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If you're running a business in Fort Lauderdale, you already know how important it is to be seen online. In 2025, the way we market online is changing fast, but that also means there are more ways than ever to grow your business with smart digital marketing.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, the right strategies can help you stand out from the competition and connect with more customers. In this guide, we’ll break down the top Fort Lauderdale digital marketing strategies to help your business grow in 2025 and beyond.

The Top Strategies for 2025

1. Focus on Local SEO

If you're a local business in Fort Lauderdale, you want nearby customers to find you fast when they search online. That’s where local SEO comes in. It’s one of the most powerful digital marketing tools for small and mid-sized businesses.

What is Local SEO, and Why Does It Matter? Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your business show up in search results when people nearby are looking for what you offer. For example, if someone types “best coffee shop near me” or “Fort Lauderdale bakery,” local SEO is what helps your business appear at the top of that list.

Without it, your business might be invisible to the very people who are most likely to visit you or call.

How Can You Improve Your Local SEO? Here are a few steps that make a big difference:

• Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile: This free tool lets you control how your business appears on Google Maps and local search. Fill in your hours, services, address, website link, and upload clear photos. This is often the first impression people get of your business, make it count.
• Keep Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) Consistent: Your business information should be the same everywhere it appears online, from your website and social media to directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and TripAdvisor. Search engines trust businesses with consistent listings.
• Ask for Reviews, and Respond to Them: Reviews do more than build trust with customers. They also help your local rankings. Ask happy customers to leave a review on Google. Be sure to respond politely to all reviews, whether they’re positive or negative. This shows that you care and are paying attention.
• Use Location Keywords Naturally in Your Website Content: Phrases like “Fort Lauderdale plumber” or “spa services in Fort Lauderdale” can help search engines understand where you’re located and who you serve. These should be worked into your homepage, service pages, and even blog posts, but always in a way that feels natural.

Is it expensive? Not necessarily. Many parts of local SEO, like setting up your Google Business Profile and asking for reviews, are completely free. Working with a professional digital marketing team like THAT Agency can help you take it to the next level with more advanced strategies.

How long does it take to see results? Some improvements, like claiming your profile or getting new reviews, can help right away. But ranking higher in search results usually takes a few months of consistent effort.

Do I need a website to show up in local searches? A website isn’t required to appear in Google Maps, but it definitely helps. A well-optimized website gives you more chances to be found and trusted by potential customers.

When done right, local SEO helps people in Fort Lauderdale find your business, trust it, and choose it, whether they’re looking for a restaurant, lawyer, mechanic, or anything in between.

2. Create Helpful Content

Content is one of the best ways to grow your business online. Why? Because people turn to search engines like Google every day with questions. If your business is the one providing the answers, you’re more likely to earn their trust, and their business.

What Does “Helpful Content” Really Mean? It means creating blog posts, videos, guides, or other resources that answer real questions or solve common problems for your audience. This kind of content isn’t just about promoting your services. It’s about helping people first. And when you do that, they’re more likely to choose you.

What Kind of Content Should You Create? Here are a few ideas that work especially well for Fort Lauderdale digital marketing:

• Blog Posts That Answer Common Questions: Think about what people ask before they hire someone like you. For example:
  • “How much does it cost to repaint a house in Florida?”
  • “Do I need a permit for a backyard pool in Fort Lauderdale?”
  • “What should I look for in a digital marketing agency?”

Answering these kinds of questions builds trust and positions you as the expert.

• Short Videos That Show What You Do: People love visuals. A quick behind-the-scenes video or customer success story can go a long way. Keep videos short (under 2 minutes), friendly, and to the point. Show your space, introduce your team, or walk through a service step-by-step.
• Local Guides and Tips: If you’re based in Fort Lauderdale, tie your content to the local community. You might write a blog like “Top 5 Family-Friendly Spots in Fort Lauderdale” if you're a local real estate agent or “The Best Foods to Try After a Workout in Downtown Fort Lauderdale” if you own a gym or wellness center.

Why Is This So Important for SEO? Search engines like Google rank pages that are informative, easy to read, and useful. The more high-quality content you publish, the more chances your website has to show up in search results when someone is looking for your services.

Helpful content also keeps people on your website longer, which is another signal to Google that your site is worth ranking higher.

How often should I post new content? Consistency is more important than volume. Start with one post or video per month, then build up if you can. Each piece should be well-written and provide value, not just repeat the same info over and over.

Do I have to write it myself? Not at all! Many businesses work with a content marketing team or an agency like THAT Agency. We help brainstorm ideas, write the content, and make sure it’s optimized for search engines.

What if I’m not a good writer? That’s okay! The best content doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be helpful. If you can explain something clearly to a customer in person, you have what it takes to turn that into content. A professional editor can always help clean it up.

When you create helpful content, you’re doing more than filling up your blog, you’re building trust, improving your SEO, and giving people a reason to come back to your website.

3. Use Social Media Ads to Reach More People

Social media is full of potential customers, but these days, simply posting to your page isn’t enough to reach them. With algorithms limiting who sees your content, paid social media ads have become one of the most effective ways to promote your business online.

Why Are Social Ads So Important Now? In the past, your posts might’ve reached all your followers. Today, even your biggest fans might not see what you post unless it’s boosted. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn now prioritize paid content. That’s not bad news, it just means you need to be smart with your strategy.

When you run ads on social media, you get full control over:

• Who sees your ad (based on age, interests, location, and more)
• When they see it (target people at the right time of day or week)
• How much you spend (you can start small and scale up later)

How Can Local Businesses in Fort Lauderdale Benefit? If you’re a local business, social ads are a great way to reach people right in your area. Let’s say you’re opening a new restaurant, offering a seasonal service, or running a special deal, an ad can get that message in front of thousands of nearby potential customers within hours.

Best Practices for Effective Social Ads:

• Use High-Quality Visuals: Photos and videos grab attention faster than plain text. Show off your product, your team, or your location in a way that looks professional and inviting.
• Write Clear, Simple Captions: Don’t overthink the copy. Tell people exactly what the ad is about and what you want them to do. Strong calls-to-action (CTAs) like “Book your free consultation,” “Order now,” or “Visit us today” work best.
• Test and Learn: Not every ad will be a hit, and that’s okay! Run small tests with different images or wording to see what works, then invest more in the best-performing ads.

Do I need a big budget? No! You can start with as little as $5 a day and still see results. The key is targeting the right audience and using engaging content.

Which platform should I advertise on? It depends on your audience. Facebook and Instagram are great for B2C businesses. LinkedIn is ideal for B2B. THAT Agency can help you choose the best platform for your goals.

How quickly can I see results? Sometimes, within 24 hours! But for more consistent performance, give your campaigns at least a week to gather enough data.

Social media ads are a smart way to get noticed, especially in a busy market like Fort Lauderdale. They help you reach more people, promote your services, and drive traffic right to your website or storefront.

4. Make Sure Your Website Works Well

Your website is one of the most important parts of your digital marketing strategy. It’s where people go to learn more about your business, check out your services, and decide whether they want to contact or hire you. If your website isn’t working properly, you could be losing customers without even realizing it.

Why Does Website Performance Matter So Much? First impressions happen fast, often within a few seconds. If your site takes too long to load, is hard to read on a phone, or doesn’t clearly explain what you do, visitors may leave and head to a competitor.

In today’s digital world, people expect websites to:

• Load quickly (ideally in under 3 seconds)
• Work perfectly on mobile devices
• Be easy to navigate
• Clearly show how to take the next step (call, book, buy, etc.)

How to Make Your Website User-Friendly and Effective:

• Make It Mobile-Friendly: Most people search the internet on their phones. If your website doesn’t adjust to fit a smaller screen, you’re losing business. Check that buttons are easy to tap, text is easy to read, and forms are simple to fill out.
• Use Big, Clear Buttons: Don’t make visitors guess what to do next. Use obvious buttons like “Call Now,” “Schedule an Appointment,” or “Get a Free Quote.” Keep them large enough to see and click easily.
• Add a Click-to-Call Phone Number: Especially important for mobile users, this feature lets people call you with one tap. Make sure your number is visible at the top of every page.
• Include Key Info Like Hours, Services, and Reviews: Visitors shouldn’t have to dig for the basics. Make sure your homepage (and footer) lists your business hours, main services, and a few recent customer reviews to build trust.
• Speed Things Up: A slow site hurts your user experience and your rankings in search engines. Compress images, minimize unnecessary code, and use reliable web hosting to keep things running smoothly.

Do I need to redesign my whole site? Not always. Sometimes small updates, like changing button colors or adding a mobile-friendly layout, can make a big difference.

How can I tell if my site is too slow? Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to test your speed. These tools also offer tips on how to improve performance.

Can I do this on my own? You can handle some updates if you’re comfortable with basic tech. But for bigger changes, working with a web design expert (like THAT Agency) saves time and avoids mistakes.

Remember, your website isn’t just a place for people to read about your business, it’s a tool that should help you attract and convert customers. When everything works smoothly, visitors are more likely to stick around, trust you, and take action.

5. Get Smart With Google Ads

If you want to reach people who are already looking for the products or services you offer, Google Ads is one of the most effective ways to do it. In 2025, online competition is stronger than ever, so using Google Ads the right way can give you a major advantage.

What Are Google Ads, and How Do They Work? Google Ads are the little sponsored listings that appear at the top of the search results page. Let’s say someone types in “roof repair Fort Lauderdale” or “best digital marketing agency near me.” The first few results they see are often ads from businesses paying to be right where customers are looking.

With Google Ads, you’re not waiting for people to find you, you’re putting your business in front of them at the exact moment they need it.

Why Should Fort Lauderdale Businesses Use Google Ads?

• It puts you at the top of Google results instantly
• You can choose your exact audience based on location, keywords, and more
• You only pay when someone clicks on your ad
• It brings in warm leads, people already searching for what you sell

But running Google Ads in 2025 isn’t just about setting them up and letting them run. To get the best results, you need to constantly test, track, and adjust.

Tips to Make Google Ads Work for You:

• Use the Right Keywords: Think about what your ideal customer would search for. Instead of general terms like “marketing,” use more specific ones like “Fort Lauderdale digital marketing agency” or “affordable SEO services in Fort Lauderdale.”
• Write Clear and Focused Ads: Don’t overcomplicate it. Your ad should quickly explain what you offer and include a strong call to action like “Get a Free Estimate” or “Book Today.”
• Track What’s Working: Use tools like Google Ads reports and Google Analytics to see which ads are getting the most clicks and which ones lead to real results, like calls or purchases.
• Use Location Targeting: If your business only serves South Florida, there’s no need to waste money showing your ads to people across the country. Focus on Fort Lauderdale and nearby areas to make your budget go further.

Do I need a big budget to start? Not at all. Many small businesses start with as little as $10–20 per day. It’s better to start small and scale once you know what’s working.

How fast can I see results? Google Ads can start bringing in traffic the same day you launch a campaign. But fine-tuning for the best results takes time, usually a few weeks of testing and adjusting.

What if I don’t have time to manage ads myself? That’s totally understandable. Managing Google Ads takes time, skill, and attention to detail. If you’d rather focus on your business, a digital marketing agency like THAT Agency can handle your campaigns for you, from setup to optimization.

With the right strategy, Google Ads can bring in steady, high-quality leads and help your business grow, fast.

6. Work With an SEO Company in Fort Lauderdale

If you want your business to show up higher on Google without paying for every click, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the way to go. But there’s a lot more to SEO than just throwing a few keywords on your homepage. That’s why working with a professional SEO company in Fort Lauderdale can make a huge difference.

What Does an SEO Company Do? An SEO company helps improve your website so that it ranks better in search results. When someone searches for your services, like “Fort Lauderdale pest control” or “best dentist near me”, you want to appear on the first page of Google. That’s where most people click.

SEO takes time, research, and technical know-how. That’s where a local team can step in and help.

How an SEO Company in Fort Lauderdale Can Help You Succeed:

• Audit Your Website for Problems: Technical issues like broken links, slow load times, or confusing page layouts can hurt your search rankings. A good SEO company will run a full audit and fix anything holding your site back.
• Find the Right Keywords: Not all keywords are created equal. A local SEO expert knows how to find terms that real customers are searching for, and that your business can actually rank for. For example, “emergency AC repair Fort Lauderdale” might work better than just “AC repair.”
• Optimize Pages for People and Search Engines: Good SEO isn’t about stuffing a page with keywords. It’s about creating content that answers people’s questions while also telling search engines what your site is about. A professional team knows how to do both.
• Build Backlinks to Boost Your Authority: When other reputable websites link to your site, it tells Google that your business is trustworthy. A strong SEO strategy includes earning high-quality backlinks to help your site rise in the rankings.

How long does it take to see results? SEO isn’t instant. Most businesses start seeing improvements in 3–6 months, with bigger gains over time. It’s a long-term strategy that builds momentum.

Can I do SEO on my own? You can handle some basics like writing helpful content or claiming your Google Business Profile. But deeper SEO work, like technical fixes, keyword research, and link-building, takes time and expertise.

Why hire a local company? A local SEO company in Fort Lauderdale understands the market, the competition, and the search behavior of people in your area. That means more targeted strategies and better results for your business.

At THAT Agency, we work closely with businesses across Fort Lauderdale to build SEO strategies that work. Whether you’re just getting started or want to improve your current results, we’ll help you grow your traffic, leads, and visibility, without wasting time or money.

7. Turn Website Visitors Into Customers (Conversion Rate Optimization)

Getting more visitors to your website is a big win, but it’s only half the battle. What really matters is what those visitors do once they land on your site. Do they fill out your contact form? Book a service? Make a purchase? If not, you could be missing out on real opportunities.

This is where Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) comes in. CRO is all about making small, smart changes to your website to encourage more visitors to take action. Whether you want them to call, sign up, or buy something, CRO helps guide them in the right direction.

Why Does CRO Matter? You’ve already worked hard (or spent money) to get people to your website, through SEO, ads, or social media. If they land on your page and then click away without doing anything, that effort doesn’t turn into results. Even a small increase in your conversion rate, say, from 2% to 4%, can double the number of leads or sales you get without any extra traffic.

Easy Ways to Improve Conversions on Your Website:

• Add a Simple Contact Form or Live Chat: Make it easy for people to get in touch. Long, complicated forms can scare people off. Keep it short, just name, email, and a quick message box. A live chat feature can also help answer questions quickly and build trust.
• Showcase Reviews, Testimonials, and Case Studies: When people see that others have had a good experience with your business, they’re more likely to take the next step. Place positive reviews right on your homepage or service pages so visitors see them without having to search.
• Test Your Headlines and Call-to-Action Buttons: Sometimes just changing the words on a button can make a big difference. Try different versions like “Get a Free Quote,” “Book Now,” or “Let’s Talk.” You can also experiment with headline styles, some people respond better to friendly and casual, others to direct and professional.
• Clean Up Clutter: Too much going on can confuse visitors. If your site is full of pop-ups, flashing banners, or links that don’t help people take action, they might leave out of frustration. Keep things clear and focused.

How do I know what’s working? Tools like Google Analytics, Hotjar, or Microsoft Clarity can show you where people click, how long they stay, and where they leave your site. This helps you spot areas that need improvement.

Do I need to redesign my whole site? Not at all. Many CRO wins come from small tweaks, like moving a button, changing a headline, or improving your contact form.

How quickly can I see results? Some changes lead to instant improvements. Others take a few weeks as you gather more data. Either way, the results are measurable and worth it.

CRO helps your website do what it’s meant to do, turn visitors into customers. And when your site is set up to convert, every click becomes more valuable.

8. Build an Email List, and Actually Use It

If you think email marketing is outdated, think again. Even with all the new platforms out there, email remains one of the most powerful tools in digital marketing. It’s personal, affordable, and perfect for staying connected to people who already know and like your business.

Why Is Email Marketing So Effective? People check their email every day, often multiple times a day. When someone gives you their email address, they’re saying, “Yes, I want to hear from you.” That’s a big deal! And if you stay in touch with helpful, friendly emails, you’re more likely to be the first business they think of when they’re ready to buy.

How to Build a Strong Email List:

• Offer Something Valuable in Exchange for Signing Up: Most people won’t give you their email “just because.” But they will if there’s a benefit. Try offering a discount, a free checklist, a how-to guide, or early access to a new product. Make sure the offer is clearly related to what you do.
• Make It Easy to Sign Up: Add sign-up forms to your homepage, blog, and checkout pages. Keep the form short, just name and email is plenty to start.

What to Send to Your Email List:

• Helpful Tips and Advice: Share quick tips that solve a common problem your audience has. For example, a lawn care company might send “5 Ways to Keep Your Grass Green This Summer.”
• Updates and Announcements: Let subscribers know when you’re offering a new service, opening a new location, or running a special deal.
• Exclusive Offers: Give your email subscribers special treatment, discounts, early access, or bonus content they can’t get anywhere else.

Email Best Practices in 2025:

• Keep It Short and Simple: People skim. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear subject lines. Make sure it’s easy to read on a phone.
• Add Personalization: Use the person’s first name in the subject line or greeting. If you can, send emails based on what they’ve clicked or viewed before.
• Send Consistently, but Not Too Often: Once or twice a month is plenty for most businesses. Stay in touch without overwhelming your subscribers.

What platform should I use? Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and Klaviyo are great starting points. They offer easy templates, automation tools, and analytics.

What if people don’t open my emails? That’s okay, it happens. Try testing new subject lines, sending at different times of day, or offering something new and valuable.

Is email better than social media? They work well together! Use social media to attract new followers, then invite them to join your email list. That way, you can connect with them more directly.

With a strong email list and a smart strategy, you can build relationships that turn leads into loyal customers, and keep your brand top-of-mind all year long.

9. Manage Your Online Reputation

In today’s digital world, what people say about your business online can make or break it. Whether it’s a glowing review or a not-so-great comment, online feedback has a big impact on how potential customers see you. That’s why managing your online reputation is one of the most important parts of any digital marketing strategy.

Why Is Online Reputation So Important? Think about how you shop or choose a service, do you check reviews first? Most people do. In fact, studies show that over 90% of consumers read online reviews before making a decision, and many trust those reviews just as much as a personal recommendation.

If your business has positive reviews, it builds trust and credibility. But if you have too many bad reviews, or no reviews at all, it can scare people away, even if you offer great service.

How to Build and Protect Your Online Reputation:

• Ask Your Happiest Customers for Reviews: Don’t be shy about asking. After a successful job or sale, follow up with a quick thank-you and a friendly request for a review. Make it easy by sending a direct link to your Google or Yelp page.
• Respond to All Reviews, Good and Bad: A simple “Thanks so much for your kind words!” goes a long way for positive reviews. For negative ones, stay calm and polite. Apologize if needed, explain your side, and offer to make it right. How you handle criticism says a lot about your professionalism.
• Show Off Your Best Reviews: Highlight your top reviews on your website, social media, and even in email newsletters. This kind of social proof builds confidence in your brand.
• Keep an Eye on Key Review Sites: Don’t forget to check your listings on Google, Facebook, Yelp, TripAdvisor, or any platforms that matter in your industry. Set up alerts or reminders to monitor them weekly so nothing slips through the cracks.

What if I get a fake or unfair review? It happens. You can flag reviews that break the platform’s guidelines, but it’s not always possible to get them removed. The best response is to stay professional, reply with the facts, and continue collecting genuine positive reviews to outweigh the bad.

How many reviews do I need? There’s no magic number, but having recent and frequent reviews is better than a bunch of old ones. Aim to get a few new ones each month to keep your profile fresh.

Can I offer something in return for reviews? You can ask for reviews, but offering money, discounts, or gifts in exchange is against the rules on most platforms like Google and Yelp. Stick to honest, voluntary feedback.

At THAT Agency, we help Fort Lauderdale businesses take control of their online reputation, so they stand out in a competitive market and win the trust of new customers from the start.

10. Use AI Tools to Work Smarter

You don’t need to be a tech giant to take advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In 2025, smart businesses of every size, including local Fort Lauderdale companies, are using AI tools to work faster, make better decisions, and connect more effectively with customers.

What Is AI, and Why Should Small Businesses Use It? AI refers to computer systems that can do tasks that normally require human thinking, like learning from data, spotting patterns, and making decisions. Today’s AI tools are more accessible than ever, and they’re being used by small businesses to save time, improve marketing, and deliver better customer service.

Practical Ways to Use AI in Your Business:

• Use Chatbots to Answer FAQs on Your Website: Chatbots are automated messaging tools that can help answer common questions like “What are your hours?” or “Do you offer delivery?” This helps visitors get answers quickly, without you needing to be online 24/7.
• Write Personalized Email Subject Lines That Boost Open Rates: AI can analyze your email list and suggest subject lines based on what each person has clicked on before. Personalized emails feel more human, and they’re more likely to be opened.
• Predict Which Leads Are Most Likely to Buy: AI tools can score your leads based on their behavior, such as how many times they’ve visited your site or what pages they viewed. That means your sales team can focus on the people who are most ready to take action.
• Automate Repetitive Tasks: From scheduling social media posts to segmenting email lists, AI takes care of routine work so you can focus on growing your business.

Is AI too complicated for a small business? Not at all. Many tools are designed for beginners, with simple dashboards and helpful tutorials. You don’t need a tech background to get started.

Is it expensive? Some AI tools are free or offer affordable monthly plans. Think of it like hiring a virtual assistant, except it works around the clock and never takes a break.

Will it replace human workers? AI is best used to support your team, not replace it. It takes care of repetitive tasks so your real team can focus on strategy, creativity, and customer care.

Let THAT Agency Help You Grow in 2025

Digital marketing in 2025 isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing the right things. From SEO and web design to content and social ads, THAT Agency helps Fort Lauderdale businesses grow with smart, effective strategies.

If you're looking for a Fort Lauderdale digital marketing team you can count on, we’re here for you.

Want better results? Contact THAT Agency today and let’s talk about how we can help your business grow.