & Promotion blog posts that I’ve read recently.

Backlinko.com on Content Strategy – Brian Dean is one of the best experts in content promotion/strategy in the past year. His posts have been viewed by hundreds of thousands of people who love his no-nonsense, get to the point approach. He’s like a breath of fresh air in an industry with tips that are often vague and usually leave the reader with a lot of holes to fill in yourself.

Quicksprout.com – Advanced Content Marketing Guide – Neil Patel is one of the most recognized names in the SEO/Digital Marketing industry. He consistently writes helpful guides and blog posts that have helped millions of agencies and business owners to grow their businesses online.

Convinceandconvert.com – How to Promote your content across owned, earned and paid media” – Written by Matthew Gratt who leads Buzzstream’s marketing and growth initiatives, this helpful post is packed full of useful information that you can implement right away.