The Hive

Swarm Digital Blog

Field notes on SEO, web, and AI — what's working, what's changing, and how to get found.

Featured

Why "near me" is the most important phrase in your marketing

Most local businesses obsess over their brand name and ignore the search that actually drives revenue: "near me." Here's why that's backwards.

July 15, 2026 · Matthew Weitzman Read the article →
Landing Page

How To Create A Personalized Landing Page That Converts

In today’s digital landscape, standing out in a sea of generic marketing messages is more challenging than ever. That’s where personalized landing pages come in. These high-converting, custom-tailored web pages are designed to speak directly to individual users based on their interests, behavior, lo

May 12, 2025 · Matthew Weitzman
SEO

The Evolution of SEO: What’s Changing in 2025 and How to Stay Ahead

The Evolution of SEO: What’s Changing in 2025 and How to Stay Ahead SEO is an ever-evolving field, and 2025 is no exception. With search engines like Google continuously refining their algorithms, businesses must stay informed to maintain visibility in search results. This article explores the key c

March 17, 2025 · David Fugit
SEOWeb

The Role of Custom Web Development in Scaling NYC Startups

New York City’s startup ecosystem is one of the most dynamic and competitive in the world. Entrepreneurs in the city face numerous challenges, from securing funding to establishing a market presence. However, one of the most crucial aspects of scaling a startup in NYC is having a robust digital pres

February 3, 2025 · Matthew Weitzman
MarketingSEO

Why Local SEO Is Vital for NYC Businesses

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, where every street corner buzzes with activity and countless businesses vie for attention, standing out isn’t just important—it’s essential. For NYC businesses looking to thrive in the local market, Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is an invaluable

January 27, 2025 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

Human SEO vs. AI SEO: Why You Still Need Human SEO Experts

Every successful marketing strategy includes SEO: search engine optimization. If you’re looking for someone to do high-quality SEO work for your business, does it even make sense to choose a human writer anymore? After all, can’t artificial intelligence write content that meets all your specificatio

November 27, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

Core Web Vitals Consulting: What You Should Know

A website is more than a visual delight. Beyond its aesthetic charm lies the backbone of performance, speed, and user-friendliness. That’s where core web vitals consulting steps in — a niche service ensuring that websites aren’t merely operational but outstanding. This comprehensive guide unveils it

September 7, 2023 · David Fugit
Marketing

The Benefits of International SEO For Your Business

Expanding a business globally has never been more accessible, thanks to the internet. But with global expansion comes the challenge of reaching diverse audiences. That’s where the power and benefits of international SEO come into play. In this detailed guide, we delve into its importance and why you

August 31, 2023 · David Fugit
Web

User Experience Design Services: What You Need to Know

Understanding User Experience (UX) Design In our ever-connected, fast-paced digital world, the significance of user experience design services cannot be overstated. Even with a standout product or service, your success largely depends on the quality of your customer interactions. These interactions

August 28, 2023 · David Fugit
MarketingWeb

Search Engine Positioning: All You Need to Know

As the digital world continues to evolve and competition intensifies, bagging a position at the top of the search engine results pages (SERPs) is not just a good-to-have, it’s a must-have. Where your website pops up in search results can be the make-or-break difference between staying invisible onli

August 24, 2023 · David Fugit
Branding

Measuring Brand Value for Business Growth

Should I Be Measuring My Brand’s Value? In today’s complex business landscape, knowing the real value of your brand can seem like a daunting task. However, if you venture into the realm of ‘measuring brand value’, you will discover crucial insights that can turbocharge your business growth. As a top

August 21, 2023 · David Fugit
Web

Web Application Developer For Your Business

In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, the role of a web application developer is paramount to the growth and success of businesses. As businesses strive to stay ahead of the competition, web application developers serve as the driving force behind their digital transformation. In this article,

August 17, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

The Role of Backlinks for SEO

in 2023, understanding the significance of backlinks for SEO is paramount. Backlinks serve as crucial connections between webpages, playing a vital role in website authority, search engine rankings, and organic traffic. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the importance of backlinks for

August 14, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

What Is Influencer Marketing and it’s role in Modern Advertising

Influencer marketing has revolutionized the way you can connect with your target audience. By collaborating with trusted experts in specific niches, you can authentically promote your offerings, boost brand recognition, and drive conversions. Keep reading for the multitude of benefits it can offer y

August 10, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
MarketingWeb

The Benefits of SEO: Improving Website Visibility

Do I Really Need SEO: What Are The Benefits? To grow and succeed, it’s important to have an online presence and not overlook the benefits of SEO. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) plays a pivotal role in improving a website’s visibility and attracting valuable organic traffic. By implementing effecti

August 7, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Web

Website Planning: The Ultimate Guide

Building your own website is an exciting venture, but without careful website planning, it can be a challenging task. This comprehensive guide will lead you through the various stages ensuring a success. Whether you’re aiming to sell products or services, showcase your portfolio, or provide valuable

August 3, 2023 · David Fugit
MarketingWeb

SEO Website Design: The Ultimate Guide

SEO is significant in today’s digital space. The acronym stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s needed by all businesses, both big and small, for a robust online presence. But, how does SEO link with website design? The connection is substantial, and we’re about to uncover the crucial aspects o

July 31, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Web

What Are Rich Snippets? And Their Importance in the SERPs

Welcome to the world of SEO, where every single detail matters, and where rich snippets are quietly transforming the game. In this article, we will explore this intriguing SERP feature, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of its purpose, types, the technology behind them, and their impo

July 27, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

Do I Need a Content Marketing Agency for Content Marketing?

In 2023, where consumers are constantly bombarded with information and advertisements, building brand awareness has become essential for businesses to stay competitive. One powerful tool that has proven to be effective in this endeavor is content marketing. Keep reading to delve into the role of con

July 24, 2023 · David Fugit
Marketing

SEO Strategy: Driving Organic Success

When it comes to driving organic success and improving your online visibility, having an effective SEO strategy is crucial. It can significantly impact your website’s ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract relevant organic traffic. In this article, we will delve into the world of

July 20, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

Mobile SEO: Enhancing Your Website’s Visibility

Who doesn’t own a smartphone these days? Almost everyone, right? And with the increase in mobile usage, Mobile SEO has become more important than ever. But what exactly is it and why does it matter so much? Let’s find out! Understanding Mobile SEO Mobile SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the pract

July 17, 2023 · David Fugit
Marketing

Local SEO for Small Businesses

As a small business owner, you might be wondering how to boost your online presence and reach out to your local audience more effectively – the answer is local SEO (Search Engine Optimization). This powerful approach to online marketing focuses on promoting your products and services to customers in

July 13, 2023 · David Fugit
Web

Website Design for Your Small Business

Having a strong online presence isn’t simply a nice bonus, but a necessary ingredient for success. Comprehending the concept of website design is therefore paramount. A well-crafted website has a crucial role in cementing your credibility, attracting customers, and escalating brand awareness. This p

July 10, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Web

My Website Has Malware! How Do I Fix It?

Discovering that your website has malware can be a nightmare. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of identifying, removing, and preventing website malware, so you can secure your site and protect your users. How to Identify Website Malware Signs Being able to recognize th

July 6, 2023 · David Fugit
Marketing

Content That Converts: Content is King

With millions of pieces of content published online every day, creating content that stands out and converts is more important than ever. Whether you’re running an online business, promoting a personal brand, or launching a marketing campaign, creating compelling content that resonates with your aud

July 3, 2023 · David Fugit
Web

How to Switch from Universal Analytics to GA4

Why Do I Need to Switch from Universal Analytics to GA4? If you’ve been using Universal Analytics, then it’s high time to explore the uncharted territories of Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and make the switch. You might be wondering why? Well, Universal Analytics will stop processing data on the 1st of J

June 30, 2023 · David Fugit
Marketing

PPC Advertising: How to Get the Best ROI

If you’re a business owner, you’re probably always looking for cost-effective ways to reach your target audience. One of the most effective ways to do this is through Pay-Per-Click advertising (PPC Advertising). In this article, we’ll explore how you can get the best ROI with PPC advertising and how

June 29, 2023 · David Fugit
Marketing

SEO in 2023: Why Your Business Can’t Afford to Ignore It

It’s 2023 and you are wondering why SEO is such a big deal. Or why businesses are investing so much in it? As a business owner, it’s high time you understand the importance of SEO and its impact on businesses. In today’s digital age, where consumers rely heavily on search engines to find products an

June 26, 2023 · David Fugit
Web

PHP 8.0 Website Transition: Your Guide to Migration and Hosting

PHP 8.0 comes with an exciting array of improvements and features that developers and website owners can use to amplify their online footprint. This guide uncovers the details of upgrading to PHP 8.0, emphasizing the impact of the switch on website hosting. Armed with our insights, you can update yo

June 22, 2023 · David Fugit
Web

HIPAA Compliance Made Easy: Medical Practices and Websites

As a medical practice owner or website administrator, one of your top priorities is likely to ensure the protection of your patients’ sensitive information. Consequently, understanding the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) becomes crucial. This federal law regulates the use

June 19, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

Email Marketing: Create an Effective Campaign

Email marketing is a crucial, personal way to engage with your target audience members. When leveraged effectively and intelligently, email marketing has the potential to strengthen brand loyalty among your most valuable customers or leads, boost sales, and decrease churn rates across the board. But

June 15, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

Video Marketing: Swarm Digital’s Answer to 2023

One thing’s for sure: video marketing is on the rise in 2023. In fact, 90% of consumers report that they want to see more videos from brands this year. As a result, many digital marketers are looking for ways to meet this demand and produce fresh, high-quality content their audience will love. Here,

May 29, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

AI-Generated Content: Will It Affect My Site’s Google Rankings?

In November of 2022, an AI model known as ChatGPT appeared on the scene, bringing with it the popularisation of AI-generated content. This natural language processing tool is able to generate content for web pages, blogs, ads, and just about any marketing purpose you can think of. In many cases, rea

May 25, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

SEO Metrics: Do I Need To Track All Of Them?

Without practicing SEO (search engine optimization) and using SEO metrics to track your progress, your business will likely be unable to outpace the competition’s growth. In today’s world, SEO is an essential component of marketing any business. As a leading digital marketing company, Swarm understa

May 22, 2023 · David Fugit
Marketing

AI SEO: ChatGPT for Keyword Research and Brainstorming

What makes ChatGPT such a unique innovation? AI SEO. If this is the first time you are hearing about ChatGPT: it is a language processing model capable of carrying on realistic conversations with users, “remembering” past statements, and providing lifelike responses. Given prompts, ChatGPT is capabl

May 18, 2023 · David Fugit
Marketing

Yandex Source Code Leak: Why SEO Experts Are Checking It

Yandex Source Code Leak: Why SEO Experts Are Checking It On January 27, 2023, Yandex experienced one of the largest data leaks of all time with 1,922 ranking factors disclosed, including its source code. This leak shocked the tech world and reminded us all that the threat of data breaches is real –

May 15, 2023 · David Fugit
Marketing

How to Use SEMrush SERP Feature Icons

How to Use SEMrush SERP Feature Icons In this article, we’ll talk about SEMrush SERP feature icons and the different types of icons that appear in SEO reports. By the end, you will have a better understanding of what they are, and how to optimize your content for them. To make it easier for you to f

May 4, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Web

The Best Website Builder: WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace vs Shopify

Website Builders: An In-Depth Comparison of The Top Four Creating an online presence for your business is a must these days, and the best way to do this is to have a website. But with so many website builders available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. The good news is that […]

April 24, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

Measuring Website Traffic Without Analytics: An Unconventional Guide

Measuring Website Traffic Without Analytics: An Unconventional Guide Disclaimer: This article was written by ChatGPT for a case study and should not be taken seriously. If you are looking for assistance with SEO and Analytics, please contact us here. In a world where Google Analytics tells you every

April 17, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Web

WordPress Elementor Pro Security Breach

March 2023 WordPress Elementor Pro Security Breach and Hack With the recent Elementor Pro security breach, the risk of your WordPress site being hacked has gone way up. In this article, we’ll chat about why it’s so important to update Elementor Pro to keep your website safe from potential attacks, a

April 14, 2023 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

WordPress or Wix: Which Should I Use?

WordPress or Wix: Which Should I Use? If you are looking to create a website, choosing the right website builder is a crucial decision. With a plethora of website builders available, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one for your specific needs. Two popular website builders are WordPress and

April 12, 2023 · David Fugit
Community Spotlight

The Disc Golf Guy Sponsored by Swarm Digital

Discraft’s 2023 Sun King’s Throw Down the Mountain XI: Drone Coverage Sponsored by Swarm Digital Marketing Join The Disc Golf Guy as he takes us on a journey through Throw Down the Mountain (TDTM). On March 31st, at the Gran Canyon Disc Golf Course in Brooksville, FL, the FPO and MPO fields played r

April 1, 2023 · David Fugit
BrandingMarketing

The Best Digital Marketing Agency New York City NYC

The Best Digital Marketing Services for Your Business Digital marketing is an important cornerstone for modern brands, and for good reason. Many of your most important consumers are online, and reaching them effectively and compellingly is vital for your brand’s long-term health and profitability. B

November 8, 2022 · David Fugit
BrandingCommunity Spotlight

Does My Website Need a Privacy Policy?

Let’s start with the bad news. Internet privacy is a battleground, and the fight is coming to your door. The web has turned challenging in terms of privacy. Politicians, billionaires, tech giants, and advertisers are the combatants; they constantly accuse their enemies of disinformation or other nas

June 7, 2022 · Matthew Weitzman
BrandingCommunity Spotlight

What Pages Does My New Website Need?

You’ve decided to get a new website. Excellent … now, where do you start? How do you provide direction to your designer? How should your site be organized—for instance, what pages should it have? That last question has more weight than you might think. In this article, you’ll learn how Swarm Digital

May 30, 2022 · David Fugit
BrandingCommunity Spotlight

Does Your Business Need SEO?

So you’ve got a website, but there’s a problem. Maybe you’re not getting enough traffic. Nobody’s filling out contact forms. Purchases are lower than expected—or needed. You Google for answers and keep seeing the term “SEO.” What is it, what’s the big deal, and does your business need it? Read on to

May 17, 2022 · Matthew Weitzman
Community SpotlightMarketing

What Is Meta Schema and Rich Metadata?

If website terms make your head spin, this post is for you. Web design is two things: one is an art, and the other is a science. The art side is easy for anyone to appreciate; if you like how your site looks, it’s art. The science side can be a little more complicated, […]

April 26, 2022 · David Fugit
BrandingCommunity Spotlight

What a SEMRush Partner Agency Can Do for You

Is there a magic lever you have to pull to get the Internet working for you? Is it alchemy? Luck? Money? What does it take for your business to be in the top search results when customers search the web? It’s a process called search engine optimization (SEO) and, admittedly, it’s a lot of […]

April 11, 2022 · David Fugit
BrandingMarketing

What Is Hyperlocal Marketing?

Location, location, location–it’s true for business, and it’s just as true for SEO. Driven by location-based searches and fueled by Google’s ever-changing standards, search engine optimization strategy must include a thoughtful approach to hyperlocal SEO. But what is it? How does it work? What are t

March 29, 2022 · David Fugit
BrandingMarketing

Picking a Visual Style for Your Website Design Project

Visual design: you know when it’s good; you know when it’s bad. But as the person tasked with knocking out a gorgeous site for your business, how do you arrive at great visuals for your website? In this article, you’ll learn what to consider when selecting a visual design, some elements of style, an

March 15, 2022 · Matthew Weitzman
BrandingCommunity Spotlight

What Is the Difference Between Website Design and Website Development?

What do we do at Swarm Digital Marketing? We make websites and more. Easy to explain, right? Not necessarily–sometimes the terms can get confusing. In fact, sometimes they’re used interchangeably. What is web design? What’s web development? Is there a difference? Does it matter? YES. In this article

February 28, 2022 · Matthew Weitzman
BrandingWeb

What to Expect When Involved in a Website Design Project

Trusting a team with a new website design project can be a scary process. Your site represents your business, reputation, brand, and livelihood–in short, you. Often, you’re entrusting this vital project to individuals you’ve never worked with or even met in person. If you have the right team, though

February 7, 2022 · David Fugit
Community Spotlight

What is a Project Management Environment?

Whenever you have a group of people working on finishing something, you have a project management environment (PME). We’re big on PMEs here at Swarm Digital. Why? Because they help us help you get projects done efficiently, clearly, and excellently. In this article, you’ll learn what they are, their

January 20, 2022 · Matthew Weitzman
BrandingMarketing

What Kind of Website Do I Need?

Do you want a website, and are not sure where to start? Do you want to have a general understanding of the options, concepts, and terminology? This guide provides tips for identifying what kind of website you might need and how we might be able to help you achieve your goals. 3 Questions for […]

December 13, 2021 · David Fugit
Community SpotlightMarketing

Does My Website Need To Be ADA Compliant?

This article will briefly explain what ADA compliance entails and then review what types of websites should strive to be ADA compliant. While you may have heard the term “ADA compliant” used to describe websites, many people do not understand what this compliance means or how to ensure that their we

November 29, 2021 · David Fugit
BrandingMarketing

Gain More Positive Reviews, and Reduce Negative Reviews by Using Swarm’s BirdEye Dashboard

How Swarm’s BirdEye Dashboard can help you manage your company’s reputation online This article introduces you to Swarm’s BirdEye service, a tool that our clients use to easily manage their listings and reviews – even for companies with multiple locations. This affordable tool is offered by Swarm to

June 2, 2021 · David Fugit
Web

Why Should I Use WP Engine for Hosting WordPress Websites Instead of GoDaddy Hosting?

This article will review how WP Engine is superior to other shared hosting providers like GoDaddy and why they may be a good fit for your needs. After you’ve read through this post, you will have the tools to understand the importance of website security and how to pick an effective, safe hosting se

January 21, 2021 · Matthew Weitzman
Community Spotlight

Swarm Digital Client Dan’s Dog Walking Owner Recognized as 2021 Pet Sitter of the Year

We here at Swarm Digital are proud to report that our client Dan’s Dog Walking’s owner, Daniel Reitman, has been recognized by Pet Sitters International (PSI) as 2021 Pet Sitter of the Year™. We are sharing this news with you as part of our Community Spotlight Program. We select clients, or business

December 2, 2020 · Matthew Weitzman
MarketingWeb

How Often Should You Update Your Website’s Design?

Swarm has created this article to assist you in understanding when to update your website. We have included useful industry statistics and covered topics that can help answer your questions. When you are finished reading it, we believe you will be much closer to your answer. As one of the most effec

October 8, 2020 · Matthew Weitzman
MarketingWeb

When Should I Use Copy, Graphics, and Video on My Website?

The article below explains when and how to use copy, images, and videos on your website. We hope that you will find it helpful. Due to the past COVID situation and the cautions required for in-person contact, most consumers are turning online for information, research, and sales. Having an engaging

September 23, 2020 · Matthew Weitzman
Marketing

Need to Put Your Business Online? Swarm Shows You How.

Swarm Digital Marketing helps businesses and managers sell goods and services online. And now with COVID-19 rapidly transforming our society, we know that many of you are wondering what it would take to adapt your business and start selling online. This is what our company does. This article provide

April 2, 2020 · David Fugit
Marketing

Should I Pause My Digital Marketing Campaigns During the COVID-19 Outbreak?

Important. Before we start … The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global health emergency. As of the writing of this article, late March (2020), we’ve already experienced a tragic loss of life in multiple countries. People are suffering. The economy is suffering. Governments are scrambling to mitigate

March 21, 2020 · David Fugit
MarketingWeb

How to Write Copy for your Website

Copy is one of your website’s most important elements. Find best practices and pro-tips for how to write copy for your website.

March 6, 2020 · David Fugit