Michael Chase

Michael Chase - Founder & Marketing Strategist at Capstone Design Group Michael is a results-driven marketing strategist and the founder of Capstone Design Group, a Raleigh-based digital marketing agency specializing in website design, SEO, and conversion optimization. With a passion for helping businesses grow through proven marketing, Michael has helped countless companies—from software technology firms to healthcare practices—transform their online presence and boost their bottom line. As an award-winning professional (Best Web Developers in Raleigh 2025, Best Graphic Designers in Raleigh 2025), Michael brings real-world experience to every project. His expertise spans website development, search engine optimization, PPC advertising, and marketing automation, with a particular focus on creating high-converting digital experiences that work as 24/7 salespeople for his clients. Michael's approach goes beyond trendy tactics—he believes in sustainable, psychology-based marketing strategies that deliver measurable results. When he's not building, optimizing websites or crafting marketing campaigns, you can find Michael playing guitar or drums, and spending time with family. Ready to transform your marketing results? Connect with Michael for a free strategy consultation at 919-899-1440.

How to Read Search Console Like a Pro

Introduction: Why Mastering Search Console Matters for Busy Business Owners Google Search Console is one of the most undervalued tools in the digital marketing stack. Many small business owners log in once, glance at a few numbers, and leave feeling more overwhelmed than informed. But when you understand how to read Search Console like a […]

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Link Building That Isn’t Spammy: Digital PR Tactics for SMBs

Introduction — Why Non-Spammy Link Building Matters for SMBs in Raleigh For many small business owners and B2B service providers, “link building” often feels like a suspicious SEO chore—something agencies promise, but few explain clearly. And when the phrase “quality backlinks” gets thrown around, it usually comes packaged with a spreadsheet of domains that look

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Topical Authority: How to Plan Clusters That Rank

Introduction — Why Building Topical Authority Matters for Small Businesses   The Cost of Not Having Structured Topic Clusters When content is created in isolation—one blog today, a random topic tomorrow—it results in a scattered website that lacks depth and authority. Search engines struggle to understand expertise, leading to unstable rankings and low visibility. Businesses

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Technical SEO Triage: Fix These 8 Issues First

Introduction — Why Technical SEO Is the First Step to Better Visibility Most businesses think about SEO in terms of keywords, content, or social presence. But long before any page can rank—or even be seen—your website must be technically sound. Think of technical SEO as the foundation of a building: if the base is weak,

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Internal Linking Strategies That Move Rankings Fast

Introduction — Why Internal Linking Strategies Matter for Growth-Focused Businesses Most business owners focus on keywords, content, or backlinks when trying to improve their search rankings—but very few pay attention to one of the highest-impact, lowest-effort SEO levers available: internal linking. Done right, internal linking can help your best pages rank faster, improve engagement, reduce

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On-Page SEO in 30 Minutes: A Practical Checklist

<!doctype html>     Introduction – Why On-Page SEO Still Matters for Small Businesses in Raleigh Imagine spending money on ads, building a beautiful website, and still seeing little traffic or engagement. Many small business owners in Raleigh face this exact frustration. They wonder why their website doesn’t show up when potential customers search for

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Local Pack Playbook: How to Win More GMB/GBP Calls

    Introduction – Why Google Business Profile Optimization Matters for Local Visibility For most local businesses today, the Google Business Profile (GBP) has quietly become the new homepage. It’s the first place potential customers encounter your brand — often before they ever visit your website. Whether you’re a law firm in downtown Raleigh, a

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What a Proper Google Ads Audit Should Include

Introduction – Why Every Business Needs a Proper Google Ads Audit Running Google Ads without regular audits is like driving with your eyes half closed — you’re moving fast, but you have no idea if you’re on the right road. Many small businesses and B2B service providers in Raleigh invest heavily in Google Ads, yet

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PPC + SEO: Why Running Both Improves Each Channel

Introduction – The Power of Integration for Local Businesses Most business owners face the same question when planning their digital marketing strategy: Should I invest in PPC for quick results or SEO for sustainable growth? It often feels like a trade-off — between speed and stability, between paid visibility and organic credibility. But the truth

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How to Structure Campaigns for Scale (SKAGs vs. Thematic)

Introduction – Why Campaign Structure Matters for Businesses In Google Ads, structure isn’t just a matter of organization — it’s the foundation that determines whether your marketing dollars bring real leads or quietly disappear. For small business owners across Raleigh and the Triangle region, digital visibility can make or break growth. Yet many campaigns are

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