A hundred episodes ago, I was sitting at my desk looking at an expensive camera I’d ordered two months earlier. I’d been trying to make YouTube videos for my business, and honestly, it just wasn’t my thing. I didn’t feel comfortable in front of the camera, having to wear specific outfits, put on makeup, set up lights, and record videos.
But I loved sharing my website knowledge to help small business owners improve their online presence. So I put down the camera, picked up a microphone from Amazon, plugged it into my desktop, and thought “What if I just talked instead?”
Here we are, 100 episodes later.
You might wonder why I’m sharing this story on a podcast about website design. Here’s the truth – every single lesson I’ve learned about podcasting over these 100 episodes can be applied directly to your website and business.
The moment I stopped trying to be what I thought I should be and started being who I am – that’s the same transformation your website needs.
Lesson 1: Consistency Beats Perfection
Progress over perfection has been my mantra throughout this podcasting journey. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure what to say or how to connect with my audience. Coming from YouTube, my style was different, and podcasting felt more casual and conversational.
I wasn’t sure if what I was doing was right, but I kept going. With every episode, I incorporated feedback from listeners and improved. The key was consistency, not perfection.
How This Applies to Your Website
Instead of waiting for that perfect redesign, take small steps regularly. Your website visitors want progress, not perfection.
Make one small website improvement this week instead of waiting until you have enough time, energy, or budget for a complete overhaul. Small steps make a real difference.
Focus on consistent updates rather than sporadic major changes. Your website should evolve with your business, not remain static while you plan the “perfect” redesign.
Lesson 2: Authenticity Wins Over Polish
Your community wants authenticity, not perfection. Personal stories and occasional fumbles get more engagement than episodes where everything goes perfectly.
People connect with the real you, not a polished facade that feels disconnected from who you actually are.
How This Applies to Your Website
Authenticity shows up in two important ways on your website – through images and words.
Use real photos of yourself, not stock images or photos from 10 years ago. Show who you are in your business today.
Let your authentic business voice come through in your copy. Write like you speak, using language that feels natural to you and your industry.
Start with your about page. Share something personal that helps visitors connect with you. I covered this extensively in episode 82 about making your about page personal without oversharing.
When visitors see the authentic you instead of a business facade, they’re more likely to trust and choose to work with you.
Lesson 3: Your Hesitations Reveal Your Strengths
The content I was most hesitant to share often connected the most with my audience. Case study episodes where I walked through website strategy and decision-making became some of my most popular content.
I hesitated because these felt more narrative and less like concrete tips. But listeners told me they loved hearing my thinking process and strategic approach.
How This Applies to Your Website
Your unique perspective is your competitive advantage. What makes you different makes you valuable.
Think about your signature style, process, or approach. How do you work with clients that’s special or different? What industry perspective do you have that others don’t?
Share this viewpoint prominently on your website. Include it in your process section, about page, or homepage messaging. Don’t hide what makes you unique – celebrate it.
Lesson 4: Right Audience Over Big Audience
When I started podcasting, I worried about download numbers and follower growth. But I learned that having fewer engaged listeners who find real value beats having many unengaged ones.
Everyone who listens to this podcast returns because they want to learn from me specifically. This became my community, and I value each listener.
How This Applies to Your Website
It’s better to attract 10 ideal clients than 100 wrong ones through your website.
Write copy and choose imagery that attracts your ideal clients, even if it repels others. You want that selectivity.
You might see fewer website visitors than other businesses, but if they’re the right audience, that’s more valuable than high traffic from people who will never become clients.
Audit your messaging to ensure you’re speaking to someone specific rather than everyone. Generic messaging attracts generic inquiries.
Lesson 5: Teaching Your Method Makes You the Expert
Explaining my processes and strategic thinking on the podcast has made me better at what I do. I can better explain my approach during consultation calls and networking events because I’ve practiced it repeatedly in different ways.
Teaching has sharpened my expertise and improved my client relationships.
How This Applies to Your Website
Share your methodology and signature process on your website. Many business owners fear giving away too much knowledge, thinking people won’t hire them if they know “everything.”
This fear is misplaced. There’s a difference between understanding what needs to be done and actually doing it. Most people appreciate knowing your approach but still want professional help implementing it.
Giving away knowledge creates more opportunity than it costs. Clients who find me through the podcast are aligned from start to finish because they understand my process and philosophy.
Look for opportunities to share your process through dedicated sections, blog posts, or detailed service descriptions.
Lesson 6: Repetition Clarifies Your Message
I initially struggled with repetition, but saying the same core message in different ways helped me find my voice and refine my messaging.
It takes multiple exposures for people to truly absorb and act on your message.
How This Applies to Your Website
Don’t be afraid to repeat your core messaging throughout your site. Not everyone reads every word, and people need multiple touchpoints before taking action.
Identify your core message and weave it through every page. Repetition makes your message clear and memorable.
Most people need to encounter your message seven or more times before reaching out, so strategic repetition throughout your website supports this natural process.
Lesson 7: ROI Isn’t Always Financial
This podcast’s return on investment goes far beyond direct revenue. I’ve gained confidence, built relationships with clients and listeners, received speaking opportunities, and strengthened my professional reputation.
The podcast serves multiple purposes beyond lead generation.
How This Applies to Your Website
Your website isn’t just a lead generator – it’s also building your reputation and establishing thought leadership.
Consider adding elements that serve these broader goals. If you speak at events or make appearances, create a page highlighting this work. Start a blog to share industry insights and demonstrate expertise.
Think beyond conversions. How else can your website serve your business goals and professional development?
Lesson 8: Community Forms Around Authenticity
The most meaningful outcome of these 100 episodes is the community that’s formed around the show. People know me as a podcaster, conversations start with “I heard your episode about…”, and listeners share the podcast with colleagues and friends.
This community exists because I show up authentically every week, sharing what I know in service of my audience.
How This Applies to Your Website
Your website should be the hub of your community. Focus on serving, and business will follow.
Share resources, tools, and insights that help your potential clients. Consider adding a resources page, regular blog content, or other value-driven elements.
You cannot give too much valuable content. The more you serve your community through your website, the stronger those relationships become.
The Common Thread Through All Lessons
These lessons share a common theme – embracing who you’re meant to be and being authentically yourself. This authenticity should shine through your website just as it does in any other business medium.
When you align your website with your authentic self and business philosophy, it becomes a powerful tool for attracting the right people and repelling the wrong ones.
Looking Back at 100 Episodes
Over these 100 episodes, I’ve shared tips and tricks, conducted website audits, and featured interviews. The most rewarding part has been hearing from people who implemented suggested changes and saw real business improvements.
Some audit participants have completely transformed their online presence based on our conversations, leading to increased inquiries, better client relationships, and stronger business growth.
Your Website’s 100-Episode Moment
Just as I had to stop trying to be a YouTuber and embrace being a podcaster, your website might need its own transformation moment.
Ask yourself – is your website trying to be something it’s not? Are you hiding your authentic business personality behind generic messaging and stock photos?
The same principles that built a successful podcast over 100 episodes can transform your website into a powerful business tool. Start with authenticity, add consistency, embrace what makes you unique, and focus on serving your ideal audience.
Your website’s “100th episode” moment might be closer than you think.
Ready to Apply These Lessons?
If you’re ready to transform your website using these principles, I’d love to help. My website design services focus on creating authentic, strategic websites that work around the clock to attract ideal clients.
For those who want to improve their current site, my website audit provides specific recommendations for implementing these lessons on your existing website.
Want to be part of this community? Join the Website Design Made Simple newsletter where I share one actionable tip each week to help you make more money with your website.
Thank you for being part of this 100-episode journey. Here’s to the next 100 episodes of helping you create websites that truly represent who you are and grow your business authentically.
