Maine Agency Enters Year 17 as AI Resets Small-Business Marketing
KENNEBUNK, Maine - Wonderful Websites & SEO is stepping into its 17th year with a clear premise: help small businesses make smart moves as AI reshapes how work gets done. Founded by digital marketer Chris Moreno, the U.S.-based, multi-location agency serves clients across the United States and Canada with what he calls the "core four": custom WordPress sites, local SEO, social media management, and paid ads on Google and Facebook.
The run is rare in agency life. Most shops don't get past year three. This team has outlasted platform swings and Google updates while stacking 100+ five-star Google reviews-with none below five. The focus hasn't changed: bring customers to small businesses.
AI: The Elephant in the Room
Moreno calls this the most significant shift since search ads took off in the early 2000s. Over the next three to five years, he expects AI to streamline daily work-emails, admin, spreadsheets, calls, even meetings-while flooding the market with tools that aren't ready. The job now: help owners separate useful from distracting.
Clients are already asking for direction. The agency works with 300+ small businesses, many for a decade or more. When AI hits their industry, they're often the first call.
People First in a Tech-Heavy Field
Moreno doesn't credit software for the firm's longevity. He credits the team. Inspired by the people-product-process lens, he committed to hiring top talent-and keeping standards high.
Many clients arrive after being burned elsewhere-long contracts, poor communication, weak results. The fix is simple: return calls, set clear expectations, and produce outcomes. The company now employs 23 team members and runs a no-contract policy. Retention stays strong because results do the talking.
Marketing Budgets Under Pressure
Uncertain markets push owners to cut back. Moreno argues that cutting marketing first is a mistake. If a channel is driving leads, calls, and customers, it's not a cost center-it's oxygen.
What Marketers Can Use Today
- The core four still works: - Fast, conversion-focused WordPress site. - Local SEO that covers on-page basics, citations, and reviews. - Social content with a clear point of view and offers. - Paid search and paid social mapped to intent. For fundamentals, see Google Search Central's SEO Starter Guide.
- Treat AI like an assistant, not autopilot: Start with low-risk use cases (drafting emails, report summaries, call notes). Pilot tools with owners, budgets, and success metrics. Kill what doesn't move the needle.
- Shorten feedback loops: Speed-to-lead wins. Respond fast, track response times, and review performance weekly. Small improvements here compound.
- Buy outcomes, not lock-ins: Month-to-month beats long contracts. Hold vendors (and your team) to lead, pipeline, and revenue targets-not vanity metrics.
- Standardize, then scale: Document processes once they work. Consistency beats constant reinvention.
Practical Next Steps
- Run a 90-day AI pilot: pick two workflows (e.g., reporting and meeting notes), define KPIs, and compare time saved and accuracy.
- Refresh local SEO: accurate NAP across listings, unique service pages, review velocity, and conversion tracking wired end-to-end.
- Allocate budget with intent: 80-90% to proven channels, 10-20% to controlled tests. Review weekly; scale or shut down quickly.
- Train the team on AI basics for marketing ops. If you need a curated path, see AI certification for marketing specialists.
Looking Ahead
Moreno's outlook is simple: there's always demand for teams who understand tech and can drive customers. AI will make work easier, but judgment will matter more. The agencies that win will help small businesses use AI intelligently-and keep their calendars full.
Media Contact
Emma Edmonds
865-438-8866
407399@email4pr.com
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