I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about AI search and whether it changes everything we know about SEO. So in this episode I’m breaking down something I think is worth understanding: the difference between being found on Google and being cited by AI. They’re not the same experience, and they don’t work exactly the same way. I walk through how Google finds and ranks your website, how AI search tools decide whether to reference you, and why the foundation for both comes back to the same thing and that is how credible and consistent your presence looks across the web.

I also bust a couple of myths that are floating around out there, because I almost fell for one of them myself.

If you’ve been wondering whether any of this actually matters for your small business, this episode is for you.
Enjoy the episode!

👉 For all the links and resources mentioned in this episode, check out the supporting blog post here.

👉 Stop second-guessing your to-do list and grab the Marketing Energy Matrix to focus on the tasks that actually get you results.

🧰 I love me a good digital marketing tool.This week’s recommended tool is Exploding Topics.

It’s a tool that discovers trends. There’s a paid version and a free version. I like it just for the informative nature of what’s trending as it goes across all kinds of industries. Like “dog food maker”. Apparently a big thing right now. Even Dash has one for making treats.

Peek inside my toolbox.

🎧 This week’s recommended podcast episode is The Real Reason You Procrastinate (It’s Not Why You Think) on All it Takes is a Goal with Jon Acuff. I like his episodes. They are short and to the point. I have a habit of procrastinating. I have a habit of overthinking. And I know the two are related. I loved the angle of this episode and what he boiled procrastination down to. I’m not gonna tell you because that would ruin the effect of listening to it. He also mentioned he has a new book called Procrastination Proof. I bought it and read it in two days. I took quite a few notes and know where I get hung. And am actively trying to keep one of his suggestions active in my head to work through my procrastination habit.

🗞️ Digital Marketing Takeaway

Digital marketing advice that doesn't require a dictionary.

Short enough to read. Useful enough to use. Every Wednesday.

About This Show

Created by Compass Digital Strategies, the Small Business Marketing Sweet Spot is a weekly podcast for service-based small business owners who want more website visibility, traffic, and leads. Hosted by Barb Davids, each episode covers the what, why, and how of SEO, content marketing, and digital strategy. Plus expert guest conversations on productivity, branding, and mindset. Because growing your business and loving your life aren't separate goals.