14/10/2026
Most small businesses I talk to think "marketing" just means SEO, Google Ads, or Facebook Ads.
While advertising is great, so many forget the foundational step: Are your existing profiles actually accurate?
I was recently looking at a local venue online and found a masterclass in digital inconsistencies:
Google Maps website link: Broken / leads to a dead page.
Email contact: One profile listed a legacy .co.za address while another listed a domain email.
Phone numbers: Google Maps, Facebook, and the actual website all had different phone numbers listed.
Before spending any money on ads or launching new campaigns, run through this 15-minute digital health audit:
1. Search like a customer
Google your company name.
Now, Google what you do without using your company name (e.g., "family restaurant near me"). See where you land.
2. Audit your Name, Address, Phone
Are your phone number and address identical on Google Maps, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and your website?
Check operating hours
3. Test your primary links & forms
Does your website link on Maps/Instagram actually load?
Submit a test inquiry on your contact form. How long does it take your team to reply?
4. Check your email branding
Are you still using legacy ISP emails (.co.za, .com, .net) on public listings alongside domain emails? Pick one central, professional inbox.
5. Check your primary social pages (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
When was the last post? How many followers do you have? How busy is your page?
Are there unread messages or unanswered comments in the feed?
Check response times
6. Query AI engines
Ask ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini: "What do you know about [Your Business Name]?"
The Bottom Line: You don’t need to rush into launching new marketing campaigns or redesigning your site today.
Start by fixing what's already out there.