

The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
Kara Duncan
Hey there, welcome to "The Kara Report"! Each week, we’re sharing what we see real businesses doing to grow their business and expand their reach to help you grow your business and become a marketing pro. In each episode, we get granular and talk about real-world marketing strategies, what DOESN’T work when scaling your business, and host candid conversations on the latest business and marketing trends. We'll even share the juicy data we collect and behind-the-scenes bloopers as they come.No fluff, no filler; just authentic, in-depth discussions that explore the key factors that truly make a difference in your business success. After all, we know that marketing your business is about more than Instagram Reels tips and social media algorithm hacks, and great marketing also doesn’t always mean you’re running a successful, profitable business. While we specialize in content marketing, blogging for SEO, Pinterest marketing, and website copy for our own content marketing agency, all marketing strategies are welcome (and discussed) here. Whether you're an established entrepreneur looking to refine your business or marketing strategy or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, we’re serving up valuable insights designed to help you navigate the ever-changing world of business and marketing. We believe when you do the work, you’ll reap the rewards and we promise we will focus on results-driven action steps (not the busy work) to help you hit your goals this year.Now let’s get started!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 16, 2025 • 25min
102 | You Don’t Actually Need to Blog Every Week (Here’s When Batching Wins)
Blogging for SEO is often positioned as an all-or-nothing commitment — post every single week or don’t bother at all. But that advice leaves out something important: real life, real business seasons, and real capacity.In this episode, I’m breaking down when batching blog posts can actually be a smarter, more strategic move than weekly publishing. We’re talking nuance, not absolutes — and how to build long-term visibility on Google without burning yourself out or abandoning blogging altogether.This is the behind-the-scenes strategy conversation I’m having with clients who want SEO to work for them, even when weekly consistency isn’t realistic. Whether you’re pivoting, launching something new, short on time, or just craving a more sustainable approach, this episode will help you decide what actually makes sense for your business.If blogging has been sitting on your 2026 to-do list — or you’ve been feeling guilty for not keeping up — this episode is your permission slip and your strategy guide.🎙️ In This Episode:Why weekly blogging isn’t always the smartest SEO strategyWhen batching blog posts makes more sense than consistent publishingHow to use blog batching without hurting your rankingsWhat to look at before deciding how often you “should” blogHow batched blogs can support SEO, visibility, and client trust long-termThe seasons of business where batching is especially powerful🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/102Check out my batch blog packages (available for a limited time): https://thekarareport.com/batchCheck out our sponsor Enji (a social media scheduler built for small business owners): https://thekarareport.com/enjiLearn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 11min
101 | Ask Me Anything: About Work-life Balance, AI-assisted Writing in Search Results, and How Being The "Cool Boss" Nearly Blew Up My Business
In this episode, I’m answering your Ask Me ANYTHING questions with as much honesty, nuance, and context as possible — from whether AI-written blogs can truly rank, to how I manage my workload as a mom, to the biggest mistake I made in my first business. It truly is a mix of personal, behind-the-scenes things about how I run both of my businesses, plus a handful of strategy questions you were curious about. 🎙️ In This Episode:Does a blog written by ChatGPT perform as well as one you write yourself? (03:18)Are people using Pinterest as much as they used to? (08:45)If you were to start a new business from scratch, what would be your marketing plan? (11:30)What's been the hardest lesson you've learned as a business owner? (14:12)What was the turning point when you realized your business had real momentum? (22:50)Do you have any work/life balance tips as a mom (besides daycare)? (29:16)How do you come up with new content ideas for clients? (40:50)How do you make sure that the content you create for clients aligns with their ICA and aesthetic (Pinterest pins)? (42:39)What projects (in life or business) are lighting you up right now? (50:36)If you had to start from scratch today, what would you do differently? (52:24)What are your thoughts on Google ads? Are they helpful? (55:39)What did it look like to go from your destination wedding business to marketing and what role do you play in that first business now? (57:08)🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/101Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners): https://thekarareport.com/enjiLearn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Nov 25, 2025 • 28min
100 | 3 of My Clients Run Completely Instagram-Free Businesses (Here's How!)
Marketing your business without Instagram sounds impossible… until you see the real strategies successful business owners are using every day. While the online space can make it seem like Instagram is the place to grow, convert, and stay relevant, the truth is far more nuanced — and far more freeing.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on three very different businesses that thrive completely off Instagram. We’re talking real funnels, real marketing strategies, and real results… without the constant posting, burnout, or algorithm guessing game. These are the conversations that usually stay inside private client calls, but today you get a peek behind the scenes.Whether you’re craving a break from Instagram, wondering if you could ever grow without it, or just want confirmation that other paths do exist, this episode will give you ideas, clarity, and maybe even a little relief.🎙️ In This Episode:The surprising truth about businesses thriving without InstagramWhat real marketing looks like when social media isn’t part of the strategyHow three successful business owners get clients, traffic, and salesWhy these off-Instagram funnels work — and what you can learn from themWhat to consider if you’re rethinking your relationship with Instagram🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/100Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enjiLearn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Nov 18, 2025 • 31min
99 | 99 Episodes Later: The BRUTAL Truth About Podcasting (If Podcasters Were Honest)
Podcasting looks simple from the outside, but once you’re actually doing it — especially as a business owner — there are so many hidden cons to starting (and having!) a podcast that no one warns you about. From confusing data to low listener engagement to the myth of effortless batching, running a podcast can feel like you’re constantly troubleshooting, adjusting, and deciding whether the effort is paying off.In this episode, I’m walking you through the honest truth about podcasting that most people in the online space never talk about. After nearly two years and almost 100 episodes, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes realities... the ones that usually never leave a private voxer conversation.Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast in 2026, already have a show you’re trying to grow, or simply want a more realistic picture of what consistent podcasting looks like (so you can feel like you're not so alone!), this episode is for you.🎙️ In This Episode:The side of podcasting most people never mentionHow podcasting really impacts your businessWhat I’ve learned after nearly two years and 100 episodesHow to think about growth, engagement, and momentumThe mindset shifts that make podcasting more sustainable🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/99Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enjiLearn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Nov 11, 2025 • 29min
98 | The ONE Simple Marketing Funnel I’d Build If I Had To Start My Business Over Again
We all know the online marketing world can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re surrounded by complicated funnels, pressure to automate everything, and endless talk about “low-ticket ascension models.” If you’ve been craving simplicity or wondering what you’d do if you had to start your business from scratch, this episode is your permission slip to pare it all the way back.In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact simple marketing funnel I’d use if I were rebuilding my business tomorrow — no bells, no whistles, no 57-email sequences. Just the foundational pieces that actually move the needle: a mid-ticket offer, a minimum-viable website, content that builds authority, and a visibility strategy rooted in real conversations, not cold pitching or passive posting.Whether you’re pivoting, starting fresh, or trying to get out of the “referrals and Instagram-only” cycle, this episode gives you a grounded, actionable path for building momentum quickly without burning out or overcomplicating things. We’re talking clarity, confidence, and cash flow — the sustainable way.🎙️ In This Episode:Why I’d choose a mid-ticket offerWhat your five-page “minimum infrastructure” website should includeBuilding the quiet engine behind this simple funnelYour visibility plan to get in front of more people fastFrequently asked questions about a simple marketing funnel🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/98Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enjiLearn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Nov 4, 2025 • 36min
97 | ChatGPT Atlas Review (8 Things I Tried, First Impressions, + A Candid Conversation About Whether Or Not It Will Replace Chrome)
We all know that AI talk can feel both thrilling and slightly terrifying — and if you’re anything like me, you might’ve been firmly in the “Chrome forever” camp… until now. After spending the last week and a half inside ChatGPT’s new browser, I’m bringing you a true ChatGPT Atlas review — not hype, not theory, but exactly how I’ve been using it inside my real workflows as a business owner and creator.In this episode, I'm walking you through eight specific use cases that saved me time, sparked ideas, or changed how I write and market online. This isn't a “prompts hacks” episode: this is how Atlas feels, functions, and fits into everyday life when you run a business and want to protect your voice, your workflows, and your humanity in the content you create.If you’ve been wondering, “Is ChatGPT Atlas actually worth it?” or “Could this replace Chrome?” this episode is your starting point. Let’s talk pros, limitations, Agent Mode experiments, and whether this is tech you should actually invest your time in right now.🎙️ In This Episode:Why my ChatGPT Atlas review starts with healthy skepticismHow Atlas analyzed my website in seconds (and what it got right + wrong)Ways I used Chat GPT Atlas this week (what I loved and didn't)My Agent Mode test on Pinterest The underrated feature I didn’t expect to loveWill Atlas replace Chrome? The honest answer🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/97Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enjiThe post I mentioned about Big Tech not aligning with our values (which is another reason I love Enji): https://www.instagram.com/p/DQHl8-lCXJx/Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Oct 28, 2025 • 33min
96 | 8 Things I've Learned From Obsessively Watching Youtubers
We all know that watching YouTube can feel like both education and escapism — but lately, it’s also been a masterclass in marketing. After bingeing everything from home makeovers to productivity vlogs, I’ve realized that the best creators on YouTube are teaching small business owners something deeper: how to show up online with more confidence, personality, and longevity.In this episode, I’m sharing eight lessons I’ve learned that you can apply to your own marketing even if you never post a single YouTube video. From letting your personality shine to building long-lasting assets that compound over time, these are the takeaways that will make your content feel less forced, more fun, and way more effective.🎙️ In This Episode:The #1 reason personality matters more than polishWhat “weird is good” really means for your brandHow effort, opinions, and pattern interrupts change retentionWhy community never happens by accidentA reminder to build assets that last longer than a trend🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/96Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Oct 21, 2025 • 26min
95 | Debunking The Biggest Pinterest Myths I Hear As A Pinterest Manager: What Actually Works in 2025
We’ve all heard them: “Pinterest doesn’t work anymore.” “It’s only for recipes and DIY.” “You need to post 35 times a day to see results.” But what if those Pinterest myths are actually keeping your business from one of the most powerful organic traffic tools out there?In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest misconceptions about Pinterest — and sharing what actually drives results in 2025. Whether you’re a coach, service provider, or e-commerce brand, Pinterest is still one of the best ways to drive long-term traffic, build brand authority, and turn cold audiences into loyal customers.And here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a full-time creator or spend hours pinning every day. You just need a strategy that’s rooted in how Pinterest actually works — not how it used to work.If you’ve been sleeping on Pinterest because of outdated advice, this episode is going to change how you see the platform for good.🎙️ In This Episode:Pinterest is a “cherry-on-top” strategy that amplifies what’s already working in your marketingExamples of niches Pinterest will work forWhy Pinterest traffic does convert (and how to capture cold traffic effectively)What Pinterest SEO actually looks like now (it’s not just keywords)How AI is changing Pinterest search and what it means for your contentWhat separates the accounts that give up after a month from the ones that see lasting results🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/95Pinterest episodes to binge next: - How to get sales from Pinterest: Episode 13- What's working on Pinterest in 2025: Episode 62 Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Oct 14, 2025 • 36min
94 | How to Build a Profitable Online Community (Even in 2025) with Michelle Vroom
We’ve all heard it: “Facebook groups are dead.” But what if that’s the biggest missed opportunity in your marketing right now? In an era where algorithms change daily and connection feels harder than ever, community-driven marketing might just be your most reliable growth channel.And btw - if you’re thinking, “I don’t want to be on Facebook,” this episode is still 100% for you. Because today’s conversation isn’t really about Facebook — it’s about how to build genuine relationships that turn into revenue, no matter where you show up online.I’m joined by marketing coach Michelle Vroom, who’s built a multiple six-figure business by focusing on community over content and connection over algorithms. We talk about why smaller, more personal spaces are thriving in 2025, how to turn your audience into loyal buyers, and what it actually looks like to build trust in a world that’s increasingly automated.Even if your platform of choice is Instagram, Substack, Slack, or a private email list — this episode will show you how to create a community that converts without burning yourself out trying to “go viral.”If you’ve been craving a marketing strategy that feels more human, this one’s a must-listen.🎙️ In This Episode:Why “Facebook groups are dead” is one of the biggest marketing mythsHow to apply Michelle’s strategies to any community platform (not just Facebook)The “destination event” method that turns followers into clientsWhy smaller, more personal communities are outperforming large audiencesThe role of trust and conversation in a post-AI marketing worldHow to re-engage a quiet audience and turn it into a profitable one🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/94Join Michelle's Facebook Group (and Message Her For Her Free Engagement Cheat Sheet): https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketlikeabossgroupFollow Michelle on Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/marketlikeabossmv/Learn more about Michelle Vroom: https://michellevroom.com/Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Oct 7, 2025 • 31min
93 | The Secret Q4 Marketing Strategy Most Entrepreneurs Skip (and Regret in 2026)
We all know the cycle: pushing out daily Instagram posts, scrambling to keep up with the algorithm, and wondering if it’s even worth it. The highlight reels of “overnight” wins make it seem like short-form content is the only way to grow — but if that’s your only strategy heading into Q4, your future self is going to be exhausted.In this episode, I’m sharing the marketing play that most entrepreneurs skip until it’s too late: building evergreen content systems. Whether it’s blogging, Pinterest, or other search-driven strategies, Q4 is the best time to plant seeds that will grow into leads, traffic, and sales in 2026.We’ll talk about why relying only on Instagram is burning you out, how evergreen content gives you marketing assets that keep working in the background, and why now (not January) is the moment to start if you want your business to feel lighter and more sustainable next year.If you’re ready to move beyond hustle-mode and finally build a marketing strategy that compounds over time, this episode is for you.🎙️ In This Episode:Why Instagram is the hardest platform to outsource How blogging + Pinterest can give you momentum for early 2026Evergreen content as an asset (and how one blog post can fuel weeks of marketing)The exact Q4 planning process I use with clients to set them up for the new yearWhy AI search (like ChatGPT and Bing) changes the game for long-tail contentA tough-love reminder: if you wait until January, you’ll miss your best window🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/93 Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport


