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11 Tools That Power My Business
Philip Ellis • October 11, 2023
Running a successful business is like conducting a symphony; our trusty toolbox contains the instruments that keep the music playing harmoniously. At Roundhouse Digital Marketing, we've picked out our top 11 tools that get the job done and make work a lot more efficient. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to these tools that are the life and soul of our business, helping us deliver results to our clients everyday.
- RoundhouseCRM (www.roundhouseCRM.com): Meet the maestro of our ensemble, RoundhouseCRM. It's the swiss-army knife of our operations, allowing us to juggle phone calls, texts, emails, automated Google reviews and more. With it, we can create funnels, send invoices, and post on social media - it's practically our marketing sidekick!
- Slack: In our world of digital marketing, Slack is where the party is. It's our go-to platform for private, personalized support for our clients marketing campaigns and website. Think of it as our virtual office water cooler, where work discussions sometimes turn into dance-offs (emoji-style).
- Duda: Duda is our primary website-building platform. It's simple yet professional, blazing fast and secure (hosted on Amazon web servers.) It's incredibly user-friendly, ensuring that even non-techy clients leave with a smile.
- Zoom: Zoom keeps us connected. Daily calls with prospects, clients, and team members feel like cozy hangouts in our virtual living room.
- Fathom: Fathom takes our Zoom game up a notch. It records meetings, transcribes them like a pro, and even sums up the conversation with an AI generated summary. After a meeting, we can immediately share that video recording with everyone present on the call.
- LastPass: With LastPass, we can all be secret agents - at least in the password department. Securely storing and sharing passwords has never been so espionage-friendly, minus the tuxedos and martinis.
- Canva: Canva is our graphic design, Picasso. It's like having a magic wand for creating dazzling social media graphics in seconds. We might not be artists, but Canva makes us feel like digital da Vinci.
- Grammarly: Our trusty sidekick, Grammarly, has our back when sounding like literary geniuses. It's like having a virtual editor who helps us craft prose that's as smooth as jazz.
- ClickUp: ClickUp is our project management virtuoso. It helps us keep track of client tasks and lets our team members clock in their time, ensuring that everyone's efforts are rewarded with a bit of cha-ching.
- Loom: Loom is our visual storyteller. It lets us record screen actions and narrate the plot like directors explaining their masterpieces. It's like having a personal cinema for SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
- ChatGPT: And last but not least, ChatGPT - our blog-writing buddy! How else would we pen this playful blog post? It's like having a witty ghostwriter who adds a dash of charm to our content.
These fantastic 11 tools are the secret sauce behind our digital marketing success at Roundhouse. They make work not just efficient but downright playful. If you're in the digital marketing biz or want to add some zest to your daily grind, consider giving these tools a whirl. They'll help you get the job done and make it much more fun along the way.
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Verifying your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a crucial step to making your business discoverable on Google Search and Maps . A verified profile allows you to update your business details, interact with customers, and improve your local search rankings. This guide walks you through Google's verification methods , focusing on the video verification process , which is the most commonly required method in 2025. Why Google Business Profile Verification Matters Google requires verification to confirm your business exists and is legitimate . Once verified, you can: ✔️ Show up in local searches on Google Search & Maps ✔️ Manage business details like hours, location, and services ✔️ Respond to customer reviews ✔️ Gain access to performance insights ⚠️ Important: Most businesses will need to complete video verification , but some may qualify for alternative methods. Google Business Profile Verification Methods Google offers several verification methods depending on your business type, location, and profile history. 1. Video Verification (Most Common) Required for most new business profiles or address changes Google requires a real-time, unedited video showing your business location, operations, and proof of ownership. This method is used to prevent fraudulent listings. 2. Instant Verification (Rare) Some businesses that already have verified websites with Google Search Console may qualify for instant verification. This method is uncommon and depends on Google’s internal data. 3. Phone Call Verification (Limited) Some businesses can verify via a phone call to their listed business number . Google provides a code that must be entered in the profile manager. 4. Email Verification (Limited) If eligible, Google sends a verification email to your registered business email. You must enter the code received via email. 🛑 Note: Postcard verification is no longer available as of 2025. How to Verify Your Business with Video Verification Step 1: Start the Verification Process Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager . Select the business you want to verify. Click "Verify Now" and choose video verification if prompted. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin recording. Step 2: Record Your Verification Video Your video must clearly show at least three types of proof : Business Location If you have a storefront : Record the outside of your business , including signage and neighboring buildings. Show any street signs, address plaques, or identifiable surroundings . If you have a service-based business (home office, mobile business, or remote work) : Show your home office, workspace, or storage area for business materials. If mobile, record your work vehicle with branding or business-related items inside . Business Equipment & Operations Show industry-specific tools, equipment, or workstations . If possible, demonstrate work in action (e.g., turning on tools, preparing products). Examples: A plumber might show pipes, fittings, and tools in their van. A landscaper could display mowers, trimmers, and storage. A retail store should showcase shelves, products, and a point-of-sale system. Proof of Business Legitimacy Show business-related documents , such as: Business license, permits, or official paperwork. Utility bills or invoices with your business name and address . If applicable, display your business website, booking system, or customer orders on a screen. Step 3: Submit the Video The video must be recorded live in one continuous take (no edits or cuts). Once recorded, follow the on-screen steps to submit it directly to Google . Google will review the video , which may take several hours or days. You will receive a confirmation email once your business is verified. What to Do After Verification Once verified, your business is officially recognized by Google! You can now: ✔️ Create Google Posts to engage customers. ✔️ Add business hours, photos, and services to improve visibility. ✔️ Reply to reviews and manage customer interactions. ✔️ Optimize your profile to rank higher in Google Search & Maps . 💡 Pro Tip: Keep your profile fully updated and optimized to prevent suspensions or future verification issues. Tips for Successful Verification ✅ Ensure your business details match what’s on your Google Business Profile (Business Name, Address, and Phone Number – "NAP"). ✅ Use steady camera movements —avoid shaky or blurry footage. ✅ Ensure good lighting so all details are visible. ✅ Narration is optional , but explaining what you’re showing can help. ✅ Do NOT edit, trim, or cut the video —Google requires an unedited recording. ✅ If verification fails, Google may request a redo or offer another verification method . Frequently Asked Questions
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Google is rolling out an automated lead crediting system for its Local Services Ads, fundamentally changing how businesses handle unqualified leads. This update, gradually rolling out through August, promises to streamline the lead management process and potentially increase overall credits for advertisers. Key Changes in the GLSA Platform: Automatic Lead Crediting: Google will now automatically identify and credit accounts for low-quality leads, eliminating the need for manual dispute submissions. Increased Overall Credits: While credits for "job type not serviced" and "geo not serviced" leads will be discontinued, Google assures advertisers they'll receive more credits overall through this automated system. Lead Feedback Survey: Advertisers can still provide feedback on individual leads through a new Lead Feedback Survey in their lead inbox, helping Google improve lead quality and occasionally leading to additional credits. What This Means for Your Business: This update simplifies the lead crediting process, potentially saving time and effort for businesses. However, it's crucial to remain vigilant in monitoring your GLSA performance to ensure you're receiving appropriate credits. Here's how we're adapting our strategies: Strategic Feedback Submission: We'll leverage the new Lead Feedback Survey to report any leads that should be credited but weren't caught by Google's automated system. Ongoing Optimization: We'll continue to fine-tune your GLSA campaigns to maximize quality leads and minimize unqualified ones. While Google's update promises a more efficient system, active management of your GLSA campaigns remains crucial. Our team at Roundhouse Digital Marketing is ready to help you adapt to these changes and maximize your return on investment in Google Local Services Ads. Looking for more qualified calls? Reach out to us today and discover how we can help your business thrive.
About The Author:
Philip Ellis
Founder and CEO, Roundhouse Digital Marketing
My name is Philip and I am a web design and client attraction consultant. I specialize in helping contractors, roofers, home builders, and other local service-based businesses get more views, leads, and sales online.
With over 12 years of experience in the industry, I have the knowledge and skills to create stunning websites and effective digital marketing campaigns that drive results for my clients.
Roundhouse is a
web design and
client attraction agency that helps business owners
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scale their
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