February 2026 Newsletter

Hello again, friends!

February has been a busy month over here.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to present on social media strategy and digital visibility. The conversation was thoughtful and engaging! Business owners are not confused about whether they should be online. They understand that visibility matters. What they are struggling with is consistency — how to show up in a way that feels sustainable, strategic, and aligned with their goals.

That theme has echoed in client conversations as well. There is a growing shift away from chasing trends and toward building sustainable systems.

At the same time, the digital landscape continues to evolve. Instagram is refining how content is surfaced. LinkedIn content is extending beyond the platform and appearing in broader AI-driven search results. Discovery across platforms is increasingly based on user satisfaction and depth of engagement rather than simple interactions. The line between search and commerce continues to narrow.

These are all great changes to be aware of.

In this month’s newsletter, we are sharing a concise industry update on what is shifting and why it matters. We also highlight website audits, because when businesses begin to question whether their online presence is working, the most strategic first step is often evaluation rather than starting over.

Before You Rebuild Your Website, Read This

Over the past few months, I’ve had several conversations that start the same way:

“I think I need a new website.”

When I ask why, the answer is usually something like:

• I don’t like the look.
• It doesn’t feel right anymore.
• Traffic isn’t growing.
• It’s not converting.
• I don’t really understand what it’s doing.

Sometimes, yes, a rebuild is the right move. Often it is not.

More often than you’d think, the issue isn’t the entire site. It’s structure, messaging, or SEO gaps. A few technical issues hold things back. Or maybe your homepage no longer reflects where your business is today.

That’s why we almost always recommend starting with an audit.

Our website audit isn’t a surface-level skim. We go through your site strategically — looking at how someone lands, where they click, what they see first, what Google sees first, and where hiccups might be happening.

We review your metadata, your internal linking, your service page clarity, your calls to action, and your overall conversion flow. We check technical basics that many business owners never realize are even factors. We look at how your content aligns (or doesn’t) with how people are actually finding you.

Then we put it all into a clear, detailed report that tells you what’s working, what needs adjusting, how to prioritize, and clear explanations for our suggestions so that you are learning along the way.

Sometimes the result is a few focused updates that completely change how the site performs. Sometimes it confirms that a rebuild makes sense, but now it’s strategic, not reactive.

Either way, you walk away with clear guidance on next steps.

If your website feels uncertain right now, especially with how quickly platforms and search engines are evolving you don’t have to start from scratch.

Website audits are $150 and typically delivered within one week. If you’re not ready for a rebuild but you’re ready to know what’s actually going on, this is the best place to start.

Worth Noting This Month

February has brought a few subtle but important shifts across social platforms and search engines.

Instagram is continuing to prioritize intentional discovery.

With expanded “algorithm preference” controls and continued emphasis on saves, shares, and watch time, content is being ranked less by popularity and more by relevance. Clear topic focus and structured value matter more than volume.

LinkedIn content is becoming increasingly discoverable beyond LinkedIn.

Long-form posts and articles are now more likely to surface in AI-driven search results. That means thoughtful insights published on LinkedIn are no longer just social content. They are search signals.

AI-driven personalization is now the dominant filter.

Across platforms, algorithms are optimizing for satisfaction signals: dwell time, meaningful engagement, and completion rate. Quick engagement spikes without depth are losing power. Content that people actually spend time with is amplified.

Search and commerce are getting closer together.

AI-assisted search experiences are shortening the path from discovery to purchase. Businesses with clear offers, structured service pages, and well-optimized websites will benefit most from this shift.

What this means:

Strategy, clarity, and consistency continue to outperform sporadic posting. Platforms are rewarding relevance, not noise.

If you’re reading through these updates and wondering how they apply to your business specifically, feel free to reach out any time. We’re always happy to talk strategy!

Looking Ahead

As we move into March, the common thread remains the same: visibility is not about doing more. It is about doing what you are already doing, but with greater clarity and consistency.

If this month’s updates feel like a lot, start small. Review your most recent five posts and ask whether they clearly reflect who you are and what you offer. Look at your website homepage and consider whether a new visitor would immediately understand who you serve and how you help. Check your LinkedIn headline or Instagram bio and see if it still represents where your business is today.

You do not need to overhaul everything at once. The businesses that are building steady traction right now are not necessarily the loudest. They are the most consistent and the most clear about their message.

If you would like to continue following along as these shifts unfold, we share ongoing insights and strategy reflections on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Follow along for real time updates and practical strategies!

And as always, if you have questions about your own visibility strategy, I am only a message away.

Thanks for being here.

Bernice Bethke

Founder & Digital Strategist at Threadlined Presence

This Month's Featured Blog

Understanding & Leveraging Google Analytics for Small Businesses

A beginner-friendly guide to Google Analytics for small businesses. Learn which metrics matter most, how to read trends, and how to use data to guide smarter, more strategic decisions.