At WSI Smart Marketing, being named Best Marketing Agency in Sonoma County 2025 by Business Rate is a testament to the heart, hustle, and client-first mindset that fuels everything we do.
As a digital marketing company in Sonoma County, we’ve always taken pride in our local roots. But more than that, we’ve grown into a nationally recognized team, serving clients across the country while staying deeply connected to the businesses and people in our community.
A Local Team with National Impact
We started right here in Sonoma County nearly two decades ago. And while we’ve scaled our operations and team to support businesses nationwide, about 40% of our client portfolio is still right here at home.
We’re proud to say that the same people you see at your local grocery store, the gym, or the coffee shop are the ones behind the award-winning strategies that help local and national businesses grow.
That’s what makes this recognition so meaningful; it’s homegrown.
What Sets WSI Apart? It’s All About the Partnership
You’ll never hear us refer to ourselves as vendors or suppliers. That’s just not who we are.
We believe in long-term, collaborative relationships. Our clients treat us like a part of their team and that’s exactly how we operate.
Why? Because the closer we are to your business goals, your challenges, and your vision, the better results we can deliver. Whether you’re a local boutique or a national eCommerce brand, our approach stays the same: customized, committed, and results-driven.
Real Reviews, Real Results
The Business Rate award wasn’t handed to us, it was earned. Based on both the volume and sentiment of authentic client reviews across platforms, the award recognized:
- Depth and quality of client feedback
- Consistency of 5-star reviews
- Helpful insights that guide others’ decision-making
What do clients say? That we’re communicative, transparent, and most importantly, easy to work with.
Even with overwhelmingly positive feedback, we’re constantly asking: “How can we improve?” That humility fuels our growth.
Innovation with a Personal Touch
Our team is always adapting. From streamlined communication protocols to goal-focused reporting dashboards, we build systems around what matters most to each client. Whether it’s lead generation, online sales, or brand awareness, we measure what moves the needle for your business.
We also ask the tough questions up front: What’s worked for you before? What hasn’t? What are your goals, and what would success look like if you could wave a magic wand?
These answers shape custom strategies, not cookie-cutter solutions. And we never sell services just to stay busy. If it doesn’t drive value, we won’t recommend it.
Winning Together
CEO Ryan Kelly says it best: “…we like to say that we make winners. We help companies win. So how special is it that the team that focuses so much on making companies winners won this great award?”
At the heart of it all is our team. A passionate group of strategists, creatives, analysts, and account managers who genuinely care about every client they serve.
From Sonoma County and Beyond
WSI Smart Marketing’s journey from a small local agency to a national force in digital marketing is built on trust, transparency, and tireless execution. Whether you’re a Sonoma County business or scaling nationwide, we’re ready to grow with you.
Ready to work with a real partner in marketing? Let’s talk!
Contact WSI Smart Marketing online or give us a call today at (707) 843-3714
So, Why Should You Care?
If you’re a business owner, marketing director, or even a digital marketing company in Santa Rosa (nerds like us!), this shift matters. It means your website and content need to keep up with how people are actually searching. And even more so, understanding what signals AI is using to answer questions. Because let’s face it, you want to be the authority in your field or industry!
Short, generic keywords just won’t cut it anymore. Today’s searches are more like full-blown questions, even conversations! And your users, fans, and prospects are looking for personalized answers.
- Short-tail keywords (like “marketing agency”) are fading out. Dead like Elvis; we miss him but gone!
- Long-tail, natural-sounding questions (like “who’s the best marketing agency near me that specializes in small businesses?”) are the new norm.
- Search engines are becoming answer engines, and they’re favoring helpful, structured, well-written content. Content that answers real questions that real people are asking, in real time. Articles that solve problems. Blogs that teach us amazing things. Videos that help us “fix” things. Relative is the new norm.
AI Optimization: More Than Just a Buzzword
We’re entering the era of Generative Search Optimization. Yep, GSO. Or is it called AIO, Artificial Intelligence Optimization? Who knows right now, but we know this:
AI is constantly scanning for the most relevant, helpful, and well-organized content to serve as answers to user questions.
And you want to be the authority. The organization that everyone turns to when they need someone like you.
And content? It’s still the MVP.
If your content is solid, informative, and answers real questions people are asking, you’re already ahead. But it’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it and how you structure it.
That means:
- Writing consistently and with authority.
- Creating content that actually helps people.
- Structuring your pages with clear headlines, summaries, and Q&A-style answers; just like AI likes to deliver them.
Whether you’re talking to ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or another AI search tool, the content that gets pulled up first is the one that checks all those boxes.
4 Things You Can Do Right Now
If you’re starting to wonder how your website stacks up in this new AI-driven world, here are a few simple things you can do today:
1. Review your content
Does it sound like something your customers would actually search for? Are you answering a question in a clear, organized, and concise manner?
2. Structure smarter
Think summaries, clear headlines, and easy-to-skim answers. The easier the better.
3. Be local and proud
Make sure you’re showing up for local searches by showcasing your community ties and local credibility.
4. Stay flexible
AI search is still evolving, and keeping up with it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you stay proactive. Never stop learning and never stop adapting.
Let’s Chat If You’re Ready to Keep Up with the Times
AI isn’t just changing how we search; it’s changing how businesses get found. If that sounds a little intimidating, don’t worry. You’re not alone. We’ve got you covered.
At WSI Smart Marketing, we help businesses like yours figure out how to show up online in all the right ways and all the right places. Whether it’s on AI overviews, Google, large language models like Chat GPT, or wherever your customers are searching.
Have questions? Want to brainstorm ideas?
Let’s talk. Your digital marketing and AIO company is just a message away.
Contact us online now or give us a call at (707) 843-3714 to get started.
