Podcasts about website design

Your website can be gorgeous and still quietly lose you clients in seconds. In this episode, I share a simple way to spot what is really happening when someone lands on your homepage, clicks around for a moment, and disappears and why the answer is usually not a full redesign or “more traffic.”We break down the five layers of a website that actually works. We talk through the shift from thinking “Is my website good enough?” to asking the question that matters more: “What do I want a visitor to do next, and is it obvious?” Along the way, we connect the dots between customer language, conversion focused copywriting, and SEO keywords that help people discover you through search and increasingly through AI and answer engine optimization.Then we get tactical with three common website leaks and how to fix each one. If you want your website to do its job, listen now, then take the marketing clarity quiz at https://janicehostager.com/quiz. Send us Fan MailSupport the showShow Notes  

When Divi came onto the scene and introduced the visual builder (in 2016), it became THE most popular visual builder for WordPress.But now, it's a decade later, and what was revolutionary back then isn't cutting it in 2026.Divi has been in a transition over the last couple of years since the announcement of Divi 5, which was a complete, modern rebuild.Many others and I, who were early adopters (I started using it in September 2024), have had to show patience, persistence, and perseverance through the many updates, bug fixes, UX and builder changes. Many Divi designers didn't last through the transition and abandoned the Divi ship for other WordPress page builder alternatives…, but like me, many Divi designers have grown to embrace and even love the new Divi 5 experience, for many reasons.One of those designers is my good friend Ania Romanska with Divi Lover.In this episode, we dug into our experience with transitioning from Divi 4 to Divi 5, what we love about it, what we're excited about, and what we're still frustrated with/hoping they address soon.And speaking of Ania, she is one of THE BEST Divi designers I know and has a real knack for not only designing websites, but creating a “Design System” that you can replicate and build on site after site after site after site, making website builds faster, more efficient, and more fun.She's hosting the next Divi 5 Design System Workshop Sept 7th-9th, 2026!The value you get for only $97 is absolutely wild, but as a listener of the show, you can use my code JOSHHALL at checkout for 30% OFF! Only $67 to learn how to master Divi 5 with a complete, workable design system that you can use over and over again.Head to joshhall.co/workshop to secure your seatAgain, use coupon code JOSHHALL at checkout for 30% off.P.S. I'll be there learning right beside you because I'm taking this workshop as well as promoting it! I know Divi 5 pretty well but have not kept up with the recent updates so I'm excited to learn from someone who may know Divi 5 better than anyone I know.Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/439

If we were sitting down for coffee and I asked you what drives your actions and motivates you inside your business....what would you say (HONESTLY)? If I'm being totally transparent with you...I didn't realize how much I was doing things for the result and it was making me feel SO stuck.In this episode, I'm walking you through:A catch-up on what's been brewing in the business... what's changing, what's staying the same, and what's COMING (it's BIG!)Why chasing results is the thing keeping you stuck in your growth (and what to do instead)The moment I realized I'd been ignoring something my own business had been trying to tell me for almost a yearA simple gut-check question you can ask yourself about literally anything that doesn't feel good inside your business right nowOh, and today we're also kicking off something a little unhinged

Today on the Community podcast, Kristina is joined by Puja Malhotra, founder of Roop Creative, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand and website that can grow with your business.Puja shares her journey from corporate art director to entrepreneur, the lessons she has learned through ten years in business, and why strategic branding is about so much more than choosing colours, fonts, and a pretty logo.Tune in to hear:Why saying no to the wrong opportunities can help you attract better-fit clients.When DIY branding and websites make sense, and when it may be time to invest in professional support.Why your website should be helping sell your business before someone ever gets on a discovery call.The biggest website mistakes Puja sees business owners making.Why your brand should be built around your ideal client, not just your personal preferences.How to create a brand and website you can grow into instead of constantly needing to rebrand.Why personal branding, SEO, blogging, and funnels should all be approached strategically based on your business goals.Puja also shares how the psychology behind branding, thoughtful website strategy, and the human element all work together to build trust with potential clients. They talk about creating a customer journey that feels intentional, showing up professionally online, and why your website needs to be more than a digital business card.If you are building a service-based business, thinking about a rebrand, or wondering whether your website is actually helping you attract your dream clients, this episode will help you look at branding and website strategy through a more long-term lens. Tune into this episode of Community anywhere you get your podcasts to learn how to build a brand you can confidently grow into!Connect with Puja Malhotra:WebsiteFollow Roop Creative Agency on InstagramFollow Puja on InstagramLinkedInMentioned in this episode:Try our Podcast Content MachineSend me a text!Support the showFor Your Information:• Host your podcast on Buzzsprout!•Join The High Vibe Women Online Community!• Join our favourite scheduling platform Later• FLODESK Affiliate Code | 25% off your first year!• Connect with Kristina  Don't forget to come say hi to us on Instagram @thesocialsnippet, join the Weekly Snippet or follow us on any social media platform! Website . Instagram . Facebook . Linkedin

What if the thing standing between you and your next level isn't your talent, but the way you're positioning it?In this episode, we're sitting down with Southern California wedding photographer Alysha Miller to talk about her 10-year journey in the wedding industry, what finally made her realize she was ready for MORE, and the changes that led to her first five-figure wedding booking.For years, Alysha described her business as a “plastic bag in the wind.” She was talented, experienced, and booking weddings, but her portfolio was all over the place, her brand lacked a clear direction, and she kept finding herself at the same venues and around the same $5,500-$6,000 price point.Eventually, she decided something had to change.We talk about what happened when Alysha raised her prices and was willing to book LESS while she repositioned her business, how she learned to recognize and leverage luxury weddings already within her reach, and why understanding the subtle signals of the luxury market can completely change the way you curate and market your work.We also get into one of our favorite parts of Alysha's story: how YEARS of showing up with integrity as a second photographer eventually resulted in a referral for her first $10,500 wedding.No quick hack. No viral Instagram post. Just relationships, trust, patience, and doing the right thing when no one was watching.If you're a wedding photographer or filmmaker who feels like you've been stuck at the same price point, attracting the same weddings, or wondering why simply raising your prices hasn't created the growth you expected, this episode is for you.Sometimes getting to the next level isn't about becoming more talented.It's about building a brand, client experience, portfolio, and reputation that finally MATCH the level you're ready to charge for.

In my community, Web Designer Pro, we're wrapping up a challenge on “Creating an AI Policy” for our web businesses. This is based largely off of frustrations and challenges that members have been having with clients bringing them AI designs that they want them to code and host, or taking their hard-earned and human-first designs, then using AI to manipulate them into generic slop.That's what led us to recently kick off this community challenge, and in this episode, I'll walk you through the AI Policy starter template that we came up with so you can use it for your web design business!It's below. Completely free, on me. Again, please do not copy and paste it verbatim…use it as a starting point and add your own flare without using AI, ideally!!Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/437

0:00 Start 2:00 Introducing today's Guest 5:00 Tony Gebhard's Personal Story 8:00 Music Production in the Modern Age 11:00 Writing his own music at 12, the adolescence band experience 16:00 Learning Digital Music Editing via Logic Pro, Audacity, Garage Band, 19:30 Tony's Views on AI, how to synergize AI with a Screen Reader 23:00 Various AI options available now: Claude, Codex, Chat GPT, 25:00 Making things Edited with AI vs Generated/Created by AI 28:30 Website Design, first Word Press, then Hosting a Server 32:00 NVDA Coach talks to you like an instructor would, step by step 35:30 Step by Step how to find and get the Coach running properly 40:00 Tony's Book: "No Sight Required: The Blind User's Guide to AI 46:00 Where to find it, printed or read aloud etc 50:00 Wrap Up, TonyGebhard.me and upcoming Tech Connect Videos 53:30 Outro

A beautiful website can still leave potential customers thinking, “What does this business actually do?” That disconnect is rarely a design problem. It's a messaging problem. Great websites aren't built by one person trying to do every job.Website copywriting and design solve different problems. Design guides attention, builds hierarchy and makes a site easier to navigate. Website copywriting clarifies what you do, who you help, why someone should care and what they should do next. For local businesses, those words often become your first sales conversation.Good design cannot fix vague messaging. A polished layout won't make a generic headline persuasive. Strong local business marketing starts with understanding the customer, the problem you solve and the reason people should choose you.You'll learn why copy should come before design, how to make smarter decisions when your website budget is tight, and what to ask a generalist. These local business strategies are about knowing what expertise your project actually needs.The deeper lesson is that a strong messaging strategy business owners can use starts before fonts, colours or layouts. Get clear on your audience, your difference, your key objections and the action you want visitors to take. Then let design make that message easier to understand and act on. Website copywriting becomes a strategic asset rather than words dropped into a layout.That approach can help you grow local business without relying on a prettier website alone. It gives designers and copywriters a stronger foundation for collaboration.If your website feels polished but isn't generating the enquiries you expect, start with the words. Book a free copy call and let's work out what your website actually needs to say before deciding what it needs to look like.Book a free copy call: lindsaysmithcreative.caThis episode was mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio.

I tried. I really did. I tried to find a chink in Bailey Collins' process armor…but I failed.She really does have the most thorough, well-thought-out, and proven process for building websites in a day. And in this episode, she's back on to tell us the ins and outs of how she's built over 500 websites in a day using this process.If you're catching this episode the week it drops, be sure to check out her “Process Like A Pro” challenge happening live, Aug 10-14! Use my link joshhall.co/challenge to get 50% OFF the challenge (only $47)!Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/435

Want to know something that's working great for web designers today? Offering AI Search + Local SEO. Especially if you're working with local service providers in blue-collar industries.Back that up with solid, conversion-based website design (plus hosting & maintenance) and you've got a winning recipe of growing monthly recurring revenue and results-based for years to come.That's exactly what Web Designer Pro member Shane Vigeant of tonewoodmarketing.com has discovered, because even though he's building up his web design business on the side, it's growing so much that he's seen the light of going full-time in the near future. Especially at this rate.That's exactly what we discussed on a recent coaching call inside Pro that Shane was kind enough to allow me to repurpose for you here!It's a great convo to tune into if you want to know what's working today for a web designer early in the journey with a focus on AI search + local SEO.Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/434P.S. Our resident SEO/Copy expert Michelle Bourbonniere also joins this one halfway through!P.S.S. joshhall.co/workshop to register for my free, upcoming “What's Working Now (in web design)” workshop happening Thursday, July 30th!P.S.S.S. webdesignerpro.com/coaching to lock in the current rate before we move to an application-only model Aug 3

This episode is one of our Greatest Hits interviews, originally released about two and a half years ago with my close colleague and good friend, Jason Gracia.Jason has built one of the most incredible productized web design businesses I've seen through his company, SWYFT Sites. Since this conversation first aired, he has sold the same core website more than 700 times and generated nearly $2.5 million through the system he created.He's also shared this model inside Web Designer Pro and recently presented his $2 million sales system at one of our ProCon events. This original interview was the conversation that first introduced his system to the world, which is why I wanted to bring it back as one of our Greatest Hits.And the timing couldn't be better.Jason is hosting a completely free Million-Dollar Website Workshop on Thursday, July 16 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern, where he'll pull back the curtain and walk you through the entire system behind SWYFT Sites.I'm a proud partner of Jason's, and this model has helped so many web designers move away from being stuck in daily production and step into the role of business owner.This is especially helpful if:You're tired of being the person doing every part of every website projectYou already serve a specific niche—or want to choose oneWebsites are only one part of a broader marketing or digital agencyYou want to build a productized wing of your existing servicesYou're looking for a more scalable and repeatable business modelJason's approach is one of the best examples of how to turn web design into a systemized offer that can be sold and delivered repeatedly without reinventing every project.In this one, we cover:How Jason built a seven-figure productized web design businessHow SWYFT Sites sells the same proven website system repeatedlyWhy choosing a niche made the model possibleHow he moved from custom projects into a scalable serviceThe systems behind selling and delivering websites at volumeHow productization can help you step out of daily fulfillmentWhy this model works for both web designers and broader agenciesHow Jason generated nearly $2.5 million from one core systemThe difference between owning the business and being the web designerHow to create a productized division without changing your entire companyThis was originally Episode 312, so head to the original show notes for all links and resources mentioned, along with the full transcription at joshhall.co/312.

This is part 2 of our “Buy or Sell” series!In part 1 (ep 432), we focused on what it looks like to acquire/buy a web business or their book of clients. In this one, we'll step into the selling shoes and dig into what it looks like to create a sellable web design business.Hans Skillrud is back on and has experience selling his agency in order to go full-time with Termageddon. Jake and John Wooten are building one of the most “sellable” agencies I've seen and have a wealth of experience with creating a productized/systematized web agency.Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/433

Building a new website is one of the biggest investments a bank or credit union will make. But how do you know what you should actually be spending? In this episode of the Hit Record Podcast, Meredith Olmstead sits down with Duncan Craig to discuss what drives website costs, where institutions should invest, and why the cheapest option isn't always the smartest one.Key Takeaways:1.  Your website is one of your most valuable branches. For many consumers/members,  your website is their first impression of your institution. A strong website should do more than look good. It should build trust, answer questions, and make it easy for people to take the next step.2.  A great website should grow with your institution.  Launching a new website isn't the finish line. The best websites are built so they can evolve with new products, new content, and changing member expectations without needing a complete rebuild.3. The right partner is just as important as the budget. Website projects are about more than design. Working with an experienced partner who understands strategy, user experience, and long-term growth will deliver far more value than simply choosing the lowest price.

Well, I'll be. I just recently crossed 1 million in lifetime revenue to date with my community Web Designer Pro.While it was never an exact goal and there was no rush to get to the 7-figure mark, it is a cool milestone and boy howdy have I learned a lot.And that's what I'm sharing with you here in this solo episode of the podcast.More specifically, 7 secrets (and 1 important bonus), that helped me get to the Milly Mark in 5 ½ years.Note, these are not community builder-specific secrets. They're important for all entrepreneurs, web and brand designers in 2026.Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/431

CannaZip Bagz and Cannasite CEO talk Website Design and Bagging for Cannabis Industry clients. Both Caron and Davis lend their perspective in industry services and policies forthcoming in the year. Rachel Nelson Russell Dowden host. Leave your comments below. Blazed@blazednews.com www.BlazedNews.com www.texashempreporter.com www.cannazibbags.com www.cannasite.com

Der SC Paderborn hat sich das 18. und letzte Ticket für die Bundesliga-Saison 2026/27 gesichert und damit die abgelaufene Spielzeit endgültig beendet - zumindest fast. Denn eigentlich ist so ein Jahr erst wirklich rund, wenn die ComunioPodcast-Awards verteilt sind. Und genau das machen Flo, Felix und Ralf in launiger Dreierrunde. Bevor es aber um die begehrtestes Auszeichnungen der Fußballwelt geht, fühlt Flo seinen beiden Experten im Statistik-Quiz auf den Zahn (14:34). Ihr dürfte natürlich wieder fleißig mitraten! Im Anschluss gibt es die mit Spannung erwartete Awardverteilung (45:38). In der Top-3 der Woche (01:20:56) nennen die Drei dann die Spieler, die auf ihrem Einkaufszettel für den Saisonübergang ganz oben stehen. Nach der Bundesliga ist natürlich auch vor der WM - und Comunio präsentiert sich rechtzeitig zur Weltmeisterschaft mit neuem Website-Design. Von den News über die Aufstellung bis hin zum neu strukturierten Transfermarkt, alle Bereiche erstrahlen in neuem Glanz und verbessern das Manager-Erlebnis. Unter comunio.de/wm findet ihr alle Infos und könnt auch sofort teilnehmen. Außerdem ist die Bewerbungsphase für die Podcast-Liga gestartet. Schickt uns bis zum 9.6. eine WhatsApp-Sprachnachricht an die 015753269018 und verratet uns, warum ihr unbedingt in der Liga dabei sein müsst. Ihr wollt uns Feedback schicken? Dann wendet euch an redaktion@comunio.de Falls ihr uns eine Rezension schreiben wollt, könnt ihr das unter podcasts.apple.com/de/ machen! Bewertet uns auch gerne auf Spotify! Vielen Dank!

In this deeply personal first solo episode of the Clarity to Consciousness, Kristen Leigh Griffiths opens up about the hidden wound that has quietly shaped much of her life: the feeling of not being “enough.”Kristen shares the story behind finally stepping into her own voice after 39 episodes of interviewing others, revealing how struggles with self-worth, fear of taking up space, and subconscious limiting beliefs delayed her first solo episode.Inspired by a transformative women's spiritual retreat and deep reflection on her Chiron placement in astrology (known as the “wounded healer”) Kristen explores themes of consciousness, healing, intuition, perspective, victimhood, spiritual awakening, and personal transformation.She also shares a powerful automatic writing message she received from her higher self: a reminder to “put on the worthiness crown.”

Is your clinic website actually outdated, or does it just need better SEO, content, and conversion strategy?  Many clinics spend thousands redesigning websites when the real problem was SEO all along. Here's how to tell what your clinic actually needs. Episode webpage, blog & show notes: https://propelyourcompany.com/redesign-your-website-or-seo/Book a FREE discovery call: https://calendly.com/propelyourcompany/discovery-callSend in your questions. ❤ We'd love to hear from you!NEW Webinar: How to dominate Google Search, Google Maps, AI-driven search results, and get more new patients.>> Save your spot

This episode is our first ever greatest hits episode. I'm doing this for a couple reasons:Number one, I am getting caught up on some podcast interviews because I've been a little busy with Pro Con recently and some other stuff going on, and number two…I wanted to dig up some episodes from the past that I think are very relevant and more applicable than ever today in 2026. And that is definitely the case with this interview, which was with Amy Porterfield.For new listeners to the show, you're coming into the podcast in the 400s and you may not know about what episodes are back in the hundreds or the two hundreds or three hundreds, even before that. So the ones that are really good, I want to make sure they continue to live on. And that's definitely the case with this conversation with Amy because it's more relevant than ever, all about trusting yourself and preparing yourself to do this sustainably and do it for the long haul.Plus, she laid down one of my favorite quotes in the podcast to date:“you can't believe everything you think.”True in good times and bad times, and in this age of change and flux and everything that's going on in all markets with AI and abroad, this conversation could not be more timely. In this one, we cover:Amy's path from corporate security (including 7 years at Tony Robbins) to going all-in on online businessWhy the early dip happens and how to push through itShifting from one-on-one service work to digital courses — and why that change saved her businessGetting through rough seasons by leaning on your support system and mentorsThe mindset motto that keeps Amy grounded: "You can't believe everything you think"How transparency in online business has changed — and the "scab vs. wound" method for sharing authenticallyWhat building an online course used to look like vs. todayWhy your "why" evolves over time — and how that fuels longevityHustle as a short-term season, not a long-term identityHow Amy moved her whole team of 20 to a four-day workweek — and what changedOwning your calendar as the boss (including Hobie's legendary line)The simplicity move: doubling down on what works and cutting what doesn'tThis was originally episode 185, so head to the OG show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/185

Let me guess....you've been in business for YEARS and you *think* you know what strategies will work to bring in new clients... but you're still not getting the leads and bookings you want?I know this is a common trap that you're falling into...How? Because I fell into it too.This morning, I had a discovery call with a client where I did zero selling. We talked, we laughed about how awkward it feels being in front of a camera for brand photos, I showed her my packages, and she immediately wanted to book the higher-tier option. No pressure, no convincing, no "selling" everything that's included in the package.... all because my website had already done all the selling for me.But here's the thing....a few years ago, that same call would have gone completely differently. I would have been stressed, prepping exactly what I'd say, having multiple client galleries and examples ready to pull up live during the call....I would have spent so much time trying to figure out how to justify my prices, and I'd have left the call wondering if she'd actually book.Here's what changed. I finally stopped making these 4 mistakes that were regularly costing me clients.As I'm currently going through my own rebrand, I'm realizing just how much has changed over the years (and how simple it is for me to book clients now). These "small" things were holding my business back every single time I talked about my offers and services.Inside this episode, we're covering:The strategy mistake that keeps you guessing instead of knowing what actually makes your clients say "yes"Why you're not promoting your services (and it has nothing to do with being "bad at sales")The copywriting trap that's making everything way harder than it needs to beHow your pretty website is actually repelling your dream clientsIf you're ready for your website and brand to start doing the heavy lifting and selling for you, these 4 shifts will change everything. I can't wait for you to listen in

What's the difference between a website that looks great and one that actually brings in business? In this episode, Alloy founder Rick Mayo sits down with Jimmy Weeks, CEO of Internet Strategy Labs, to dig into what separates high-performing websites from digital dead ends. Jimmy has built nearly 700 websites over 25 years and built one of the first franchise analytics dashboards in the industry. He knows what works and more importantly, why. They cover how to design for different buyer personas, why time-on-site has dropped from three minutes to under one, how the back end of your site can quietly kill your marketing results, and why building for function before beauty is almost always the right call. If you run a franchise location or are evaluating the performance of your brand's web presence, this one is worth your time.

In this special edition episode of the Web Design Business Podcast, I'm sharing a recent live interview I did with my mate from down under – James Barnard – one of the most prolific designers in the graphic, branding, and logo design space.James invited me into his Designerrrs community for a live Q&A session which turned into a masterclass chat about how to build, grow, and scale a freelance design business.He was kind enough to let me repurpose this interview for you! Whether you're a web designer, graphic designer, or brand designer, this one digs into my experience from starting out to scaling up with a big emphasis on how to SCALE YOUR WAY.Gosh doesn't that sound like a good course?!? In this episode, we cover:My full career trajectory in web designThe key stages of building and growing a design businessWhat scaling actually looks like (and when to do it)How to start thinking about team building and hiringWays to get everything off your shoulders as a solo designerMindset shifts required to grow beyond freelancingHead to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/426Your special offer:Get 3 days free access to my scale your way course (actually, my entire course suite) inside Web Designer Pro® here!Claim my 3-day trial to all Web Designer Pro Courses →After trial, continue access to all courses for only $49/mo.

You know that feeling when you KNOW what you should be doing to grow your business, but you keep finding excuses not to do it?I do too, because I was living in that cycle for months. I wanted visibility and to be sharing more BTS, real life reels and videos but I kept stopping myself from creating them because I needed things to look good.Then I realized, I was the problem, not the messy house. So, I started a visibility challenge that changed everything. In just 8 days, I went from trial reels getting 100 views to multiple reels hitting 75,000+ views (with one at 150,000 and counting).And it all started because I moved away some dirty dishes and filmed myself making coffee. And more importantly, I gave myself permission to EXPERIMENT. In today's episode, I'm sharing exactly what happened that helped me reach 400k+ trial reel views in the last week. We're talking about:Why my "expert" hooks were actually killing my reach (and the story-driven approach that changed everything)How I filmed my most viral reel in under 2 minutes with dirty dishes pushed off to the side in my kitchenThe mindset shift that lets you play with data without letting numbers destroy your confidenceWhy doing what you say you're going to do is the fastest confidence builder in business (and will help you grow FASTER than any strategy)I can't wait for you to tune in

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS breaks down the relationship between SEO and PPC advertising. He explains that while PPC provides short-term visibility and acts as a catalyst for brand awareness, SEO builds the long-term foundation that makes ads more cost-effective. Favour emphasizes that these two strategies should not be siloed; instead, they must work together. By ranking organically for specific keywords, businesses can lower their ad spend for those same keywords. The conversation also touches on the importance of content pillars, Google Search Console, and the value of organizing your digital assets to prevent overwhelm.Who is this for?Business owners, digital marketers, and entrepreneurs looking to understand the differences and synergies between Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising. It's highly valuable for anyone wanting to build a sustainable, long-term marketing strategy while leveraging short-term wins through paid ads.Key Moments & Timestamps01:42 — The Core Difference: Understanding SEO (Search Engine Optimization) vs. SEM/PPC (Search Engine Marketing).03:34 — Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Why PPC is for short-term wins and SEO is for long-term sustainability.06:00 — The Synergy: How ranking organically for a keyword lowers the cost of bidding on that same keyword in ads.11:10 — Cross-Platform Strategy: Connecting your website to Google Search Console and Pinterest to build domain authority.32:47 — Tracking Success: Using Google Alerts and Search Console to track brand mentions and backlinks.107:41 — Final Takeaway: Organize your content pillars and don't feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects of SEO.FAQsQ: Should I focus on SEO or PPC first?A: You should focus on SEO first to build a strong foundation. PPC is a catalyst that drives immediate traffic, but if your website isn't optimized organically, you will end up paying higher costs per click over time.Q: How long does it take for ads to mature?A: Depending on the platform, it typically takes 7 to 28 days for an ad campaign to exit the learning phase and mature based on the target audience.Q: How do SEO and ads work together?A: When you rank organically for a specific keyword (e.g., "real estate planning") on your website, Google recognizes your authority. When you run ads for that same keyword, your cost per click is often lower because the destination link is highly relevant and authoritative.Action StepsBuild Your Foundation: Ensure your website is connected to Google Search Console so search engines can index your pages.Align Your Keywords: Use the same keywords in your organic content (URLs, titles) that you plan to bid on in your PPC campaigns.Set Up Alerts: Use Google Alerts to track when your brand or business is mentioned online to monitor your growing authority.Organize Content Pillars: Structure your website content into clear pillars and clusters to make it easier for both users and search engines to navigate.Book a Consultation: Reach out to Favour at info@playinc.online or favour@playinc.online to hire his SEO agency and streamline your digital marketing strategy.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS and guest speakers (including Celese Williams and Rocki) discuss the problem-to-solution framework of converting traffic into revenue. Favour explains that traffic must first be intentionally created by planting "seeds" (content) across the web and nurturing them over time.He shares a real-life example of a client who returned after three years because of consistent, long-term marketing efforts. The conversation also highlights the importance of creating "easy buttons" to reduce friction in the buying process and the resurgence of community-based marketing (like Skool and Patreon) as a reliable revenue driver.Who is this for?Business owners, digital marketers, and entrepreneurs looking to turn their website visitors into paying customers. It's highly valuable for anyone wanting to understand the mechanics of traffic generation, the importance of planting "content seeds" for long-term SEO, and how to optimize the customer journey for higher conversions.Key Moments & Timestamps01:43 — The Traffic Prerequisite: Why you must intentionally create traffic before you can convert it.03:26 — Quality over Quantity: The "sandcastle" analogy for building valuable, structured traffic.05:50 — Planting Seeds: Why articles and SEO content are like seeds that can yield recurring traffic for years.08:23 — Building Authority: How consistent messaging turns you into the go-to solution when a customer is finally ready to buy.11:08 — Real-Life Case Study: A client who paid an invoice and returned for a 12-week marketing sprint after three years of nurturing.14:26 — The Power of CTAs: How well-designed calls-to-action can increase conversions by 38% to over 160%.16:10 — Guest Insight (Celeste): Why consumers want the easiest path to purchase and how to create "easy buttons" in your business.17:46 — Guest Insight (Rocky): The resurgence of community-based marketing (Skool, Patreon, Facebook groups) and the growing, yet controversial, impact of AI-generated ads.FAQsQ: How do I create traffic in the first place?A: Traffic is created by consistently publishing valuable content (seeds) on your website and distributing those links across platforms like Pinterest, Reddit, LinkedIn, and YouTube to build an interconnected web of authority.Q: How long does it take for SEO content to generate revenue?A: SEO is a long-term strategy. You should give your content pillars at least 24 months to build capacity. However, the content you publish today can continue to drive traffic and revenue for years to come.Q: What is the easiest way to increase conversions on my website?A: Reduce friction. Create "easy buttons" by minimizing the number of steps, forms, or questions a customer has to navigate before making a purchase or booking a service.Action StepsPlant Your Seeds: Commit to a 24-month content strategy where you consistently publish and update articles on your website.Distribute Your Links: Share your website links across multiple platforms (Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube) to create an interconnected web of traffic sources.Audit Your CTAs: Review your website's calls-to-action. Ensure they are clear, compelling, and strategically placed to maximize click-through rates.Create "Easy Buttons": Simplify your booking or checkout process. Remove unnecessary questions or steps that might cause a potential customer to abandon the process.Build a Community: Consider launching a community group (via Skool, Patreon, or Facebook) to nurture your audience and build long-term trust.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

You can be an expert at helping your clients with something... and then when it comes time to take your own advice, you have no clue what you're doing.I know you know that feeling lol. Taking our own advice is often the hardest thing to do as a business owner. As I'm going through my own rebrand right now, I'm realizing I'm doing literally everything the "wrong" way (according to "brand experts")... and honestly my business has never felt more aligned.I'm breaking every rebrand rule I've ever taught and it's the best thing I've ever done.In today's episode, I'm sharing the messy behind-the-scenes of my rebrand process and why I threw the "launch everything perfectly at once" playbook out the window.Inside this episode, we're covering:The luxury brand trap that had me feeling like a total fraud in my own businessWhy I'm rebuilding my website one page at a time (and why this is actually the genius thing for you to do)How I'm going from "everything has to be perfect to launch" to "people actually buy more when I show the real-time BTS" — and why my conversions are better than ever because of itThe visibility challenge that's teaching me to show up as the real me (and how it's winning me so many more clients)If you've been waiting to have your brand and strategy all figured out before you talk about it online, this episode is your permission slip to start today.Ways we can work together:  Create a website so strong that clients are sold on working with you as soon as they find you! Is it time to elevate your business with new brand photos?I'D LOVE TO CONNECT WITH YOU!Say hello on Instagram

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS and guest speakers (including Celeste and Jason) discuss the mechanics of getting discovered on Pinterest. Favour explains that Pinterest is a visual search engine powered by an algorithm called "Pixie," which prioritizes relevance, uniqueness, and content quality. He shares actionable strategies for connecting your website's RSS feed to automatically generate pins, using colors (hex codes) to influence search results, and expanding keyword lists using broad, exact, and phrase match types.The conversation highlights Pinterest's long lifespan for content, noting that pins from years ago can still drive significant traffic today.Who is this for?Business owners, digital marketers, and content creators looking to leverage Pinterest as a visual search engine. It's highly valuable for anyone wanting to understand Pinterest's algorithm (Pixie), how to optimize pins for discoverability, and how to use Pinterest to drive long-term, recurring traffic to their website.SummaryFavour Obasi-ike and guest speakers (including Celese Williams and Jason) discuss the mechanics of getting discovered on Pinterest. Favour explains that Pinterest is a visual search engine powered by an algorithm called "Pixie," which prioritizes relevance, uniqueness, and content quality. He shares actionable strategies for connecting your website's RSS feed to automatically generate pins, using colors (hex codes) to influence search results, and expanding keyword lists using broad, exact, and phrase match types. The conversation highlights Pinterest's long lifespan for content, noting that pins from years ago can still drive significant traffic today.Key Moments & Timestamps01:20 — Meet Pixie: Introduction to Pinterest's algorithm and the key elements of discoverability.02:50 — Automation Hack: How to connect your website's RSS feed to a Pinterest Business account to auto-generate pins.04:45 — The Four Elements of Discoverability: Relevance, uniqueness, content quality, and engagement.06:06 — The Power of Color: How hex codes and background colors (e.g., purple) influence what ads and related pins show up next to your content.08:01 — The Psychology of "Saves": Why the number of saves is the strongest indicator of value on Pinterest.10:08 — Keyword Expansion Strategy: How to turn 25 broad keywords into 75+ keywords using quotation marks and brackets.15:38 — Content Syndication: Connecting Instagram to Pinterest to create multiple traffic pathways for a single piece of content.18:27 — Guest Insight (Celeste): Why Pinterest is an underutilized goldmine for product-based businesses and artists.19:22 — The Lifespan of a Pin: Why Pinterest content lives forever and how updating old articles can trigger a resurgence in traffic.FAQsQ: What is Pinterest's algorithm called and what does it look for?A: Pinterest's algorithm is called "Pixie." It looks for relevance (keywords, titles, descriptions), uniqueness (trends, colors), and content quality (image dimensions, mobile optimization).Q: How can I automatically create pins from my website?A: Create a free Pinterest Business account, go to your settings, and connect your website's RSS feed. When you publish an article with images, Pinterest will automatically pull those images and create pins linking back to your site.Q: How do I find the right keywords for Pinterest?A: Start with broad keywords related to your niche. Then, expand your list by adding quotation marks (phrase match) and brackets (exact match) to those same keywords. You can also use trends.pinterest.com to see what's currently popular.Action StepsSwitch to a Business Account: If you haven't already, convert your Pinterest profile to a free Business account to access analytics and website integration.Connect Your RSS Feed: Link your website to Pinterest so your blog images automatically generate pins.Optimize for Color: Be intentional about the colors and hex codes in your images, as Pinterest's visual search groups similar colors together.Expand Your Keywords: Take a list of 25 broad keywords and create variations using quotation marks and brackets to capture different search intents.Update Old Content: Refresh old articles on your website to trigger a resurgence of traffic from existing pins on Pinterest.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS and guest speakers (including Celese Williams and Darren Shaw) discuss the mechanics of getting discovered on Google. Favour emphasizes that discovery starts with a strong technical foundation; specifically, connecting your website to Google Search Console and submitting a sitemap. He shares a case study of a client who grew from under 20,000 to nearly 300,000 organic impressions in six months. The conversation also covers the importance of prioritizing your website over social media profiles, understanding search intent, and leveraging local SEO (like zip codes) to rank faster in less saturated markets.Who is this for?Business owners, digital marketers, and content creators looking to improve their organic search visibility. It's highly valuable for anyone wanting to understand the technical foundations of SEO, the importance of Google Search Console, and how to structure a website to rank higher and drive long-term traffic.Key Moments & Timestamps01:30 — The Search Loop: How people search, find, click, and save information on Google.03:14 — SEO Foundations: Why discovery is heavily based on keyword research, search intent, and semantics.04:30 — Case Study: Growing a client's organic impressions from 19.1K to 298K in six months.05:49 — The Role of Google Search Console: Why your website must be indexed and have a sitemap to be discovered.07:25 — Guest Insight (Celeste): The power of "niche-ing down" and finding low-hanging fruit in keyword research.10:19 — Guest Insight (Darren): The psychology of language and understanding the mind of your target audience.19:59 — Social Media vs. Websites: Why TikTok is technically a website (registered in 1996) and how it connects to search.21:54 — The Red Flag: Why your website should always rank higher than your social media profiles on Google.25:44 — The Golden Rule: "The only way you can be on Google is by being on Google Search Console."29:27 — Local SEO: The importance of including your zip code or postal code on your website for localized ranking.FAQsQ: What is the first step to getting discovered on Google?A: The absolute first step is connecting your website to Google Search Console and submitting a sitemap. Without this, Google's bots cannot crawl, index, or discover your content.Q: How long does it take to rank on Google?A: It depends on the competition and density of your market. Generally, it takes 6 to 24 months for broader terms, but highly specific, localized keywords (e.g., "Easter bunny rentals in Portland") can rank in a matter of hours or days.Q: Should I link my social media profiles on my website?A: Yes, but be careful. If your social media profiles rank higher than your website on Google, it's a red flag. Your website should always be the primary "head" or asset, with social media acting as secondary channels.Action StepsConnect to Google Search Console: Ensure your website is verified as a property on Google Search Console and submit an updated sitemap.Niche Down Your Keywords: Identify "low-hanging fruit" or highly specific keywords in your industry that have lower competition.Optimize for Local Search: Add your specific location, zip code, or postal code to your website's URLs and content to capture local search traffic.Audit Your Links: Check your website's footer to ensure social media links are opening in new tabs and not draining your primary domain authority.Understand Your Audience: Use precise language that matches the psychological intent and search habits of your target audience.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS discusses the critical importance of bots and search engines for business discovery. He emphasizes that getting discovered starts with building trust through secure domains, consistent links, and structured content. Favour explains the difference between traditional search engines (Google, Bing) and AI search engines (ChatGPT, Claude), noting that while Google remains dominant, AI platforms are rapidly changing how consumers find information. using bot fetches.The conversation highlights the necessity of configuring websites correctly (e.g., HTTPS, WWW redirects) and the enduring value of backlinks and reviews. Favour also touches on the psychology of consumer behavior, explaining how different types of content and even background music can influence purchasing decisions.Who is this for?Business owners, entrepreneurs, and content creators looking to improve their online visibility. It's highly valuable for anyone wanting to understand the technical foundations of SEO, how to build trust with search engines, and how to adapt to the rise of AI-driven search platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity.Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 - Intro: Why search engines are your best friends online.01:06 - Favour's background: Helping businesses with strategic technical SEO setups.02:50 - Building trust online: The foundation of discovery through links, tags, and community.05:31 - The importance of internally linking your website to external features.08:08 - Technical SEO basics: Securing your domain, enabling domain privacy, and using HTTPS.21:57 - Why content structure matters more than just the content itself for search engine discovery.29:38 - Real-world example: How a missing "www" configuration prevented a client's website from loading.01:00:32 - The rise of AI search: How ChatGPT and Claude are changing consumer search behavior.01:02:49 - Why backlinks are not dead: AI platforms still pull recommendations from directories like Yelp and MapQuest.01:52:48 - The psychology of marketing: How music tempo (BPM) affects consumer focus and purchasing decisions.FAQsQ: What is the first step to getting discovered on search engines?A: The foundational step is building trust. This starts with securing your website (HTTPS), ensuring your domain privacy and lock are active, and consistently linking your content.Q: Are backlinks still important with the rise of AI search engines?A: Yes. AI platforms like ChatGPT still rely on citations and backlinks from established directories (like Yelp or even MapQuest) to formulate their recommendations.Q: What is the difference between search engines and social media?A: Search engines are intent-driven (fetching, crawling, indexing based on queries), whereas social media is more about immediate engagement. You must document your social media features on your website to connect the two for search engines.Action StepsSecure Your Domain: Verify that your website uses HTTPS and that your domain privacy and lock settings are correctly configured.Check Your Redirects: Ensure that both the "www" and non-"www" versions of your domain correctly lead to your active website without error messages.Document Your Features: If your brand is featured on a podcast, magazine, or social media, create a post on your website linking back to that feature to build semantic trust.Research AI Recommendations: Ask AI platforms (like ChatGPT or Perplexity) for recommendations in your industry to see who is ranking and where the AI is pulling its data from.Optimize for Intent: Structure your website content clearly so that search engine bots can easily crawl, index, and understand the value you provide.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Over the last several months, I've seen more and more chatter in my community Web Designer Pro about WP Umbrella – a new platform making quite the dent in the WordPress site manager space.Personally, I wondered how there was even room for a new tool for managing WordPress sites (updates, optimizations, backups, reporting, etc) when it's already a crowded market with tools like Manage WP, Main WP, Infinite WP, and many hosts that offer automatic backups, updates, reporting, etc.But it just goes to show…when you have a new, fresh, innovative tool that's customer-focused and is designed with best, modern UX practices, it can absolutely start to make waves in the market.That's been the story of WP Umbrella so far and in this exclusive interview, I got to sit down with their CEO and co-founder Aurelio Volle.We covered a lot in our time together, including:The opportunity that he saw which led him to start a WordPress website management tool in an already competitive landscapeHow they made it past the first phase of growth where most SASS companies dieWhy UX design and customer focus are more important than EVER beforeAuerlio's personal philosophy for vision and goal settingHow to run a successful online business of any size in today's marketAnd a whole lot more.It's not every day you get to sit down with the CEO of a major SASS product in the WordPress space so it was so cool to see and hear how thinks about vision, goals, customer service and product-market fit in today's competitive web design space!P.S. Big thanks to WP Umbrella for being a sponsor of our upcoming Web Designer PRO CON 2026 event! I took notice when members of my community started talking about the tool and their experience with the team/support behind Umbrella and I can tell you, they are the real deal! Great team and a SOLID product that I'm excited to keep a close eye on moving forward.Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/425

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS dives into Podcast Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and discovery. He explains that getting discovered and getting ranked are two different processes requiring a strong technical foundation. Favour outlines the nine key areas where a podcast must resonate sonically and structurally, emphasizing optimized titles, descriptions, file names, and high-quality cover art (3000x3000 pixels). He also discusses RSS feed distribution, maintaining a consistent publishing cadence, and choosing the right podcast format (solo, interview, co-host, etc.).The session concludes with an interactive Q&A, encouraging creators to build a timeless content library.Who is this for?Podcasters, business owners, content creators, and digital marketers looking to maximize their podcast's visibility and reach. It's valuable for understanding the technical aspects of Podcast SEO, getting discovered and ranked across directories, and structuring shows for long-term growth and PR.Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 - Intro: The power of Podcast SEO for discovery, business growth, and PR.00:59 - Importance of RSS feed distribution and submitting to multiple destination websites.03:33 - Using Cast Feed Validator to check the health of your podcast's RSS feed.04:36 - The difference between getting discovered (visibility) and getting ranked (positioning).05:12 - Key SEO elements: Podcast title, description, author name, episode details, and file names.05:34 - Technical requirement: Podcast cover art must be 3000x3000 pixels for maximum visibility.08:21 - Importance of publishing cadence (every 8 to 12 days) to consistently refresh your feed.20:00 - The 9 places your podcast must resonate sonically and structurally.24:35 - Title optimization: Keeping titles between 50 to 60 characters to avoid truncation.01:13:40 - The 5 podcast formats: Solo, interview, co-host, round table, and faceless/theme content.FAQsQ: What is the difference between getting discovered and getting ranked?A: Discovery means your podcast is visible and accessible to a maximum number of people across platforms. Ranking refers to your podcast's specific position within search results based on its SEO structure and relevance.Q: How long should my podcast title and description be?A: Your podcast title should ideally be between 50 to 60 characters (including spaces) to prevent truncation on mobile devices. Your description can be much longer, typically 4,000 to 6,000 characters, allowing for rich keyword integration.Q: What size should my podcast cover art be?A: For maximum visibility and compliance with major directories, your podcast cover art should be exactly 3000 by 3000 pixels.Q: How often should I publish new podcast episodes?A: Favour recommends a publishing cadence of every 8 to 12 days. This consistency helps refresh your RSS feed regularly and keeps your audience engaged.Action StepsValidate Your Feed: Use castfeedvalidator.com to check the health and structure of your podcast's RSS feed.Optimize Your Metadata: Ensure your podcast title (50-60 characters) and description (up to 4,000 characters) clearly explain your content and include relevant keywords.Update Cover Art: Check your podcast image dimensions and update them to 3000x3000 pixels if they are currently smaller.Establish a Cadence: Commit to a consistent publishing schedule, ideally releasing a new episode every 8 to 12 days.Book a Discovery Call: Reach out to Favour Obasi-ike via his booking link for a complimentary 30-minute SEO discovery call.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS breaks down push (outbound) vs. pull (inbound) marketing. Pull marketing (social media, SEO, content) attracts audiences long-term via consumer-driven engagement. Push marketing actively promotes products for immediate sales but can backfire if poorly targeted. Using interactive examples (e.g., sending gardening tool emails to a Pinterest list), Favour highlights the need to understand audience pain points. He also covers data ownership (first-party vs. third-party) and shares a client success story of scaling to 1M monthly Pinterest views.Who is this for?Business owners, entrepreneurs, digital marketers, and content creators looking to understand inbound (pull) vs. outbound (push) marketing. It's valuable for building long-term brand loyalty, optimizing social media and SEO, and targeting audiences effectively without being spammy.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS discusses the critical differences between "fat" (bloated) and "lean" (optimized) websites. He explains how large file sizes, unoptimized images, and poor technical setups negatively impact search engine rankings and user experience. Favour emphasizes technical SEO, structured data, and webpage indexing, providing actionable advice on compressing assets, improving site speed, and preparing websites for future search engine updates. The conversation highlights the value of consistent content creation and building a strong technical foundation for long-term business success.Who is this for?Business owners, web developers, digital marketers, and SEO professionals looking to optimize their websites for better search engine indexing, faster load times, and improved user experience. It's valuable for understanding technical web performance, managing page bloat, optimizing images, and implementing structured data for long-term growth.Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 - Introduction: Fat vs. Lean websites, technical SEO, and webpage indexing.02:08 - Impact of large images and web bloat on site speed and rankings.05:35 - Defining a lean website and benefits of compressing files (e.g., compressor.io).07:21 - Checking website health and page sizes using Siteliner and GTmetrix.09:38 - Historical context: Median mobile homepage file size increased from 845 KB in 2015 to 2.3 MB in 2025.29:08 - Importance of legible fonts and responsive design for users and search bots.31:34 - Utilizing structured data and Schema.org to enhance technical SEO.50:50 - Jason's feedback on Favour's consistency and the value of qualitative feedback.01:00:50 - Timeline for SEO results (3-12 months for initial impact, 6-24 months for realistic growth).01:05:29 - Final summary: Building lean websites with crucial semantics for future-proofing (2026+).FAQsQ: What is the difference between a fat and a lean website?A: A fat website has excessive bloat (large images, heavy code), slowing load times and hurting SEO. A lean website uses compressed assets and efficient code, resulting in faster load times, better UX, and improved indexing.Q: How can I check if my website is fat or lean?A: Use Siteliner.com to check page sizes and identify thick/thin pages. GTmetrix.com helps analyze loading speed and performance grade.Q: Does compressing images ruin their quality?A: Not necessarily. It depends on lossless vs. lossy compression. Tools like compressor.io reduce file sizes while maintaining acceptable visual quality.Q: How long does it take to see results from technical SEO improvements?A: Generally, 3 to 12 months for initial results, but expect 6 to 24 months for more realistic and substantial long-term growth.Action StepsAudit Your Website: Use Siteliner and GTmetrix to evaluate page sizes, load speeds, and site health.Compress Assets: Identify large files and use compressor.io to reduce size without sacrificing quality.Implement Structured Data: Visit schema.org to apply structured data mapping to help search engines understand your content.Optimize for Mobile & Accessibility: Ensure body text is at least 16px and scales up to 200% without breaking layout.Book a Consultation: Reach out to Favour Obasi-ike at info@playinc.online or via his booking link for a personalized website audit and SEO strategy or visit Favour's quick link here.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Technical SEO delivers 117% ROI in as little as 6 months — compared to 16% for basic content SEO over 15 months. Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS breaks down what that means in real dollars and real client results.WHO IS THIS FORSmall business owners are wondering why their website isn't showing up on Google. Entrepreneurs paying for ads who want to know if SEO is a smarter long-term investment. Marketing professionals who need data-backed ROI benchmarks. E-commerce owners planning a 12–24 month organic growth strategy. Content creators who want to extend the shelf life of every piece they publish. Local business owners — local SEO delivers 750%+ ROI, the highest of any SEO category.TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Room opens; framing question repeated as attendees join: "What is the ROI of technical SEO?"10:00 — The Mario Kart analogy: Instagram = 72-hour boost, Pinterest = 5 months, website = 24 months12:00 — Live Glimpse research: "SEO for small businesses" costs $44.40/click in Google Ads17:00 — The 16% ROI / 15-month benchmark introduced20:00 — On-page vs. technical SEO defined; the relationship foundation analogy34:00 — Client case study: 30M-page site grows from 1.5M → 3.3M indexed pages after structural fixes40:52 — Technical SEO ROI: 117% in as little as 6 months45:40 — HTTP vs. HTTPS: why HTTP is "easily hackable"52:00 — ROI by category: basic 16%, technical 117%, e-commerce 2–5x, local 750%+59:12 — Celese Williams on Semrush and data-driven content strategy61:32 — Hayden: the Glossary Method — hidden keywords at 40x lower cost70:05 — HTML = the letter; HTTPS = the postal service74:00 — Closing: your website as a place of rest, connection, and long-term impactMEMORABLE QUOTES"Technical SEO is about 117%. And when you have a fundamental strategy, that 15 months could drop to six months." — Favour [40:59]"HTTP is easily hackable. Definitely get your HTTPS more than anything." — Favour [45:40]"You can't depend on social media to sustain a brand. It's going to enhance your brand, but it's not going to replace it." — Favour [51:14]"CEOs and bosses make data-driven decisions." — Celese [59:37]"The glossary method is the most powerful way — you can buy hidden keywords with thousands of views at 40 times less than the main broad topic." — Hidden [61:32]"Give yourself 6–24 months to see results. By year three, four, five, you'll be happy you built something sturdy." — Favour [71:38]Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Michele DeFilippo is the founder and driving force behind 1106 Design, a full-service book publishing company based in Phoenix, Arizona. With more than 50 years of experience in the book publishing industry — spanning traditional publishing, the rise of indie publishing, and the self-publishing revolution catalyzed by Amazon — Michele is one of the most respected voices in author services today.She founded 1106 Design in 2001 after the publishing industry was disrupted by technology, with a singular mission: to help independent authors publish professionally, keep 100% of their rights and royalties, and produce books that compete on equal footing with traditionally published titles. Her company provides a complete "manuscript to market" solution, including editorial evaluations, copyediting, custom book cover design, interior typesetting, eBook conversion, audiobook production, author websites, and publishing support.Michele is also the author of Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing, an 88-page guide available as a free download at 1106design.com. She has been featured across numerous podcasts, YouTube channels, and industry publications, and contributes regularly to IngramSpark's blog on self-publishing best practices.Schedule a call with Michele today >>WHO IS THIS FOR?Aspiring authors who want to publish without giving up their rights. Self-publishing authors who suspect they're leaving royalty money on the table. Business owners, coaches, and consultants who want a book as a credibility tool. Anyone pitched a "bestseller package" who wants to know if it's legitimate. Podcasters and content creators exploring long-form publishing as a brand extension.Episode SummaryIn this interview on the We Don't PLAY!™ podcast, Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS sits down with Michele DeFilippo to unpack one of the most misunderstood and financially consequential decisions an author can make: who to trust with your book. Over 22 minutes, Michele delivers a masterclass on the difference between traditional publishers, hybrid publishers, and true service providers — and why that distinction can mean the difference between earning $0.90 per book sold versus $6–$8.The conversation covers the full publishing landscape: how self-publishing emerged alongside Amazon, why so many "publishers" are actually double-dipping on author revenue, how to use KDP and IngramSpark to distribute without a middleman, what makes a book cover convert (and why it matters more than most authors realize), the truth about Amazon "bestseller" badges, the art of professional typesetting, and how to set realistic expectations before publishing.Michele closes with a transparent overview of how 1106 Design works, what authors should prepare before reaching out, and why the best way to make money with a book is often not through retail sales at all.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] — Intro: Michele DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design, 50 years in publishing[03:20] — Publisher vs. service provider: the distinction that determines your royalties[06:12] — The hybrid publisher double-dip: earning $0.90/book instead of $6–$8[09:11] — KDP and IngramSpark: the two platforms every self-publishing author must know[10:01] — "Pump and dump" publishing: the automated book trap[11:00] — Book covers as the #1 conversion driver: the job interview analogy[12:48] — A/B testing covers the right way: "liking vs. buying"[14:34] — The Amazon bestseller badge: how it's manufactured in 45 minutes[17:08] — Professional typesetting vs. basic formatting: why it matters[20:49] — Using a book as a business development tool, not a retail productMEMORABLE QUOTES"If you have no investment in my book, what entitles you to any portion of my profits?" — Michele [06:45]"There's retail sales, and then there's making money with your book another way — and that other way is usually better." — Michele [20:49]"The question isn't which cover do you like. It's which cover would you spend money on." — Michele [12:48]"A book that earns $2,000 in royalties but generates $50,000 in consulting revenue is not a modest success. It's a high-ROI asset." — Favour [21:10]"Typesetting is working on every line, every word, every paragraph — it's not just formatting." — Michele [17:08]FAQsWhat is the difference between a publisher and a service provider?A publisher acquires your rights and pays a royalty. A service provider charges once and steps away — you keep 100% of all future revenue.What makes hybrid publishers problematic?They charge upfront fees and also take a cut of every book sold — reducing per-book earnings from $6–$8 down to $0.90 on a $19.99 title.Which platforms should every author use?KDP for Amazon and IngramSpark for bookstores and libraries. Both have royalty calculators so you know exactly what you'll earn.Are Amazon bestseller badges legitimate?Most are manufactured in 45 minutes by selecting a low-competition subcategory. A genuine Nielsen bestseller is an entirely different credential.How do authors actually make money with a book?Treat it as a business development tool. Speaking fees and consulting revenue typically far exceed retail royalty income.GLOSSARYService Provider — Charges a one-time fee; takes no ongoing royalties. The author retains 100% of rights and revenue.Hybrid Publisher — Charges upfront fees and also takes a percentage of sales. Double-dips on author revenue.KDP — Amazon's self-publishing platform for print-on-demand paperbacks and Kindle ebooks.IngramSpark — Distributes to independent bookstores, libraries, and international retailers.Typesetting — Professional design of a book's interior: fonts, spacing, margins, and chapter breaks.Print-on-Demand — Books printed individually as orders are placed. No inventory risk.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Your body is constantly speaking to you… but most of us were never taught how to listen.In this episode of Clarity to Consciousness, Kristen Leigh Griffiths is joined by Jackie Cowie to explore the wisdom of the body and how unconscious beliefs and survival patterns are stored within it.From emotional triggers like jealousy and resentment to physical sensations and energetic responses, this conversation reveals how your body is offering you clues about what's happening beneath the surface.If you've ever felt stuck in patterns you can't explain, constantly reacting instead of intentionally creating your life, this episode will give you a new way to understand yourself.This is more than awareness, it's a pathway back to your true self.✨ In This Episode, You'll Learn:* How unconscious beliefs are stored in the body* What “survival patterns” are and how they impact your life* Why your physical sensations and emotional reactions are meaningful* How to use emotions like jealousy, judgment, and resentment as tools for awareness* The concept of energy bodies and how they influence your experience* Simple ways to start listening to your body in everyday moments* The connection between stress, resistance, and physical symptoms* How to move from reactive living into intentional, conscious creation

Season 12 Finale: What's Happening Next Season and More with Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS