The Latest News From Melon Local
Stay in the know with the latest news in digital marketing, best practices and updates from Melon Local.
How AI Determines Which Business Is the Best
You know your business is the best. But when someone asks AI (Artificial Intelligence) for the best business nearby, does your name come up? And if another business gets recommended, what made AI choose it over yours? Let’s look at how ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity find business information and
Melon Spotlight: Colin Heald
Introducing our July 2024 Melon Spotlight, Colin Heald, our one and only Senior Software Architect. Though not always front and center, Colin’s impact on Melon Local’s operations is tremendous as the founder of our proprietary software known as “The Patch.” We took some time to speak to Colin to learn more about his unique background, creating The Patch and what he enjoys most about working at Melon Local! Check out
5 Things I Love About Melon Local – Feat. Andrew Smith
While working as an intern at an Atlanta-area accounting firm after his graduation from Kennesaw University, Andrew Smith realized he wanted a career that would allow him to have a greater impact on his community. When given the chance to join a local insurance office as a team member, he fell in love with the industry and eventually opened his own office 11 years later in Marietta, GA in 2019.
Interview with ‘Helpy Hour’ Founder Lee Ann Stach
If there’s anything that can be said about Helpy Hour, it’s that their approach to networking insurance agents with each other is unconventional. What originally began as a satirical social media page in 2018 for like-minded agents to vent about common challenges has since become a trusted voice that has amassed a following in the thousands and regularly holds educational workshops across the country. Now on the horizon is their
Client Success Story with Natalie Nunez
Meet one of Melon Local’s talented Social Media Content Creators, Natalie Nunez! Natalie has been an integral part of our Melon Patch, from helping our One in a Melon agents create their social accounts to helping them stand out in their local market. We caught up with her to learn more about her innovative approach to social media and how she’s had an impact on our One in a Melon
4 Ways to Celebrate ‘Insurance Nerd Day’ On Social Media
Have you ever wondered why so many people in the insurance industry proudly call themselves “insurance nerds”? It’s because they genuinely love what they do, and there’s even a day to celebrate this passion! July 18 is Insurance Nerd Day, a fun-filled occasion for all the dedicated insurance enthusiasts out there. Insurance Nerd Day is a celebration for everyone in the insurance industry, from agents to policyholders and even those
Not All Business Listings Are Created Equal
First impressions often happen online, especially when it comes to online business listings. You can think of them as digital storefronts where your customers can learn everything about your business, including your contact info, your services and products, workplace culture and reviews. In fact, online listings may receive 2.7 times more views than a brand’s own website. Notably, one 2024 survey found that 77 percent of consumers use at least
Deciding Between Google and Microsoft Ads
Google accounts for over 90 percent of the global search engine market — making it the world’s most popular search engine — but this doesn’t mean you should overlook the lead-generating potential of Microsoft Ads — in particular through its search engine Bing. Let’s break down how both Google and Microsoft Ads differ and what they share in common. 1. Demographics Perhaps one of the most notable differences between these
How Melon Local Measures Success in Paid Search
At Melon Local, we believe paid search isn’t just about being seen — it’s about letting people know you run the best business in town. With an average 30 percent click-to-quote rate, our comprehensive approach ensures you not only reach your local market but also convert them into loyal customers. Here’s how we “ex-seed” expectations when it comes to our paid search services. Monthly In-Depth Meetings We get that sifting
Melon Spotlight: Michael Long
Meet our June 2024 Melon Spotlight, Michael Long, one of our exceptional Directors of Client Success. Since day one, Michael has proven himself as a valuable team player by consistently driving results and forging fruitful partnerships with agents all across the country. Join us as we delve into what fuels Michael’s passion for digital marketing and his passions beyond Melon Local!
Latest Blog Posts
Melon Spotlight: Justyna Ruszczak
Since joining our team as a Paid Search Manager, Justyna has brought a sharp eye for optimization, steady focus and a genuine commitment to improving performance across every account she manages. She thrives on refining our AI-driven Google Performance Max campaigns, strengthening headlines and descriptions and optimizing for Melon Max to drive higher-quality leads, making her a true force in the Melon Patch. We caught up with Justyna to talk
Your 2026 Guide for Growing Your Insurance Agency
The end of the year is more than just reflection — it’s a chance to reset your strategy and prepare your agency for what’s next. Every goal you set shapes how your agency grows. With the right strategy, you can turn ambition into action and set your agency up for success. As technology continues to evolve, optimizing for AI is becoming essential. From how customers find your business to how
Fireside Chat with Melon Local’s CEO: 2026 Edition
2025 was a year of real progress for Melon Local — not just in growth, but in the tools, support and momentum we built alongside our clients. It’s safe to say we had our share of fresh milestones over the past year, including: Launching Melon Max live transfer calls and internet leads — further solidifying our place as the original one-stop shop for digital marketing. Connecting with thousands of agents
Melon Spotlight: Bailey Swiger
Since joining our team as a Client Success Manager, Bailey has brought positivity, focus and a people-first approach to everything she does. Whether she’s hopping on client Zoom calls, digging into the data behind their results or simply being the steady voice they can count on, there’s a reason her clients love working with her. And with a background in education, Bailey’s no stranger to leading with patience, staying organized
Melon Spotlight: Trevor Black
Since joining our team as a Paid Search Manager, Trevor has brought a thoughtful approach, steady drive and genuine care to everything he does. He thrives on digging into campaign performance and finding smart ways to deliver results in spaces other agencies might consider too challenging, making him a real difference maker in the Melon Patch. We caught up with Trevor to talk about what excites him most about digital
How SEO and GEO Work Together to Keep You Visible
Traditional SEO can only take you so far on its own in today’s world of AI-powered search and local discovery. That’s where Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) bridges the gap — expanding your visibility beyond traditional rankings by optimizing for AI. On their own, each optimization practice delivers results, but together, they amplify reach, relevance and digital traffic. Let’s discuss what sets SEO and GEO apart and how they work together
What to Know About ChatGPT’s New Browser Atlas
We’re walking into a new type of internet where people don’t “search” first — they ask first. Instead of treating AI like a separate tool you open in another tab, ChatGPT’s Atlas browser brings it right into the browsing experience. Since launching on October 21, 2025, it’s offered consumers an alternative to traditional search giants like Google or Microsoft Bing. Instead, you ask, it understands the page you’re on and
Melon Spotlight: Liz Anguiano
Since joining our team as a Social Media Content Creator, Liz has brought fresh ideas, creativity and a true team spirit to everything she does. Her passion for crafting scroll-stopping content, hopping on calls to ensure our clients’ social presence is always on point and helping agents shine online as local legends made her an essential part of the Melon Patch. We caught up with Liz to talk about her
Soaring Eagle Agent Study Group Coming Back Stronger in 2026
The Soaring Eagle agent study group isn’t just back for 2026 — it’s bigger than ever. More than 400 agents and team members from across the U.S. are already set to attend from January 28–30 at the Soaring Eagle Resort & Casino in Mt. Pleasant, MI, making this the largest gathering the study group has hosted yet. Founder and insurance agent David Arce says even as the room expands, Soaring