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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman welcomes SEO strategist and content marketing expert Barb Davids to talk about the not-so-secret truths of SEO, demystifying the process for small business owners and marketers alike.

Barb shares her journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneur life and what it really takes to build SEO credibility in a noisy digital world. From quirky SEO myths (like white text on white backgrounds!) to practical strategies that actually work, this episode is packed with wisdom and laughter.

We explore:

The Reality of SEO in 2025

• Why SEO is not a “set it and forget it” strategy—but also not as overwhelming as it seems
• The role of content marketing as the true heart of long-term SEO success
• Why SEO should be viewed more as audience trust-building than keyword trickery

What Google Actually Wants

• The power of E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust
• Why authenticity and transparency build credibility (and rankings!)
• How hidden tactics like keyword stuffing or invisible text backfire in the long run

Using AI Without Losing Your Voice

• How Barb uses both AI and human copywriters to scale content while keeping quality high
• Tips to avoid robotic, low-value content with AI—think anecdotes, real photos, and smart edits
• Google's evolving ability to read images, metadata, and credibility signals

Getting Your Content Strategy Right

• Simple keyword tools Barb recommends: Google autocomplete, People Also Ask, AnswerThePublic, AlsoAsked.com, and Reddit
• Why asking your audience directly is still the best content research tool
• How forums, newsletters, and Facebook groups reveal search intent gold

Barb’s No-Nonsense SEO Advice for Business Owners

• Blog consistently and intentionally—don’t just create for creation’s sake
• Track your ROI with analytics (don’t guess if SEO is working)
• Focus on building trust: real contact info, privacy policies, testimonials, and value-rich content matter more than hacks

Key Takeaways for Marketers

• SEO is a long game, not a magic trick
• Don't believe everything you read—test, tweak, and track
• AI is a tool, not a replacement for your brand’s voice
• Real content that solves real problems will always win

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur juggling marketing hats or a marketer ready to clean up your SEO strategy, this episode gives you practical tools and a refreshing perspective. Barb’s honesty and humor will help you ditch the gimmicks and focus on what truly moves the needle.

🎧 Ready to finally understand SEO without the jargon?
Tune in to learn how to make SEO part of your marketing—not a mystery!

💬 Connect with Barb Davids and learn more about her SEO work.

Website: https://compassdigitalstrategies.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC_2klgxETQWbSg

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