Marketing Agency FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Straight answers about pricing, timelines, SEO, AI search, Google Ads and working with BrightFoundry.
Working with BrightFoundry
Who will I actually work with?
George Murphy, the founder. He builds your plan, does or directs the work, and runs your monthly check-in.
What types of businesses do you work with?
Service businesses where a new client is worth real money: law firms, healthcare practices, professional services firms, home and trade services, and schools. Our deepest experience is in legal marketing.
Do you work with businesses outside Maryland?
Yes. We work with clients nationwide, entirely remotely.
What happens on the first call?
We talk about your goals, your market and what you have tried. We review your website and search presence beforehand, so you leave with useful ideas whether or not we work together.
How often will we talk?
At least once a month for a results review, plus email and phone access whenever you need it.
Pricing
How much does it cost?
Engagements start at $1,000 per month. Most businesses running ads and SEO invest $2,000 to $5,000 per month. Fractional CMO engagements range from $5,000 to $20,000+ per month.
Is ad spend included in the monthly fee?
No. Ad spend is paid directly to Google or the ad platform. Our fee covers strategy and management.
Who owns our accounts and website?
You do. Ad accounts, analytics, Google Business Profile, website and content all stay in your name.
Timelines and reporting
How soon will we get more calls?
Google Ads and Local Services Ads can produce calls within days of launch. SEO usually takes three to six months to build steady momentum.
Do you guarantee results?
No honest agency can guarantee rankings or lead volume. We commit to doing the work well, tracking every call and lead, and telling you plainly what is and is not working.
How do you report?
A monthly report showing calls, form leads and where they came from, plus a call to decide what to do next.
How do you track calls and leads?
We set up call tracking numbers, form tracking and Google Analytics, and connect them to your CRM where possible.
Services
What is the difference between SEO and Google Ads?
Google Ads puts you at the top of results right away, and you pay for each click or lead. SEO earns unpaid visibility over time. Most businesses do best with both.
What are Local Services Ads?
Google ads that appear above all other results with a Google screening badge. You pay for each lead, and there is no charge for clicks. They are available for many legal, home service and professional categories.
What is GEO or AI search optimization?
Generative engine optimization helps your business get mentioned in answers from ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini and Google AI Overviews. It builds on strong SEO and is included in our SEO work.
Do you build websites?
Yes. We build fast, search-ready WordPress websites designed to generate calls and leads.
Can you work alongside our current agency?
Yes. We can manage one channel, or oversee your agencies as an independent advisor.
What is a fractional CMO?
A senior marketing leader who works with you part time. You get strategy, budget planning and vendor management without a full-time executive salary.
Still have a question?
Call or send a note. You will get a straight answer.
Gaithersburg, Maryland. Serving clients nationwide.
Tell us about your business