291: Why Does SEO Take So Long to Work? | Expert Reveals Timeline Secrets

Send us a text 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 2025Why SEO is not a “set it and forget it” strategy—but also not as overwhelming as it seemsThe role of content marketing as the true heart of long-term SEO successWhy SEO should be viewed more as audience trust-building than keyword trickery What Google Actually WantsThe power of E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authority, and TrustWhy 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 VoiceHow Barb uses both AI and human copywriters to scale content while keeping quality highTips to avoid robotic, low-value content with AI—think anecdotes, real photos, and smart editsGoogle"s evolving ability to read images, metadata, and credibility signals Getting Your Content Strategy RightSimple keyword tools Barb recommends: Google autocomplete, People Also Ask, AnswerThePublic, AlsoAsked.com, and RedditWhy asking your audience directly is still the best content research toolHow forums, newsletters, and Facebook groups reveal search intent gold Barb’s No-Nonsense SEO Advice for Business OwnersBlog consistently and intentionally—don’t just create for creation’s sakeTrack 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 MarketersSEO is a long game, not a magic trickDon"t believe everything you read—test, tweak, and trackAI is a tool, not a replacement for your brand’s voiceReal 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 Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage? Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I"ve got all your AI curiosities covered. It"s the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here