Editorial Policy & Content Standards

At SmartBrandStrategies, we're committed to creating content that's genuinely helpful, accurate, and transparent. This editorial policy explains our standards, processes, and commitment to quality.

1. Our Content Standards

Accuracy and Truth

We prioritize factual accuracy in everything we publish:

• Fact-Checking: All statistics, claims, and technical details are verified before publication
• Source Citation: We cite authoritative sources for data and research claims
• Corrections: We promptly correct any errors and note corrections clearly
• No Exaggeration: Headlines and claims accurately reflect content—no clickbait

Experience and Expertise

Our content is written by people with real, first-hand experience:

• All articles are authored or supervised by Kurt Overmier, who has 15+ years of hands-on experience in digital transformation
• We write about what we've actually built, implemented, and learned from
• We share specific examples, metrics, and lessons from real projects
• We admit when we don't know something or when a topic is outside our expertise

Useful and Actionable

Every piece of content must provide practical value:

• Clear explanations of complex topics
• Actionable advice readers can implement
• Real examples and case studies
• Honest assessment of pros, cons, and limitations

2. AI and Content Creation

How We Use AI

We believe in transparency about our content creation process. Here's exactly how we use AI:

• Research Assistance: AI helps us gather information, verify facts, and explore different perspectives
• Brainstorming: We use AI to generate ideas, outline structures, and explore different approaches
• Editing and Refinement: AI helps us catch errors, improve clarity, and refine language
• Technical Verification: AI assists in checking code examples and technical accuracy

What AI Doesn't Do

We never:

• Publish unedited AI-generated content
• Use AI to create "filler" content or artificially increase volume
• Let AI substitute for human expertise and judgment
• Use AI primarily to manipulate search rankings (this violates Google's spam policies)

3. Content Review Process

Before Publication

Every piece of content goes through our review process:

1. Drafting: Content is created by Kurt Overmier or reviewed team members, often with AI assistance
2. Fact-Checking: All claims, statistics, and technical details are verified
3. Technical Review: Code examples, technical processes, and methodologies are tested
4. Clarity Check: Content is reviewed for clarity, readability, and usefulness
5. Final Approval: Kurt Overmier reviews and approves all content before publication

After Publication

Our commitment doesn't end at publication:

• Regular Updates: We review and update content to ensure it remains accurate and relevant
• Reader Feedback: We respond to comments and questions, incorporating feedback when appropriate
• Corrections: Errors are corrected promptly with a clear notation of the correction

4. Types of Content We Create

Educational Content

Articles, guides, and tutorials designed to teach specific skills or concepts. These are based on our direct experience and tested methodologies.

Experience Reports

First-hand accounts of building, implementing, or learning from specific projects. These include metrics, challenges, and lessons learned.

Industry Analysis

Commentary on industry trends, technologies, and best practices. These reflect our professional judgment and are clearly identified as opinion where appropriate.

Case Studies

Detailed examinations of specific implementations, strategies, or solutions. These include real data and outcomes (anonymized when necessary to protect client confidentiality).

5. What We Don't Do

In the interest of maintaining trust and quality, we explicitly avoid:

• Clickbait: Misleading headlines or exaggerated claims
• Search-Engine-First Content: Content created solely to rank for keywords
• Superficial Coverage: Brief overviews on topics we haven't deeply explored
• Paid Placement: We don't accept payment for positive coverage or rankings
• Affiliate Links Without Disclosure: Any affiliate relationships are clearly disclosed
• Date Manipulation: We don't change publication dates to make content appear fresh without substantial updates

6. Conflicts of Interest

Disclosure

We disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including:

• Financial relationships with companies we mention
• Affiliate partnerships or referral arrangements
• Products or services we've built or have a stake in
• Competitive relationships

Our Voice AI Platform

When we write about voice AI technology, we disclose that we've built our own voice AI platform. Our goal is to share what we've learned, not to oversell our services.

7. Diversity and Inclusion

We strive to create content that:

• Is accessible to readers of all backgrounds and experience levels
• Avoids jargon and explains technical concepts clearly
• Represents diverse perspectives and use cases
• Is free from discriminatory language or bias

8. Privacy and Confidentiality

When writing about client work or specific implementations:

• We obtain explicit permission before sharing client-specific information
• We anonymize data when necessary to protect client confidentiality
• We never share proprietary methodologies or sensitive business information
• We respect NDAs and confidentiality agreements

9. Reader Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights

As a reader, you have the right to:

• Expect accurate, helpful content
• Request corrections if you find errors
• Ask questions and engage with content
• Know how content was created (human-written, AI-assisted, etc.)

Feedback

We welcome feedback on our content. If you:

• Find an error or inaccuracy
• Have suggestions for improvement
• Want clarification on something
• Have concerns about our editorial practices

Please contact us at kurt@smartbrandstrategies.com

10. Corrections Policy

Minor Corrections

For typos, grammatical errors, or minor factual corrections, we update the content without notation.

Significant Corrections

For substantial errors that affect the meaning or accuracy of content, we:

• Correct the error
• Add a note at the top or bottom of the article explaining the correction
• Include the date of the correction
• Explain what was incorrect and how it's been corrected

11. Updates and Freshness

Technology changes rapidly. We:

• Review high-traffic content quarterly for accuracy
• Update content when significant changes occur in the industry
• Note substantial updates with a revision date
• Archive outdated content rather than leaving incorrect information live

12. Contact Us About Editorial Standards

We're always working to improve our editorial standards. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out:

• Email: kurt@smartbrandstrategies.com
• Subject Line: "Editorial Policy Inquiry"

We review all editorial policy inquiries and respond within 5 business days.