Everything on this site is written and signed by one person. This page explains what that means for you.
Who writes it
I'm Michael Carpenter. I've spent twenty years producing video and photography for businesses, including five years as video production manager at Chewy's Dallas studio. Since 2022 I've paired that with evidence-led search work for service businesses. The about page has the full story. Every Journal post carries my name and its publish date, and shows an update date once the substance changes.
How claims are sourced
Every factual claim links to a primary source: Google's own documentation, a named study, or data I can show. If I can't verify a claim, I cut it. Recaps of someone else's research get traced back to the original before I cite them. When two guides repeat the same upstream number, I say so instead of calling them independent.
What proof looks like
Screenshots come from accounts I manage. Photos and video stills come from productions I worked on. Clients are named only with their recorded permission. If a number comes from Search Console, I say which property and which dates.
Dates and updates
The publish date is the day the post went live. The update date changes only when the substance changes: a new figure, a corrected claim, a section rewritten. Fixing a typo or adding a link doesn't move it.
What you won't find here
- Prices, packages or guarantees. Every engagement is scoped to the situation, so I'd rather talk than publish a number.
- Stock photography as a hero image.
- First-hand claims about work I haven't done.
- Advice this site doesn't follow itself.
Tools
I use software, including AI tools, to research, outline and check drafts. Every claim, source and sentence is reviewed by me before it goes live, and I'm responsible for all of it.
Corrections
If something is wrong, email michael@carpentergrowth.com. I'll reply within 24 hours, check it, fix it, and add a dated note to the post.