What I have learned building brands, websites and campaigns for small businesses across Macomb County and Southeast Michigan — written for the person running the business, not for other marketers.
Latest posts
Everything I have written
Newest first. Most of it answers a question a client actually asked me.
SEO
Small Business Strategy
Local SEO vs. Regular SEO: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
Local SEO and regular SEO are not the same thing — and most small businesses are investing in the wrong one. Jonathan Petrous explains the difference and which one actually moves the needle for local service businesses.
Marketing for Small Businesses in Macomb County: What Actually Works Here
Generic marketing advice is built for New York — not Macomb County. Jonathan Petrous shares what actually moves the needle for local small businesses in this community-driven market.
Is SEO Worth It for Small Businesses? A Straight Answer
Is SEO worth the investment for a small business? Jonathan Petrous gives a direct, honest answer — including when it makes sense, when to wait, and what red flags to watch for when hiring.
What Small Business Marketing Looks Like 12 Months From Now If You Start Today
Marketing results don't happen overnight — but they do compound. Jonathan Petrous paints a month-by-month picture of what starting today actually looks like 12 months from now.
How Google Reviews Affect Your Search Rankings (More Than You Think)
Google reviews don't just influence customer decisions — they directly affect your local search rankings. Jonathan Petrous explains exactly how, and why a consistent review strategy is one of your highest-leverage marketing investments.
Should You Respond to Negative Google Reviews? (Yes. Here's How.)
A negative Google review isn't the end of the world — but how you respond to it can make or break your reputation. Jonathan Petrous shares the formula for a response that actually builds trust.
A Letter to the Small Business Owner Who's Tried Everything and Nothing Is Working
If you've tried every marketing tactic and nothing is sticking, the problem probably isn't tactics. Jonathan Petrous gets honest about the three root causes — and what actually creates a turning point.
What Actually Makes Product Packaging Work on a Shelf?
Packaging is the only design that gets picked up, put back down, and compared against a dozen alternatives at arm's length. Here's what separates packaging that performs from packaging that just looks good in a mockup.
How Many Google Reviews Do You Actually Need? The Real Answer
There's no magic number when it comes to Google reviews — but there's a smart way to think about it. Jonathan Petrous explains how to set the right target for your specific market.
From the Desk: What Actually Changed in Local Search This Year
This month: what actually changed for Rapid Dry after switching to Local Services Ads, an honest look at AI search referral traffic (none confirmed yet), and why being 100% referral-based might be part of the reason.
How Do You Redesign a Website Without Losing Your Search Rankings?
There's a particular disaster that happens weeks after launch: the site looks great and traffic fell off a cliff. It's preventable, and it's almost always the same handful of causes.
How Do You Design Marketing for a Business Where the Reader Might Be in Crisis?
Most marketing assumes a reader comparing options with a clear head. For Liberty House Recovery Center, the reader may be in the worst period of their life. That changes every design decision — starting with the discipline not to overpromise.
