Next Step Connect

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.