Black Friday is November 27 this year and Cyber Monday is the 30th. Here's what changed for 2026, the five moves worth making with a month to go, and what to skip.

Tired of AI pitches? Here are three moves your small business can make this quarter, plus what to skip and a 30 day plan to get started.

If you’re like most small business owners, email is one of your most reliable ways to reach customers. But here’s the catch: just because you hit “send” doesn’t mean your email actually lands in someone’s inbox. Between stricter privacy rules, smarter spam filters, and new tools like Apple’s Mail Privacy Protection, the inbox has become a gate-kept neighborhood. If you want your emails to make it through the door (and not get lost in a promotions tab or spam folder) you need

If you run a small business, you may have asked yourself: Do I need a chatbot on my website? Maybe you’ve seen them on big-company websites providing quick answers, or maybe you’ve rolled your eyes when one had no idea what you were trying to ask. The reality is that chatbots aren’t just for Fortune 500 companies anymore. In the last few years, they’ve become much more affordable, practical, and surprisingly useful - even for small businesses. When used correctly, a chatbot

Your customers come across your brand in more places than ever - social media, their inbox, your website, sometimes even on a podcast or video. If your message is disconnected from one channel to the next, they’re going to start to ask themselves: What does this brand actually stand for? A strong brand story isn’t just a one-time statement or a good tagline, it’s the heart of your business. When the message is clear, consistent, and present across every platform, it helps peo

If you're neck deep in leads but unsure how many of them are ready to buy, it might be time to improve up your lead scoring. For B2B companies, a smart, personalized lead scoring model can often mean the difference between efficient sales funnels and missed opportunities. Whether you're using a CRM, spreadsheets, or a custom-built system, here’s how to move past the basics—and learn how the team at Four Paws Marketing can help. What Even Is Lead Scoring? Lead scoring assigns

Building an accessible website is more than a legal or technical requirement—it's a business imperative. For small business owners, ensuring that your digital presence is usable by all individuals, regardless of ability, can expand your customer base, enhance your brand reputation, and support better overall website performance. According to the CDC, approximately one in four adults in the United States lives with a disability. Designing for accessibility not only benefits th

We’ve all done it, we've all had instances where we’re masters of the finger scroll. Generic ads and form emails that are impersonal?...

Paid ads can be a big help for some small businesses—but only when it’s done strategically. Too many times we see small business owners who get overwhelmed by ad platforms, confused by the many targeting options, or frustrated by the results. The right paid strategy (and support) makes a difference. At Four Paws Marketing, we help small businesses across many different industries see more benefit from their ad dollars. This article looks at the best ways to approach paid adve

So you have a website, it's got all the basic information – what you do, how to reach you. Maybe you're thinking, "Sweet, that's one less thing to worry about, it’s up and running and accurate." But the truth is, in the online world, your website can't just sit there untouched, gathering digital dust. Think about it this way – you wouldn't leave the same sign hanging outside your business for years without giving it a refresh, would you? The same goes for your website. It's t

Building a strong email list is one of the most effective ways for small businesses to grow, nurture customer relationships, and drive...

Want more customers? Who doesn’t! Google Business Profile (fka Google My Business) is a simple, and free, way to bring them in. Your GBP is essentially your online storefront and it helps people find you. If you set it up the right way, it can bring more visitors to your website, new customers through your door, and can help you become a top choice in your area. Ready to rank higher in the local Google searches? Follow these simple steps we’ve laid out for you to get your Go

Your website is one of the first impressions of your business for new customers. If it's slow, cluttered, or outdated, it could be quickly driving them away. Cleaning up your website isn't just about making it visually appealing — it's about improving user experience, site security, and search engine performance. Here’s a quick guide to help small business owners refresh their websites and keep them running smoothly. Audit Your Website Before making changes, figure out what’s

Discover how your small business can leverage major cultural events like March Madness, the Super Bowl, and the Minnesota State Fair to driv

In today’s digital age, gaining trust and building credibility are critical for small businesses, whether you're a local café or an online store. Reviews and testimonials are some of the most powerful tools to influence potential customers and drive growth. But how can you effectively collect, showcase, and respond to this feedback? In this article we will explore simple strategies to make reviews work for you. Why Reviews Matter for Small Business Growth Customer reviews are

In today’s constantly evolving marketing landscape, small businesses face unique challenges: tight budgets, lots of competition, and increasing pressure to succeed in a privacy-first world. The number of available marketing tools has made reaching customers easier but measuring campaign effectiveness has become more complex. This is where Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM) steps in—it’s a helpful, data-driven approach to measure the success of marketing efforts across channels whil

Marketing on a budget is a challenge that nearly every small business owner faces, especially in Minnesota's competitive landscape. The good news? You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. In this article we take a look at simple strategies to boost your marketing ROI, including smart tools, automation, and deciding which actions will have the most impact for your business. 1. Start with a Plan (and Stick to It) Every successful marketing strategy begins with a clear

As a business owner, setting goals is crucial for growth and success. But, not all goals are created equal. Vague aspirations like "grow...

Your brand identity is more than just a logo or tagline—it’s the emotional connection your audience feels when they think of your business. A compelling brand identity builds trust, inspires loyalty, and sets you apart in a crowded market. Here's how to create one that resonates. What Is Brand Identity? Brand identity is the visual and emotional aspect of your business. It includes your logo, colors, tone of voice, and the overall impression you leave. When done well, it fost

The holiday season can be exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially if you’re running a small business. Big brands and box...