The Journal

Notes & guides.

Plain-English advice on websites, SEO, and getting found on Google — for local businesses and the people who run them.

Featured · Local SEO

Local SEO for Lawn Care & Landscaping Companies

How lawn and landscape companies get found on Google — setting up as a service area business, picking the right categories, using before-and-after photos, collecting reviews, and staying visible through the off-season.

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Local SEOAugust 31, 2026

Local SEO for Lawn Care & Landscaping Companies

How lawn care and landscaping companies get found on Google — service area setup, the right categories, before-and-after photos, reviews, and beating the seasonal swing.

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Local SEOAugust 24, 2026

How Fishers, IN Small Businesses Get Found on Google

A plain-English local SEO guide for Fishers. How to show up in Google Maps and local search from the Nickel Plate District to Geist, Saxony and the 96th Street corridor.

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Web DesignAugust 17, 2026

What's Actually Included in a $350 Website

A $350 website sounds too cheap to be real. Here's exactly what's included — line by line — what's not, and why it can be that affordable.

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Web DesignAugust 10, 2026

I Already Have a Facebook Page — Do I Need a Website?

You've got a Facebook page — do you really need a website too? An honest answer for local owners: what a page can't do, why owning your site matters, and when to build.

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Web DesignAugust 3, 2026

Websites for Indianapolis Plumbers

What a plumbing website in Indianapolis needs to win emergency calls — fast pages, click-to-call, clear services, service areas, and Google Business Profile done right.

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Web DesignJuly 27, 2026

Wix vs. a Custom Website: Which Is Right for You?

Wix vs. a custom website for a small business — an honest breakdown of cost, speed, SEO, ownership, and the long-term math, so you can pick the right one.

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Local SEOJuly 27, 2026

How Carmel, IN Small Businesses Get Found on Google

A plain-English local SEO guide for Carmel. How to show up in Google Maps and local search across the Arts & Design District, City Center, Clay Terrace and beyond.

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Local SEOJuly 19, 2026

How Indianapolis Small Businesses Get Found on Google

A plain-English local SEO guide for Indianapolis. How to show up in Google Maps and local search — from your Google Business Profile to reviews and a website that ranks.

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Local SEOJuly 6, 2026

Why Isn't My Business Showing Up on Google?

Your business isn't showing up on Google? Here are the most common reasons local businesses stay invisible in search — and exactly how to fix each one.

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Web DesignJune 1, 2026

Does Your Business Need a Logo Before a Website?

No logo yet? Don't let it stop you from getting online. Here's the honest answer on whether you need a logo before launching your business website.

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Web DesignMay 17, 2026

How Much Does a Website Cost for a Small Business?

How much does a website cost for a small business in 2026? We break down every option — from DIY builders to custom agencies — so you can make the right call for your budget.

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Web DesignMay 17, 2026

Why Local Service Businesses Need a Website in 2026

Why local service businesses need a real website in 2026 — not just a Facebook page. What you're missing and what it's costing you every month.

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Local SEOMay 17, 2026

How to Get Your Business Found on Google

How to get your local business found on Google without paying for ads. The three things that matter most for local search visibility in 2026.

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Web DesignMay 17, 2026

What Makes a Good Small Business Website?

What makes a good small business website in 2026? Learn the must-haves that separate sites that convert visitors into customers from ones that don't.

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Google AdsMay 17, 2026

SEO vs. Google Ads: Which Is Right for You?

SEO vs. Google Ads for small businesses — what's the difference, which works faster, and where should you invest first? An honest breakdown for local service businesses.

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