Spilt Media LogoSpilt Media homepage
Free Consultation
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about SEO, web design, paid advertising, and working with a digital marketing agency.

SEO & Local SEO
10 Questions

The most common questions we get about seo & local seo.

How long does SEO take to show results?

Most businesses start seeing measurable improvements in organic traffic and keyword rankings within 3 to 6 months, though competitive industries on the Treasure Coast can take closer to 6 to 12 months for top-three positions. We use Semrush and Google Search Console to track progress weekly, so you'll see incremental gains well before page-one rankings arrive. The timeline depends on your site's current authority, how competitive your target keywords are, and how aggressively we build content and backlinks.

What is local SEO and why does it matter for Treasure Coast businesses?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence so you appear in location-based searches like 'plumber near me' or 'best restaurant in Port St. Lucie.' For Treasure Coast businesses, this means showing up in Google's Map Pack, local organic results, and directory listings when nearby customers are actively searching. We optimize your Google Business Profile, build local citations, and create city-specific landing pages across the 12 cities we serve to make sure you dominate your service area.

How do I get my business into the Google Map Pack?

Ranking in the Map Pack requires a fully optimized Google Business Profile with accurate categories, complete business information, high-quality photos, and a steady stream of genuine reviews. We also build consistent local citations across directories, ensure your NAP (name, address, phone) data matches everywhere online, and create locally relevant content that signals geographic authority to Google. Our clients on the Treasure Coast typically see Map Pack improvements within 60 to 90 days of starting an optimized campaign.

Can you guarantee first-page rankings on Google?

No ethical agency can guarantee specific rankings because Google's algorithm uses over 200 factors and changes thousands of times per year. What we can guarantee is a data-driven strategy built on real keyword research from Semrush and DataForSEO, technical optimization, quality content, and authoritative backlinks. Over 10 years of experience has shown us that businesses following this playbook consistently achieve first-page visibility for their most valuable terms.

How do you choose which keywords to target?

We pull keyword data from Semrush, DataForSEO, and Google Trends API to identify terms with strong search volume, reasonable competition, and clear commercial intent for your industry. We also analyze your Google Search Console data to find existing opportunities where small improvements could yield big traffic gains. Every keyword we target ties directly to a service you offer and a location you serve, so the traffic you get is traffic that actually converts.

What are backlinks and why do they matter?

Backlinks are links from other websites pointing to yours, and Google treats them like votes of confidence for your content. The more relevant, authoritative sites that link to you, the more trust Google assigns your domain, which directly impacts your rankings. We build backlinks through local partnerships, industry directories, guest content, and digital PR rather than buying low-quality links that can get your site penalized.

How does content strategy fit into SEO?

Search engines reward websites that consistently publish helpful, original content that answers the questions your customers are actually asking. We use Semrush and Google Trends API to identify content gaps and trending topics in your industry, then build a publishing calendar around those opportunities. Every blog post, service page, and landing page we create is optimized for specific keywords and structured to earn featured snippets and drive organic traffic.

What is technical SEO and does my site need it?

Technical SEO covers the behind-the-scenes elements that help search engines crawl and index your site effectively, including page speed, mobile usability, structured data markup, XML sitemaps, and fixing crawl errors. Almost every site we audit has technical issues holding it back, from slow load times to broken internal links. We run a full technical audit using Semrush and Google Search Console at the start of every engagement to identify and fix these issues before they undermine your content and link-building efforts.

How do Google algorithm updates affect my website?

Google rolls out core algorithm updates several times a year, and each one can shift rankings for thousands of sites overnight. We monitor every update through industry sources and our own ranking data in Semrush, then adjust strategy accordingly if any of our clients are impacted. Sites built on a foundation of quality content, clean technical SEO, and legitimate backlinks are far more resilient to algorithm changes than sites relying on shortcuts.

What is the difference between organic SEO and paid search?

Organic SEO earns your website visibility through content, technical optimization, and authority building, and those rankings persist even if you pause spending. Paid search (PPC) places your ad at the top of results immediately, but traffic stops the moment your budget runs out. Most of our Treasure Coast clients benefit from both working together, using PPC for immediate visibility while SEO builds long-term, compounding organic traffic.

Web Design & Development
10 Questions

The most common questions we get about web design & development.

Should I use WordPress, Shopify, or Wix for my website?

It depends on your business model. WordPress is our go-to recommendation for service-based businesses because it offers unmatched flexibility, SEO capabilities, and scalability. Shopify is ideal if you're running a dedicated e-commerce store with inventory management needs. Wix can work for very simple sites, but its SEO limitations and lack of extensibility make it a poor choice for businesses serious about growth. Having built over 250 websites, we'll recommend the platform that fits your goals.

What does the website redesign process look like?

We start with a discovery phase where we audit your current site's analytics, user behavior, and SEO performance using GA4 and Google Search Console to understand what's working and what isn't. Next, we create wireframes and design mockups for your review before any code is written. Once approved, we build the site on a staging environment, migrate content, test across devices, and launch with zero downtime and full SEO redirect mapping.

How long does it take to build a new website?

A standard business website with 10 to 20 pages typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from kickoff to launch, while larger sites with custom functionality or e-commerce can take 8 to 12 weeks. The biggest factor affecting timeline is how quickly you provide content, feedback, and approvals during the process. We set clear milestones at the start of every project so you always know where things stand.

Will my website be mobile responsive?

Every website we build is mobile-first, meaning we design for smartphones and tablets before scaling up to desktop layouts. Google uses mobile-first indexing, so if your site doesn't perform well on phones, your rankings suffer regardless of how good the desktop version looks. We test across multiple devices and screen sizes before launch to ensure a seamless experience for every visitor.

Do you provide website hosting and maintenance?

Yes, we offer managed WordPress hosting on fast, secure servers with daily backups, SSL certificates, uptime monitoring, and automatic plugin and core updates. Our maintenance plans also include monthly security scans and performance checks to catch issues before they become problems. This lets you focus on running your business while we keep the technical side running smoothly.

Can you add e-commerce functionality to my existing website?

Absolutely. We integrate WooCommerce into WordPress sites or build standalone Shopify stores depending on your product catalog size and operational needs. We handle everything from product page design and payment gateway setup to shipping configuration, tax rules, and inventory management. Many Treasure Coast retailers we work with have seen significant revenue growth after launching a properly optimized online store.

Is ADA compliance important for my website?

Yes, ADA compliance is both a legal and ethical priority. Businesses with inaccessible websites face real litigation risk, and lawsuits targeting non-compliant sites have increased every year. We build websites that follow WCAG 2.1 guidelines, including proper heading structure, alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and sufficient color contrast. An accessible website also happens to be better for SEO, since many accessibility best practices overlap with search engine requirements.

How do you improve website page speed?

We optimize images, minify CSS and JavaScript, implement browser caching, use a content delivery network, and eliminate render-blocking resources to get your pages loading in under 3 seconds. We measure performance using Google PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse, targeting Core Web Vitals scores that meet Google's thresholds. A faster site means lower bounce rates, higher conversions, and better search engine rankings.

Will I be able to update my own website after launch?

Yes, we build every site with a user-friendly content management system and provide hands-on training so you can update text, images, blog posts, and basic page content yourself. We create custom video walkthroughs and documentation specific to your site, so you have a reference anytime you need it. For more complex changes like new page layouts or functionality, our team is always available to help.

What happens to my SEO when I redesign my website?

Redesigns are one of the most common ways businesses accidentally destroy their organic traffic, which is why we build a comprehensive redirect map and SEO migration plan before touching a single page. We preserve your existing URL structure wherever possible, carry over all meta data and structured markup, and monitor Google Search Console closely for crawl errors after launch. Our process is designed to protect the authority your current site has built while giving you a modern, higher-converting design.

Paid Advertising / PPC
10 Questions

The most common questions we get about paid advertising / ppc.

What is the difference between Google Ads and Facebook Ads?

Google Ads targets people actively searching for your product or service, so the intent is already there when they see your ad. Facebook and Instagram Ads target people based on demographics, interests, and behavior, which is powerful for brand awareness and generating demand for products people don't yet know they need. Most Treasure Coast businesses get the best results running both platforms together with distinct strategies for each.

What is the minimum budget for running paid ads?

We typically recommend a minimum ad spend of $1,000 to $1,500 per month on Google Ads for local Treasure Coast campaigns to generate enough data for meaningful optimization. Facebook and Instagram campaigns can start producing results at $500 to $1,000 per month depending on your audience size and goals. Management fees are separate from ad spend, and we'll always be transparent about how much of your budget goes directly to the ad platforms.

How does pay-per-click advertising work?

PPC advertising lets you bid on keywords or audience segments so your ad appears in search results or social feeds, and you only pay when someone actually clicks your ad. Google uses an auction system that considers your bid amount, ad quality score, and landing page relevance to determine your ad position and cost per click. We manage the entire process, from keyword research and ad creation to bid optimization and performance reporting.

Why do I need a dedicated landing page for my ads?

Sending ad traffic to your homepage is one of the most expensive mistakes we see because generic pages have low conversion rates and hurt your Quality Score. A dedicated landing page matches the exact promise of your ad with a clear call to action, focused messaging, and no distracting navigation. Our landing pages consistently convert at 2 to 5 times the rate of generic pages, which means more leads for the same ad spend.

How do you track conversions from paid advertising?

We set up conversion tracking through Google Ads, GA4, and platform-specific pixels so every phone call, form submission, and purchase is attributed to the exact campaign, ad group, and keyword that generated it. This data lets us calculate your true cost per lead and return on ad spend, not just vanity metrics like impressions and clicks. We also implement call tracking numbers for Treasure Coast businesses that rely heavily on phone leads.

What are Google Local Services Ads and should I use them?

Local Services Ads appear at the very top of Google search results with a 'Google Guaranteed' or 'Google Screened' badge, and you only pay when a potential customer contacts you directly through the ad. They're available for specific industries like home services, legal, and healthcare, and they tend to generate high-quality leads at a lower cost per acquisition than traditional search ads. If your business qualifies, we strongly recommend adding them to your advertising mix alongside standard Google Ads.

What is retargeting and how does it work?

Retargeting shows your ads to people who have already visited your website but didn't convert, keeping your brand in front of them as they browse other sites and social platforms. Studies show that retargeted visitors are 70% more likely to convert compared to first-time visitors because they already have familiarity with your business. We set up retargeting audiences through Google Ads and Meta to recapture that lost traffic at a fraction of the cost of acquiring new visitors.

How quickly will I see a return on my ad spend?

Most clients see their first leads within the first week of launching a PPC campaign, though it typically takes 60 to 90 days of optimization to reach peak efficiency. The first month is largely about gathering data on which keywords, audiences, and ad variations perform best so we can reallocate budget toward what works. We provide transparent ROI reporting from day one using GA4 and conversion tracking so you always know exactly what your advertising dollars are producing.

How do you write ad copy that gets clicks?

We research your competitors' ads, analyze your highest-performing keywords, and write multiple ad variations that speak directly to your customers' pain points and desired outcomes. Every ad goes through A/B testing where we run at least two to three versions against each other and let the data determine the winner. Strong ad copy combined with the right keyword targeting and a high-converting landing page is what separates profitable campaigns from wasted ad spend.

What is Quality Score and why should I care about it?

Quality Score is Google's 1-to-10 rating of how relevant your keywords, ad copy, and landing pages are to the searcher's intent, and it directly affects how much you pay per click and where your ad appears. A higher Quality Score means you pay less for better ad positions, while a low score forces you to overbid just to show up. We optimize all three components of Quality Score continuously, which is one of the reasons our clients consistently get more leads per dollar than they would managing ads on their own.

Reputation & Social Media
10 Questions

The most common questions we get about reputation & social media.

Why is online review management important for my business?

Over 90% of consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business, and Google uses review quantity, quality, and recency as direct ranking factors for the Map Pack. A business with 50 recent five-star reviews will consistently outrank and outconvert a competitor with 10 outdated ones. We help Treasure Coast businesses build a systematic review generation process that brings in a steady stream of authentic reviews on Google, Facebook, and industry-specific platforms.

How should I respond to negative reviews?

Always respond promptly, professionally, and empathetically without getting defensive or making excuses. Acknowledge the customer's experience, offer to resolve the issue offline with a direct phone number or email, and keep your response brief so it doesn't escalate publicly. A well-handled negative review actually builds trust with prospective customers because it shows you take feedback seriously and stand behind your work.

How often should my business post on social media?

For most Treasure Coast businesses, 3 to 5 posts per week on your primary platform is the sweet spot for maintaining visibility without sacrificing content quality. Consistency matters more than volume; posting three high-quality pieces per week will outperform daily filler content every time. We build content calendars a month in advance so you always have a strategic mix of educational, promotional, and community-focused posts.

Which social media platforms should my business be on?

That depends entirely on where your target customers spend their time. Facebook and Instagram cover the broadest audience for most local Treasure Coast businesses, while LinkedIn is essential for B2B companies and professional services. We analyze your industry, customer demographics, and competitors before recommending platforms, because being great on two platforms beats being mediocre on five.

Are social media ads worth the investment?

Social media advertising offers some of the most precise audience targeting available, letting you reach people by age, location, interests, job title, purchase behavior, and even life events. For Treasure Coast businesses, the ability to target users within a specific radius of your location makes Facebook and Instagram Ads highly cost-effective for driving local awareness and leads. We track every dollar through conversion pixels and GA4 so you see exactly what your social ad spend is producing.

How do you monitor my business's online reputation?

We set up automated alerts and monitoring tools that track new reviews, brand mentions, and social media comments across Google, Facebook, Yelp, and industry-specific review sites in real time. When a new review comes in, we notify you immediately and can respond on your behalf according to pre-approved messaging guidelines. This ensures no review goes unanswered and any negative feedback is addressed before it can deter potential customers.

How do you help generate more positive reviews?

We implement automated review request sequences that reach customers via email or SMS at the optimal time after a service is completed, making it easy for satisfied customers to leave a review in just a few taps. We also train your team on how to naturally ask for reviews during positive interactions. The key is making the process frictionless for the customer while staying fully compliant with each platform's review policies.

How do I measure the ROI of social media marketing?

We track social media ROI through a combination of engagement metrics, website traffic from social channels in GA4, lead generation forms, and direct conversion tracking via platform pixels. Vanity metrics like follower count tell part of the story, but we focus on metrics that tie to revenue: cost per lead, conversion rate, and customer acquisition cost from social channels. Monthly reports break down exactly how your social presence is contributing to your bottom line.

Should my business work with influencers?

Micro-influencer partnerships can be highly effective for Treasure Coast businesses, especially in industries like restaurants, fitness, beauty, and retail where visual content drives purchasing decisions. The key is finding local influencers with engaged, relevant audiences rather than chasing follower counts. We help identify the right partners, negotiate fair compensation, and structure campaigns with clear deliverables and tracking so you can measure the actual return.

How do I keep my brand consistent across all platforms?

Brand consistency starts with a documented style guide that defines your logo usage, color palette, typography, brand voice, and messaging pillars for every platform and touchpoint. We audit your existing presence across Google, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and directory listings to identify inconsistencies in visuals, messaging, and business information. A unified brand presence across all channels builds recognition and trust, which directly impacts how customers perceive and choose your business over competitors.

Working With Spilt Media
10 Questions

The most common questions we get about working with spilt media.

Do you require long-term contracts?

No. We operate on month-to-month agreements because we believe our results should earn your business every month, not a contract. We do recommend committing to at least 6 months for SEO campaigns since it takes time to build momentum, but you're never locked in. Our client retention rate speaks for itself, and most of our long-term clients stay because they want to, not because they have to.

How much do your services cost?

Our pricing varies based on the scope of work, your industry's competitiveness, and which services you need. SEO campaigns for Treasure Coast businesses typically start at $1,000 to $2,000 per month, web design projects range from $3,000 to $15,000, and PPC management starts at $500 per month plus ad spend. We provide detailed proposals after an initial consultation so you know exactly what you're getting and what it costs before committing.

What does the onboarding process look like?

After you sign on, we schedule a kickoff call to dive deep into your business goals, target audience, competitive landscape, and current marketing performance. We then connect to your Google Analytics, Search Console, Google Business Profile, and ad accounts to run a comprehensive audit. Within the first two weeks, you'll receive a detailed strategy document with specific action items, timelines, and KPIs so you know exactly what we're doing and why.

How do you report on results and progress?

Every client receives a detailed monthly report covering keyword rankings, organic traffic, lead volume, conversion rates, and any paid advertising performance pulled directly from GA4, Google Search Console, and Semrush. We also include plain-English summaries of what we worked on, what improved, and what we're focusing on next so you're never left guessing. Beyond monthly reports, you have direct access to your project dashboard and can reach us anytime with questions.

How do I communicate with my account team?

You'll have a direct point of contact you can reach by phone, email, or text during business hours, and we typically respond within a few hours. We also schedule recurring check-in calls, whether weekly, biweekly, or monthly depending on your preference and the scope of your campaign. We use project management tools to keep every task, deliverable, and conversation organized so nothing falls through the cracks.

Is all the work done in-house or do you outsource?

All strategy, project management, and quality control happens in-house at Spilt Media. We have a trusted network of specialists for specific deliverables like custom development or graphic design, but every piece of work goes through our internal review process before it reaches you. You're never handed off to an offshore team or left wondering who's actually working on your account.

What industries do you work with?

We've worked with over 40 industries ranging from home services and healthcare to e-commerce, legal, real estate, restaurants, and professional services. This breadth of experience means we bring proven strategies from adjacent industries that your competitors haven't seen yet. Whether you're a local plumber in Port St. Lucie or a national e-commerce brand, we tailor every strategy to your specific market and goals.

What areas does Spilt Media serve?

We're headquartered in Port St. Lucie and serve businesses across the entire Treasure Coast, including Fort Pierce, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Port Salerno, Tradition, St. Lucie West, and Indian River County. We also work with clients throughout Florida and nationally for SEO, web design, and PPC. Being local means we understand the Treasure Coast market, seasonal trends, and what it takes to compete here.

What makes Spilt Media different from other agencies?

We combine 10-plus years of digital marketing experience with enterprise-level data tools like Semrush, DataForSEO, Google Trends API, and GA4 to build strategies grounded in real numbers rather than guesswork. We've built over 250 websites and managed campaigns across 40-plus industries, so we bring battle-tested playbooks to every engagement. Most importantly, we're a Treasure Coast business ourselves, which means your success is our reputation in this community.

How do I get started with Spilt Media?

The easiest way to start is by scheduling a free consultation through our website or calling us directly. During that call, we'll discuss your business goals, current marketing efforts, and where you see the biggest opportunities or challenges. From there, we'll put together a customized proposal with a clear scope, pricing, and timeline so you can make an informed decision with zero pressure.

Still Have Questions?

We are happy to answer anything not covered here. Reach out for a free, no-obligation conversation.