The Latest News From Melon Local
Stay in the know with the latest news in digital marketing, best practices and updates from Melon Local.
4 Questions to Ask Before Granting GBP Access
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most valuable digital assets your business owns. It’s often the first thing potential customers see when they search for your business, making it a key driver of organic calls, website visits and foot traffic. In fact, a fully optimized GBP gets
6 Ways You Can Generate Reviews for Your Insurance Agency
As part of your insurance marketing strategy and online reputation management, generating and encouraging online reviews is essential. Online review statistics have shown over 54 percent of online shoppers read at least four product reviews before purchasing a product. Having a substantial number of positive reviews is crucial for adding credibility to your agency’s reputation. On the other hand, negative reviews can also help you determine any unmet needs of
What to Know About Google’s Responsive Search Ads
Google will no longer serve new expanded text ads starting June 30, 2022 The world of paid advertising is constantly evolving, especially with Google, which is continuously updating how it runs its ad programs. If your business revolves around insurance marketing – let alone any kind of marketing – you should be aware of Google’s plans to scrap expanded text ads to instead focus on responsive search ads on June
Interview with an Agent: Kira Schnell-Harrison
Before she became an insurance agent, Kira Schnell-Harrison was a competitive synchronized figure skater. Kira grew up ice skating in Wisconsin and, at one point, qualified for Team USA. After her skating career, she worked in various roles in the consumer goods industry before opening her Chicago-area insurance agency in 2019. Although she doesn’t compete anymore, she still coaches ice skating and applies the same experience to managing her insurance
What is Organic Search Optimization?
You’ve likely heard of Search Engine Optimization, but have you ever heard of Organic Search Optimization? If not, we’d love to explain! Melon Local offers an exclusive Organic Search Optimization (OSO) insurance marketing package which can boost your web presence by focusing on your organic content. There are many ways your insurance agency can benefit from this package, including being listed in the most popular business directory listings and having
20 Ways to Use Facebook in Your Insurance Marketing Strategy
If there’s any social media that’s necessary for your insurance marketing strategy, it’s Facebook. With over 2.45 billion monthly users, Facebook is a great platform for making fun and engaging insurance social media posts. It also has the power to boost your agency’s visibility, drive leads, add value to your customers and strengthen your relationship with them and your local community. Whether you’re just starting off or you’ve been using
Interview with an Agent: Kevin Hayward
Kevin Hayward originally envisioned himself as a newspaper writer. He studied communication and was an active freelance writer for his local newspaper, but soon realized he had a passion for the insurance industry. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Kevin entered the insurance world as a claims agent in 2007. He worked his way up the company ladder and became a public affairs specialist and wrote articles for the insurance company’s
7 Tips for Choosing an SEO-Friendly Domain Name
Having an SEO-friendly domain name can make a huge difference in the overall success of your insurance agency’s marketing strategy. So, why is it so crucial for your insurance agency to choose the right domain name? Well, it helps: Define your brand Increase your click-through rate Generate more leads Boost your traffic Give credibility to your agency If your domain is too long or complicated, chances are it will be
10 Ways Your Insurance Agency Can Show Customer Appreciation
Just because your insurance agency sells someone a new policy doesn’t mean that things end there. The insurance industry is all about nurturing long-term relationships, and like any healthy relationship, there needs to be a balance of mutual appreciation between you and your customers. Reciprocity is crucial to your agency’s long-term success and, in turn, makes your customers more likely to return the favor through additional sales, reviews and referrals.
Melon Local Named 2022 Google Premier Partner
All of us at Melon Local are ecstatic to announce that our insurance marketing agency has achieved 2022 Google Premier Partner status in the Google Partners program! Okay, so what does this mean exactly? It means Google now ranks Melon Local in the top 3% of all Google Partners and distinguishes us as a top industry performer. That’s a pretty big deal! This February, Google recognized the achievements of Melon
Latest Blog Posts
What to Know About the Rise of DeepSeek AI
The latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer confined solely to Silicon Valley. China-based AI startup DeepSeek recently made headlines across the world with the launch of its DeepSeek R1 chat model in January. Let’s dive into how DeepSeek is shaking up the industry, and what implications their rise may have for your business. DeepSeek’s Impact on AI World It’s safe to say DeepSeek is making waves in
What to Know About the FCC’s Vacated TCPA Consent Rule
The regulatory landscape for insurance marketers took an unexpected turn on January 24 when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially postponed the enforcement of its 1-to-1 Consent Rule for up to 12 months. But just hours later, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals went a step further — vacating the rule entirely. This ruling effectively nullifies the FCC’s attempt to require direct, individual consent from consumers for each specific company
Melon Spotlight: Kris Plaat
Meet Kris Plaat — one of our dedicated Paid Search Managers! From optimizing bids to refining targeting, Kris ensures our campaigns deliver high-quality leads. We asked Kris about his behind-the-scenes role and what — besides coffee — fuels his passion for paid search. Ready to see how Kris and the rest of our paid search team can elevate your business? Schedule a demo today and experience a fresher approach to
5 Things I Love About Melon Local – Feat. Juan Calix
Altamonte Springs, FL insurance agent Juan Calix built his agency from the ground up during one of the most uncertain times — June 2020, in the middle of the COVID pandemic. But instead of seeing obstacles, he saw opportunity. With a mindset rooted in growth and an unwavering commitment to his community, Juan quickly turned challenges into wins, proving that success is about perspective and persistence. Five years later, Juan’s
What to Know About Google Review Count Issue
If you’ve noticed that some of your Google reviews have vanished, you’re not the only one. Businesses across multiple industries have voiced concerns about missing or delayed reviews on their Google Business Profiles. Although some have lost only a few, others have seen dozens of reviews seemingly disappear from their profiles. Some businesses have also noticed their review count isn’t adding up correctly, even though the reviews themselves are still
Business Meets Magic: Robert Strong Visits Melon Local
Recently, Melon Local welcomed Robert Strong — magician, author and keynote speaker — to inspire our team with his unique blend of magic and business insight. With over 30 years of experience captivating audiences worldwide, Robert isn’t just about sleight of hand — he’s about creating moments that leave lasting impressions. His philosophy aligns perfectly with what we do at Melon Local: delivering extraordinary experiences that delight and inspire. During
Digital Marketing Dos and Don’ts for 2025
While there are many approaches to digital marketing in 2025 that will elevate your brand to the next level, others may hinder your progress. With the new year in full swing, it’s time to focus on strategies that deliver results and leave outdated practices behind. From mastering local optimization to leveraging data, let’s dive into the dos and don’ts that will keep your business fresh and relevant. Do Focus on
Melon Spotlight: Sarah Levitz
Since joining our Melon Patch, Client Success Manager Sarah Levitz has proven herself to be an invaluable part of our team. Known for her positive attitude and her knack for “mom jokes,” she’s not just winning people over with her personality — Sarah’s delivering quality results. Curious about what keeps Sarah motivated and how she helps agents achieve their digital marketing goals? Stay tuned to discover why she’s passionate about
Fireside Chat with Melon Local’s CEO: 2025 Edition
We already know the bar was set high, but it’s safe to say 2024 was no ordinary year for Melon Local. Despite a challenging landscape filled with fluctuating market conditions, we proved once again that we’re leaders in the digital marketing space. Notably, our journey last year was highlighted by some incredible “Melonstones” for our Patch and leadership: We maintained our Google Premier Partner status for another year, reinforcing our