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Michelle Songy is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder of Press Hook, a platform that helps brands get media coverage through a hybrid model of earned, affiliate, and paid press opportunities. Prior to Press Hook, Michelle founded and sold Cake Technologies to American Express. She's passionate about making PR more accessible and transparent for small businesses, especially mission-driven consumer brands. Press Hook is used by 1,000+ companies— from early-stage startups to category leaders— to connect directly with journalists, newsletters, and podcasts that drive real product discovery. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[00:56] Realizing the need to master your own PR[02:36] Understanding why generic pitching fails[05:21] Boosting discovery via trusted publishers[08:06] Navigating earned, paid, and affiliate media[11:26] Callouts[11:40] Standing out with visuals and clarity[15:26] Adapting strategies to decentralized media[18:58] Enhancing discoverability in crowded markets[20:57] Building systems before scaling PRResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeAI-driven media relations and PR pantform presshook.com/Follow Michelle Songy linkedin.com/in/michellesongyIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Jay Clouse is best known for two things:Being the founder of Creator Science, and being one of the most prominent thought-leaders in the content creator spaceBeing the first 4x guest on the Web Design Business PodcastJay and I connected early in his journey into the world of courses, coaching, podcasting, memberships and content creation and over the last 5 years, I've seen him excel in all areas.So much so, that I'm a paying member of his community “The Lab” where I keep tabs on all things socials, content creation, podcasting, memberships and more.But a big shift happened for Jay last year when he and his wife had their first little cuddly Clouse. So for this chat, we focus on that – specifically what he's learned in growing and maintaining his business with harsher time and bandwidth constraints as a new parent.Enjoy! And if you're this season as well, just know, the sleep deprivation DOES get better
Elina Panteleyeva is the founder of Dood Woof, a 7-figure brand built specifically for Doodle dog breeds. After getting laid off, she bootstrapped her business from $0 to 7 figures in 15 months with no prior Ecommerce experience, no team and no outside investors. outside funding. Elina scaled fast by focusing on niche product-market fit, building a raving fan base, and using scrappy organic marketing to drive Amazon and TikTok Shop growth. Now, she helps other founders grow and scale their eCommerce brands profitably by building a brand that serves a specific group of people. In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[00:34] Sponsor: Taboola[01:44] Building products around customer pain points[02:53] Identifying problems through community research[05:19] Sponsor: Next Insurance[06:32] Balancing product creation with marketing[06:48] Building trust through storytelling[09:15] Collecting feedback to shape products[10:50] Creating scarcity to drive excitement[12:38] Identifying niches with specific pain points[13:47] Sponsor: Electric Eye[14:56] Sponsor: Freight Right[16:56] Collecting reviews to build credibility[18:37] Training mindset to handle uncertainty[21:59] Discovering entrepreneurial instincts early[22:29] Focusing on one channel before diversifying [25:34] Leveraging micro-influencers for growthResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeCreating Healthy Happy Lives for Doodles doodwoof.com/Follow Elina Panteleyeva instagram.com/doodwoofco/?hl=enReach your best audience at the lowest cost! discover.taboola.com/honest/Easy, affordable coverage that grows with your business nextinsurance.com/honest/Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectTurn your domestic business into an international business freightright.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Increase your income without niching down, rebranding or adding more services or skills. Get our 90-Day Revenue Roadmap Training and find out how to go from undercharging and hustling to booking projects you love (at higher prices than you thought possible). Get the full show notes at https://webdesigneracademy.com/171 When you're ready, here are some ways we can help you with your web design business:
nerdcafe. Der Podcast rund um WordPress, Hosting, CMS und Web.
Willkommen im nerdcafe – dem Podcast für alle, die mehr aus ihrer WordPress-Website machen wollen! Heute zu Gast ist Tobias Milbrandt. Tobias ist größter Sachbuch-Influencer im DACH Raum. Steht in seinem LinkedIn Profil. Tobias ist Spiegel-Bestseller Experte und Geschäftsführer der Kapado GmbH. Mit dieser haben sie bereits über 40 Bücher zu Bestsellern gemacht. Tobias und ich kennen uns von der Themenbubble Podacast - wir haben uns bei der all ears getroffen, dann bei Community Camp in Berlin und laufen uns immer wieder virtuell bei LinkedIn über den Weg. Wir haben deswegen heute gesprochen über: seinen Werdegang vom Beamten über DJing zum Buchmarketing-Experten, über Autoritäten und die Arbeit mit Autor*innen, über Fach- und Sachbücher, - Bestseller und seinen Weg zum Book-Influencer. Diese Episode erscheint kurz vor Weihnachten, daher hab ich ihn natürlich um ein paar Tipps für Buch-Geschenke gebeten. - Der Stubenfliegen-Effekt von Tim Den Heijer und Eva Van Den Broek - Trotzdem ja zum Leben"sagen von Viktor E. Frankl - Happy Sexy Millionaire von Steven Bartlett - Achtzehnter Stock von Sara Gmuer Was ist das nerdcafe? Im nerdcafe Podcast dreht sich alles um WordPress, Webdesign, Hosting, Content-Management-Systeme und die großen Fragen rund ums Web. Du bekommst praxisnahe Tipps zu Sicherheit, Backups, SEO und Social Media – perfekt für alle, die ein eigenes Webprojekt starten oder verbessern möchten.
There are a lot of ongoing changes happening with SEO and how user behavior is changing with AI. It's hard enough to keep up with as a web designer…I can't imagine as a client!But someone who's doing a great job keeping their SEO clients in-the-know and updated every step of the way is Lindsay Halsey, co-founder of SEO agency webshine.comShe shares how they're implementing AI SEO, how it's changing their current offers, pricing and what they're not changing.Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/407My 2023 Black Friday Sale is ON!!All Web Design Courses are 30% OFF.
Jennifer is the Director of DTC, Martech, and Digital Compliance at OLLY, a Unilever-owned vitamin/supplement brand, and a seasoned eCommerce veteran based in the Bay Area. She specializes in building digital marketing programs, profitable eCommerce stores, and seamless customer experiences. Her expertise includes advanced Martech ecosystems, customer data platforms (CDPs), marketing automation, and ensuring compliance with global privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA. Jennifer's skills span web development, UX/UI design, inventory management, logistics, and omni-channel retailing. In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[00:39] Sponsor: Taboola[01:58] Solving customer needs with simplicity[04:05] Sponsor: Next Insurance[05:19] Leveraging cross-brand learnings for growth[08:37] Using D2C as a customer learning engine[12:00] Callouts[12:11] Evaluating tools that streamline operations[13:37] Reviving traditional marketing with modern tech[16:52] Sponsor: Electric Eye & Freight Fright[20:01] Testing unconventional marketing strategies[21:19] Balancing responsibility with limited control[24:58] Focusing on product value over flashy designResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeOlly Vitamins and Supplements olly.com/Follow Jennifer Peters linkedin.com/in/jennifer-peters-3bbb6220Reach your best audience at the lowest cost! discover.taboola.com/honest/Easy, affordable coverage that grows with your business nextinsurance.com/honest/Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectTurn your domestic business into an international business freightright.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Scott Desgrosseilliers is the founder and CEO of Wicked Reports, a leading first-party marketing attribution platform for high-growth eCommerce brands. With over a decade of experience analyzing billions in ad spend, Scott helps marketers cut through the noise to find what's really driving ROI. He's the creator of the 5 Forces System, a proven framework that turns messy marketing data into clear, confident decisions. Before Wicked Reports, Scott led and consulted on database and process management applications at Motorola, Quest Diagnostics, Breck Shampoo, Ovaltine, the Hong Kong 911 department, and Apartments.com. When not leading Wicked Reports, Scott can be found in Marblehead Massachusetts playing pickleball, meditating, or on the boat with the family. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[02:37] Questioning attribution in marketing[06:44] The truth about “more is better” marketing [07:36] Choosing channels for first campaigns[09:34] Starting funnels with small spend[11:16] Debunking marketing ROI lies[14:24] Navigating attribution for customer journeys[16:51] Distinguishing case studies from reality[19:07] Exploring the Five Forces framework[27:24] Seeing emotional spending on paid ads[27:50] Recording client interaction for accountability [28:53] Highlighting effective AI campaign analysis [31:21] Streamlining insights for effective decisionsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeMultitouch marketing attribution software www.wickedreports.com/Follow Scott Desgrosseilliers www.linkedin.com/in/scottd71/If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Points of Interest0:01 – 01:27 – Introduction: Marcel welcomes returning guest Vito Peleg, CEO of Atarim, and frames the conversation around how agencies can streamline creative collaboration and leverage AI to improve delivery efficiency and profitability.01:28 – 03:27 – From Touring Musician to Collaboration Software Founder: Vito shares his backstory as a touring musician building websites from a van, then running a web agency, and how constant friction getting clients to give timely, clear feedback led to the first version of Atarim as a WordPress plugin.03:27 – 06:46 – The True Cost of Collaboration on Delivery Timelines: Marcel highlights how reducing delivery time by 50–70% transforms profit and cash flow, and Vito reframes the issue by showing that collaboration with clients and stakeholders routinely increases project timelines by 500–700%.06:46 – 10:06 – Why Text-Based Feedback Breaks Creative Work: Vito explains that human feedback is naturally three to five words and visual, but agencies force clients into long, text-heavy descriptions via email, docs, and tickets, creating procrastination, dead time, and constant misalignment.08:39 – 10:06 – Vague Feedback and Week-Long Clarification Cycles: Citing Atarim's data, Vito notes that 68% of creative comments written in text are too vague to action on first pass, leading to clarification cycles that typically add a full week to even simple tasks like updating a slide.10:12 – 15:07 – Building Momentum and “Two Days and a Weekend”: In response to Marcel's question about where agencies lose the most efficiency, Vito argues the biggest gap is at project start and introduces the “two days and a weekend” framing plus fast, simple deliverables (like a sitemap) to create momentum and urgency.15:15 – 17:28 – Getting Imperfect Work in Front of Clients Early: Marcel and Vito discuss reframing early deliverables explicitly as rough first passes so clients expect to react rather than receive perfection, reducing sunk-cost risk and speeding up alignment on direction.17:28 – 24:49 – How AI Is Compressing Build Time and Changing UI: Vito describes the evolution from hand-coded sites to drag-and-drop builders and now prompt-driven interfaces, arguing that AI will shrink creation time so dramatically that collaboration will become an even larger relative drag on projects.22:29 – 25:56 – The Future of Figma, Builders, and Dynamic Interfaces: Vito predicts that the traditional Figma-to-dev pipeline will erode as tools let teams go from prompt to production UI, while Marcel adds a Google perspective on a future where AI dynamically renders interfaces tailored to each user.30:37 – 37:42 – Agencies as Orchestrators of AI Agents, Not Just Humans: Vito outlines a future where agency owners orchestrate a team of AI agents instead of being the “talent,” potentially pricing work by tokens instead of dev hours, and using agents to automate follow-ups, support, and clarification cycles like Atarim's Claro.39:14 – 45:19 – Atarim's Agentic Creative Team Vision and Next Steps: Vito explains how Atarim is building a multi-human, multi-agent collaboration environment where specialized AI teammates (design, accessibility, performance, PM) work together in threads, and invites listeners to explore the early-access experience at Atarim.io.Show NotesConnect with Vito via LinkedInWebsite: Atarim.ioLove the PodcastLeave us a review here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
nerdcafe. Der Podcast rund um WordPress, Hosting, CMS und Web.
Willkommen im nerdcafe – dem Podcast für alle, die mehr aus ihrer WordPress-Website machen wollen! In dieser Folge von nerdcafe dreht sich alles um das Thema Partnerschaft & Sponsoring – denn: Damit unser Format langfristig wachsen kann, suchen wir starke Partner*innen. Auf unserem Blog findest Du alle Details zur nerdcafe Partnerschaft: wie unser wöchentliches Format funktioniert, welche Zielgruppe wir erreichen, und welche Vorteile eine Zusammenarbeit bietet. nerdcafe.online Warum jetzt mitmachen? Unser Podcast erscheint wöchentlich, immer dienstags ab 07:00 Uhr, und richtet sich an eine technik-affine Zielgruppe rund um WordPress, Hosting, CMS, Webprojekte. Seit 2025 wird jede zweite Episode eine Expertin oder einen Experten als Gast haben – damit wächst das Repertoire noch stärker. Als Partner:in bekommst Du sichtbare Präsenz (Logo auf Sharepic, Erwähnungen im Podcast, eigene Episode bei Jahres-Partnerschaft), und wir definieren gemeinsam, welches Format oder Zeitraum für Dich passt. Was ich mir wünsche: - Eine längerfristige Zusammenarbeit, damit Deine Marke in dieser Community dauerhaft sichtbar wird. - Dass Dein Angebot zur nerdcafe-Community passt – wir wollen keine beliebige Werbung, sondern echte Partnerschaften. Wenn Du Interesse hast an einer Partnerschaft oder noch Fragen offen sind – schreib mir! (Details siehe Blogpost). Was ist das nerdcafe? Im nerdcafe Podcast dreht sich alles um WordPress, Webdesign, Hosting, Content-Management-Systeme und die großen Fragen rund ums Web. Du bekommst praxisnahe Tipps zu Sicherheit, Backups, SEO und Social Media – perfekt für alle, die ein eigenes Webprojekt starten oder verbessern möchten.
I'm sharing the replay of my recent Live Q&A session where we dug into all things client retention, communication, and keeping your web design business running smoothly… even when outages hit or the unexpected happens.You'll hear me break down some of the same strategies I taught at the recent Circle Summit — including how to set boundaries, create repeatable touchpoints, and turn one-time clients into long-term fans.And since we're heading into Black Friday, I also walk through this year's Web Designer Pro® deals, including some really solid bonuses to help you level up going into 2025.We cover:personal welcome videos that set the tonelaunch packs that turn go-live into referrals30-day post-launch buffers to reduce scope creepmonthly reports to stay top-of-mindA/B/C client segmentation for holiday outreachthe “website is never finished” mindsetSOS plans for Squarespace and Webflow clientscalm scripts for handling outages + tough conversationsshifting from designer → strategistwhat's new with Divi 5security basics and support plansBlack Friday offers worth sharing
Chad Dime, Co-Founder of DIFF Charitable Eyewear was raised in Los Angeles California. He was born into the eyewear industry thanks to his father who owned and operated an eyewear business for over 40 years. His dad passed down the knowledge of product design, import, manufacturing and wholesale to him throughout his entire life. On the manufacturing side, he was traveling to China by the time he was 15 years old to learn the ins and outs of what it takes to work with partners overseas. In wholesale he was attending major markets as a teenager to learn the ins and outs of what it takes to sell to major retailers both nationally and internationally. He was fortunate enough to know at that very young that he would be following in his family's footsteps. While attending college at San Diego State University he was the President of the nationally ranked SDSU Surf Team. His role there allowed him to work with many notable brands like Red Bull, Rip Curl and TOMS as he obtained sponsorship from each of these businesses. After years of building campus rep programs with these brands he learned the importance of both social media marketing along with social enterprise. The partnership with TOMS shoes was his motivation to build a business that gave back, and it became his dream to start a sunglasses brand that could help change the world. After graduating from SDSU he met his business partners. Together they began selling sunglasses at electronic music festivals across the country. It was here that they realized there was a massive void in the eyewear industry that they knew they could fill. Eager to disrupt the monopolized eyewear industry they founded DIFF with a mission to create affordable designer eyewear that gives back. In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[00:50] Blending value and mission to drive impact[04:00] Partnering purpose with product[06:09] Leveraging past experiences for team balance[08:56] Nurturing partnerships for smarter growth[11:44] Stay updated with new episodes[11:55] Embedding responsibility into brand DNA[14:11] Sponsors[19:43] Influencer partnerships for early marketing strategy[22:54] Prioritizing finance to avoid early pitfalls[24:57] Understanding finances for loss prevention[26:06] Highlighting first products for brick and mortar[28:42] Following your why to create impactResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube www.youtube.com/c/HonestEcommerce?sub_confirmation=1Charitable designer sunglasses that give back www.diffeyewear.com/Follow Chad Dime www.linkedin.com/in/chad-dime-59550258Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectReach your best audience at the lowest cost! discover.taboola.com/honest/Easy, affordable coverage that grows with your business www.nextinsurance.com/honest/ Turn your domestic business into an international business www.freightright.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Increase your income without niching down, rebranding or adding more services or skills. Get our 90-Day Revenue Roadmap Training and find out how to go from undercharging and hustling to booking projects you love (at higher prices than you thought possible). Get the full show notes at https://webdesigneracademy.com/169 When you're ready, here are some ways we can help you with your web design business:
What better time to learn about the latest (and time-tested) trends for website conversion than heading into Black Friday, Holiday's and New Year – and that's what we're getting into with Greg Merrilees, who literally wrote the book on website conversion with Next Level Website Design.We're getting into all the nerdy, nitty-gritty and specific conversion tips and tricks on this one.Remember, everything you learn here and apply to your site works on client sites making you more and more valuable as a conversion-focused web designer! Charge accordingly
Originally from Wisconsin, Nathan Vazquez studied computer science at Yale University. He worked for 15 years as an options trader at Citibank until he was eventually tempted by the idea of being his own boss with work that allowed him the flexiblity to spend more time with his family. In 2015, he left his job in finance to join his wife's sticker subscription company, Pipsticks. Within a year, Pipsticks had thousands of subscribers in over 50 countries. As CEO of Pipsticks, Nathan now manages the company's growing business in the subscription, E-Commerce, wholesale, and licensing markets. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and four kids.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:23] Balancing creativity with business logic[05:43] Learning by doing and adapting fast[08:21] Growing an organic customer base[09:57] Stay updated with new episodes[10:06] Finding spending balance for growth[12:38] Seizing opportunities during market shifts[14:29] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Freight Right, Taboola, Next Insurance[20:00] Scaling your brand through audience feedback[24:10] Focusing on one thing at a time[26:32] Expanding a product to wholesale [28:25] Learning from early B2B mistakes[30:07] Measuring break-even for smart spending[33:04] Aligning resources with marketing strategy[34:29] Targeting break-even timelines strategicallyResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube www.youtube.com/c/HonestEcommerce?sub_confirmation=1Cute stickers for kids, crafters, anyone www.pipsticks.com/Stickers + stationery that say what you wish you could www.theswearjar.com/Follow Nathaniel Vazquez www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-vazquez-5b663222/Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectTurn your domestic business into an international business www.freightright.com/honestReach your best audience at the lowest cost! discover.taboola.com/honest/Easy, affordable coverage that grows with your business nextinsurance.com/honest/If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Filipe Castro Matos is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Altar.io, where he helps founders go from idea to MVP with clarity and speed. With over a decade of experience across B2C and B2B startups—including an early exit, viral growth experiments, and advising dozens of founders—Filipe specializes in helping teams find their first customers and build Go-to-Market strategies that actually work. His work today centers on solving one of the biggest problems in early-stage startups: the gap between building and growing. He's quietly building something new to bridge that gap.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[01:19] Learning ecommerce by evolving with companies[02:50] Avoiding guesswork through real user engagement[04:57] Avoiding costly guesses in early channels[07:24] Finding people who match your avatar[08:23] Returning to basics for direction clarity[08:51] Distinguishing buyers from friendly critics[11:29] Starting small when validating ideas[14:36] Simplifying business ideas through existing tools[15:29] Stay updated with new episodes[15:40] Capturing insights for go-to-market[17:36] Separating problem discovery from solutions[19:55] Going where the market is active[21:10] Introducing payments only after solutions[22:24] Digesting conversations into ICP[23:17] Pulling branding assets from real conversations[24:56] Testing organically before paid ads[27:04] Building a brand as key differentiatorResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeDigital products for entrepreneurs and business leaders: altar.io/us/Follow Filipe Castro Matos linkedin.com/in/filipecastromatosIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Text a question to Victoria!If you want your brand to feel aligned, elevated, and something you're still proud of ten years from now, this episode is your blueprint for building it right. In this episode, Victoria shares how to build a timeless brand—one that evolves with your growth instead of holding you back. You'll learn how to design a brand with true staying power so you're not constantly rebranding or blending into what's trending online.Victoria dives into the real reasons why so many brands age poorly and reveals how to avoid the common mistakes that cause entrepreneurs to outgrow their visual identity too soon. From chasing trends to prioritizing personal taste over strategy, you'll uncover what separates a brand that simply looks good today from one that builds trust, authority, and recognition for years to come.With relatable stories and practical takeaways, Victoria guides you through how to refine your message, make timeless design decisions, and develop a brand voice that grows with you through every season of business. Because when your brand is rooted in strategy, clarity, and authenticity, you won't have to chase trends or start over—you'll show up with confidence, attract the right clients, and build something that truly lasts. Links Mentioned in Today's EpisodeWork With BrandWell DesignsLooking for Brand Clarity? Join The Branding Business School!Follow BrandWell on InstagramFor show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save on your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link!Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!
Standing Out in a Tough Economy|Positioning, Offers, and Local Search Moves that Win w/ Wes TowersWes Towers runs Uplift 360, a digital agency for builders and trades. His focus is simple: smarter websites, practical SEO, and growth you can measure. He earned his playbook on real jobs, not in theory, and now helps others skip the painful lessons.Links:https://uplift360.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/uplift_360/Tags:Business Growth,Construction,Digital Marketing,Entrepreneurship,Marketing,Religion & Spirituality,Search Engine Optimization (SEO),Small Business,Web Content,Web Design,Standing Out in a Tough Economy w/ Wes Towers,Phantom Electric Ghost PodcastSupport PEG by checking out our Sponsors:Download and use Newsly for free now from www.newsly.me or from the link in the description, and use promo code “GHOST” and receive a 1-month free premium subscription.The best tool for getting podcast guests:https://podmatch.com/signup/phantomelectricghostSubscribe to our Instagram for exclusive content:https://www.instagram.com/expansive_sound_experiments/Subscribe to our YouTube https://youtube.com/@phantomelectricghost?si=rEyT56WQvDsAoRprRSShttps://anchor.fm/s/3b31908/podcast/rssSubstackhttps://substack.com/@phantomelectricghost?utm_source=edit-profile-page
Strategy & Creativity: How Alyssa Franco Built The Digital Touch In this inspiring conversation, host Kim Russo sits down with Alyssa Franco, the creative Owner of The Digital Touch! Alyssa, who successfully manages the social media presence for local powerhouses like Mount Pleasant Magazine, Charleston Women Magazine, and Island Vibes, shares her journey of turning a "side hustle" into a thriving full-time business. Learn how The Digital Touch naturally grew from Alyssa's passion for graphic design and social media, eventually moving her from a Real Estate Admin role to full-time entrepreneurship. Alyssa highlights the critical importance of bringing strategy and creativity to every project to help local businesses shine and rise above the rest. In This Podcast, You'll Learn: How networking led to major partnerships with prominent Charleston-area publications. Alyssa's insights on Branding and Web Design for today's market. The vision of collaboration over competition in the Charleston business community. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights on business growth and digital strategy! Connect with Alyssa Franco & The Digital Touch: Website: TheDigitalTouchCHS.com.
✨ The Design Minimind - Apply Here (applications open until Nov 20th — limited spots are filling fast!)Episode Description:In this solo episode, I chat about some common mistakes brand and web design studio owners frequently make that are interfering with the growth and profitability as a business owner. Drawing from years of experience and observing patterns among my students in The Design Minimind as a mentor.Episode Mentioned:S5 E14: Iterating on the One-Concept MethodLinks:The Design Minimind - Applications open until Nov 20th!Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**Some are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design
Happy 5th Birthday Web Designer Pro®
A deep dive into entrepreneurship with Wes Towers, covering his two decades of experience and insights.Early Beginnings: Wes's unconventional start in web design and his decision to launch his own business after a few years in marketing agencies.Taking the Leap: The apprehension and opportunities that led Wes to start his own agency, taking over a handful of clients.Sales Transformation: How Wes overcame his lack of confidence in sales, learned to be his authentic self, and focused on understanding client needs.The Power of Networking: The unexpected benefits of joining a networking group, not just for leads, but for honing his business presentation skills.Niche Specialization: The "horror story" that taught Wes the crucial lesson of sticking to his lane and specializing in trades and construction.AI and the Future of Business: Wes's perspective on AI as a disruptor and how it forced him to double down on human connections, relationship building, and expertise.The Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster: Navigating the ebbs and flows of business over 20 years and the importance of slowing down and refocusing.Key Lessons for Growth: The three most important things Wes learned: mastering sales, building and leading a team effectively, and cultivating an abundance mindset.Personal Growth through Business: How entrepreneurship amplifies life lessons and Wes's focus on mentoring his children to achieve their own success.Evolving Marketing Trends: The shift away from traditional funnels due to the changing value of information and the rise of "Search Everywhere optimization."The Art of Storytelling: The impact of storytelling in marketing and how a simple blog post led to a major newspaper feature. This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jon Pundyk is a Dartmouth MBA, P&G brand manager, and a Booz-Allen strategy consultant. He's been in Glamorise for 35 years. Glamorise is a size-inclusive lingerie brand that designs bras for curvy women. Founded in New York City in 1921, Glamorise is one of the world's oldest bra manufacturers, and it has been size-inclusive since their inception.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:28] Intro[00:53] Learning the fundamentals of consumer marketing[02:01] Climbing the ladder one title at a time[02:17] Pivoting a century-old business online[04:01] Transitioning from wholesale to direct-to-consumer[07:33] Balancing wholesale partners with D2C growth[10:08] Stay updated with new episodes[10:18] Investing ahead for scalable D2C growth[13:43] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Freight, Taboola, Next Insurance[19:16] Collecting data before knowing how to use it[20:25] Leveraging legacy brand recognition online[23:05] Relying on product quality to drive loyalty[24:08] Driving growth through actionable data insightsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/HonestEcommerce?sub_confirmation=1Plus size bras & lingeries for full-figured women glamorise.com/Follow Jon Pundyk linkedin.com/in/jrpundykSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectTurn your domestic business into an international business freightright.com/honestPerformance beyond Search and Social discover.taboola.com/honest/Tailored business insurance. Zero hassle. Big savings nextinsurance.com/honest/If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Erik Siekmann und Nico Ziegler, Geschäftsführer der Kommunikationsagentur Segmenta, sprechen über die Entwicklungen und Herausforderungen in der Kommunikationsbranche. Sie diskutieren, wie sich Kommunikation und Marketing in den letzten Jahren verändert haben, insbesondere durch die Digitalisierung und den Einsatz von KI. Ziegler erläutert, wie Segmenta versucht, relevante und kreative Kommunikationslösungen für seine Kunden zu entwickeln, die über das "Blabla" hinausgehen. Außerdem sprechen sie über den Wandel in der Employer Branding-Kommunikation und den Einsatz von Corporate Influencern. Kernthemen des Gesprächs: - Welche Rolle spielen Daten und KI-Technologien in der heutigen Kommunikationsarbeit? - Relevanz und Kreativität als Schlüsselfaktoren in der Kommunikation - Veränderungen in der Employer Branding-Kommunikation und der Rolle von Corporate Influencern - Wie gehen Kommunikationsagenturen wie Segmenta mit der zunehmenden Kanalvielfalt und Fragmentierung in der Kommunikation um? Über Nico Ziegler: Nico Ziegler ist ein erfahrener Unternehmer und Kommunikationsspezialist mit starkem Fokus auf strategische Markenführung und digitale Lösungen. Als Geschäftsführer der segmenta communications GmbH vereint er betriebswirtschaftliches Know-How mit einem tiefen Verständnis für moderne Kommunikationsstrategien und kreative Markenentwicklung. Seine berufliche Laufbahn umfasst zudem fundierte Erfahrungen im Webdesign und in der Webentwicklung, wodurch er die Schnittstelle zwischen Technik, Design und Marketing kompetent besetzt. Mit seinem Mix aus strategischem Denken, digitaler Expertise und unternehmerischer Weitsicht steht Ziegler für innovative, ganzheitliche Kommunikation im digitalen Zeitalter. Der Marketing Transformation Podcast wird produziert von TLDR Studios.
Text a question to Victoria!As an entrepreneur, have you ever struggled to turn your work brain “off”? Keri Ford is a mom of two, creative director turned award-winning executive coach, and the CEO and founder of Elevate with Keri. She is trauma trained and passionate about nervous system regulation for high-achieving women. Keri helps women bridge the gap between outer achievement and inner peace, teaching them how to build thriving businesses without burning out.In this episode, Victoria and Keri dive into everything from trauma in entrepreneurship to the real cost of always being “on”. Keri shares how she went from corporate creative director to CEO and how each chapter taught her tools to get to the next level. You'll walk away knowing how to recognize early signs of burnout, build resilience through regulated stress, and redefine what success looks like in your current season.If you've ever felt the weight of constant decision fatigue, racing thoughts at night, or the pressure to maintain momentum no matter the cost, this episode is your permission slip to slow down. Whether you're on your morning walk or taking a break between calls, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded with practical tools to use throughout your day. Grab your notebook and a fresh cup of coffee, because you don't want to miss this one.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Follow Keri on InstagramVisit Elevate with KeriCheck Out The Champagne ClubFor show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save on your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link!Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!
Design and building websites…that's the fun part.Managing the project, collecting content, onboarding, handling revisions and feedback…typically, not so much.Which is why, if you can automate as much of the repeatable tasks and make a system and process for the “unfun” parts of a web design project, it'll make your life much easier and more profitable.That's what we're diving into this one with automation and systems specialist (and fellow 17hats user) Kristen Lettini.We get into:What automations you're missing (and why to add them NOW)The GOLD of auto-remindersUsing a CRM like 17hats to automate as much as possibleMy “before and after” automation momentWhy improving systems is THE KEY to sustainabilityGet my quote, contract & invoice templates (for free) with a 7-day trial of 17hats, the CRM I've been using for over 10 years!
Nate Davenport is the Founder & CEO of Nebu Clothing, an outdoor apparel brand built for performance, versatility, and heart. Before launching Nebu, Nate led a finance team at Zappos and served as an infantry squad leader in the U.S. Marines, where he learned the value of gear that works under real pressure.Nebu was born from frustration, products that changed for the sake of change, colors that blended into landscapes but not the spirit of adventure, and fits that never quite fit. Nate set out to fix that by building apparel that feels great, performs hard, and actually looks good.In this episode, Nate shares how he rebuilt his Shopify site from scratch in 36 hours after a crash, how he found the right manufacturing partners through hands-on trial and error, and how he defines success by community and craftsmanship, not scale alone.Whether you're an ecommerce founder navigating supply chain complexity or a brand builder chasing quality over quantity, Nate's story is a masterclass in learning fast, leading with purpose, and finding fulfillment beyond revenue.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:26] Intro[01:09] Building products that solve real use problems[03:16] Turning frustration into a product opportunity[05:46] Building intuition through contrast and visits[10:25] Selling through friends before running paid ads[14:53] Stay updated with new episodes[15:03] Building profitability through paid learning[15:43] Turning events and emails into ad leverage[17:14] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap & Freight Right[21:50] Balancing goodwill with measurable profit[22:28] Moving fulfillment from warehouse to garage[27:01] Choosing product ideas by improving what exists[32:54] Redefining success beyond scale and revenue[36:42] Connecting community through personal supportResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeEveryday active apparel nebuclothing.com/Follow Nate Davenport linkedin.com/in/nathan-davenport-327483186Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestTurn your domestic business into an international business freightright.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Text a question to Victoria!Your website might be costing you clients without you even realizing it. Discover how to tell if your website is a true brand asset or if it's actually a brand liability. As a female entrepreneur, your website is often the first impression your clients have and it can either build trust and credibility or create hesitation that keeps potential clients from booking with you.In today's episode, Victoria is sharing valuable information to teach you how to make your website work for you, not against you. From designing with user experience in mind, to creating consistent branding, and using storytelling and messaging that speaks directly to your ideal clients, you'll gain strategies to turn your website into a conversion-driving, trust-building tool. Be sure to listen all the way through because Victoria is giving you a six step framework to help you do a self audit of your website! If this still feels daunting to you, don't worry! Keep listening because there may even be a special offer to help you get personalized guidance on how to optimize your website!Like Victoria always says, you don't get a second chance at a first impression, so get ready to take notes and let's turn your website into your brand's strongest asset! Give Your Website a Self-Audit! Ask Yourself These Six Questions!1. Can a stranger understand who you serve and how in less than five seconds when they land on your website?2. Do your visuals and messaging feel like the same brand across all platforms? 3. Would you be proud to send a high ticket customer to your website right now?4. Do you think your friends are excited to send out your website URL when they are referring someone to you?5. Does your site guide users towards one clear action?6. Does it communicate authority and professionalism equal to your expertise?Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Get a FREE Website Audit by VictoriaWork With BrandWell DesignsLooking for Brand Clarity? Join The Branding Business School!Follow BrandWell on InstagramFor show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save on your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link!Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!
Being an entrepreneur is challenging. Being a parent-entrepreneur is even more challenging. Being a special needs parent entrepreneur…it's tough to put into words. But one thing's for sure, the freedom of schedule and flexible availability, to be able to care for a special needs kiddo as a web designer is UNMATCHED and well worth all the challenges.We're diving into all of that and more in this special group chat that I had with Marc Hyde, Lisa Dorian and Ed Gomes. All members of Web Designer Pro who have something in common, being a web designer and entrepreneur with one or more special needs children we care for.We get into:Future planning for special care after retirementHow goals and vision changes after having a child with special needsHow to structure your schedule and calls around a complex scheduleHow we stay balanced during hard times (emergencies, surgeries, etc)The invaluable need for a supportive community of others who are in similar situationsAnd don't worry, you don't need to have a special needs kiddo to get a lot out of this convo because everything we talk about is applicable to you as an entrepreneur parent.Loving the Web Design Business podcast? You'll really love the Web Design Business Newsletter!It's completely free! Sign up today to get:✅ Josh's Web Design Biz Revenue Calculator (instant access)✅ The top 5 newsletters (over the next 5 days)✅ A special offer for Web Designer Pro™Sign up here
Shelley Gupta is the Founder & CEO of BāKIT Box, a STEM-based baking kit bringing global flavors and cultural traditions into homes across America. Her path to CPG began far from the kitchen as a recording artist signed to EMI Music before earning her CFA, an MBA from Chicago Booth, and leading strategy work at Accenture.Blending creativity with financial rigor, Shelley turned a casual conversation with a homeschooling parent into a breakthrough channel, now approved as an official curriculum in 14 states. In this episode, she shares how that discovery reshaped her subscription strategy, why flexibility beats lock-in for retention, and how understanding the real buyer (not just the user) transformed her business.Whether you're an ecommerce founder rethinking your subscription model or a CPG operator looking for smarter customer acquisition paths, Shelley's story is a lesson in listening deeply, iterating fast, and staying true to your mission.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:24] Intro[00:49] Building community through shared passions[02:20] Transforming baking into an educational tool[03:41] Launching early versions to test real demand[04:32] Reaching first customers through organic channels[05:24] Applying to accelerators as a product founder[06:00] Differentiating users from true buyers[06:52] Rebranding to serve a clearer customer base[07:48] Testing niche ideas before fully committing[08:56] Stay updated with new episodes[09:07] Turning chance encounters into growth channels[10:17] Building growth through genuine relationships[10:53] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap & Freight Right[15:31] Designing subscriptions with built-in flexibility[16:44] Expanding marketing beyond paid social[18:19] Understanding customer complexity and fatigue[20:41] Leveraging creative roots to build a brandResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeSTEM Baking Kits for Curious Kids bakitbox.com/Follow Shelley Gupta linkedin.com/in/shelley-guptaSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestTurn your domestic business into an international business freightright.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Sonja Grasser is the Founder of Retention Theory, a consultancy helping CPG brands turn one-time buyers into loyal repeat customers through data-driven retention systems. With a background that spans law school, 60+ countries of travel, and hands-on work with brands like MaryRuth's Organics, Sonja brings a uniquely behavioral approach to customer retention: rooted in psychology, not playbooks.After landing in retention by accident as a German-speaking marketer, Sonja discovered her passion for understanding why customers buy, not just what they buy. Her global perspective and analytical mindset help founders identify churn before it happens, build smarter lifecycle flows, and create experiences that keep customers coming back.Whether you're a CPG founder tired of chasing acquisition or an operator ready to make retention your growth engine, Sonja shares a masterclass in turning customer behavior into predictable, sustainable revenue.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:33] Intro[01:05] Helping brands turn retention into revenue[01:30] Connecting communication to customer longevity[02:08] Identifying patterns behind consumable success[02:55] Leveraging analytical thinking for stronger retention[04:00] Educating first-time buyers before selling again[05:25] Helping buyers at their exact stage of the journey[07:11] Designing flows that nurture interest into action[07:45] Applying retention rules across every direct channel[08:18] Stay updated with new episodes[08:29] Spotting churn before customers disappear[10:19] Timing recovery emails before customers drift away[11:39] Resolving customer issues before they walk away[12:27] Setting triggers that match real customer behavior[14:16] Focusing on results-driven storytelling for CPG[15:26] Evaluating why memberships don't always translate[16:36] Building loyalty from your first 100 buyers[17:07] Layering time data to reveal true retention health[19:08] Applying psychology to make retention truly workResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeHelps Ecommerce brands with retention marketing retentiontheory.com/Follow Sonja Grasser linkedin.com/in/sonjagrasserIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Text a question to Victoria!As we're quickly approaching the Holiday Sales Season, this episode is a great reminder of ten common myths we've been told about selling, that's actually hurting our businesses and our confidence. Originally aired in June 2025, Victoria is joined by BrandWell's sales coach and The Branding Business School educator, Gwen Tinsley. This episode is an honest, energizing conversation about what it really takes to sell with confidence as a female entrepreneur. Gwen opens up about her career transition, the deep friendship she's built with Victoria, and how she helped her find clarity and ease in selling her services without apology.Together, they unpack the 10 biggest myths about sales that might be holding you back and share exactly what to do instead. You'll learn how to maintain pricing integrity, confidently close deals, and navigate difficult clients with empathy and boundaries. Gwen and Victoria also dive into how emotions drive purchasing decisions, why a strong discovery process matters, and how choosing the right clients protects your energy and business growth.If you've ever felt uncomfortable when it comes to selling, this episode will shift your perspective. Discover how to create genuine, human-to-human connections, implement outcome-based sales strategies, and develop the mindset needed to grow your business with grace and grit.Tune in to challenge what you've been told about selling and walk away with practical tools to build confidence, attract aligned clients, and elevate your entrepreneurial journey.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Enroll for The Branding Business School here!Grit and Tenacity ConsultingListen to Gwen's Newest Podcast: The Reigning Queen Podcast For show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save on your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link!Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!
In this episode of Hustle & Flowchart, host Joe Fier welcomes Greg Merrilees, founder of Studio 1 Design and acclaimed web design strategist, for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of websites in the AI era. Greg unpacks how artificial intelligence is transforming traffic, trust, and web conversion, and shares actionable strategies for businesses and personal brands looking to stand out online. The episode dives deep into website optimization, AI-driven search changes, lead magnets, and the non-negotiable human element that helps brands build real trust with audiences. It's a must-listen for anyone wanting to future-proof their online presence and convert more visitors into loyal customers.Topics DiscussedThe Changing Digital Landscape: How AI is shifting who gets discovered online and why traditional web traffic strategies may not be enough.Web Design for the AI Era: What's really changed with website design and conversion since AI has started influencing user behavior.Brand Positioning & Authority: Why it's now more important than ever to stand out from competitors and how to find your brand's unique edge.Interactive Lead Magnets: Moving beyond static PDFs to interactive tools and quizzes to engage and convert warmer web traffic.Strategic Website Copy: How much copy your site needs now, depending on the warmth of your audience and your traffic's source.The Five Core Web Principles: Greg's blueprint for high-converting websites—audience understanding, positioning, strategy, psychology, and conversion-focused design.Ongoing Optimization: Why your website's never truly “done” and how to keep iterating with AI-driven tools and user feedback.Using Tools Like Delphi & Microsoft Clarity: Leveraging new AI and analytics platforms to enhance user experience and trust.Building Emotional Connection: How unique design and humanizing your brand can break through the “sea of sameness” created by AI.Greg's Vision for the Future: Insights on vibe coding, dynamic websites, and how AI might shape work and life balance.Resources MentionedNext Level Website Design Book: https://www.nextlevelwebsitedesign.com/Studio 1 Design: https://studio1design.com/Greg's Delphi Clone: https://studio1design.com/ai/Delphi: https://hustleandflowchart.com/delphiMicrosoft Clarity: https://clarity.microsoft.com/Connect with Joe Fier
Digital marketing strategist Eleanor Mayrhofer joined me on Ditching Hourly to describe exactly how she productized her web design services. Links:Eleanor's website » https://www.eleanormayrhofer.com/ditchingEleanor's LinkedIn » https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanormayrhofer/Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:14) - Eleanor's Background and Business Model (00:52) - Straight to Non-Hourly (02:01) - Starting a Solo Business During COVID (02:44) - Initial Market Approach and Challenges (03:48) - Developing a Productized Service (04:25) - Current Business Model: Website in a Week (05:31) - Client Interaction and Project Scope (09:40) - Copywriting and Strategy Sessions (16:31) - Handling Project Scope and Client Expectations (21:24) - Marketing and Client Acquisition (23:20) - Client Commissions and Referrals (23:40) - Subscription Maintenance Services (24:53) - Positioning and Target Audience (25:53) - Overcoming Launch Procrastination (27:11) - Client Collaboration and Revisions (28:55) - Technical Setup and DNS Challenges (31:25) - Post-Launch Support and Testimonials (33:13) - Pros and Cons of Productized Services (36:55) - Sales Process and Lead Time (38:55) - Long-Term Plans and Project Juggling (41:01) - Avoiding Boredom with Productized Services (42:20) - Conclusion and Contact Information ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!
Today we have a guest host for the podcast, my persona SEO Guru and Copy Strategist Michelle Bourbonniere who's sharing what you need to know about the latest with AI SEO.Specifically, five things that are changing, and five things that are staying in regard to “on and off-site SEO.”Loving the Web Design Business podcast? You'll really love the Web Design Business Newsletter!It's completely free! Sign up today to get:✅ Josh's Web Design Biz Revenue Calculator (instant access)✅ The top 5 newsletters (over the next 5 days)✅ A special offer for Web Designer Pro™Sign up here
Kirsten Maitland is the co-founder of Rebel Cheese, an award-winning Austin-based vegan cheese brand backed by Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban. A former U.S. Navy veteran and Microsoft agile coach, Kirsten brings her background in tech innovation to reimagine plant-based dairy through traditional cheesemaking techniques and smart Ecommerce strategy.After leaving a stable four-day tech career to pursue purpose over comfort, Kirsten built Rebel Cheese from a six-bottle wine fridge experiment into a nationally recognized brand featured by The New York Times. From launching DTC overnight during COVID to scaling through broken shipments and real-time customer feedback, her journey reveals what it takes to grow authentically while staying true to your values.Whether you're building a mission-driven CPG company or refining your feedback loop before scaling, Kirsten shares a masterclass in transforming curiosity and conviction into sustainable growth.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:03] Intro[00:55] Bringing tradition into modern food innovation[01:30] Turning passion for food into a scalable concept[02:34] Validating a product through emotional connection[03:33] Turning crisis into new growth channels[04:44] Fixing packaging with help from early partners[06:03] Shipping curated boxes to customers' doors[07:00] Selling out with zero ads or paid marketing[08:00] Turning online orders into lasting connections[08:58] Delaying advertising to protect cash flow[10:21] Stay updated with new episodes[10:31] Learning to sustain momentum after viral moments[12:24] Studying investor dynamics before pitching[12:53] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye & Heatmap[15:32] Launching fast to gather real customer feedback[18:01] Leveraging AI agents to save time and moneyResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePlant-based cheese you'll actually love rebelcheese.com/Follow Kirsten Maitland linkedin.com/in/kirstenmaitlandSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Text a question to Victoria!Have you ever refused to believe “there's nothing you can do”, especially when it comes to your health? If so, you'll resonate with Victoria's guest, Robyn Spangler, registered dietitian nutritionist, founder of The Clear Skin Lab, and creator of Rayvi, a mineral-based hydration brand. After battling psoriasis for two years, Robyn took matters into her own hands and found healing through functional medicine. Now, she helps other women uncover the root cause behind their chronic skin issues and reclaim their confidence.In this episode, Victoria sits down with Robyn to unpack her own health journey that became the foundation for a thriving business, how vulnerability became her greatest asset, and why managing stress and prioritizing wellness are essential for long-term health. You'll hear how she built two successful brands from scratch, what she's learned about the emotional side of skin struggles, and her best advice for prioritizing self-care without guilt—especially for busy moms and entrepreneurs.Whether you're struggling with your own skin journey, curious about functional medicine, or just need a reminder that your struggles can become your superpower, this episode will inspire you to bet on yourself and reclaim your confidence. Grab a snack and your drink of choice, and get ready to feel motivated and encouraged in your business and life.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Shop Rayvi MineralsThe Clear Skin LabFree Course: How to Transform Your Skin from Breakouts to Blemish-Free in 6 Months or LessFollow Robyn on InstagramFor show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save on your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link!Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!
A candid, behind-the-scenes chat about building a business that actually fits your life. We dig into what's really changed in the market (especially in the last 6 to12 months), and Jess's Ordinary Business movement, a refreshing change to the sensational online “seven-figure in seven minutes” online business model. What You'll Learn The Case for the “Ordinary” Business Why sustainable, profitable, low-overhead businesses deserve more spotlight than vanity metrics. The hidden math behind big revenue screenshots (and how ad & team spend change the story). Market Shifts You Should Actually Act On How buyers' trust and attention have changed since 2020 and what that means for your funnel. Why specific > generic: niche offers that solve one clear problem are outperforming broad “everything” courses. Designing for Your Life, Not the Algorithm Building to your energy and capacity (e.g., solo by choice, tiny teams, or seasonal support). Different ways to win: more profit with fewer people, same income with fewer hours, or thoughtful growth that doesn't torch your calendar. Learn More The Ordinary Business (virtual summit & community) at theordinarybusiness.com Jess on Instagram: @jesscreatives OR @theordinarybusiness About Jess Jess Freeman is a web & SEO pro serving health and fitness entrepreneurs. She's proudly remained a solo operator (with light support), prioritizing profit, margin, and a business that fits real life, which inspired her to launch The Ordinary Business.
Do you find that you no longer fit in with many of your friends when you become an entrepreneur?If so, you're not alone.In this episode, I'm sharing my take on this common “friendshift” for web design entrepreneurs and it's based off a recent newsletter from Web Designer Pro member Alexia (of visualvibedesign.com) who shared a very open and honest take on this topic.So in this solo episode, it's narrative as I'll read you Alexia's newsletter and follow up with my take as well on things like:Why old friendships shift when priorities changeBelonging in the awkward middle between old circles and new peersThe value of small, curated communities over giant groupsPractical steps to find “web besties” and collaboratorsIdentity growth, ROI on social time, and protecting focusAnd more.Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/400Loving the Web Design Business podcast? You'll really love the Web Design Business Newsletter!It's completely free! Sign up today to get:✅ Josh's Web Design Biz Revenue Calculator (instant access)✅ The top 5 newsletters (over the next 5 days)✅ A special offer for Web Designer Pro™Sign up here
Beau Wangtrakuldee is the founder and CEO of AmorSui, a science-backed medical supply brand bringing innovation, safety, and sustainability to the $58B PPE industry. A former scientist turned entrepreneur, Beau is reimagining protective apparel with clean chemistry, circular materials, and design that finally puts the user first.After a lab accident exposed the flaws in traditional PPE, Beau built AmorSui to bridge the gap between safety, comfort, and sustainability: offering PFAS-free, recyclable, and biobased alternatives trusted by global brands like Thermo Fisher Scientific and Benco Dental.Whether you're building a mission-driven ecommerce brand or rethinking your product's lifecycle, Beau shares a masterclass in turning real-world problems into scalable innovation, proving that circular design and commercial growth can coexist.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:30] Intro[01:01] Building comfort and safety into every product[01:46] Creating a business from personal experience[04:37] Designing products people actually reuse[06:10] Validating ideas through real user stories[08:12] Raising capital before manufacturing begins[08:47] Allocating funds beyond first production run[09:45] Navigating minimum order quantity realities[10:32] Launching pre-sales with finished prototypes[11:04] Stay updated with new episodes[11:14] Balancing safety standards with speed to market[12:37] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye & Heatmap[15:18] Marketing through word-of-mouth momentum[17:01] Refining targeting through early experiments[19:00] Discovering growth through customer feedback[21:34] Testing demand before building logistics[23:17] Learning quickly by shipping imperfect products[24:09] Focusing every decision on the end userResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeModern PPE brand that protects people and the planet amorsui.com/Follow Beau Wangtrakuldee linkedin.com/in/beauwangtrakuldeeSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Bradley Keefer is the Chief Revenue Officer and Justin Jefferson is the VP of Strategy & Insights at Keen Decision Systems, where Bayesian-powered marketing mix modeling meets scenario planning and outcome forecasting, helping brands move from rearview analytics to predictive decisioning.With decades of combined experience across SaaS, analytics, and brand strategy, Bradley and Justin are redefining how marketers plan, forecast, and invest. Instead of treating marketing as a cost center, they help brands model “what if” scenarios, forecasting how every incremental dollar drives revenue across channels.Whether you're scaling a fast-growing brand or managing a multimillion-dollar marketing budget, Bradley and Justin offer a masterclass in using data to make confident, forward-looking decisions that compound over time.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:38] Intro[01:12] Measuring how marketing spend drives growth[02:29] Building models that adapt to brand maturity[04:35] Balancing brand building with performance spend[07:24] Shifting focus from capturing to creating demand[08:41] Driving demand to boost bottom-funnel returns[09:34] Breaking growth limits with data-driven planning[12:49] Connecting viral moments to sustain momentum[14:50] Building brands that go beyond ad optimization[15:30] Stay updated with new episodes[15:43] Simplifying setup for data-heavy marketing tools[18:44] Designing analytics tools for marketing teams[20:23] Updating models fast to learn and adapt quicker[22:42] Using data to balance old and new media spendResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeMarketing mix modeling powered by AI keends.com/Follow Bradley Keefer linkedin.com/in/bradley-keeferFollow Justin Jefferson linkedin.com/in/justin-a-jeffersonIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Text a question to Victoria!If you've ever caught yourself waiting for the “perfect” moment to launch, post, or raise your prices, this episode is your wake-up call. You'll hear from Victoria why waiting until you feel ready is the very thing holding you back and how taking imperfect action is what actually builds the confidence you've been waiting for. This episode is the reminder that progress doesn't come from overthinking, it comes from doing.Victoria shares how to spot the sneaky ways perfectionism disguises itself as productivity, and how to replace it with momentum-building habits that grow your confidence, your business, and your impact. She continues to share real life examples from launching BrandWell without a perfect plan to her husband paying off debt one small step at a time. From these personal stories, you'll see how action leads to clarity, courage, and ultimately, success.If you've been sitting on that website redesign, waiting to raise your prices, or convincing yourself you need to “feel confident first,” consider this your friendly nudge of encouragement. Confidence isn't a prerequisite for action, it's a result of it. So, hit play, take one small step, and start building the proof that you can do hard things. Because perfectionism won't move your business forward… but progress will.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Visit BrandWell DesignsFollow BrandWell on InstagramFor show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save on your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link!Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!
Increase your income without niching down, rebranding or adding more services or skills. Get our 90-Day Revenue Roadmap Training and find out how to go from undercharging and hustling to booking projects you love (at higher prices than you thought possible). Get the full show notes at https://webdesigneracademy.com/163 When you're ready, here are some ways we can help you with your web design business:
In this episode of the Your Message Received podcast, host John Duffin sits down with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360, published author, and successful business leader. We get right to “the short and the sharp” of the situation, early on. Wes shares his journey from studying graphic design and multimedia in Australia to becoming an expert in web design and SEO for trades people and construction businesses.JD & Wes discuss the importance of creating unique and valuable content, the evolution of SEO, and the transformative impact of AI on online marketing. Wes reveals his strategies for building trust and authenticity in the digital space, explaining how he helps his clients stand out in an information-rich market. What stands out for me, is how Wes realized the significance of human connections and building trust with clients. Wes has learned the knack of effectively talking shop in the home service industry. This ability to 'crack the code' has enabled Wes to become a trusted confidant, which leads to authenticity and results. This insightful conversation provides valuable tips for business owners looking to improve their online presence and drive growth.To learn more about Wes Towers, check out the link below. https://uplift360.com.au/00:00 Introduction to SEO and Unique Content00:24 Welcome to Your Message Received Podcast01:28 Introducing Wes Towers and Uplift 36002:44 Wes Towers' Journey into Web Design and Marketing06:53 The Importance of Human Connection in Business09:54 Focusing on the Construction Industry13:44 Strategies for Effective Client Communication21:57 The Power of Niche Marketing24:56 Personal Business Journey25:33 Challenges of Niching Down28:01 Specializing in AI and SEO29:22 Success Stories with AI31:13 Importance of Websites37:48 Crafting Compelling Stories with Data42:32 Adapting to Client Needs46:23 Future Plans and Team Dynamics47:10 Conclusion and Contact Information
One of our biggest Web Designer Pro member success stories, Sam Sarsten, is back on the podcast with an update on how he's grown his agency to over 200k in 3 years, primarily through Local SEO.We're getting into all the nitty gritty on this one:How much he chargesHow he finds clientsHow he measures and tracks resultsHow he's scaled his teamHow he offers web design + SEOAnd more! Heads up, we had some technical issues + a guest interruption (Peaches!!) who wiggled some chords so this one is a little more edited than normal. But the gems were too good to re-record.Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/399Loving the Web Design Business podcast? You'll really love the Web Design Business Newsletter!It's completely free! Sign up today to get:✅ Josh's Web Design Biz Revenue Calculator (instant access)✅ The top 5 newsletters (over the next 5 days)✅ A special offer for Web Designer Pro™Sign up here
Eugene Chew is the Global Chief Operating Officer at BikesOnline.com, a leading direct-to-consumer cycling retailer in the U.S. and Australia and the exclusive distributor of Polygon and Superior bikes.From the early days of the internet to scaling a global Ecommerce operation, Eugene has built a career at the intersection of creativity, data, and operational excellence. Before joining BikesOnline, he led digital transformation as Chief Digital Officer at J. Walter Thompson (WPP) and served as Greater China Regional Head at Lion (Kirin).At BikesOnline, Eugene and his team are redefining what it means to sell complex, logistics-heavy products online. From solving “dirty freight” challenges to perfecting the post-purchase experience, he's proving that operational rigor and creative problem-solving can turn friction into a competitive moat.Beyond Ecommerce, Eugene is also an avid cyclist, gardener, and tea enthusiast — running Tea Urchin, his aged tea business that reflects his love for craftsmanship and detail.Whether you're scaling a DTC brand, optimizing supply chains, or navigating global expansion with a lean team, Eugene offers an inside look at how to balance creativity, data, and discipline to build a sustainable business that lasts.This episode also mentions insights from Izzy Rosenzweig of Portless on rethinking global fulfillment, and Kyle Hency of GoodDay Software on building better systems for modern Shopify brands.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:38] Intro[01:36] Naming a brand that stands the test of time[02:09] Predicting automation in ad buying early on[05:01] Learning innovation from China's all-in-one model[06:01] Balancing innovation with Western logistics limits[08:55] Recognizing the shift toward direct brand work[10:12] Shifting from service work to physical operations[11:50] Managing cash flow under market uncertainty[12:31] Stay updated with new episodes[12:41] Helping founders scale beyond day-to-day ops[13:27] Finding opportunity in a pandemic-era pivot[14:01] Designing packaging that simplifies assembly[15:30] Diversifying suppliers to reduce risk exposure[17:48] Protecting margins from tariff and fraud risks[19:01] Choosing Shopify for flexibility and speed[22:36] Hiring agencies to guide complex migrations[25:05] Training teams before adding new integrations[27:18] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye & Heatmap[29:59] Partnering with experts where specialization wins[31:58] Gaining perspective from cross-industry learnings[34:27] Avoiding costly trial-and-error learning[36:34] Prioritizing projects with impact and simplicity[41:20] Managing cost challenges in global logistics[44:50] Preparing for tariffs with flexible strategiesResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePremium bikes at unbeatable prices, direct from manufacturers bikesonline.com/Follow Eugene Chew linkedin.com/in/eugenechewMentioned episode with Izzy Rosenzweig of Portless: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpbeHvv3_1QMentioned episode with Kyle Hency of GoodDay Software: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQNsUfgl9E4Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Ever wondered if you should trademark your business?There are a lot of reasons you may consider it:You may want to sell your business one day.You might want to make sure no one can take your brand name with no grounds for legal action on your end.You might have a productized service or product you want to sell eventually.You may just want full control over your brand as a whole.For all those reasons and more, you might be wondering if you should trademark and what the process is.To help with that, I'm excited to bring, back onto the podcast, personal legal commandant Ann Koppuzha who recently helped me get Web Designer Pro® officially trademarked!We walk through the entire process, what to do and what to expect.Again, whether or not you want to sell your business one day, there are many reason you might want to consider OWNING your brand name or a product or service that you offer.Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/398Loving the Web Design Business podcast? You'll really love the Web Design Business Newsletter!It's completely free! Sign up today to get:✅ Josh's Web Design Biz Revenue Calculator (instant access)✅ The top 5 newsletters (over the next 5 days)✅ A special offer for Web Designer Pro™Sign up here
Text a question to Victoria!“One of the biggest lessons that I've learned in my adult life so far is that growth doesn't ever feel easy.” –Victoria MarcouillierThis is a very special week as Victoria is turning 33 and the podcast is turning 5! In this special birthday episode, Victoria gets real about turning 33 and the reflections that come with stepping into a new season of life and business. After five years of juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and building BrandWell into a thriving design agency, she shares how shifting gears toward a boutique, higher-touch business model has brought both clarity and growing pains. The changes may feel uncomfortable at times, but Victoria opens up about why she sees this season as a sign of meaningful growth.As she looks ahead, Victoria shares the three main areas she's choosing to focus on this year: getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, creating better organization for her calendar and her mind, and building BrandWell with a long-term vision. From hiring her first business mentor and surrounding herself with women further ahead, to creating more margin in her daily routines and finally building a CEO dashboard to organize big-picture ideas, she's leaning into the discomfort of change while also setting herself up for greater clarity and peace.Victoria also reflects on how her mindset has shifted since her 20s, from chasing hustle and quick wins to embracing the slow, steady, and meaningful work of creating a legacy brand. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares how she's learning to measure success less by monthly sales and more by profitability, sustainability, and consistency over time. Whether you're in a season of hustle, growth, or reflection, this episode will inspire you to pause, take inventory, and start planting the seeds for your own long game.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Visit BrandWell DesignsFollow BrandWell on InstagramFor show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save on your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link!Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!
Jeremy Barker is the founder and CEO of Murphy Door, best known for transforming hidden doors and space-saving furniture into a thriving direct-to-consumer brand. From humble beginnings to Fortune's Most Innovative Companies 2025, Jeremy has built Murphy Door into the industry leader in functional design and custom craftsmanship.With Murphy Door, Jeremy is redefining what it means to blend utility, aesthetics, and engineering. What started as a bold idea, turning bookcases into fully functional hidden doors has scaled into a multi-million-dollar business recognized nationwide. By combining product innovation with viral social media, Murphy Door has grown from scrappy startup to household name.Jeremy's story blends grit with vision. From serving as a firefighter and paramedic, to living out of his car while learning how to face failure head-on, to now running one of America's most innovative companies, he's proof that persistence and transparency can turn customers into lifelong advocates.Whether you're scaling a DTC brand, looking to harness social media for growth, or exploring how AI and software can reshape customer experience, Jeremy offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to build with purpose and why owning mistakes early is the fastest path to building trust.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:43] Intro[01:16] Turning bold ideas into real products[02:04] Growing sales with early Facebook ads[07:05] Securing patents to gain attention[09:32] Stay updated with new episodes[09:42] Turning mistakes into loyal fans[14:56] Managing expectations with transparency[17:08] Simplifying processes to prevent confusion[19:00] Owning mistakes to improve clients' trust[20:11] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye & Heatmap[22:52] Leveraging partnerships to fuel growth[24:01] Empowering customers to tell stories[26:42] Rewarding referrals with revenue share[31:12] Learning to test before scaling spend[34:53] Preventing conflicts with partner clarityResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeCustom-built, multi-purpose hideaway doors murphydoor.com/Follow Jeremy Barker linkedin.com/in/jeremy-barker-02007648Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
When I began my career in web design, my initial goal was to “get a job” as a web designer for an agency or corporation…until I realized corporate life is NOT for me.But that's me, I enjoy the world of risk and reward of freelancing and entrepreneurship, whereas the freelance lifestyle is NOT for everyone.So today I'm thrilled to share the conversation I had with Chris Webb, who's had a long career as a web designer and developer as an agency and corporate web designer. But Chris also does freelance on the side, so he has a unique perspective on the pros and cons of freelancer vs agency vs corporate web designers.What makes this convo extra special is that Chris has been a close personal friend of mine since early high school. I looked up to him big-time when I first got started in design because he was “the cool agency designer,” and he mentored me in many ways in those early days. So to be able to have him on the show now, 16 years later, is an awesome, full-circle moment for us both