Local SEO & AI Visibility for Local Businesses

Next Step Connect is a digital marketing agency that helps local businesses and residential communities get found online. Founded in 2014 by Mike Forgie, we specialize in local SEO, AI visibility, and web design that drives real results.

We work with apartment communities, 55+ and active adult communities, assisted living facilities, recovery centers, and local service businesses across the United States. Our focus is simple: make your business the first one people find, whether they're searching on Google, asking ChatGPT, or using Google AI Mode.

What sets us apart is our approach to AI search. Most agencies still optimize for traditional search results. We optimize for both, making sure your business shows up in Google's Map Pack and in the AI-powered answers that are replacing traditional search for millions of people every day.

Our services include local SEO and Google Business Profile management, AI visibility optimization across ChatGPT, Google AI Mode, and Perplexity, conversion-focused web design, and Google Ads management.

Results from our work include a 1,659% increase in direction requests for an apartment community (from 17 to 299 per month), holding 2 of the top 3 Google AI results for "apartments in Carteret NJ" for our clients, and driving 742 monthly conversions at $3.99 per click for a Google Ads campaign.

We believe local businesses deserve the same visibility that big brands get. Every strategy we build is designed to make that happen.

Based in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Serving clients nationally.

United States United States
600 4th Ave, Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
7327848847
$300+/hr
2 - 9
2014

Why Next Step Connect?

  • Local SEO and AI visibility specialists
  • Over 10 years serving local businesses
  • Results-driven, no long-term contracts

Service Focus

Focus of Digital Marketing
  • SEO Services - 50%
  • PPC - 20%
  • Generative Engine Optimization - 30%

Industry Focus

  • Real Estate - 60%
  • Healthcare & Medical - 25%
  • Business Services - 15%

Client Focus

90% Small Business
10% Medium Business

AI Tools & Purpose

Claude Claude

AI content strategy and workflow automation

ChatGPT ChatGPT

Client AI visibility testing and monitoring

Gemini Gemini

AI image generation and search testing

Google Analytics Google Analytics

Traffic and conversion tracking

Bright Local Bright Local

Local rankings and citation monitoring

DataForSEO DataForSEO

Keyword research and technical SEO audits

Google Search Console Google Search Console

Search performance and indexing monitoring

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