Getting Started
Where should a small business start with digital marketing?
Start with the basics customers see first: a clear website, a complete Google Business Profile, and a way to collect reviews. Add follow-up (email and text) next, then content and ads. Doing everything at once is the most common way to waste a budget.
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How do I know what's broken in my marketing?
Run an audit. It should cover your website, Google Business Profile, reviews, social profiles, search visibility, and how fast you respond to leads. The output should be a short, prioritized list of fixes, not a 60-page report.
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I get most of my clients from referrals. Do I even need digital marketing?
Yes, because referred clients still look you up before they call. If your reviews are thin or your site looks outdated, you lose some of them quietly. Digital marketing also lowers your dependence on a single source.
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How long until I see results?
There is no guaranteed timeline. A working follow-up process can improve response speed immediately; paid campaigns need enough qualified conversions to evaluate; organic search often needs sustained work over months. Establish a baseline, a testing budget and a review date before starting.
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Do I need a marketing person on staff?
Not necessarily. You need someone accountable for strategy, accurate business information, approvals and customer follow-up. Outreach by AI can help with research, drafts, audits and task execution, but it does not remove the need for human decisions or guarantee a replacement for every marketing role.
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Which channel is best for my business?
It depends on where your customers look when they need you. Service businesses usually win first with local search and reviews. Visual businesses (wellness, real estate) add social. The audit tells you where your money works hardest.
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Budget and ROI
How much should a small business spend on marketing?
There's no single number. A common planning approach is a percentage of revenue, adjusted for growth goals and how competitive your market is. Start with a budget you can sustain for at least three months, because every channel needs time to produce data.
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How do I know if my marketing is paying off?
Track leads and customers back to the source: calls, form fills, bookings, and the channel or campaign each came from. Then compare what you spent to the revenue those customers brought in. If you can't trace a lead to a source, you're guessing.
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What is a good cost per lead or cost per customer?
It depends on what a customer is worth to you. A cost that is painful for a $50 sale can be a bargain for a client worth $5,000. Work backward from your average customer value and your close rate.
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Is it better to spend on ads or on SEO?
Ads are faster and easier to switch off; SEO takes longer but builds an asset. Many small businesses start with local search and reviews (low cost), add ads once they know what converts, and invest in SEO content steadily.
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I tried marketing before and it didn't work. Why would this be different?
Review the offer, audience, landing page, tracking, follow-up and campaign economics before spending again. Outreach by AI provides audits and planning tools to help identify gaps; a new platform alone cannot guarantee a different outcome.
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Website and Conversion
Why does my website get visits but no inquiries?
Common causes: unclear message above the fold, no obvious next step, slow or non-mobile-friendly pages, and forms that are long or broken. Fix the message and the call to action first.
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What should every page of my website include?
What you do, who it's for, proof (reviews, results, credentials), and one clear action such as call, book, or request a quote. Make the phone number and button easy to find on mobile.
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Do I need a new website or just fixes?
Often fixes are enough: sharper copy, faster load times, better calls to action, and proper tracking. We recommend a rebuild only when the structure itself blocks results.
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How fast should I respond to a website inquiry?
Respond promptly during the hours you can genuinely support. A useful acknowledgment confirms receipt and states when a person will reply. Measure response time and bookings rather than assuming an instant automated message closes a sale.
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SEO and Local Search
What is SEO in plain English?
It's making your site easy for search engines to understand and worth recommending when people search for what you do. It includes content, page structure, technical health, and trust signals like links and reviews.
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What is local SEO and why does it matter?
Local SEO helps you show up when people search near them ("dentist near me"). It's driven mostly by your Google Business Profile, reviews, accurate name-address-phone details across the web, and location-relevant content.
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Is SEO worth it for a small business?
Local SEO can be worthwhile when people search for your services in your area and a new customer has enough value to justify the effort. Review actual search demand, competition and conversion rates before committing. Neither local nor national rankings are guaranteed.
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What are citations and do they still matter?
Citations are listings of your business name, address, and phone number on directories. Consistency matters: mismatched details confuse search engines. They are a foundation, not a magic ranking trick.
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How do I show up in AI answers like ChatGPT or Google's AI results?
Publish clear, specific answers to the questions your customers ask, keep your business details consistent everywhere, build reviews and credible mentions, and make your site technically readable. There's no guaranteed trick, but clarity and trust help in both traditional and AI search.
Source: Google: AI features and your website
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Do I need a blog?
Only if it answers real customer questions. A handful of genuinely useful pages beats a calendar of filler posts.
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Why do competitors outrank me even though I'm better?
Search engines rank what they can see and verify: fuller profiles, more reviews, clearer pages, and more consistent listings. Quality of service matters, but it has to be visible online.
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Google Business Profile and Reviews
What is a Google Business Profile and do I need one?
A Google Business Profile is a business listing on Google Search and Maps. Eligible storefront and service-area businesses can use it to share accurate hours, categories, contact details and photos. Online-only businesses are not automatically eligible; check Google’s eligibility rules before creating a listing.
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How do I get more Google reviews?
Ask customers for honest feedback consistently, with a direct review link after a genuine experience. Do not offer incentives, request only positive reviews or hide the review link from unhappy customers. Respect consent requirements when sending review requests by email or text.
Source: Google Maps contribution policy
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Can I offer something in exchange for reviews?
Don't. Incentivized reviews can violate Google's policies and, depending on your profession, your regulator's rules. Ask for honest feedback and make it easy.
Source: Google: incentivized reviews
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How should I respond to a negative review?
Respond promptly, calmly, and briefly. Acknowledge the concern, don't argue or reveal private details, and offer to resolve it offline. Prospects read your reply as much as the review.
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Can I get a fake or unfair review removed?
You can flag reviews that violate Google's policies (spam, fake, off-topic, conflict of interest). Genuine but unfavorable reviews usually stay, so the best response is a professional reply and more good reviews.
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How many reviews do I need?
There is no required number of reviews that guarantees a ranking. Focus on authentic, recent feedback and professional responses. Compare trends and customer concerns, not just your total against a competitor.
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Email Marketing
Is email still worth it?
Yes. You own the list, it costs little, and it's ideal for follow-up, reminders, and staying in touch with past customers.
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How often should I email?
Often enough to be remembered, rarely enough not to be ignored. For most local businesses, one to four useful emails a month works. Let engagement guide you.
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What should I send?
Helpful tips, seasonal reminders, news about your work, and timely offers. Mix useful and promotional content so your emails don't read as constant sales pitches.
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Why do my emails go to spam?
Typical causes: unauthenticated sending domain (SPF, DKIM, DMARC not set up), purchased or old lists, spammy wording, and low engagement. Clean lists and proper domain setup fix most of it.
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How do I grow my email list?
Offer something worth subscribing for (a checklist, a quote request, booking updates), add sign-up points on your site, and ask at checkout or during intake, always with clear permission.
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Text Messages, Calls, and AI Receptionists
Can I text customers for marketing?
Marketing texts can require prior express written consent, sender identification and a working opt-out, depending on the message, technology and jurisdiction. Keep consent records and honor STOP requests. Carrier approval is separate from legal consent; have qualified counsel review your program.
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What is A2P 10DLC and do I have to register?
It's the carrier registration system for business texting from standard 10-digit numbers. Unregistered traffic is increasingly blocked, so register your business and campaign before you send.
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Can I text someone who gave me their number on a form?
A phone number on a form is not blanket permission for marketing texts. The consent language must cover your sender and intended messages, meet applicable law and be recorded. Email permission or a business card should not be treated as SMS consent.
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What happens if I miss a call?
A missed call can become a lost opportunity. Provide a clear callback process, voicemail or appropriately configured receptionist. Only use automated text-back when your consent, carrier and legal requirements are satisfied.
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What can an AI receptionist do, and what can't it do?
A configured AI receptionist can use approved business knowledge to answer routine questions and collect or route requests. Available actions depend on the phone connection and workflow. It should escalate unknown, sensitive or emergency questions rather than invent answers; check disclosure and recording requirements.
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Will customers hate talking to an AI?
Many don't mind when it's fast, helpful, and offers a human when needed. They do mind being stuck. Design the handoff well and test the conversations before launch.
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Social Media
Do I need to be on every platform?
No. Pick one or two where your customers actually spend time and do them consistently.
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How often should I post?
Consistency beats volume. A sustainable schedule you can keep for months (for example, a few posts a week) outperforms bursts followed by silence.
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What should I post?
Answer common questions, show your work and your team, share client wins (with permission), and explain how things work. Education and proof build trust.
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How do I create content without spending hours?
Start from one idea (a customer question, a project, a tip) and repurpose it into a short video, a post, an email, and a profile update. AI speeds up drafting; a human keeps it accurate and on-brand.
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Does social media actually bring in customers?
It can, but it often works indirectly: people look you up after seeing you. Track with a "how did you hear about us?" question and trackable links.
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Paid Advertising
Are Facebook and Instagram ads worth it?
They can be, when the offer is clear, the targeting is sensible, and you can track results. They need enough budget and time to gather data, so judge them over a test period, not a few days.
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Google Ads or Facebook Ads: which first?
Google Ads reach people actively searching for your service, so they often convert faster for local services. Facebook and Instagram are better for awareness and visual products.
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How much do I need to test ads?
Enough for the platform to learn and for you to see a meaningful pattern. Set a test budget, a time window, and a stop rule up front rather than deciding in a panic.
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Why are my ads getting clicks but no customers?
Usually the landing page, the offer, or the follow-up is the problem, not the ad. Check page speed, message match, form friction, and how quickly leads are contacted.
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How do I make sure I'm not wasting ad money?
Track conversions (calls, forms, bookings) to specific campaigns, exclude irrelevant searches, test variations, and review weekly. Decisions should come from data on leads and revenue, not just clicks.
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What are Google Local Services Ads?
Pay-per-lead ads for eligible local service businesses, shown at the top of results, often with a trust badge after screening. Eligibility depends on your category and location.
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Reporting and Analytics
What numbers should I look at every month?
Leads by source, cost per lead, conversion to customer, review count and rating, website visitors from search, and response time. Fewer metrics, understood well, beat a dashboard nobody reads.
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Why do different tools show different numbers?
They measure differently (clicks vs. sessions vs. conversions) and attribute credit differently. Agree on a few "source of truth" numbers, usually leads and revenue, and use the rest for diagnosis.
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What is attribution?
Working out which marketing activity deserves credit for a customer. Simple tracking (unique phone numbers, tagged links, intake questions) gets most small businesses most of the way.
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How often should I get a report?
Monthly for results, with a short weekly check on leads and spend if you run ads. Every report should end with what to change next.
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AI in Marketing
How is AI used in marketing, practically?
Drafting and repurposing content, summarizing audits, personalizing follow-ups, answering common questions, and analyzing performance. The pattern we use: AI does the heavy lifting, humans review and decide.
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Will AI-generated content hurt my rankings?
Search engines focus on whether content is helpful and trustworthy, not on how it was drafted. Unedited, generic, or inaccurate AI content is risky; reviewed content with real expertise is fine.
Source: Google: helpful, reliable content
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Is my customer data safe when I use AI tools?
Safety depends on what you upload, the platform and each connected provider’s settings. Use only information you are authorized to share; avoid patient records, privileged legal material, payment details and other sensitive data unless the required agreements and controls are confirmed. Review the Privacy Policy and provider terms; an AI feature is not a compliance certification.
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Do I have to tell people when AI is involved?
For automated calls, chats, and texts, being transparent is the safe practice and is required in some situations. Ask your counsel about disclosure for your industry and state.
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Working With an Agency
What should I expect from an agency in the first 30 days?
Agree on a written first-month scope: baseline audit, account access, tracking checks, priority fixes, draft approvals and a reporting date. Outreach by AI’s deliverables depend on the selected plan and services; confirm the scope before purchasing rather than assuming a fixed turnaround.
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How do I avoid getting locked in?
Before committing, confirm account and domain ownership, export options, access permissions, renewal and cancellation terms, and the handover process. Check Outreach by AI’s Terms and your purchase agreement for the actual conditions; do not assume every asset or integration exports automatically.
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What does it cost?
Check the current Pricing page and calculator for Outreach by AI plans and service options. Confirm included usage, per-client charges, add-ons and renewal terms before buying. Advertising spend, phone usage and third-party subscriptions may be separate from the platform fee.
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What do you need from me?
Provide your business name, website, logo, public communication email, products or services, audience, goals and approved claims. Connect only the accounts needed for the chosen task, assign an approver and review outputs before publishing.
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Industry Questions
What advertising rules apply to lawyer marketing?
State bar advertising rules apply to websites, ads, emails, social posts, and even review responses. Hiring an agency doesn't remove the attorney's responsibility, so have a designated person review everything before it goes live.
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Can a law firm ask clients for reviews?
Generally yes, but follow your state bar's guidance, never offer incentives, protect confidentiality in your replies, and get written consent before reusing a client's review elsewhere.
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Can we say we "specialize" in a practice area?
Many jurisdictions restrict specialization claims unless you hold a recognized certification. Marketers unfamiliar with legal ethics often miss this, so check your state's rules before publishing.
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Are Google Local Services Ads good for law firms?
Google Local Services Ads may be an option for eligible law-firm categories and locations, subject to Google’s current screening and account requirements. Evaluate qualified inquiries, cost and intake performance. Availability and badges can change; do not assume automatic eligibility.
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Should I rely on Zillow for leads?
Portals can supply leads but you rent the audience, costs can rise, and leads may be shared. Many agents use them selectively while building owned channels: a local-search-optimized site, Google Business Profile, reviews, and a past-client email list.
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How do I follow up with leads fast enough?
Use a prompt, helpful acknowledgment and a clear appointment or callback option. Route inquiries to a person and record the outcome. Send automated marketing texts only with the required consent and a properly configured messaging service.
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What content works for agents?
Neighborhood guides, market updates, buyer and seller FAQs, and short videos of local listings and tips. Specific local information outperforms generic advice.
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How do I turn Instagram followers into bookings?
Make booking one tap from your profile, post before-and-after style proof only where regulations and client consent allow, and follow up with people who inquire. Track bookings by source.
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How do I keep clients coming back?
Automated reminders, rebooking prompts, membership or package nudges, and seasonal check-ins by email and text with proper consent.
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Are there rules about health and wellness claims in ads?
Yes. Advertising platforms and regulators restrict certain health claims and before-and-after imagery. Keep claims accurate, avoid guarantees of outcomes, and review platform policies before running ads.
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Outreach by AI & getting set up
What is Outreach by AI?
Outreach by AI is an AI-first sales and marketing platform for small and mid-size businesses and agencies. It brings client profiles, lead research, content creation, audits, campaigns, reporting and a shared pool of 22 AI agents into one workspace. Some tasks produce drafts or reports; actions such as sending and publishing require the appropriate connection, permissions and setup.
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Who is Outreach by AI designed for?
The platform is designed for business owners, lean marketing teams and agencies managing one or more businesses. Local services, professional services, health and wellness businesses and print shops have dedicated solution pages. Choose workflows around your customers and goals rather than assuming every business needs every tool.
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Can I use Outreach by AI without technical skills?
Yes. Client forms, guided agent questions and copy-ready outputs are designed for non-technical operators. You still need accurate business details, account permissions and someone to approve content. Connecting a publishing account or verifying a phone service can require steps in the provider’s own service.
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What should I do first after signing up?
Complete setup, add or select your business in Clients, and save its website, industry, audience, products or services, logo and communication email. Choose a marketing goal, run a relevant audit or research task, then connect the services needed to execute the plan. Test a small workflow before activating recurring work.
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What are the six marketing areas in the workspace?
The workspace groups work into Lead Generation, Social Media, SEO & Content, Email & Automation, AI-Powered Strategy and Agentic Marketing. Clients and Service Overview remain easy to access. Your selected area helps organize the menu; access to particular features still depends on your role and plan.
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Is Outreach by AI software, a marketing agency, or both?
Outreach by AI offers a software workspace and marketing service options. Self-directed users operate the tools and review their outputs; managed work depends on the plan or service agreement purchased. Confirm who approves, publishes, follows up and reports before choosing a service.
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Does Outreach by AI guarantee leads, sales or rankings?
No tool can guarantee a particular number of leads, customers, search rankings or AI citations. Results depend on demand, offer quality, targeting, budget, account health, follow-up and execution. Set measurable goals and compare qualified leads and revenue with a documented baseline.
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Where can I get help with a specific platform task?
Use the signed-in Help Center for workflow guidance, the public service pages for service descriptions, and Contact Us for questions about scope or account setup. When reporting a problem, include the page, selected client, action and error message, but never send passwords, private API keys or sensitive customer data.
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Client profiles, logos & brand identity
What is client DNA, and why does it matter?
Client DNA is the saved context that identifies the business: name, website, industry, audience, products or services, brand voice, colors, logo and communication details. It helps marketing tools create relevant work for the selected client. Accurate, current inputs are more useful than a long but vague description.
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Where do I upload a client’s logo?
Add the logo in Client Onboarding or edit the client’s saved brand details. Use a clear, high-quality logo and check that the upload is saved before generating new assets. Review each output: automated artwork can still misplace or alter a logo, and changing a saved logo does not rewrite files already generated.
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Which email address should appear on a client’s creative?
Use the public communication email saved for that client in Client Onboarding. This is different from the signed-in account email or the address receiving a scheduled package. For scheduled work, confirm the saved client identity before the next run and avoid putting the marketer’s private email into the creative brief.
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Where can I add or change the client’s communication email?
Open Clients, edit the relevant client and use the Communication email field in Business Foundations. Save the new address and verify it belongs to the business you are promoting. The saved contact should be appropriate for public artwork, not merely an internal notification mailbox.
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What information should I provide for products versus services?
For a product business, list the products, factual features, benefits, pricing context and restrictions. For a service business, list service names, scope, service area and the customer problem each solves. Include only claims you can substantiate; do not ask AI to invent certifications, discounts or outcomes.
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How do I prevent one client’s branding from appearing in another client’s work?
Select the correct client before generating work, maintain separate client profiles and inspect the name, logo, website, public email and offer in the preview. Scheduled creatives resolve saved brand information at execution, but you should still review briefs and avoid references to unrelated businesses.
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Will updating client details change images or reports already created?
No. Saved identity updates guide future runs; an existing exported image or previously generated document is not automatically rewritten. Regenerate or revise an affected asset and review it before sharing. Treat every final file as its own version.
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Can an agency manage multiple clients in Outreach by AI?
Yes. Client selection provides business-specific context for marketing work, while agency and administrative features support oversight. Available client counts, services and permissions depend on the account’s plan and role. Always verify the selected client before creating or sending a campaign.
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Lead generation, imports & CRM
Where do I search for leads in Outreach by AI?
Open Get Leads under Lead Generation after signing in. The page includes supported search and import workflows, including AI research, classic search, image capture and file imports. All Leads is the separate page for reviewing saved lead records.
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What makes a lead qualified rather than just a contact?
A qualified lead matches your customer profile and has a relevant need, buying context and a practical next step. A name, email or phone number alone is a contact, not proof of purchase intent. Use fit, source, timing and engagement to decide how to prioritize follow-up.
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Can I import leads from Excel or a CSV file?
Yes, supported import workflows let you map contact fields and save leads for the selected client. Check names, emails, phone numbers, country codes and duplicates before importing. Only import data you are authorized to use; importing a record does not establish permission to send marketing messages.
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Why might a lead appear in All Leads but not in a client’s campaign contacts?
All Leads and the client CRM serve different views. Campaign contacts must be associated with the intended client and contain a usable email or phone number for the channel. Check the selected client, field mapping and saved CRM record before launching; records without contact details cannot be messaged.
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Can I use a lead that has a phone number but no email?
A phone-only lead can be relevant to a supported phone channel, but not an email campaign. SMS, WhatsApp and voice additionally require service setup, valid number formatting, appropriate permissions and any applicable consent. A populated phone field does not mean the campaign is ready to send.
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Can Outreach by AI use Apollo, Perplexity or Vibe Prospecting for lead research?
Supported lead workflows can use configured connectors such as Apollo, Perplexity and Vibe Prospecting. Results depend on the provider, credentials, subscription and query. Check the connection and reported source; a connector entry or research result is not a guarantee that contact information is current or verified.
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How do I create an ideal customer profile for lead generation?
Describe the customer’s location, industry or situation, size where relevant, problem, buying trigger, decision-maker and exclusions. For local consumer services, use service area and customer need rather than enterprise job titles. Test the profile against real customers before expanding the search.
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Should I buy a contact list and send a large campaign immediately?
No. First assess provenance, permitted use, accuracy, duplicates and your provider’s policies. Purchased data may damage deliverability or lack required permissions. Start with relevant, authorized contacts and a small monitored campaign; never bypass suppression or consent requirements.
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What should a simple CRM follow-up process include?
Record the source, client, contact details, owner, consent where relevant, last interaction and next action. Use stages that match your sales process, such as new inquiry, qualified, meeting, proposal and won or lost. Measure whether leads progress, not just how many contacts you collect.
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AI workforce, tasks & readiness
How many AI agents are in the Outreach by AI workforce?
The consolidated workforce contains 22 distinct agent profiles spanning sales and marketing tasks, research, content, reputation, strategy, support and connection checks. They are one shared pool rather than duplicate teams. Browse AI Agents publicly; use the signed-in Agents page to select a client and assemble a workforce.
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How do I select one or more agents for a client?
On Agents, select the client and add the relevant workforce members by clicking or dragging them into the selected team. Complete the guided questions required by those agents. Start with a specific job and a small team; selecting every agent is not a substitute for providing the information each one needs.
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Why does an agent show Pending instead of Ready?
Pending means the agent is missing something required for its job, such as client details, an input answer, a healthy service connection, campaign data or another agent’s report. Read the listed requirements and complete the linked setup. A portrait or selected agent does not mean it can execute without prerequisites.
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How do dependencies between AI agents work?
Agent readiness checks the inputs, connections, saved data and upstream reports needed for each job. Selected jobs run in dependency order so later agents can use earlier outputs. If a prerequisite is missing, complete it first; a strategy agent should not manufacture campaign results to appear ready.
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What is the difference between Nova and Link?
Nova is a starting point for gathering client context. Link checks which service connections are available and healthy. These are different jobs: collecting business information does not verify a publishing or phone connection, and a healthy connection does not supply a complete marketing brief.
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What does Pulse need before social publishing can work?
Pulse needs the relevant client details and job inputs, plus the supported social connection and permissions for publishing. Drafting content and publishing it are separate actions. If an account is not connected or the required permission is missing, finish setup rather than treating a generated post as published.
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Why does Star need the correct Google Business Profile information?
Reputation work must refer to the actual client’s listing, feedback and business identity. Without a usable profile reference or required data, findings can be incomplete or about the wrong business. Supply the correct information and any required access before relying on the report.
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Can Sage recommend strategy without email or social campaign results?
Sage can work only within the evidence available for the selected job. Performance-based recommendations need campaign results and relevant upstream outputs. Without them, complete the required data setup or treat recommendations as planning hypotheses, not measured conclusions about revenue, likes, replies or conversions.
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What do I receive after an agent completes a job?
Completed agent jobs save reports that can be reviewed in the job workflow. Outputs depend on the agent and task and may include research, recommendations or copy-ready content. Check the report’s sources, assumptions, missing data and next actions before applying it to a client campaign.
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Do AI agents run my entire business without supervision?
No. Agents perform defined tasks using provided information and configured services. People remain responsible for approvals, factual claims, spending, legal compliance, access and customer relationships. A generated recommendation is not proof that an external action happened successfully.
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Social scheduler, creative & publishing
Does the AI Social Scheduler automatically publish to LinkedIn?
The AI Social Scheduler creates recurring branded social content packages and emails them to the configured recipient. That delivery is not the same as posting to LinkedIn. Use the separate supported Social Publishing workflow with a connected account to publish, or upload the approved package manually.
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What do I need before activating a social schedule?
Save the schedule’s business and brand details, including the required name, industry, audience and products or services, plus a valid delivery email. Confirm the logo, website, public communication email, channels, timing and time zone. If activation is blocked, complete the fields named in the message rather than repeatedly retrying.
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Why are a schedule’s delivery email and creative contact email different?
The delivery email receives the package; the public communication email is the contact printed on the creative. A marketer may receive artwork for a client without being the contact advertised. Check both fields independently so the client’s public identity is not replaced by the operator’s personal details.
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Where can I find generated social packages and delivery status?
Open the schedule’s Content history to inspect created content and its status. An emailed package does not prove a social post is live, and a failed delivery does not always mean content generation failed. Review the recorded stage and message before retrying or sharing the files.
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Can I pause a recurring social schedule?
Use the schedule’s pause or inactive control to stop future scheduled work. Review upcoming timing before reactivating and confirm the current business details. Pausing does not retract a package already emailed or remove a post already published elsewhere.
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Can I publish to any social network just by choosing its name?
No. Publishing requires an implemented channel, a connected account, the correct permissions and compatible media. Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn workflows have different requirements. Treat unsupported-channel or permission errors as setup limitations, not as successful publication.
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Does creating an ad image automatically launch a paid campaign?
No. Creative generation produces material for a campaign; spending money and publishing an ad are separate actions. Verify whether your chosen ad channel supports execution, and otherwise export the material for use in the ad platform. Approve targeting, budget, landing page and account permissions before launch.
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What should I check before using an AI-generated marketing image?
Check the logo, business name, website, public email, offer, spelling, readability, image dimensions and rights to source material. Verify any product, health or performance claims. AI can generate convincing but incorrect text or details, so approve the final image rather than only the written brief.
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How do I connect social content to actual sales?
Give a post a specific audience, useful message and measurable next step, such as a tagged link, inquiry form or booking page. Track qualified inquiries and won customers in your CRM. Likes and impressions provide context but do not establish revenue without a defensible attribution process.
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AEO, GEO & AI search monitoring
What is the difference between SEO, AEO and GEO?
SEO improves discoverability in search engines. AEO, or answer engine optimization, focuses on answering questions clearly. GEO, or generative engine optimization, is commonly used for work aimed at visibility in AI-generated answers. The terms overlap; helpful content, accurate business identity and readable pages matter more than the label.
Source: Google: AI features and your website
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What does Outreach by AI’s GEO tab track?
The GEO workflow examines brand visibility across selected questions and models, including mentions, position, sentiment, competitors and repeated-run trends. These are observations for the sampled prompts and model responses, not a complete view of every user’s AI search or a guarantee of future recommendations.
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Which AI search questions should a small business monitor?
Include non-branded buying questions, service-and-location questions, comparisons, alternatives and questions about customer problems. Add branded questions to check factual accuracy. Keep a consistent core prompt set over time; otherwise changing questions can look like changing performance.
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What does share of voice mean in AI search?
Share of voice describes how often your brand appears relative to the defined comparison set in the monitored answers. Read the report’s denominator and sampling method before comparing results. A high share in a small prompt sample does not mean the same share of all AI conversations or market sales.
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Why does ChatGPT or another AI model mention my business in one answer but not another?
Answers can change with wording, model, retrieval sources, location context and time. A brand mention in one run is not a permanent ranking. Repeat a consistent set of questions, inspect cited sources and look for patterns rather than reacting to a single answer.
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Do I need special AI markup or an llms.txt file to appear in Google AI results?
Google states there are no additional requirements or special optimizations for its AI Overviews or AI Mode beyond the relevant search fundamentals. It does not require special AI text files or a new schema type. Keep pages indexable, text readable, internal links useful and structured data consistent with visible content.
Source: Google: AI features and your website
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Will adding FAQ structured data guarantee an AI citation or rich search result?
No. Structured data can describe eligible content, but it does not guarantee indexing, ranking, citations or a rich result. Build useful question-and-answer content for readers first and follow current search-engine eligibility rules. There is no special FAQ markup that forces an AI model to recommend your business.
Source: Google: AI features and your website
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Does higher AI visibility automatically mean more traffic or revenue?
No. Mentions, citations, visits, inquiries and sales are different measurements. Use referral data where available, tagged links, lead-source questions and CRM outcomes to investigate business impact. Label uncertain attribution clearly rather than converting a visibility score into assumed revenue.
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Why can an AI Trust Score be low even when I can open the website?
Being reachable in your browser is only one signal. Automated readers may encounter bot blocking, while other signals such as search, reviews and social evidence may be missing. Inspect the report’s evidence and fetch status before accepting the score; a blocked reader is not proof that customers cannot visit the business.
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What should I do if an AI answer gives the wrong facts about my business?
Verify your own website, contact details, profiles and authoritative third-party listings first. Correct inconsistent or outdated sources, publish a clear factual answer and monitor the same question again. You cannot directly control every model’s output or promise when a correction will propagate.
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Connections, email & phone setup
Does a tool listed on Connectors mean it is already connected?
No. A listed connector describes an available configuration or integration option. It still needs credentials or authorization, the right permissions and sometimes a paid provider account. Verify connection health and whether the particular workflow actually uses the integration before relying on it.
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What is MCP, and does it automatically give agents access to my tools?
MCP, the Model Context Protocol, is a standard for exposing tools and context to AI applications. Access still requires a supported connection, authorization and the correct permissions. Mentioning an MCP server in a brief does not connect it or grant an agent unrestricted access to your business accounts.
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What is required for SMS, WhatsApp and voice campaigns to send?
A configured phone or messaging provider, suitable sender number, provider approval and valid recipient details are required. Trial-account restrictions, number verification and channel-specific rules may block sending. Complete consent and regulatory checks too; generating a script or campaign does not mean phone delivery is enabled.
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Is the voicemail workflow truly ringless?
The existing call-based voicemail workflow is not a guaranteed silent ringless delivery service. A call can ring before voicemail answers, and detection is imperfect. True ringless delivery may require a separate carrier service; legal and consent rules still apply even when a message goes to voicemail.
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Why might WhatsApp require an approved message template?
WhatsApp Business messaging has rules about initiating conversations and messaging outside its customer-service window. Provider setup and approved templates may be required. Verify the current WhatsApp and provider policies for your message; consent and platform approval are separate requirements.
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What is the difference between sent, delivered, opened and replied?
Sent means the sending service accepted or dispatched the message; delivered generally means the receiving server accepted it. Opens and clicks are tracking observations and may be affected by privacy features or automated scanners. A reply is a separate interaction; none of these states alone proves a sale.
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How should unsubscribes and bounced addresses be handled?
Stop marketing to people who opt out and suppress invalid or hard-bounced addresses rather than relaunching to them. Outreach by AI includes suppression handling in supported email workflows, but operators must verify recipient eligibility and campaign behavior. Never import a new list to bypass an existing opt-out.
Source: FTC: CAN-SPAM compliance guide
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Does CAN-SPAM apply to business-to-business marketing emails?
Yes. The FTC says CAN-SPAM covers commercial email and makes no B2B exception. Use accurate sender details and subjects, the required advertising identification and postal address, and an effective opt-out; honor opt-out requests within the required deadline. Other jurisdictions and providers may impose stricter rules.
Source: FTC: CAN-SPAM compliance guide
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Does setting up SPF, DKIM and DMARC guarantee inbox placement?
No. Authentication helps receivers validate the sending domain, but reputation, list quality, complaints, engagement and provider policies also affect placement. Verify the domain, send relevant messages to eligible contacts and monitor bounces. Do not treat an authenticated domain as permission to send unlimited email.
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Free tools, reports & print artwork
Where are the tools for creating assets for my own business or team?
Signed-in users can open Free Tools under Software / Tools. Visitors can browse the separate Business 101 page. The library includes utilities such as image resizing, format conversion, SVG conversion and digital business cards; premium labels and usage requirements vary by tool.
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Can the SVG converter create a vector from a text description or an image?
Yes. Text mode generates validated closed vector paths from a brief, while image mode traces suitable images locally. Simple logos and high-contrast artwork are better inputs than complex photographs. Inspect path closure, small details, scale and cut settings before production; a generated file is not a universal print guarantee.
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How should I choose image sizes for social posts?
Use the image resizer to prepare the format for the intended placement, then confirm that platform’s current specifications. Keep important text and logos inside safe areas and review crops on a phone. A feed post, story, cover and ad can require different dimensions.
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Does someone need an app to view my digital business card?
Recipients can open the card’s shared web link in a browser. A QR code or compatible NFC tag can point to that link. Test the final destination on another device before distributing printed cards or tags; NFC capabilities depend on the recipient’s device.
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Can I write my digital business card to an NFC tag from any browser?
No. Browser-based NFC writing depends on device and browser support; the current guided workflow requires compatible Chrome on Android. Use the NFC help dialog and a writable tag, or write the shared card URL with a compatible external NFC app. Test the tag before sharing it.
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Is the digital business card’s Wallet option an Apple Wallet or Google Wallet pass?
The current guided option creates a home-screen shortcut or printable wallet-style card, not a native signed Apple Wallet or Google Wallet pass. Use the help dialog to understand the available option. Native wallet passes require separate issuance and platform setup.
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How do I share a generated report with a client?
Where a tool offers a Share link, use its generated client-view URL and test it before sending. Some reports also support print, copy or downloads; availability varies by tool and older outputs may not have a link. Review the content and access level before sharing, especially if the link opens without sign-in.
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Can a print shop request banners, decals or signage artwork?
The Physical Printing page accepts artwork requests with print specifications and supporting logo or inspiration uploads. Signed-in users can preview and save requests, reuse defaults and review their orders. Include the actual dimensions, material, finishing and production constraints; do not assume a generic image is ready for the printer.
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How do print-job assignment and proof approval work?
On Print Job Board, administrators assign a creator to a submitted request. Requestors and assigned creators can exchange messages and files, submit proofs, request changes and approve the job. Administrators can oversee status and intervene; non-admin access is limited to the participant’s relevant jobs.
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What should I check before approving print artwork?
Check final dimensions, bleed, safe areas, resolution or vector quality, fonts, spelling, logo placement, material and finishing requirements. Ask the printer to confirm color and file-format requirements. Approve only the final intended version; a screen preview cannot guarantee physical color or installation results.
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Measurement, plans & responsible use
How do I calculate marketing ROI correctly?
Define your method before comparing campaigns. Revenue-based ROI is (attributed revenue minus marketing cost) divided by marketing cost, multiplied by 100. For profitability, use contribution profit instead of revenue and include relevant fulfillment costs. State the attribution window and avoid counting the same sale twice.
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What is the difference between ROAS and ROI?
ROAS is attributed ad revenue divided by ad spend. ROI considers the chosen profit or revenue return after the costs included in your calculation. A high ROAS can still be unprofitable when margins, service fees, refunds or delivery costs are ignored. Document which costs and attribution rules you use.
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Which metrics matter more than likes, followers or email opens?
Track qualified leads, response time, meetings, conversion rate, cost per acquired customer, repeat business and attributable contribution profit. Keep reach and engagement as supporting diagnostics. If performance data is unavailable, label it missing instead of treating a generated report as measured results.
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Are advertising spend and third-party provider fees included in my plan?
Do not assume they are included. Review the current Pricing page and the actual service scope for platform usage, per-client charges and add-ons. Ad budgets, messaging or phone charges, hosting and external subscriptions can have separate costs. Confirm the full expected bill before activating a paid provider.
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Does a Free Tools page mean every tool has unlimited free usage?
No. The library contains tools with different access rules, premium labels and usage limits. Signing in can remove a visitor unlock form, but it does not automatically override plan restrictions or paid provider charges. Read the tool’s current access message and Pricing page before a large job.
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Who is responsible for approving AI-generated marketing content?
The business or its authorized marketer should approve factual claims, offers, targeting and final creative before use. AI can assist with drafts and audits, but responsibility for accuracy, rights, privacy and legal compliance remains with the operator. Assign a human approver, particularly for regulated industries.
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Does an accessibility or AI compliance audit certify my business as compliant?
No. An automated audit identifies possible issues in the material it can examine; it is not a legal opinion, certification or complete accessibility test. Review evidence, fix issues and use qualified manual testing or professional advice where required. A score alone does not establish ADA, WCAG, privacy or AI-law compliance.
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Can a law firm, healthcare practice or financial business upload confidential client data?
Do not upload privileged, patient, financial or other sensitive records unless the needed agreements, permissions and security controls have been confirmed for every service involved. Use public, approved business information when possible. A general AI tool or connector listing does not imply a healthcare agreement or regulated-data authorization.
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What should real estate marketers check before running targeted ads?
Review fair-housing requirements, brokerage rules, local law and the ad platform’s housing-category restrictions. Avoid discriminatory wording or targeting and use accurate listing information. Have the responsible broker or qualified adviser review the campaign; automated copy does not remove these obligations.
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What is the safest way to start marketing automation?
Begin with one client, one specific goal and a small test. Confirm brand identity, recipient permissions, service connections, spend limits and the approval process. Inspect both the generated content and the actual delivery status before scheduling recurring work or increasing volume.
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