Bill Hartzer: Search, Marketing, Tech, and Domain Names

Survey: A Faster Website Could Boost Engagement by 25%

Posted on December 12, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

In today’s digital-first world, speed isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Auto dealer websites, however, may be falling behind. According to a comprehensive survey by Shift Digital, a Michigan-based leader in digital solutions, sluggish site performance is costing dealers both customers and revenue. After analyzing more than 3,300 U.S. mobile dealer websites in October, Shift Digital uncovered a glaring trend: slow websites are driving potential buyers away, significantly reducing engagement and conversion rates. [Continue reading]

Namecheap Releases Their 2024 Domain Insights and Trends Report

Posted on December 12, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Namecheap, one of the most prominent players in domain registration, has shared its 2024 Domain Insights & Trends Report, offering a rich snapshot of an industry in constant motion. Managing over 20 million domains globally, the company’s report highlights the top performers, surprising shake-ups, and shifting patterns across the domain world. Here’s a closer look at the findings. [Continue reading]

AdCreative.ai’s New Program Is a Game-Changer for Marketing Agencies

Posted on December 11, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

AdCreative.ai Launches Agency Partnership Program

AdCreative.ai, a frontrunner in the world of AI-powered advertising, has unveiled an ambitious initiative poised to redefine the marketing landscape. The company’s Agency Partnership Program aims to provide marketing and advertising agencies with the … [Continue reading]

From Silicon Valley Pioneers to Creative Mavericks: AAF Announces Its 2025 Inductees

Posted on December 11, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) has unveiled its 2025 Advertising Hall of Fame inductees, honoring eight trailblazing individuals and one powerhouse corporation for their groundbreaking contributions to advertising and marketing. … [Continue reading]

Turn Your Digital Vision into Reality: Joget’s Game-Changing White Label Platform

Posted on December 10, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Digital solutions are entering a new era, thanks to Joget’s launch of its White Label Solution. Announced today, this innovative platform empowers companies to create branded, scalable systems that are as unique as their vision. It’s an exciting leap … [Continue reading]

AI Meets Creativity: Clarifai and Getty Images Join Forces to Revolutionize Visual Content

Posted on December 10, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we approach creative content, and the partnership between Clarifai and Getty Images is set to take this innovation to new heights. Announced today, the collaboration focuses on making high-quality, … [Continue reading]

Surprising Links Between ChatGPT and Google Search Revealed in ORM Study

Posted on December 10, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Generative AI, once a staple of science fiction and theoretical debates, is now a cornerstone of modern technology. It’s here, it’s now, and it’s revolutionizing how we live, work, and manage reputations online. A groundbreaking study by Percepto … [Continue reading]

$300 Billion Lost to Fake Reviews: How Consumers Are Being Duped Daily

Posted on December 9, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Fake reviews are no longer just an inconvenience—they're a hidden crisis costing consumers and businesses billions of dollars each year. The Transparency Company’s new report reveals the alarming scale of the issue, identifying $300 billion in annual … [Continue reading]

Is Santa Real? Here’s What 3 Search Engines and 3 AIs Say

Posted on December 4, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Updated December 4, 2024: Updated with searches from ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Bing AI (Microsoft Copilot) Is Santa Real? That's a good question. The short answer is that it depends on who you ask. That's what I found out when I asked three … [Continue reading]

Crack the Code to SEO Success in 2025: Free Webinar with Top Experts

Posted on December 3, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Mastering Hidden Ranking Factors for Organic SEO Growth in 2025 Webinar

Liquid Web is setting the stage for an eye-opening event for digital marketers and business owners looking to supercharge their SEO strategies in 2025. The hosting giant will present a free webinar, "Mastering Hidden Ranking Factors for Organic SEO … [Continue reading]

Google Using Your Images in AI Overviews Without Credit: Where’s the Line?

Posted on December 2, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Don’t you love it when Google uses your photo in their AI Overviews but doesn’t bother to credit you, link to your site, or even mention that it’s your photo? (In this particular case, the image is one I personally created.) It feels a bit like … [Continue reading]

7 Ways to Protect Your Domain Name

Posted on December 1, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

As you may (or may not) know, I run a company called DNProtect. We protect domain names, offer a domain name protection service, but also recover stolen domain names. Unfortunately recovering domain names takes up quite a bit of my time, as it's a … [Continue reading]

TikTok’s Influence Strikes Again: How “Demure” Became 2024’s Word of the Year

Posted on November 26, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Dictionary.com has crowned "demure" as its 2024 Word of the Year, redefining a term that’s quietly taken the cultural spotlight. Once a descriptor for modesty or reservation, "demure" has evolved into a badge of sophistication and … [Continue reading]

Unplugged Joins Forces with Brave Browser: A Privacy-Focused Revolution You Can’t Miss

Posted on November 25, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Privacy enthusiasts have something to celebrate this holiday season. Unplugged, the company behind the UP Phone, has teamed up with Brave Browser to deliver a smartphone experience laser-focused on protecting user data. Starting now, all UP Phones … [Continue reading]

How GoDaddy’s Airo AI is Changing the Game for Small Business Owners in Asia

Posted on November 25, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

For small businesses, time and money aren’t just resources—they’re lifelines. Recognizing this, GoDaddy has introduced GoDaddy Airo™, an AI-powered tool aimed at helping Asian entrepreneurs streamline their operations, establish a strong online … [Continue reading]

Are Ad Giants Colluding? Texas AG Ken Paxton Investigates Potential Boycott Conspiracy

Posted on November 22, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Attorney General Ken Paxton is turning up the heat on advertising industry heavyweights. Paxton’s office has launched an investigation into claims that the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and its affiliated group, the Global Alliance for … [Continue reading]

Orange 142’s New Council Decodes Digital Advertising Channels

Posted on November 22, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) often find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to digital advertising. With new platforms constantly popping up, it’s tough to know where to invest. Enter Orange 142’s Emerging Channels Council, a fresh … [Continue reading]

Influyente Brings Multicultural Marketing into the Spotlight with AI and Authenticity

Posted on November 21, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Refuel Agency has introduced Influyente, a groundbreaking marketing agency aimed at helping brands build meaningful connections with multicultural audiences. Backed by Refuel’s 35+ years of expertise in niche marketing, Influyente steps into a … [Continue reading]

Game-Changing Ad Marketplace Anvara Lets Brands Book Real-World Ads in Clicks

Posted on November 21, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Anvara, a new advertising marketplace, is turning the world of real-world marketing on its head. Think Airbnb, but for premium ad spaces. Whether it’s a Yankee Stadium sponsorship, a Coachella brand activation, or even branding coffee sleeves at a … [Continue reading]

No Website? No Way! Gen Z and Millennials Demand Digital Credibility from Businesses

Posted on November 21, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

A new survey from GoDaddy reveals a startling reality for small business owners: failing to maintain an online presence could mean losing out on two of the most influential consumer groups, Gen Z and Millennials. These tech-savvy shoppers are not … [Continue reading]

RYA: The Game-Changing AI for Bigger, Bolder Marketing Ideas

Posted on November 20, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Episode Four, the creative agency renowned for delivering groundbreaking campaigns for brands like Adobe and Charles Schwab, has announced the launch of RYA™ (Radical Yet Acceptable). This innovative AI tool is set to transform marketing by providing … [Continue reading]

Cision Teams Up with Google Cloud to Revolutionize AI-Powered Communications

Posted on November 20, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Cision, a global leader in communications technology, has announced a collaboration with Google Cloud that will redefine the way businesses approach marketing and PR. By integrating Google Cloud's cutting-edge generative AI (gen AI) into its … [Continue reading]

AI Takes Over: Local News Production Jobs Disappear Overnight

Posted on November 19, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

A Reddit post from a local news production worker has gone viral, shedding light on a growing concern about artificial intelligence replacing human jobs. The user revealed that their station is set to adopt a fully automated AI-driven production … [Continue reading]

How Optimizely’s AI Agents Are Transforming Marketing Efficiency

Posted on November 19, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

At Opticon San Antonio, Optimizely delivered a blockbuster announcement: the launch of AI-powered agents embedded into their flagship platform, Opal. These agents promise to redefine marketing workflows, tackling everything from content creation to … [Continue reading]

Best Practice Media Expands Big Time with We Wild Women Deal

Posted on November 19, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Best Practice Media is making waves in the marketing world with its latest acquisition of We Wild Women, a PR agency celebrated for helping entrepreneurs craft bold media strategies. Announced today, this move positions Best Practice Media as a … [Continue reading]

Fake Reviews Beware: Trustpilot Wins Game-Changing Court Battle

Posted on November 18, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Trustpilot, the global review platform known for connecting consumers and businesses, has landed a major legal victory in the United Kingdom. The company successfully took legal action against three websites—TPR, SMM Service Buy, and SMM 420—that … [Continue reading]

Google Gemini Models Now Power Optimizely: What This Means for Marketers

Posted on November 18, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Optimizely One, the industry’s first marketing operating system, now leverages Google’s Gemini models.

Optimizely has taken a major leap forward in the marketing technology space, thanks to its latest partnership announcement with Google Cloud. The news dropped just before Opticon, the company’s flagship event, and it’s already causing a stir. … [Continue reading]

Google Teams Up with NC Community Colleges to Revolutionize Career Training

Posted on November 15, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) is making waves in the education world by teaming up with Google to roll out no-cost AI and tech training programs across all 58 of its colleges. The partnership brings a golden opportunity for … [Continue reading]

Meet Rivi: The AI-Powered Agent Helping Small Businesses Crush Digital Marketing

Posted on November 14, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Webware.ai, the Toronto-based leader in digital marketing solutions, has just introduced Rivi, an AI-powered marketing agent set to redefine how small businesses establish their online presence. Unlike traditional digital marketing tools, Rivi is … [Continue reading]

AI-Powered Hookle App: The Secret Weapon for U.S. Micro-Business Success

Posted on November 14, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Hookle, a pioneering technology company from Finland, is making a splash in the U.S. market by empowering micro-businesses with a unique, AI-powered approach to social media marketing. Through its streamlined app, Hookle is simplifying digital … [Continue reading]

AI Marketing Tools Exceed Expectations: 80% of Marketers Report Higher ROI in 2024

Posted on November 14, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Invoca’s newest State of AI in B2C Digital Marketing Report offers a compelling look at AI’s transformative influence on the industry in 2024. A standout finding? 80% of marketers say AI tools have exceeded their return on investment (ROI) … [Continue reading]

Artprice’s AI Revolution Boosts Revenue and Dominates Art Market Database

Posted on November 14, 2024 Written by Bill Hartzer

Artprice by Artmarket has hit a new stride in 2024, recording a 13% boost in its Q3 revenue, all thanks to its innovative AI-powered approach, Intuitive Artmarket®. October saw the company introduce this AI-driven tool to its high-end subscribers, … [Continue reading]