FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Short, direct answers to the questions small business owners ask us most, grouped by goal. Every answer links to the page with the full explanation.
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Get more customers · Marketing & SEO · AI, apps & automation · Cybersecurity & IT · Staffing & VAs · Free tools · Resources · About
Get more customers
My competitor has 500 reviews. Is it too late to catch up?
No. Google cares heavily about "recency." If they have 500 reviews from three years ago, but you get 20 brand new 5-star reviews this month, it can help you, because Google and customers both pay attention to fresh, active profiles. Full answer: How do I beat my competitors online? →
Should I just run Google Ads to beat them?
Google Ads are a great way to jump to the top of the line immediately while you build your long-term SEO. But if you rely only on ads, the minute you stop paying, your competitor wins again. The best strategy uses ads for quick wins and SEO for long-term dominance. Full answer: How do I beat my competitors online? →
Is it illegal to look at what my competitor is doing online?
Not at all. In fact, it's mandatory if you want to win. Analyzing what keywords they rank for, what their website looks like, and what their customers say in reviews is standard competitive research. We do it for all our clients. Full answer: How do I beat my competitors online? →
Are Facebook and Instagram enough?
Social media is great for branding, but the algorithms limit who sees your posts. When you own their phone number or email, you have a direct line to them with extremely high open rates on text messages. Full answer: How do I fill my restaurant on weeknights? →
Will texting customers annoy them?
Not if you do it right. If you text them every day, yes, they will unsubscribe. If you text them twice a month with a genuinely good offer (like a free appetizer or a special event invite), they will love it and come in. Full answer: How do I fill my restaurant on weeknights? →
Do I really need a website if I have Yelp and Google?
Yes. Your website is where you control the narrative, showcase your menu without third-party ads, capture customer data, and handle online ordering without paying commission fees to delivery apps. Full answer: How do I fill my restaurant on weeknights? →
Can I just buy fake 5-star reviews?
Absolutely not. Google's AI is incredibly smart at catching fake reviews bought from overseas farms. They will delete the reviews, flag your profile, and in severe cases, permanently suspend your business listing. It is never worth the risk. Full answer: Get more 5-star reviews →
Can I offer customers a discount to leave a review?
No. Google's terms of service strictly prohibit offering incentives (like money, discounts, or free items) in exchange for reviews. You must ask for honest feedback without bribery. Full answer: Get more 5-star reviews →
What if someone leaves a fake 1-star review?
You can flag it to Google as a violation if they were never a customer. However, the best defense against a 1-star review is having fifty 5-star reviews to drown it out. People expect to see one or two crazy people; they just want to see that the majority love you. Full answer: Get more 5-star reviews →
Should I just buy Zillow leads?
Zillow leads are incredibly expensive and often shared. You are renting an audience. Building your own local SEO and personal brand means you own the asset, and the leads call you exclusively. Full answer: How do I get more buyers and sellers as a real estate agent? →
Marketing & SEO
What if I don't have a physical office?
That's fine. Google allows you to register as a "Service Area Business." You hide your home address and instead tell Google the towns or counties you travel to for work. You can still rank in the Map Pack. Full answer: Get on Google Maps →
Why did my business disappear from Google Maps?
Google frequently suspends profiles if they suspect spam, if you changed your address, or if a competitor reported you. Getting unsuspended requires submitting proof of business (like a utility bill or tax document) directly to Google support. Full answer: Get on Google Maps →
Do I need a website to be on Google Maps?
Technically no, but practically yes. A profile without a website looks unprofessional to customers, and Google uses the words on your website to figure out what you do. Without a website, it is very hard to rank in the top 3. Full answer: Get on Google Maps →
How long does it take to build?
A proper lead-generation website takes between 4 and 8 weeks to build. This includes time for writing the content, designing the pages, and optimizing everything for Google. Full answer: What does a website cost? →
Do I own the website when it's done?
You should. Some agencies trap you by retaining ownership of the domain or the code. At Casper B2B, once the project is paid for, you own 100% of your website and your domain. Full answer: What does a website cost? →
Is ad spend included in the management fee?
Almost never. Your ad budget is billed by Google to your own card or account, and the manager's fee is separate. Ask any provider to confirm in writing that the ad account is in your name. Full answer: Google Ads management cost →
Is a percentage of ad spend or a flat fee better?
A flat fee keeps the manager's incentive on results instead of on raising your spend. A percentage can make sense for large budgets that swing a lot. Either way, ask what is included and what costs extra. Full answer: Google Ads management cost →
How long before Google Ads pays off?
Ads can bring calls in the first week. Expect about 30 days of data before meaningful optimization and steady improvement over the first 60–90 days. Full answer: Google Ads management cost →
Can I run Google Ads myself?
Yes, if you have time to check search terms, adjust bids and fix tracking every week. Most small businesses that run ads alone overspend on broad keywords that never buy. Full answer: Google Ads management cost →
Why do some agencies charge $200 a month?
At that price there is little time for anything beyond the initial setup. Ask how many hours a month the account gets and who does the work. Full answer: Google Ads management cost →
AI, apps & automation
Can I get an AI chatbot for free?
Yes. Several tools have free plans that answer questions from your website. They rarely book appointments or send leads to your CRM, which is where the value is. Full answer: AI chatbot cost →
Is there a monthly fee for an AI chatbot?
Almost always. You pay for the platform, the AI usage and, with a done-for-you service, monitoring and updates. Full answer: AI chatbot cost →
Will an AI chatbot make things up?
It can, if it is not limited to your own information. A good setup restricts answers to your approved content and hands off to a person when unsure. Full answer: AI chatbot cost →
How long does it take to set up?
A DIY bot takes an afternoon. A done-for-you chatbot trained on your business and connected to your systems usually takes one to three weeks. Full answer: AI chatbot cost →
Does an AI chatbot replace my staff?
No. It handles the repetitive first questions and after-hours inquiries so your team spends time on customers who are ready to buy. See will AI replace my business? Full answer: AI chatbot cost →
What should I ask before I buy?
Who owns the conversation data, how it hands off to a human, what it costs per month at your volume, and how wrong answers get fixed. Full answer: AI chatbot cost →
Will a chatbot annoy my customers?
A bad chatbot will. A good chatbot simply asks, "How can we help you today?" and collects their information so you can call them back with context. Customers prefer a helpful chatbot over leaving a voicemail and hoping someone calls them back. Full answer: Will AI replace my business? →
Do I need to hire an IT person to manage this?
No. When you work with an agency like Casper B2B, we build the system, test it, and plug it directly into your phone or email. You just keep running your business, and the leads show up on your phone automatically. Full answer: Will AI replace my business? →
What is an AI receptionist for a restaurant?
It's AI that answers your restaurant's phone calls and text messages, takes orders, books reservations and notifies your team about each one, so guests get an answer even when nobody can pick up. Full answer: AI receptionist for restaurants →
Does it answer phone calls or only texts?
Both. It answers phone calls and text messages. Full answer: AI receptionist for restaurants →
Cybersecurity & IT
Can't I just use my nephew who is good with computers?
Being good at fixing a home Wi-Fi router is completely different from securing a business network against Russian ransomware gangs. Your nephew might be able to set up a printer, but he cannot legally assure your clients that their data is protected by industry standards. Full answer: Do I need an IT person? →
What happens if a computer actually breaks?
Most IT issues are software problems that we fix remotely by logging into the computer while the employee watches. If a physical part breaks (like a hard drive), we dispatch a local technician to your office to replace it. Full answer: Do I need an IT person? →
Is per-user or per-device pricing better?
Per user is simpler when each person has a laptop and a phone; per device fits shared computers, like a front desk or shop floor. Ask the provider to show both for your setup. Full answer: Managed IT services cost →
What isn't included in a managed IT fee?
Usually new hardware, software licenses such as Microsoft 365, big projects like an office move or server migration, and sometimes on-site visits. Get the exclusions in writing. Full answer: Managed IT services cost →
Why is break-fix cheaper on paper?
You only pay when something breaks, but nothing is done to stop it breaking, and an outage costs far more than the support bill. Break-fix suits very small offices with simple needs. Full answer: Managed IT services cost →
Do I need a long contract?
Many providers ask for 12–36 months. A shorter term or a clear exit clause with handover of passwords and documentation protects you. Full answer: Managed IT services cost →
Does managed IT include cybersecurity?
Good plans include the basics: antivirus or endpoint protection, updates, email filtering, backups and multi-factor sign-in. Advanced monitoring and compliance work are often extra. See what cybersecurity costs . Full answer: Managed IT services cost →
Is my business too small for managed IT?
Even a three-person office loses money when email, files or the card terminal go down. Small teams often start with monitoring, backups and security, then add help desk support. Full answer: Managed IT services cost →
Is antivirus enough?
No. Antivirus misses most modern attacks, which use stolen passwords and phishing. See why antivirus isn't enough . Full answer: Small business cybersecurity cost →
Is cybersecurity included in managed IT?
The basics often are: updates, endpoint protection, email filtering and backups. Round-the-clock monitoring, training, assessments and compliance work are frequently extra. Full answer: Small business cybersecurity cost →
Staffing & VAs
Is it cheaper to hire a VA directly?
The hourly rate is lower, but you take on recruiting, payroll, international payments, training and replacement. Many owners find a managed service cheaper once their own time is counted. Full answer: Virtual assistant cost →
What can a virtual assistant do?
Email and calendar, customer service, data entry, CRM updates, bookkeeping, social media, lead research, appointment setting and more. See our list of virtual staffing roles . Full answer: Virtual assistant cost →
Do virtual assistants work US hours?
Many offshore assistants work US business hours by agreement. Confirm the overlap you need before you hire. Full answer: Virtual assistant cost →
How do I keep my data safe with a VA?
Give each assistant their own login with multi-factor sign-in, share only the systems they need, and use a password manager instead of sending passwords. Full answer: Virtual assistant cost →
Part-time or full-time?
Start part-time if you have under 20 hours of delegable work a week. Full-time dedicated assistants make sense once a role is clearly defined and steady. Full answer: Virtual assistant cost →
How fast can I get a virtual assistant?
Freelancers can start within days. A vetted dedicated assistant through a managed service usually takes one to three weeks, depending on the role. Full answer: Virtual assistant cost →
What is a dedicated virtual assistant?
A dedicated virtual assistant is one remote professional who works only for your business, not a shared pool bouncing between clients. With Casper VA, CasperB2B recruits and manages the VA and handles payroll and vetting, and you assign the daily tasks. Full answer: Casper VA →
Who manages a Casper VA?
You direct the daily tasks and give feedback; CasperB2B handles recruiting, payroll, compliance and vetting. VAs are matched to your time zone and work your business hours. Full answer: Casper VA →
How much does a dedicated virtual assistant cost?
A Casper VA is a flat monthly rate with no payroll taxes or benefits to cover. Your exact rate depends on the role and is quoted on a 15-minute fit call. Full answer: Casper VA →
How much does a Bookkeeping VA cost?
A dedicated Bookkeeping VA is a flat monthly rate with no hidden fees, payroll taxes, benefits or long-term contracts — your exact rate is quoted on a 15-minute fit call. Full answer: Hire a Dedicated Virtual Bookkeeping Assistant →
Free tools
What is a good LTV to CAC ratio?
Between 3:1 and 5:1 is generally considered the sweet spot. Below 3:1 margins are tight; above 5:1 you may be underinvesting in marketing and growing slower than you could. Full answer: LTV to CAC Ratio Calculator →
How is LTV calculated here?
Lifetime value is average monthly revenue per account times gross margin, divided by monthly churn rate. CAC is monthly sales and marketing spend divided by new customers acquired that month. Full answer: LTV to CAC Ratio Calculator →
How do I calculate my max cost per click?
Start with the share of a customer's value you are willing to spend to win them (your target CPA). Multiply it by your lead-to-sale rate to get your target cost per lead, then multiply that by your click-to-lead rate to get your max CPC. Full answer: Marketing budget calculator →
Resources
What does friction mean in business?
Friction is anything that makes it harder for your team to do their best work or for customers to give you money — clunky software, slow approvals, buried pricing, unnecessary meetings. Full answer: Leadership is About Removing Friction: The Real Job of a CEO →
What does MICE stand for?
Money, Ideology, Coercion (or Compromise) and Ego — a framework from the intelligence world for why people take major decisions. In business it maps to rewards, belief, pressure and pride. Full answer: What Motivates People? Rewards, Ideology, Coercion or Ego →
How do I market to different motivations?
Show reward-driven buyers the results, ideology-driven buyers the mission, pressure-driven buyers the cost of waiting, and ego-driven buyers the standard they can reach. Full answer: What Motivates People? Rewards, Ideology, Coercion or Ego →
What are the stages of a marketing funnel?
Top of funnel (awareness), middle (consideration), bottom (conversion) and post-purchase (retention and advocacy). Each stage needs different content and offers. Full answer: Full-Funnel Marketing Strategy →
Does marketing stop after the sale?
No. Keeping existing customers is usually cheaper than winning new ones, so onboarding, check-ins, review requests and referral programs are part of the funnel. Full answer: Full-Funnel Marketing Strategy →
What metrics should I track in a sales pipeline?
Conversion rates between stages, average deal size and sales cycle length, so you can find and fix the bottlenecks. Full answer: B2B Sales & Pipeline Strategy →
What is the consultative sales process?
Diagnose before you pitch: ask questions to find the root cause of the prospect's problem, then present solutions tied to what they told you, using frameworks like BANT or MEDDIC. Full answer: B2B Sales & Pipeline Strategy →
How do you calculate the cost of inaction?
Estimate what the fix would produce or save per month — hours, leads or revenue — and multiply by how long you delay it. Full answer: The Hidden Cost of Inaction: Why Waiting Is So Expensive →
What is the difference between consulting and done-for-you?
Consulting tells you what to do; a done-for-you partner takes the checklist, executes every item and hands you the finished result. Full answer: The Premium on Execution: Why 'Done-For-You' is the New Standard →
About
2. How does the cookie life work for affiliate tracking?
The cookie life for affiliate tracking is 365 days. This means that if a user clicks on your affiliate link and signs up within 365 days of their first visit, you will be credited with the sale and earn your commission. Full answer: Marketing Agency Affiliate Program: Build Recurring Income →
3. What are the payout terms for affiliates?
CasperB2B operates on a Net-15 payout schedule. This means that you will receive your payout on the 15th of the month following the month in which earnings were generated. Payments are sent via PayPal, providing a secure and convenient method to receive your earnings. Full answer: Marketing Agency Affiliate Program: Build Recurring Income →
4. What are my responsibilities as an affiliate?
Your primary responsibility as an affiliate is to promote CasperB2B's services to potential clients. You should use honest and ethical methods, adhering to all applicable laws and regulations. You are permitted to use the marketing materials provided by CasperB2B but are not authorized to modify them without prior… Full answer: Marketing Agency Affiliate Program: Build Recurring Income →
5. Are there any prohibited activities?
Yes, certain activities are prohibited to maintain the integrity of the affiliate program. These include: Spamming (sending unsolicited emails or messages). Using adware, spyware, or malware. Misleading advertising or making false claims about CasperB2B's services. Offering unauthorized incentives (e.g., cash back… Full answer: Marketing Agency Affiliate Program: Build Recurring Income →
6. How does CasperB2B handle intellectual property?
CasperB2B grants affiliates a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use CasperB2B's trademarks, logos, and marketing materials solely for the purpose of promoting the program. Affiliates must not modify the provided marketing materials in any way without prior written approval from CasperB2B. All… Full answer: Marketing Agency Affiliate Program: Build Recurring Income →
7. What happens if I want to terminate my affiliate relationship?
Either party may terminate the affiliate relationship at any time, for any reason, with 30 days' written notice to the other party. Upon termination, you will no longer be entitled to receive any commissions for new sales generated after the termination date. However, you will continue to receive commissions for… Full answer: Marketing Agency Affiliate Program: Build Recurring Income →
8. What legal protections are in place for affiliates?
CasperB2B provides several legal protections for affiliates, including: Limitation of Liability: CasperB2B will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your participation in the Affiliate Program. Indemnification: Affiliates agree to indemnify and hold harmless CasperB2B from… Full answer: Marketing Agency Affiliate Program: Build Recurring Income →
How long does onboarding take?
Systems typically launch from day 15, after setup on days 4-7 and drafts, feedback and approval on days 8-14. Full answer: After you sign →
How will I get updates after launch?
You get weekly status updates and a monthly strategy review, so you always know what is being worked on and who is responsible. Full answer: After you sign →
What happens in the first step?
We start with a discovery audit of your website, local SEO signals, conversion paths and digital systems to find where you are losing customers. Full answer: Our process →
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