Happy New Year — and welcome to 2026.

We’re kicking things off with practical, tactical visibility strategies for brick-and-mortar business owners who want to be found first in a world that’s changing fast.

People aren’t just searching on Google anymore. They’re using tools like ChatGPT and other AI-powered platforms to find the best businesses in their area. And here’s the truth: those tools pull information from what already exists online.

That means your Google Business Profile, your website, and your social media channels still matter — a lot.

In this episode of Brick and Mortar Visibility, we’re focusing on one of the most powerful tools you can use right now: video.

Video keeps people on your social platforms longer, builds trust faster, and helps algorithms push your business further — which ultimately helps AI tools recognize your brand as relevant and credible.

I’m breaking down four simple ways to use video strategically so:

• People stay on your channels longer
• Your brand builds authority and familiarity
• Your visibility compounds instead of stalls
• And your business shows up when people are actively searching

If you want your business found first in 2026, this episode will help you understand why video matters — and how to use it without overthinking it.

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Brick and Mortar Visibility-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Melissa, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast.

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing. With passion, resilience, and tenacity, she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

When she’s not teaching pliés or hitting publish on a podcast, Melissa coaches other brick-and-mortar business owners to become the only option in town—using smart, sustainable SEO strategies like Google Business Profile optimization, blog content, and simple marketing systems that actually work. Off the clock? You’ll find her chasing her five amazing kids, hiking her favorite trails, or getting her hands dirty in the garden.

It’s the last week of December of 2025! And while many of us are resting, traveling, or spending time with family, our minds are quietly turning toward what’s next.

In this short and practical solo episode, I’m sharing a few important reminders and tools to help brick-and-mortar business owners step into 2026 with clarity instead of overwhelm.

We cover:

• A timely Google Business Profile PSA (and why it matters more than you think)
• Why most business owners can’t see the visibility gaps costing them customers
• My $39 Website + Social Media Audit and how it helps you see your business through a customer’s eyes
• And the One-Sheet Planning Tool I use every year to map quarterly goals, build systems, and stay focused

I also walk you through how I use this one-page plan with my team, how it supports SOPs, reviews, and leadership decisions — and why small, intentional changes compound over time.

If you’re looking for a calm, clear way to plan for 2026 without pressure, this episode is for you.

DM me “ONE SHEET” on Instagram or LinkedIn and I’ll send you the template I use or click here!

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Brick and Mortar Visibility-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Melissa, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast.

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing. With passion, resilience, and tenacity, she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

When she’s not teaching pliés or hitting publish on a podcast, Melissa coaches other brick-and-mortar business owners to become the only option in town—using smart, sustainable SEO strategies like Google Business Profile optimization, blog content, and simple marketing systems that actually work. Off the clock? You’ll find her chasing her five amazing kids, hiking her favorite trails, or getting her hands dirty in the garden.

If you’re a brick-and-mortar business owner who avoids credit cards, feels unsure about financing, or worries about taking on debt — this episode is going to challenge (and empower) you in the best way.

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Gerri Detweiler, a nationally recognized credit and financing expert with nearly 30 years of experience helping business owners understand their options, protect their credit, and fund their growth wisely.

In our conversation, we break down:

• The biggest myth about business credit that holds owners back
• The true difference between personal credit vs. business credit
• When a business owner should stop relying only on personal credit
• Where brick-and-mortar businesses most often make costly credit mistakes with leases, equipment, and hiring
• How to determine if financing is a smart growth move — or a risky one
• Surprising financing options many small business owners overlook
• And the systems every brick-and-mortar business should have in place before they ever need funding

We also dive into the role of charge cards (business credit cards) in building strong business credit — even for owners who are afraid of debt — and how to use platforms like Nav to understand your credit profile and funding options before you ever apply.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with:
✔ A clearer understanding of how business credit actually works
✔ More confidence around financing decisions
✔ And practical next steps to protect and strengthen your business financially

If you’re building a local business and want long-term stability, this conversation is essential listening.

A little about our guest:
Gerri Detweiler is a nationally recognized credit and financing expert with nearly 30 years of experience. As a consultant for Nav, she develops programs and content to help small business owners build credit, track cash flow, and understand financing options. She has written six books and her work has appeared in Yahoo!, MSN Money, ABCNews.com, CBSNews.com, NBCNews.com, The Today Show, and more. Gerri has been interviewed for over 4,500 news stories, featured in The New York Times, USA Today, and Reader’s Digest, and appeared on Fox Business, CNN, and other national programs. She is also a frequent speaker at business conferences, works closely with SCORE and Small Business Development Centers, and has testified before Congress as an advocate for credit protections.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website: www.gerridetweiler.com

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerridetweiler

Instagram:@navsmb

Enjoy this episode and make sure you check out the referral page of my website to grab the all year long deals that they offer!

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast.

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing. With passion, resilience, and tenacity, she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

When she’s not teaching pliés or hitting publish on a podcast, Melissa coaches other brick-and-mortar business owners to become the only option in town—using smart, sustainable SEO strategies like Google Business Profile optimization, blog content, and simple marketing systems that actually work. Off the clock? You’ll find her chasing her five amazing kids, hiking her favorite trails, or getting her hands dirty in the garden.

In today’s episode of Brick and Mortar Visibility, I’m pulling back the curtain on a real Social Media + Website Audit I just completed for a business owner who grabbed my Black Friday audit offer, and what I uncovered might surprise you.

Here’s the truth:
Most business owners aren’t struggling with SEO because they’re doing nothing…
They’re struggling because their website and social media platforms aren’t connected clearly or strategically, and it’s silently hurting their visibility.

In this episode, I walk you through:

• Why your homepage needs to do more than look cute
• What actually belongs above the fold for SEO and conversions
• How to structure your homepage so Google and humans understand what you do
• The hidden SEO mistake happening in most website menus
• Why being “creative” with page names can cost you traffic

I also reference a powerful concept from my mentor Donald Miller:

And I explain exactly how that showed up in this audit — and how we fixed it.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “Is my website actually helping my SEO?”
• “Is my social media hurting or helping my Google visibility?”
• “Do people immediately understand what I offer?”

This episode is for you.

🎯 Want my eyes on your website + favorite social platform?
You can grab a full Social Media + Website Audit for just $39 and get clear, actionable feedback you can actually use.

Enjoy this episode and make sure you check out the referral page of my website to grab the all year long deals that they offer!

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast.

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing. With passion, resilience, and tenacity, she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

When she’s not teaching pliés or hitting publish on a podcast, Melissa coaches other brick-and-mortar business owners to become the only option in town—using smart, sustainable SEO strategies like Google Business Profile optimization, blog content, and simple marketing systems that actually work. Off the clock? You’ll find her chasing her five amazing kids, hiking her favorite trails, or getting her hands dirty in the garden.

If you own a boutique, run a retail store, manage inventory, or support product-based businesses — this episode is required listening.

Today I’m joined by Christyne Gray, a distinguished retail accountant, certified tax specialist, and CEO of She Profits Now. For 25 years, Christyne has helped independent retailers, brand creators, and wholesalers elevate their profits, maximize returns, and minimize financial overwhelm.

And here’s why she’s different:
Christyne explains financial strategy in a way no accountant has on this show. She breaks down the concept of profit guardrails — how to create them, why they matter, and how they prevent silent revenue leaks that are SO common in boutique retail.

We also talk about:
✨ Why inventory-based businesses require a different financial approach
✨ The hidden habits that sabotage boutique profit
✨ How to finally understand your numbers without wanting to cry
✨ And why Profit First doesn't work for retail!

If you’re in the retail industry or know someone who is, share this episode with them. Christyne is the go-to accountant for boutique retail, and she’s about to make your financial life SO much clearer.

A bit about our guest: Christyne Gray is a distinguished accountant, certified tax specialist, and the President and CEO of She Profits Now, an elite financial services firm and coaching company. For over 25 years, Christyne has helped independent retailers, brand creators, and wholesalers elevate their profits, maximize their returns, and minimize their stress. She has dedicated her career to helping high-achieving women create profitable and impactful businesses through her Financially Fabulous Coaching Program.

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Brick and Mortar Visibility-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, One on One Coaching, & Referral Partners.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast.

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing. With passion, resilience, and tenacity, she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

When she’s not teaching pliés or hitting publish on a podcast, Melissa coaches other brick-and-mortar business owners to become the only option in town—using smart, sustainable SEO strategies like Google Business Profile optimization, blog content, and simple marketing systems that actually work. Off the clock? You’ll find her chasing her five amazing kids, hiking her favorite trails, or getting her hands dirty in the garden.

As business owners, we are brave.
We are gritty.
We are the ones who raise our hands and say, “Hey, I’ll be the one to lead. I’ll open the storefront. I’ll be the one who takes the risk.”

But… we don’t do any of this alone.

We have:

• the mentors who guide us
• the tools that keep us organized
• the experts we trust
• the partners who cheer us on
• and the small business community that keeps the flame lit

I wanted to pause in this week of gratitude and say out loud what we all know is true:

We are only able to serve, share, and show up because others pour into us.

And that’s exactly why I’m sharing my Tools I Love list today.

Not because I get a small referral bonus, but because when something WORKS…when something makes our life easier…when something saves us time, money, or emotional bandwidth…

We SHARE it.
Because that’s what good friends do.
We share the recipe.
We share the shortcut.
We share the wisdom.

Enjoy this episode and make sure you check out the referral page of my website to grab the all year long deals that they offer!

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast.

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing. With passion, resilience, and tenacity, she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

When she’s not teaching pliés or hitting publish on a podcast, Melissa coaches other brick-and-mortar business owners to become the only option in town—using smart, sustainable SEO strategies like Google Business Profile optimization, blog content, and simple marketing systems that actually work. Off the clock? You’ll find her chasing her five amazing kids, hiking her favorite trails, or getting her hands dirty in the garden.

Feeling stuck on how to market your business without spending a dime?

In this episode, Melissa shares a brilliant (and completely free) marketing idea from a local therapist who turned her passion for walk-and-talk therapy into a 260-person community event — and a brand visibility dream.

We’ll unpack:
✨ What made this event so effective (and how it cost almost nothing)
✨ How to find your version of “the walking club” in your business
✨ Why authentic connection beats clever ads every time
✨ Creative, low-cost community outreach ideas for studios and local businesses

PLUS — Melissa shares two no-brainer Black Friday offers designed to help you finish 2025 strong and set yourself up for your best year yet.

Because visibility doesn’t have to cost a fortune — sometimes, it just takes one creative idea.

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Brick and Mortar Visibility-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Melissa, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.

Local to Stillwater, MN and want to join the walking club?

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast.

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing. With passion, resilience, and tenacity, she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

When she’s not teaching pliés or hitting publish on a podcast, Melissa coaches other brick-and-mortar business owners to become the only option in town—using smart, sustainable SEO strategies like Google Business Profile optimization, blog content, and simple marketing systems that actually work. Off the clock? You’ll find her chasing her five amazing kids, hiking her favorite trails, or getting her hands dirty in the garden.

A five-hour drive. A state tournament. A parking lot full of parents waiting to hug their crying teenagers.
And a moment with my son that completely unraveled me.

Today’s episode isn’t just a story about soccer — it’s a story about business, resilience, support, and why you absolutely cannot build a meaningful life or business alone.

Inside, I share:
• The emotional moment that stopped me in my tracks
• Why empathy matters more than achievement
• The real reason entrepreneurs burn out (hint: isolation)
• What every business owner needs but rarely asks for
• Why masterminds and safe circles dramatically change your growth
• And how to stop white-knuckling your way through the hard seasons

If you’ve been feeling tired, overwhelmed, or like you’re carrying your business on your own shoulders… this episode is a warm blanket, a deep breath, and a gentle nudge toward the support you deserve.

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Brick and Mortar Visibility-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Melissa, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast.

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing. With passion, resilience, and tenacity, she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

When she’s not teaching pliés or hitting publish on a podcast, Melissa coaches other brick-and-mortar business owners to become the only option in town—using smart, sustainable SEO strategies like Google Business Profile optimization, blog content, and simple marketing systems that actually work. Off the clock? You’ll find her chasing her five amazing kids, hiking her favorite trails, or getting her hands dirty in the garden.