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lemoncrushh · 4 months ago

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Too Far From Texas | Chapter Six

STORY PAGE

Word Count: 5716

Since I didn’t have to be back home until 2:30 when Jasmine got home from school, Lorelei and I slept in and ordered room service for breakfast before heading out on the road. We’d received a group text from our agent Kris, informing us that we’d nearly doubled the sales from the Houston book signing, and she was eager to book us for a longer tour, possibly starting with Dallas, but she’d let us know the details before the end of the day on Friday. I reminded her that if at all possible, I’d rather not start until Wednesday since Tuesday was Halloween and I wanted to be with my kids. She said she understood and would do all she could.

When I arrived home, I quickly unpacked and dropped a load of laundry in the washer to get it out of the way. Then I made a cup of coffee and sat on the sofa with my phone. I hadn’t talked to Harry since the texts the night before, and I was anticipating at least one new one or perhaps a voicemail, but I was a little disappointed when I found nothing.

Deciding it was still early, I sent him a short message saying I hoped he was having a good day. Then I texted Tod to ask how Jasmine’s doctor’s appointment had gone. I was relieved when he said it went fine, just an increase in pill dosage, and that she’d been smiling that morning when she left on the school bus.

The girls were both happy to see me when they got home that afternoon, and we all sat in front of the TV and ate ice cream and watched SpongeBob before they both retreated to their rooms while I prepared dinner.

I wasn’t sure why, but I found myself checking my phone every ten minutes, hoping to see Harry’s name pop up. I laughed at myself and shook my head. I was being ridiculous. It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours and already I was expecting some sort of reassurance. So, I’d had the nightmare, big deal. He didn’t know anything about it for one thing, and he definitely didn’t know how it had thrown me for a loop. Plus, he was busy. In fact, I didn’t even know exactly where he was - if he was still in Chicago or had left already for another city.

After dinner I was trying to distract myself by watching a sitcom when I heard my phone ping on the table. Lorelei.

Hey look at your boy.

Underneath was a link to an online article titled Boy Band Star Goes Solo. I rolled my eyes at the term but tapped on the link anyway, muting the TV and sitting back to read it. The subtitle was more encouraging: Former One Direction Singer Harry Styles Creates the Album the World Has All Been Waiting For.

Duh! Of course! The album was coming out the next day. I was an idiot; I’d completely forgotten about the release date. I’d already spent nearly two weeks enjoying the album in private. Now the rest of the word was going to hear it.

That was why I hadn’t heard from him. Of course he would have been busy all day.

Rolling my eyes once again, but this time at myself for being such a dimwit, I read the positive article. By the end, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. It was a rave review. I was so incredibly proud.

I was about to reply to Lorelei when I noticed at the bottom of the page was a link to something else about Harry. Clicking on it, I saw a collage of photos, all from various stages of his career. The young photos made me giggle, the more recent ones made me swoon. Goodness, he was a looker.

The bottom of that page, however, took me to something I immediately wished I hadn’t seen.

Harry Styles in Chicago with New Girlfriend? read the caption. Girlfriend?

I inspected the handful of photos. To anyone it would look as though he was out shopping. He was standing by a counter, he was outside on the sidewalk, he was laughing. Nothing out of the ordinary. But it was the final word that made my stomach flip. In all of the photos, he was standing next to a female. I couldn’t see much more than her profile, but she was definitely pretty. And in the final photo, they were embracing.

I wanted to throw up. Not just because I was jealous, but because I felt like I was far too old to be. Jealousy was for young, insecure girls, not grown women.

Deciding I’d seen enough, I tossed my phone on the sofa and walked down the hall to get the girls ready for bed. Emery automatically pressed play on the CD player, Harry’s voice booming through the speakers. My jaw set, I walked over to it and pressed stop.

“Mommy!” whined Emery.

“No music tonight, Em,” I shook my head. “I don’t feel that great. Just go get your shower, okay?”

“Okay,” she frowned, heading for the bathroom.

As Emery showered, I helped Jasmine change into her pajamas, gave her a drink of water with her medicine, and tucked her into bed. When I turned out the light, Emery had returned to her room, her hair still wet as she danced naked to no music. She giggled when she saw me, quickly pulling her pajamas from her drawer. I towel dried her hair the best I could before she brushed it and climbed into her bed.

“Tomorrow��s Friday,” she sang as she held her arms out for me to hug her.

“I know,” I kissed her.

“Are we going to look for a costume again?”

“Yes,” I nodded.

Emery cheered, pumping her fists.

“Did you see Harry?” she asked.

I looked at her, confused. “When?”

“When you were away.”

“No, baby,” I replied. “I was in San Antonio. Harry’s in...Chicago. Or he was.”

“Oh.”

I smiled as I recalled. “I did talk to him on FaceTime though.”

“You did? I wanna FaceTime him! Can I?”

I chuckled. “We’ll see. Get to sleep, monkey.”

Giving her another kiss, I turned out the light and shut the door, returning to the living room. With slight hesitation, I picked up my phone again. Lorelei had sent another text.

Did you read it?

I hastily texted her back.

Yes. It was great.

I thought so too. I feel proud of him, even though I don’t really know him.

I sent her a simple smiling emoji.

Tell him congratulations from me.

Ok.

You ok?

Lorelei knew me too well. She knew that my short replies could only mean I was not in the best of moods.

Yeah, just tired. I think I’m turning in early.

Ok. See you in the morning.

With a sigh, I switched off the TV that was now showing an old episode of Everybody Loves Raymond and turned out the lights as I headed toward my bedroom. I changed into my night clothes, washed my face and brushed my teeth vigilantly before pulling back the comforter.

When I climbed into bed, the cool of the sheets hitting my toes, I breathed in and out slowly. My stomach was in knots. And the thing about it was, I was more upset with myself than anything. I knew better than to think the worst of Harry, but even so, we had yet to put a label on our relationship.

I laughed at myself again. Relationship. Harry and I flirted on the phone. That was it.

Still, curiosity getting the better of me, I reached for my phone and brought up the page again with the photos. He was most definitely in Chicago in them. In fact, he was at Macy’s at the FAO Schwarz toy store. That seemed like an odd place for him to be.

I took a closer look at each photo, as though looking harder would make me feel any less anxious. He seemed as though he was having a good time. But other than the final photo where he and the girl were hugging, they didn’t make any physical contact at all.

I huffed, turning the ringer off and dropping the phone back on the night stand. It could have been anyone. A friend. They could have even just run into each other while he was out and about. It didn’t mean anything.

Rolling over onto my side, I switched off the lamp and buried my hands underneath my pillow. I made myself promise not to jump to conclusions, that I needed to give him the benefit of the doubt. There was no reason to assume anything until I could hear him out.

I just wished he’d call.

The next morning, I made my coffee before I got Jasmine up for school. My fingers itched to reach for my phone, but I made myself wait until later. After Jaz left, I took a shower and woke Emery. As I was getting dressed, I finally decided to check for any messages. My stomach flipped again when I saw I had a voicemail from Harry.

“Hi baby. Sorry I didn’t get a chance to call you before now. I’m in LA. It’s 10PM here, which makes it midnight where you are. I reckoned you’d be asleep, but I just wanted to leave you a message. You should be receiving a box from the post sometime tomorrow...or today I should say. It’s for Emery, but it’s a surprise so don’t tell her it’s from me until she opens it, okay? I um...I miss you...and um…”

I heard a slight pause then as he sounded like he was trying to gather his thoughts.

“I...I’ll try to text you or something tomorrow, but it’s gonna be a fucking...wicked busy day…” he chuckled. “So if I don’t, please know I’m still thinking about you. Always. Goodnight, love.”

I was a moron. Here I was worried that he had some other girlfriend while he was getting ready for the biggest day of his career. And to top it off, he was sending my daughter a package. Yeah, somebody shoot me and put me out of my misery because first class moron right here.

“It has to be a friend of his,” Lorelei insisted as she scrolled through the photos of Harry that I’d told her about. “Or maybe someone in the industry. His manager or producer or something.”

“I would think if it was someone like that, the press would have known her name,” I remarked. “But you’re right. It’s probably a friend. Maybe someone he happened to run into while he was in Chicago.”

“Exactly, hon,” Lorelei nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “And by what you told me he said in his voicemail, I don’t think you have a thing to worry about.”

“You’re right, you’re right,” I threw my hands up and sunk into my chair. “I knew that, I guess I just needed to hear it from someone else.”

Lorelei smiled as she perched on my desk like usual. “So have you read any more reviews?”

“I haven’t had a chance yet,” I replied, “but I noticed he’s already number one on iTunes and he’s trending on Twitter.”

“Of course he is. I think he has the record for the most followers or likes or something.”

I quirked a brow. “How do you know that?”

Lorelei rose from my desk, a smug look on her face. “I know things.”

I laughed as she strode out of my office, flipping her blonde locks.

I took the opportunity then to download the album from iTunes. Although I’d already been listening to the CD in my car, I felt like contributing and showing my support was the least I could do. As Harry’s voice sang through my computer speakers, I began pulling up any review or mention of him I could find, reading all of it. Every single article gave him praise.

“Don’t be expecting the sugary bubblegum pop of 'What Makes You Beautiful'. The One Direction singer has grown up, maturing into a solid musician in his own right.”

“If any pop singer was thought to do well this year, it was Harry Styles. And he’s proven it with his solo album. Giving nods to some of his musical influences, it’s a taste of the old and current, dipped in something completely new and his own.”

“The world didn’t know what hit it when Harry Styles graced the silver screen in his first major motion picture. Now he’s done it again with his first solo album, proving that this is his world and the rest of us are just living in it.”

By the time the last track started, I was giddy. I was in heaven, my eyes glistening with tears. I was so happy that everyone was enjoying the album as much as I was. I was so incredibly proud. I wanted to hug him.

After Lorelei and I returned from lunch, we were on a conference call with Kris, setting up our plans for what she referred to as the official book tour for The Loving Kind.

“So here’s the idea,” stated Kris. “I know I said we’d probably do Dallas, and we will. But I’ve rearranged some things that I think would suit better. Instead of starting with Dallas, we’re actually gonna do it last.”

“Last?” I inquired. I loved how Kris always talked about Lorelei and me in terms of “we”. As though she’d be going too.

“Yes. We’re gonna start in New York.”

“Yay!” cheered Lorelei as my jaw dropped. I hadn’t realized we’d be venturing out that far.

“Why New York?”

“Because it’s The place to launch a bestseller. And besides, your story’s set there. I’ve already booked you for the Barnes and Noble at Union Square for the third, and…”

“The third?” I sounded. “That’s next Friday.”

“Yes ma’am,” said Kris. “You’ll be flying out on Wednesday afternoon. You arrive in New York at 10:55PM.”

I looked at Lorelei and we both shrugged. Alright then.

Kris continued to give us our travel plans, the itinerary and hotel reservations. Then she went on to tell us the list of cities we’d be visiting after New York: Chicago, Nashville and Dallas. When we hung up the call, my head was spinning. This was really happening. Lorelei and I were actually going on a book tour.

“Look!” exclaimed Lorelei a couple hours later as I made my way to my desk after a bathroom break. She was holding up her phone, but I couldn’t quite make what she was showing me until I got closer. It was a tweet from The Late Late Show with James Corden.

“Tonight: @Harry_Styles and @kevinhart4real.” Underneath was a selfie of the two of them with James.

“Oh my God!” I shrieked, a little too loudly.

Lorelei giggled as she danced beside me. “Your boyfriend’s gonna be on the Late Late Show.”

“Stop it,” I chuckled, lightly slapping her arm.

“Look at him, he looks so cute!” she said, holding up her phone again.

I took a closer look at the picture, but mostly taken back by how green his eyes looked. I must have been staring for a few seconds when I heard Lor whisper.

“You miss him, don’t you?”

I glared at her. “I…”

I stood there with my mouth open, but no words came out. Lorelei blinked slowly as she nodded. Then she turned around to head back to her office.

“I...I just talked to him the other day!” I finally called out.

“Uh huh.”

“He just texted me last night!” I argued, catching up with her.

“I know,” Lorelei nodded again, gathering a few papers from her desk.

“How can I miss him already?”

“It’s okay, Stace, you’re allowed to miss him.”

“Lor!”

She turned to look at me, her right eyebrow raised.

“Are you gonna shut the door, or are you just gonna stand there yelling at me?”

Finally realizing I was standing inside her office, I turned around and closed the door behind me. I heard Lorelei chuckle low as her heels clicked across the hard floor. I twirled around swiftly, my hands on my hips.

“What are you laughing at?” I scoffed, the writer in me knowing better than to end a sentence with a preposition.

“You,” she replied. “No, I’m not laughing at you. I just think it’s adorable.”

“It’s not adorable,” I narrowed my eyes. “None of this is adorable.”

“Then what is it?” she asked, stopping at the end of her desk to drop a couple papers in the shredder.

“It’s…” I paused, trying to find the best term. “Unfortunate.”

“How so?” Lor sat in her chair, crossing her arms.

“Because...he’s in LA...and I’m here. And he’s super busy and super famous and...and I don’t know if I’m ever going to see him again. Oh God!” I groaned as I leaned against the door.

“Stace,” said Lorelei softly, “It’s okay to miss him. I told you, I don’t think it’s silly. He likes you, I know he does. He wouldn’t be texting you and FaceTiming you and sending you flowers and buying you coffee if he didn’t. If I’m being honest, I think he’s as smitten as you are, maybe even more.”

I ran a hand through my hair and stood up straight. “Yeah?”

“Mmm hmm,” she nodded. “And if it’s in the cards, when the time is right, you’ll see each other again.”

I smiled, releasing a huge breath. “Thanks, Lor.”

“Anytime,” she beamed. “Now let me finish this before the hour’s up.”

I retreated back to my own office then, starting Harry’s album over again, admittedly missing him like crazy.

“Can I open it now?” Emery asked, bouncing in her chair.

“Yes,” I rolled my eyes with a smirk.

The package had arrived while we were eating dinner, but I’d told Emery to wait until we were finished, and afterwards we would go shopping for her Halloween costume. She giggled with glee as she grabbed the box and tried to rip it open.

“Hang on, Em,” I instructed, walking over to her with the scissors. I slit open the tape, allowing her to open the box the rest of the way.

“Oh! My! God!” she screamed when she saw what was inside. “I don’t believe it! It’s a Lapis Lazuli costume!”

My eyes about popped out of their sockets. “Are you kidding me?”

“Look!” Emery exclaimed, pulling a blue dress from the box and holding it up. “Oh my gosh, there’s wings!”

Dropping the dress, she reached in again and held out a set of clear wings that to me almost looked like dripping water. I’d never seen anything like it.

“Wow!” I breathed, picking the dress off the floor and examining it. “I can’t believe he did this.”

“And a wig!” screeched Emery. I chuckled when she pulled out a bright blue wig from the box. “Can I try it on, Mommy?”

“Of course,” I nodded.

In two seconds, Emery had her clothes off, ready to try on the dress. I helped her with the zipper in the back and attached her wings. I smiled as she twirled around. It fit perfectly. Then I went to the bathroom, returning with a hair tie and pins so I could pin her hair back for the wig. The blue hair made her eyes pop.

“You make a beautiful blue crayon,” I teased.

“It’s Lapis Lazuli!” she enunciated every syllable.

“Oh, okay then,” I smirked. “You look fantastic. Do you like it?”

“Yes!” she bounced on her toes.

“We need to thank Harry.”

“Yeah! Let’s FaceTime him!”

I laughed and shook my head. “He’s very busy today, monkey. He probably can’t talk right now. But how about we make a video and send it to him?”

“Okay!”

I grabbed my phone, preparing it for the video. I instructed Emery where to stand and to be sure to tell him thank you.

“Hi, Harry!” she beamed, shifting her body from side to side. “Thank you for the Lapis Lazuli costume you sent me! I love it sooooo much. And I love you!”

As she said her final words, she jumped up and down, then ran closer to the phone to pucker her lips and blow Harry a kiss. I tried my best not to giggle until I stopped the video. Setting up a text for Harry, I typed a quick message saying that it was from Emery, then added the video and sent it. Then I gently helped her take the costume off and put it back in the box where it would wait until Halloween.

I stayed up to watch The Late Late Show. I was exhausted, and I knew I very easily could have set the DVR, but I wanted to watch it when it aired.

My heart fluttered in my chest when James announced Harry’s name, and the door to “the blue room” opened. He looked amazing. I could barely take in what he was saying to James as the audience cheered. Or maybe it was the cheering coming from my own head. Either way, I was ecstatic to see him, and so was everyone else.

The interview was both comical and insightful. James, having known Harry for quite some time, was very candid with him, but also knew what questions to ask about his album and solo career. It was apparent that he was just as proud of him as I was. Kevin Hart, who sat next to Harry, made me laugh so hard I was crying. Overall, it was a fantastic show.

Then came the performance. Although I knew there wasn’t another musical guest, and James had made it a point to mention that Harry would be performing his new single for the first time on television, in my mind I suppose I was still trying to grasp the reality of it. It wasn’t until they came back from commercial break and James introduced him once again, that I finally knew it was happening for real.

I was on the edge of my seat, my hands rubbing their sweat off on the knees of my pajama pants. I sucked in my lips as he began to sing, my own nerves for him taking over. But he didn’t seem nervous in the least. In fact, by the time the chorus kicked in, I knew he was in his element, and he actually made me feel at ease. Soon I was singing along with him, a huge grin on my face as I bounced gently on the couch.

When the song was over, James returned, giving Harry a hug and a goodbye to his studio and television audiences. As the credits rolled, I watched the people cheer and clap as Reggie and his band played the outro. But the best part of all was the charismatic smile on Harry’s face as he conversed with James. He exuded pure joy and pride. And I felt myself slipping further into whatever it was I had already started to feel for him.

I couldn’t sleep. Although I’d been tired before the show, my brain was buzzing afterwards. I laid in the darkness until I decided the point was moot and I turned on my phone. I scrolled through a few more articles about Harry, including one about that night’s performance, again all positive. The world adored Harry.

I wondered what he was doing. My fingers itched to text him, but I knew it would just go unnoticed, at least for now. As I read one more short snippet, my phone pinged and my face lit up. Harry.

Tell Emery she is very welcome. And she makes a beautiful Lapis Lazuli.

Thanks :) Will do.

Two seconds after I sent my reply, my phone rang and my heart beat out of my chest.

“Hi!” I answered.

“You’re awake,” he said. I could hear noises in the background.

“Couldn’t sleep,” I replied. “Exciting day.”

“Oh yeah? What happened? I mean besides the costume of course.”

I laughed. “You, silly.”

“Me?”

“I’m so proud of you.”

Harry made that little contented sound he’d made during our first major phone conversation. “Thank you, baby.”

“So how does the world’s biggest star end his biggest day?” I asked him.

“I um...I’m at a party. A small party. At Jeff’s.

“Oh.” I knew who Jeff was only by reading. He was Harry’s manager as well as a close friend. “That sounds fun.”

“Yeah. I walked outside to watch Emery’s video. I’m glad she likes it.”

“She’s ecstatic. I can’t thank you enough, Harry. You didn’t have to do that.”

“It’s no problem, love. I was happy to do it. Although I have to thank my friend Jen for helping me.”

“Jen?”

“She’s Cindy’s cousin. Cindy Crawford?”

I stuttered, trying to get my words out. Who? What?

Harry chuckled. “Cindy’s a good friend of mine. Her cousin Jen was in Chicago while I was there. I ran into her at the toy store when I was hoping maybe I could find the costume.”

“Oh,” I sounded, the pieces connecting in my mind. “Jen.”

“She was there with her little girl,” Harry continued. “I couldn’t find the costume and she suggested I contact a specialty store that she’d bought from before. They didn’t have any in stock, so I had to have it ordered and sent to you.”

I sighed a shaky breath. Once again, first class moron.

“Harry,” I managed to say.

“Yes, love?”

“You’re something special.”

“Hmm. So are you.”

I swallowed hard. There was so much more I wanted to say. Like how he deserved everything that came to him, and then some. Sure, he was talented and worked hard. But he was also a kind soul. Someone who was willing to go out of his way for someone he cared about, or even someone he hardly knew. I’d never met anyone like him in my life. And if I thought about it too much, it might’ve overwhelmed me. Instead, I cleared my throat.

“I’ll let you get back to your party.”

“Okay, baby,” he said softly. “Sleep well.”

I hung up, laying my phone on the night stand. I curled up on my side with a contented smile on my face. I hadn’t told Harry about New York and the book tour. Today wasn’t about that, or me at all. It was his day. And all was right with the world.

The next two days flew by. I did my grocery shopping on Saturday with the girls, although I didn’t buy that much since I would be leaving in a few days. I was still on a high from the previous day, and the fact that I didn’t hear from Harry at all didn’t even bother me. It just meant he was busy, as he should be, and it made my heart swell.

My mother came over for Sunday dinner, a tradition we’d begun after the divorce for the weekends in which I had the kids. I made a roast with potatoes and carrots, she provided a squash casserole and a pecan pie.

As we ate, she made her usual discussion about her until it shifted to me. I informed her that I would be heading to New York in a couple of days for the book signing and that Jasmine and Emery would be staying with Tod. Although she didn’t care for that, she knew it was for the best.

“You know you can work it out with him if you wanna take them for the weekend or something,” I said.

She made a face. “We’ll see.”

We then got on the subject of Halloween, and I cringed when Emery jumped up and told my mom she wanted to show her her costume. As she ran to her room, my mother looked at me.

“So, you found something?”

“Kind of…” I started, interrupted by Emery’s return.

“Look!” she exclaimed, dropping the box next to my mother’s feet. She pulled out the dress and wings. “I’m gonna be Lapis Lazuli!”

“Do huh?” my mom asked, making Emery giggle.

“It’s a character from Steven Universe!”

“That’s pretty,” my mother smiled. “I bet that looks great on you.”

I held in my breath as Emery, bless her heart, nodded and dropped the costume back in the box and ran back to her bedroom with it.

“What time’s your flight Wednesday?” my mom inquired, changing the subject.

Any other time, that would have drove me up the wall. But this time I was grateful. If Emery had spilled the beans about Harry, we would have gone into a round of twenty questions. I just wasn’t ready to divulge any information on Harry Styles, how I knew him, and why he had sent my nine-year-old a Halloween costume.

Later that evening, however, while the two of us were playing cards at my kitchen table, Harry texted me.

Just wanted to say I miss you x

I miss you too, I texted him back with a grin.

What are you doing?

Playing gin rummy with my mother

Oh, hi mum!

I giggled, resting my chin in my hand as I tried to concentrate on my cards in the other.

“Stacey,” my mom scoffed, “that’s rude.”

“What?” I furrowed my brows.

“Texting someone while I’m here.”

I rolled my eyes. Whatever.

Are you winning?

Yes

Good. Can I call you tonight?

You can call me anytime, Harry.

Even with your mum there?

She’s leaving soon. Probably about an hour.

“Stacey, do you want that card?”

“No,” I shook my head and drew a new card from the pile.

She’d love me anyway.

I laughed again.

I have no doubt. Even though she’s giving me the evil eye right now.

Oops. Off to my last interview of the day. Call you later.

Can’t wait.

My mom ended up staying until it was time to put the girls to bed, but fortunately Harry didn’t call before then. She requested that I call her when I arrived in New York, but I reminded her that my flight got in late, an hour later than Texas, and she would be asleep. She settled on my agreeing to text her when I landed, and she would call me the next morning.

I’d already changed into my pajamas, brushed my teeth, and was rummaging through my closet when my ringtone sounded.

“Hey you,” I said, quickly putting him on speaker so I could have my hands free.

“God, it’s good to hear your voice,” he groaned.

I smiled. “You just heard it two days ago.”

“Are you in bed?” he asked, sidestepping my remark, but also adding to the fire.

“No,” I chuckled. “I’m going through my closet, trying to decide what to pack.”

“Pack for what?”

“Well, Mr. Styles, on Wednesday yours truly and her best friend will be embarking on an adventure. We’re officially doing this book tour thing.”

“Ah, baby, I’m so happy for you. Where are you going?” he inquired.

“We’re starting off in New York City. Then we’re doing Chicago, Nashville and Dallas.”

“Stacey…”

“I’m so nervous and excited at the same time,” I expressed.

“You’ll be in New York on Wednesday?” Harry asked.

“Yeah. Well, late that night. Is New York cold the first of November? It probably is, huh? I should pack a coat.”

“Stacey. Baby…”

“Yes?”

“I’ll be in New York this week,” he announced.

My throat suddenly felt dry and the blood rushed to my head. “What?”

“Yeah,” Harry chuckled. “I’m recording Ellen’s show in the morning. It’s gonna be airing on Tuesday, but by then I’ll be in New York. I’ll be there until Saturday.”

“Harry!” I exclaimed.

“It’s fate, baby,” he said.

“Oh my God,” I clutched a fist to my chest.

“I mean...I’m assuming you wanna see me,” he teased.

“Are you kidding?” I squealed, making Harry laugh.

“What time’s your flight?” he asked.

“Late,” I replied. “It doesn’t get in til almost eleven.”

“Oh. Well, we’ll work it out. No worries. I’m not about to miss seeing you.”

“I can’t believe this,” I sighed, dropping my shoes on the closet floor and crawling onto the bed. The packing was suddenly unimportant.

“It’s meant to be, Stacey,” said Harry, his voice low.

“Yeah.”

Lying down on the pillow, I listened to Harry tell me some of his schedule for the week. It was all so thrilling, and I continued to be full of pride for him, though I couldn’t help but wonder how I could fit into all of it. But he reassured me by expressing his excitement of seeing me again, as though I was top priority.

We talked into the night until he finally insisted I get some sleep. My thoughts were too much of a whirlwind to fall asleep though. I was going to see Harry again. In person. In the flesh! Holy shit, was I nervous. I was more nervous than I was that night he came to my apartment. I was more nervous than I was before either of my previous book signings. I tossed and turned for over an hour until I finally got up to make some decaf herbal tea.

As I sat at my kitchen table, my head rested in my hands, it finally occurred to me why I was so nervous. It was because of something Harry had said on the phone.

“I plan on seeing you again,” he’d said. “And I plan on taking you out. And I’m gonna kiss you again.”

My body shook as I let out a breath. He’d also made a comment about his hotel bed being lonely, and he’d wished he was holding me. I knew what that implied. I wasn’t naive. But I suppose at the time I hadn’t expected to see him again, not really. Sure, I’d hoped, but I guess I just didn’t think it was actually going to happen. Now it was going to. I was going to be with him and…

Yeah. I was nervous as hell.

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Also, if you enjoy my writing, please consider joining my Patreon!

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lboogie1906 · 22 hours ago

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George Beavers, Jr. (October 30, 1891 - October 12, 1989) was born in Atlanta. His parents decided to leave Atlanta with their children in 1902 after white mob violence erupted in their neighborhood. They settled in Los Angeles where they expected to find “full citizenship rights and better living conditions.”

In 1915, he and his wife, Willie Mae, helped found People’s Independent Church, which became a force for social change, were active in the NAACP and respected community leaders. In 1925, he, along with William Nickerson, Jr. and Norman O. Houston, established what would become Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company. The company was begun in response to discriminatory practices across the insurance industry: higher prices for less coverage, refusal to provide loans, and whites-only sales staff. As he put it, he and his partners decided “there was a need for such a company (because) at that time, Negroes received very inferior insurance policies and very little opportunity to benefit from their insurance dollars.” Starting in 1928, Golden State Mutual operated from the famed Central Avenue in Los Angeles. By 1948, the firm moved to permanent headquarters designed by architect Paul Williams and located on Adams Boulevard and Western Avenue, in the “sugar hill” district, home to Hollywood stars, business leaders and other affluent African Americans, where it still stands.

In 1946, he was appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Fletcher Bowron to the City of Los Angeles Housing Authority Commission, he served for 15 years. The Commission dealt with the huge post-war demand for affordable housing in the city, as well as with the compromise that resulted in the city erecting only 40 percent of the public housing originally funded by the federal government.

He served a lifetime of successful entrepreneurship, and civic service, including support for the NAACP and Urban League– and a prominent role in the Los Angeles community. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #phibetasigma

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datascraping001 · 1 year ago

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Car Dealership Email Lists - Car Dealership Mailing Lists

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houstondigitalmarketing · 2 years ago

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SEO and Lead Generation: What You Need to Know

If you own or operate a business, then you know that generating leads is essential to your success. But what exactly is lead generation? And how can an SEO Agency in Houston help you to generate more leads for your business? Keep reading to find out.

Lead generation is the process of generating leads, or potential customers, for your business. There are a number of ways to generate leads, but some common methods include content marketing, online advertising, and social media marketing.

Content marketing is creating and sharing valuable content (like blog posts, infographics, eBooks, etc.) that will help educate your target audience about your product or service. Once you have their attention, you can then include a call-to-action (CTA) that will encourage them to take the next step in the buying process, whether that’s signing up for a free trial or requesting a consultation.

Online advertising is another great way to generate leads. You can create ads that target specific demographics and interests so that you’re only paying to reach people who are likely to be interested in your product or service. Facebook Ads and Google AdWords are two popular platforms where businesses can create ads.

And last but not least, social media marketing can also be used to generate leads. By creating valuable content and engaging with your audience on social media, you can build trust and relationships with potential customers that may eventually lead to sales.

There are many ways to generate leads, but one of the most effective is through search engine optimization (SEO). By optimizing your website for search engines, you can increase your visibility online and attract more visitors to your site. And, when done correctly, those visitors are more likely to be interested in what you have to offer. That's because they've already been pre-qualified by their search query. For example, if someone searches for "plumbers in Los Angeles," they are much more likely to need plumbing services than someone who simply stumbles across your website while browsing the internet.

If you're not using SEO services to generate leads for your business, then you're missing out on a major opportunity. Keep reading to learn more about how SEO can help you to generate leads and grow your business.

Lead generation and SEO are both important pieces of the puzzle if you want to grow your business online. By generating targeted traffic and optimizing your website for higher search engine rankings, you can increase brand awareness while also generating higher quality leads that are more likely to convert into sales!

How SEO Can Help You Generate More Leads

As we just mentioned, one of the major benefits of SEO is that it can help you attract more qualified visitors to your website. But how does it do that? Let's take a closer look.

When someone uses a search engine like Google, Bing, or Yahoo! to find information on the internet, they type in what's called a "query." That query is then matched with websites that contain content relevant to that particular search. The order in which those websites are displayed is determined by a number of factors, one of which is known as "search engine optimization."

Search engine optimization is the process of making sure that your website contains the right mix of keyword-rich content, titles, descriptions, and other elements that tell search engines what your website is about and why it should be ranked highly in their results pages. When done correctly, SEO can help your website earn a top spot in search results—and that means more visitors (and potential customers) will find their way to your site.

It's important to note that there's no guaranteed way to achieve a top ranking in any given search engine results page (SERP).

Search engines are constantly changing and updating their algorithms (the set of rules they use to determine which websites should be ranked highly), so what works today might not work tomorrow. That's why it's important to partner with an experienced SEO agency that stays up-to-date on all the latest industry changes and trends.

Generating leads through SEO takes time and effort, but it's worth it if you want to grow your business. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get started.

Lead generation is essential for businesses of all sizes—and SEO is one of the most effective ways to generate leads. If you're not using SEO to attract visitors and convert them into paying customers, then you're missing out on a major opportunity for growth. Contact an SEO expert to learn how to get your lead generation efforts off the ground.

How Lead Generation and SEO Benefit You

If you own a business, then you know how important it is to generate leads. Leads are potential customers who have shown interest in your product or service. The more leads you have, the greater your chances are of making a sale.

There are many ways to generate leads. Traditional methods include advertising, attending trade shows, and networking. However, in recent years, digital marketing has become one of the most effective lead generation tools.

Digital marketing is the process of using the internet to promote your products or services. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing.

One of the main benefits of digital marketing is that it’s highly targeted. For example, let’s say you own a business that sells Widgets. With traditional lead generation methods like advertising, you would have to market your Widgets to everyone and hope that some of them are in the market for a Widget. But with digital marketing, you can use SEO to make sure that your website only appears in search results when people are looking for Widgets.

This allows you to focus your resources on generating leads from people who are actually interested in what you’re selling—which leads to higher sales conversions and lower customer acquisition costs. In other words, digital marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to generate leads and grow your business.

Lead generation is essential for businesses of all sizes—and digital marketing is one of the most effective lead generation tools available today. If you’re not using digital marketing to generate leads for your business, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to grow your company. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Visit these pages to know more about Local SEO and Lead Generations through Houston Digital Marketing:

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#Digital Marketing #SEO #SEO Agency

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michaelbryanthicks · 1 day ago

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Michael Bryant Hicks

Most recently, Hicks was the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Indianapolis-based Apria, Inc. (APR), the nation’s largest provider of home healthcare equipment and in-home clinical services for respiratory diseases, diabetes, and other illnesses. At Apria, he managed all legal and regulatory matters, enterprise risk, and government affairs. This work culminated in March 2022, when Hicks and the Apria management team completed negotiation for the sale of Apria to Owens & Minor, delivering a significant premium to shareholders, while placing the business on a trajectory for future value creation. Prior to Apria, Hicks was the General Counsel of Elanco Animal Health (ELAN), a $13.5 Billion market cap animal pharmaceutical company based in Greenfield, Indiana. Hicks led Elanco’s successful 2018 IPO and managed a legal department of 70 professionals in navigating the complex regulatory environment in which the company does business in the United States (FDA, USDA, EPA) and abroad (European Medicines Agency, Chinese FDA). A Trusted Voice in Healthcare and Life Sciences Matters: As a General Counsel, Hicks knows the experience of having the FDA order a company to recall one of its highest revenue products. He has also engaged in complex negotiations with commercial payers and delicate discussions with CMS on drug pricing. He deftly managed these situations by understanding the economic motivations of payers and the FDA and CMS regulatory environment. A Leader in Corporate Governance: Hicks has designed the boards of directors of two public companies in connection with their initial public offerings, developing the corporate governance processes the companies relied upon in their first years on public exchanges. He’s been the company interface with Glass Lewis, ISS, the SEC, and the NYSE. Hicks is the leader these companies have looked to on Environmental, Social, & Governance matters, matching the values and business goals of an enterprise with complementary issues of societal impact. He’s also been the lead negotiator in two major encounters with prominent activist investors. Navigating High Stakes Investigations and Litigation: As General Counsel at Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hicks brought to successful settlement a DEA controlled substances investigation, a DOJ False Claims Act investigation, and an FTC investigation into alleged antitrust violations. He also led the formation of the company’s early strategy in the nationwide opioid litigation. A Leader in Transformative Deal Making: Hicks’s career began in global M&A as an energy lawyer with Vinson & Elkins law firm in Houston, Texas, where his engagements included a wide range of cross-border energy projects, including assisting Occidental Petroleum in financing and building oil production assets with the Ecuadorian state petroleum company Petroecuador. He continued large-scale global deal making in the healthcare and life sciences space as the lead lawyer in consummating some of the largest deals of the last decade: DaVita’s 2012 acquisition of HealthCare Partners ($4.4B), Elanco’s acquisition of Bayer Animal Health ($6.9B). Hicks earned a juris doctor from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Michael Bryant Hicks

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ecomlabs · 3 days ago

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Reliable DTC Fulfillment for Smooth, Worry-Free Logistics

Located in Houston, TX, our DTC fulfillment service specializes in making logistics effortless for eCommerce businesses. We handle everything from order processing to inventory management, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable fulfillment for a seamless customer experience. With integrations for platforms like Shopify, Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Etsy, we streamline your operations, allowing you to focus on growing your brand while we take care of the logistics. Trust our DTC fulfillment service to deliver dependable solutions tailored to your business needs, making eCommerce simpler and more efficient.

#Dtc Fulfillment Service

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webzent3 · 6 days ago

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Best Digital Marketing Agency in Houston | Grow Your Business Fast

Partner with the best digital marketing agency in Houston. We offer SEO, PPC, social media, and web design services to boost your online presence and drive sales.

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prgequipment · 7 days ago

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Your Premier Forklift Dealers in Houston Since 2000

Welcome to Preferred Resource Group, the trusted name in Houston for all your forklift needs! 🚜✨ With over 20 years of experience in the forklift industry, we specialize in buying, selling, and renting used forklifts and material-handling equipment. Whether you’re looking to expand your fleet or require dependable rental solutions, we’re dedicated to keeping your business operating smoothly and efficiently.

Discover Our Services Tailored for Houston Businesses

At Preferred Resource Group, we recognize how essential forklifts are to your operations. Our extensive experience has helped us establish a reputation for reliability, quality, and outstanding customer satisfaction. Whether you’re a local business needing forklift rentals or a company looking to purchase equipment, we possess the expertise and commitment to cater to your needs.

Founded in 2000, we’ve evolved from a small local business into a prominent player in the Houston forklift market. Our focus on larger forklifts and material-handling equipment ensures that we meet even the most demanding requirements, offering the best solutions for businesses of all sizes.

🛠️ Our Forklift Dealer Services 🛠️

🚜 Forklift Sales Looking to grow your fleet? As leading forklift dealers in Houston, we offer a diverse selection of high-quality used forklifts from trusted brands. Our team meticulously inspects each unit to guarantee exceptional quality. From large forklifts to versatile material-handling equipment, we have everything you need to keep your operations running.

🤝 Buy & Sell Forklifts Have equipment you no longer need? We’re here to help! 💵 Our Buy & Sell Forklifts service provides a straightforward and fair way to sell your unused forklifts while giving you the chance to upgrade to premium units from our extensive inventory.

📦 Forklift Rentals Need a forklift for a specific project? 🚧 We offer flexible rental options to businesses in the Houston area and within a 500-mile radius. Whether you require short-term or long-term rentals, our reliable and well-maintained fleet has the perfect solution for your business needs.

🌍 Global Forklift Sales While we excel at local rentals, our sales extend globally! 🌎 No matter where your business is located, you can rely on us to provide high-quality forklifts shipped directly to you. We handle the logistics, allowing you to focus on running your business efficiently.

⚙️ Parts & Services Maintaining your equipment’s performance is crucial. That’s why we offer genuine parts and maintenance services to keep your forklifts in peak condition. 🛠️ From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, our certified technicians are here to ensure your forklifts remain reliable and productive.

🧭 Our Mission 🧭

Our mission is clear: to supply Houston businesses with reliable, high-quality forklifts and material-handling equipment that keep their operations running smoothly. We strive to provide top-notch customer service, expert guidance, and tailored forklift solutions that meet your unique business requirements. Committed to quality, reliability, and efficiency, we aim to be your preferred forklift dealers in Houston.

💡 Why Choose Preferred Resource Group? 💡

✅ Extensive Experience With over two decades in the industry, we have in-depth knowledge of forklifts. Our expertise enables us to provide expert guidance and help you find the right equipment for your specific needs.

🌍 Global Reach While we specialize in local forklift rentals, our sales reach is worldwide. 🌎 Whether you’re based in Houston or anywhere else, we have the network and logistics to deliver top-quality forklifts directly to you.

🔧 Expert Craftsmanship We believe in offering only the best. Every forklift we sell is inspected and maintained by certified technicians to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

🏆 Customer Focus We prioritize our customers and strive to provide an exceptional experience from your first contact to the delivery or service of your forklift. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist you.

🏢 Connect with Your Trusted Forklift Dealers in Houston Today! 🏢

Looking to rent, buy, or sell forklifts? Reach out to Preferred Resource Group today and let us help your Houston business thrive! Whether you need forklift rentals, purchases, or parts, our expert team is prepared to assist.

📍 Business Address: 16026 Hollister St, Houston, TX 77066, United States 📞 Phone: (+)1 832-3848-275 🌐 Website: prg-equipment.com 🕘 Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday - 8 am–6 pm, Saturday & Sunday Closed

Don’t forget to follow us on social media for the latest updates, tips, and success stories: 📸 LinkedIn

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bryantbanta001 · 1 year ago

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Explore Thriving Opportunities: Houston Businesses for Sale

Looking to invest or become a business owner in Houston? Discover a range of exciting opportunities with Houston businesses for sale! From thriving startups to established enterprises, our curated listings offer a diverse selection of industries and investment levels. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time buyer, explore the potential for growth and success in one of the nation's most dynamic business landscapes.

Don't miss your chance to seize the opportunities waiting for you in Houston! Start your journey today.

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crmdigitalwebdesignseo · 12 days ago

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CRM Digital Web Design and SEO

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CRM Digital Web Design and SEO

Looking for digital marketing in Houston? CRM Digital is an SEO company focused on growing your business with effective strategies to attract the right audience and generate qualified leads. We offer comprehensive services including WordPress web design, web development, social media marketing, Facebook ad management, Google PPC management, lead generation, and graphic design. Our expertise extends to content writing, business card design, and SEO consulting, ensuring a holistic approach to your digital marketing needs.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Increase your website’s visibility and organic traffic through strategic SEO techniques. This involves optimizing your website and online content to rank higher in search engine results pages.

Social Media Marketing (SMM)

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become powerful tools for connecting with your target audience and building brand awareness. For any social marketing effort to work, some elements are crucial: visually appealing content, well-placed ads on social networks, and lively community administration.

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

Sometimes, you need a targeted nudge to get your website noticed. PPC advertising, which refers to sources of showing certain ads on search engine and social media sites, is abbreviation for pay per click advertising. Through clicking on the advert users are directed to your website possibly resulting to conversions in terms of performance (Sales, Leads etc.).

Content Marketing

In the digital age, content is king. To attract a target audience, one needs valuable and informative content that will draw them in order for them to engage with what has been provided so far which establishes the brand as an authority leading also to conversions. Collaboration would help our team and you devise a content strategy that would be popular with your readers and represent your brand as a reliable information source

Email Marketing

Don’t underestimate the power of email marketing! Build lasting customer relationships and nurture leads with effective email marketing campaigns. An email campaign that has been well written can help in nurturing leads, promoting special offers a

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)

It’s not enough just to drive traffic to your website. You need to change those visitors to individuals who would pay for services or products. CRO is when you make a website look better for people who arrive at the site, so that they feel like doing something in particular like purchasing goods or signing up for updates, etc.

Web Design and Development

Your website is the cornerstone of your online presence. A well-designed and user-friendly website not only creates a positive first impression but also enhances your brand image and user experience. You will discover that several of Houston’s digital marketing companies provide services related to website design as well as its development to help make sure that there is beauty in it while also leading to more sales through optimizing it.

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Your Perfect Digital Marketing Partner in Houston

Industry Expertise: We have a proven track record of success in various industries. We understand your specific needs and target audience.

Comprehensive Services: We offer a full suite of services to achieve your unique digital marketing goals.

Data-Driven Approach: We leverage data and analytics to measure progress, identify areas for improvement, and optimize your campaigns for maximum impact.

Clear Communication: We prioritize open and consistent communication, keeping you informed and addressing your concerns promptly.

Transparent Pricing: We offer clear and understandable pricing structures, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

CRM Digital Web Design and SEO https://crmdigitalinc.com/ ADDRESS: 711 W Bay Area Blvd Suite 79 Webster, TX 77598 PHONE: 346-289-5992

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seowebdesignhouston · 13 days ago

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Increase Your Online Visibility with SEO in Sugar Land: Pick the Right SEO Agency

In today's digital landscape, having a strong online presence is essential for any business looking to thrive. Whether you run a local shop, a service-oriented business, or an e-commerce store in Sugar Land, Texas, implementing effective SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategies can significantly boost your visibility, attract more customers, and drive revenue. That’s where partnering with a top SEO agency in Sugar Land becomes crucial.

Why SEO Matters for Businesses in Sugar Land

Sugar Land is a growing city with a competitive business environment. With so many local businesses vying for attention, it’s important to stand out. SEO is the key to improving your website’s rankings on search engines like Google. By optimizing your website for relevant keywords, you can ensure that potential customers find you when searching for services or products you offer.

But SEO isn't just about rankings. It's about:

Increased visibility: Making your business easier to find for customers searching online.

Targeted traffic: Driving the right audience to your website based on their search intent.

Brand credibility: Establishing your business as an authority in your industry.

Long-term growth: Providing a sustainable method for generating leads and increasing sales.

How an SEO Agency in Sugar Land Can Help

Hiring a professional SEO agency in Sugar Land is the best way to ensure your business is using SEO techniques that work. A local agency understands the market and the competition in the area. They will tailor strategies to meet your specific business needs, taking into account local SEO factors that can influence your ranking.

Benefits of Working with a Local SEO Agency

Customized Local SEO Strategies: Sugar Land businesses need more than just general SEO. A local SEO agency focuses on location-based strategies, optimizing for “near me” searches, Google My Business listings, and local citations to drive foot traffic and local leads.

Keyword Research and Content Optimization: An experienced agency will research keywords specific to your industry and customer base. For example, phrases like SEO Sugar land or SEO Agency in Sugar Land will help connect you with potential clients who are actively looking for digital marketing solutions in the area.

On-Page and Off-Page SEO: A full-service SEO agency offers both on-page (content, meta tags, internal linking) and off-page (backlinking, citations) SEO to improve your site’s authority and relevance.

Mobile Optimization: With more people accessing websites from their mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly website is critical. Your local SEO agency will ensure that your site is responsive, fast, and easy to navigate on smartphones.

Performance Tracking and Reporting: Understanding how your SEO efforts are performing is key to ongoing success. Your SEO agency will provide regular reports showing traffic growth, keyword rankings, and areas for improvement.

Choose SEO Web Design Houston for Your Sugar Land SEO Needs

At SEO Web Design Houston, we are proud to be a leading SEO agency in Sugar Land, helping businesses of all sizes improve their online presence and reach more customers. Our team of experts specializes in local SEO strategies tailored to your specific business goals. With our extensive experience in search engine optimization, we’ll work closely with you to develop a plan that brings measurable results, whether you’re looking to attract local customers, enhance your brand visibility, or drive more sales. We understand the Sugar Land market, and our approach to SEO is designed to give your business the edge it needs to succeed in this competitive space.

Get Started with SEO Today

Don’t let your business get lost in the sea of competitors. Invest in effective SEO strategies with SEO Web Design Houston and see the difference a local SEO agency in Sugar Land can make for your business. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward a stronger online presence!

Conclusion:

If you're a business owner in Sugar Land, optimizing your website for SEO is a must. With a dedicated SEO agency like SEO Web Design Houston by your side, you’ll see increased visibility, higher rankings, and more conversions. Start dominating the search results today!

#seo houston #seo services

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sinopiaai · 22 days ago

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From SEO to Social Media: Services a Digital Marketing Agency in Houston Can Offer Your Business

In today’s digital era, having a robust online presence is crucial for business growth. From attracting new customers to retaining loyal clients, digital marketing plays a pivotal role in every stage of a company’s journey. Whether you’re a startup or an established business in a competitive market like Houston, working with a digital marketing agency in Houston can give you access to essential services that can help elevate your brand.

This blog will explore the variety of services offered by digital marketing agencies, including SEO, social media marketing, content creation, and more, and how each of these services can contribute to your business’s success.

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Boosting Organic Traffic

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most important components of digital marketing. It focuses on improving your website’s visibility on search engines like Google. When your website ranks higher for relevant search terms, it attracts more organic traffic, leading to increased leads, conversions, and sales.

A digital marketing agency in Houston specializes in both local and global Search Engine Optimization strategies that are tailored to your business goals. Some of the key aspects of SEO services include:

Keyword Research: Understanding what your target audience is searching for is critical. Agencies conduct extensive keyword research to identify the most relevant search terms that will drive traffic to your website.

On-Page SEO: This includes optimizing your website’s content, title tags, meta descriptions, and internal linking to make it more search engine-friendly. Local agencies also optimize for Houston-specific keywords, helping you rank for local searches like “best restaurants in Houston” or “digital marketing agency in Houston.”

Technical SEO: A well-structured website that loads quickly and is easy to navigate plays a major role in search rankings. Agencies ensure your site meets technical SEO standards, including mobile responsiveness, site speed, and URL structure.

Link Building: Link building is an off-page SEO strategy that involves acquiring backlinks from reputable websites to improve your website’s authority. This helps search engines trust your site, leading to higher rankings.

By optimizing your site for SEO, a digital marketing agency in Houston ensures that your business is visible to the right audience and continues to attract new visitors without relying solely on paid advertising.

2. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Driving Instant Results

While SEO helps generate organic traffic, it can take time to see significant results. That’s where Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising comes in. PPC allows businesses to run paid ads on platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. These ads appear when users search for specific terms or fit a particular demographic, making it a highly targeted form of advertising.

A digital marketing agency in Houston provides the following PPC services:

Google Ads Campaigns: Agencies can create and manage Google Ads campaigns that ensure your business appears at the top of search results. With proper targeting, these ads can lead to immediate results in terms of traffic, leads, and conversions.

Social Media Ads: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn allow businesses to run highly targeted ad campaigns. A digital marketing agency can create visually appealing ads tailored to specific audiences based on their location, interests, and behavior, ensuring maximum impact.

Remarketing Campaigns: Sometimes, visitors to your website leave without taking action. Remarketing campaigns are designed to re-engage these users by displaying ads to them across different platforms, encouraging them to return and complete their purchase.

Campaign Optimization: A significant advantage of PPC is the ability to track the performance of your ads in real-time. Digital marketing agencies continuously monitor your ad campaigns, making adjustments as necessary to optimize performance and maximize return on investment (ROI).

By utilizing PPC advertising, businesses can achieve quick results, reach new audiences, and boost sales almost instantly.

3. Social Media Marketing: Building Brand Awareness and Engagement

With millions of people using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn daily, social media has become an indispensable part of any digital marketing strategy. Social media marketing helps businesses connect with their audience, build brand awareness, and foster relationships.

A digital marketing agency in Houston offers various social media marketing services to help you achieve your business goals:

Platform Selection: Not every social media platform is suitable for every business. Agencies help you identify which platforms are most effective for your brand, whether it’s Instagram for visually appealing content or LinkedIn for B2B services.

Content Creation: High-quality content is at the heart of any successful social media strategy. A digital marketing agency can create engaging posts, graphics, videos, and stories that resonate with your target audience and encourage interaction.

Audience Engagement: Social media is a two-way street. Agencies not only post content but also actively engage with your followers by responding to comments, answering questions, and participating in conversations. This helps build trust and loyalty among your audience.

Social Media Ads: In addition to organic posts, agencies can also create paid ad campaigns on social media platforms. These ads allow you to target specific demographics and interests, helping you reach potential customers more effectively.

Performance Analytics: Social media success is not just about likes and shares. Agencies track key performance indicators (KPIs) like engagement rates, reach, and conversion rates to measure the effectiveness of your campaigns and make data-driven improvements.

Social media marketing is a powerful tool for creating a loyal community around your brand and turning followers into customers.

4. Content Marketing: Educating and Engaging Your Audience

Content marketing is the process of creating valuable, informative, and relevant content to attract and engage your target audience. By providing useful information, you build trust with your audience and position your brand as an industry leader. Content marketing also plays a significant role in SEO, as search engines favor websites that consistently produce high-quality content.

A digital marketing agency in Houston can help you develop and execute a content marketing strategy that includes:

Blog Posts: Blogs are one of the most effective ways to attract organic traffic to your website. Agencies create well-researched, informative blog posts that address your audience’s pain points and offer solutions. This not only educates your readers but also helps improve your search rankings.

Videos: Video content is rapidly becoming one of the most popular forms of online content. Agencies can produce engaging videos, tutorials, or explainer videos that resonate with your audience and keep them coming back for more.

Infographics and Visual Content: Infographics are a great way to present complex information in an easy-to-understand format. Visual content like infographics, charts, and images can make your content more shareable on social media, increasing its reach.

Ebooks and Whitepapers: For businesses in industries like finance, technology, or healthcare, long-form content like ebooks and whitepapers can be valuable resources that demonstrate expertise and generate leads.

Email Newsletters: Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to nurture leads and maintain relationships with existing customers. A digital marketing agency can create email campaigns that provide valuable content and keep your audience engaged with your brand.

Content marketing is an essential part of building brand authority, generating leads, and increasing customer retention.

5. Website Design and Development: Optimizing User Experience

Your website is the foundation of your digital marketing efforts. A well-designed website can serve as your business’s primary touchpoint with customers, while a poorly designed site can turn potential customers away.

A digital marketing agency in Houston can offer the following website design and development services:

Custom Website Design: Agencies create custom websites that reflect your brand’s identity, are visually appealing, and provide a seamless user experience. A well-designed site enhances your credibility and encourages visitors to explore your products or services.

Mobile Optimization: With more users accessing the web on mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly website is essential. Agencies ensure that your site is responsive and provides a smooth experience on smartphones and tablets.

User Experience (UX) Design: A great website is not just about looks—it’s about how users interact with it. Agencies optimize your site’s layout, navigation, and functionality to make it as easy as possible for visitors to find what they’re looking for and convert into customers.

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Digital marketing agencies use data-driven insights to optimize your website’s design for higher conversion rates. This includes A/B testing different elements, improving the checkout process, and ensuring calls-to-action are clear and effective.

Website Maintenance: Once your website is live, it’s essential to keep it updated and running smoothly. Agencies provide ongoing maintenance services, including updates, bug fixes, and security checks, to ensure your site remains in peak condition.

A well-optimized website is the cornerstone of a successful digital marketing strategy, and a digital marketing agency in Houston can ensure that your site is designed to convert visitors into loyal customers.

Conclusion

From SEO and PPC advertising to social media marketing and content creation, a digital marketing agency in Houston offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to grow your business. By leveraging their expertise in various digital marketing channels, agencies help you build a strong online presence, attract new customers, and drive long-term growth.

Whether you’re looking to increase your visibility in search results, engage with your audience on social media, or create a stunning website, a digital marketing agency in Houston has the tools and knowledge needed to amplify your brand’s success in today’s competitive marketplace.

FAQs

What are the key services provided by a digital marketing agency in Houston? A digital marketing agency offers services like SEO, PPC advertising, social media marketing, content creation, website design, and more to help grow your business online.

How does SEO help improve my business’s online presence? SEO helps your website rank higher in search engine results, increasing organic traffic and attracting potential customers.

Why is content marketing important for my business? Content marketing helps educate your audience, build trust, and establish your brand as an authority in your industry, all while supporting your SEO efforts.

How can social media marketing boost my brand awareness? Social media marketing allows you to connect with your target audience, build brand loyalty, and promote your products or services through engaging content and targeted ads.

What role does website design play in digital marketing? A well-designed website provides a seamless user experience, encourages conversions, and serves as the foundation for your digital marketing efforts.

#Digital Marketing Agency #SEO #SMM #PPC #SEM

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