Unsolicited Business Advice from Your Website Designer

Unsolicited Business Advice from Your Website Designer

What started as a conversation with a website client turned into a reminder that sometimes the things holding our businesses back aren’t our websites, branding, or marketing. They’re the excuses. In this episode, Amanda shares five pieces of unsolicited business advice inspired by a real conversation with a web design client who had plenty of reasons why certain things weren’t getting done. From avoiding social media platforms to waiting until things feel “ready,” Amanda breaks down some of the most common habits that keep business owners stuck. Drawing from her experience building and selling a seven-figure business, she shares the mindset shifts that helped her grow, become more visible, and take action long before she felt fully prepared. In This Episode You’ll Learn: * Why your audience matters more than your personal platform preferences * How to identify where your ideal clients are actually spending time * Why “I’m not good at that” might be one of the most expensive phrases in business * The connection between discomfort and growth * Why waiting until you’re ready is slowing you down * How trusting your instincts can be more valuable than seeking constant outside validation * The difference between perfection and progress Key Takeaways Let people find you. If your audience spends time on Facebook, LinkedIn, networking events, or Instagram, that’s where you need to show up. You don’t need every platform. You need the right platform. Stop deciding you’re bad at something before you’ve practiced it. No one starts as an expert. Confidence comes from repetition, not preparation. Growth usually feels uncomfortable. The opportunities that change your business are often the ones that make you nervous. Done is better than perfect. Launch the thing. Refine it later. Momentum creates clarity. Trust yourself. Not every business decision requires a committee. Sometimes your own instincts are the best guide you’ve got. Connect With Amanda If you’re ready for a website that reflects the level of your business today (not where it was three years ago), visit One Wild Brand to learn more about custom website design, branding, and business visibility. 📧  Email Me! I want to hear from you: amanda@onewildbrand.com [amanda@onewildbrand.com] 👉 Explore my services: www.onewildbrand.com [https://www.onewildbrand.com/] 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @onewildbrand [https://www.instagram.com/onewildbrand]

Why Your Link in Bio Should Live on Your Website (Not Linktree)

If you have a website… but your Instagram link is sending people somewhere else We need to talk. In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the simplest but most overlooked website upgrades you can make and why your link in bio should not be a Linktree. Because you are working way too hard for those clicks to send them somewhere that doesn’t actually benefit your business. What sparked this episode A few weeks ago, I was part of a marketing panel with some incredible women where we talked all things websites, social media, email marketing, and analytics. One topic that came up? Link in bio tools like Linktree. And my hot take is this: 👉 If you have a website, you should not be using one. Why Linktree isn’t the move (for business owners) Linktree absolutely has its place. It’s great for: * Influencers * Affiliate marketers * Creators without websites But if you do have a website, using Linktree creates a huge missed opportunity. You’re essentially doing all the work to get someone to click… and then sending them somewhere that doesn’t benefit you long-term. What to do instead Create a custom link in bio page on your website. Think of it as your own version of Linktree… but better. This page should live directly on your site (something like /links) and include: * Your offers * Your free resources * Your latest content * Your booking links * Anything you regularly send people to Why this matters (a lot) 1. You’re driving traffic to your  2. It helps your SEO 3. You get full control over your branding 4. Better analytics + tracking 5. It just feels more polished How to create your own If you have a Showit website, this is incredibly easy to set up. I actually include a custom link page like this for all of my website clients, and I also created a template based on my own page that you can customize. If you’re not on Showit, no worries. You can: * Search Etsy for link in bio website templates * Build a simple page within your existing platform * Keep it clean, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate  My biggest takeaway You are working hard for every single click. Don’t waste it. Send people somewhere that supports your business, builds your brand, and actually works for you long-term. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode * My custom link in bio template for Showit websites [https://onewildbrand.com/link-in-bio-template] * Pink Clover Studio in Windham, NH [https://pinkcloverstudio.com] * Resonate Social [https://resonatesocial.co] * J and M Marketing [https://www.jandmaemarketing.com] Loved this episode? If this gave you an “oh wait… I should fix that” moment, you’re not alone. And if your website still isn’t pulling its weight? That’s kind of my thing 😉 📧  Email Me! I want to hear from you: amanda@onewildbrand.com [amanda@onewildbrand.com] 👉 Explore my services: www.onewildbrand.com [https://www.onewildbrand.com/] 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @onewildbrand [https://www.instagram.com/onewildbrand]

Website Tips to Standout in a Saturated Market

I recorded this episode totally on a whim after posting a carousel about website tips for saturated markets… and it got my wheels turning. Most of the clients I work with are in very similar industries. Like, direct competition. And if their websites all look the same? That’s a problem. So in this episode, I’m walking you through the biggest mistake I see (hint: your website blends in 😬) and how to actually create a website that people remember, come back to, and want to work with. Your goal isn’t just to have a “nice website.” It’s to have a website that sticks. What I Talk About: * Why blending in is quietly killing your conversions * What actually happens when someone opens 5 tabs of your competitors * The real goal your website should be working toward * How to make your website stand out in a saturated market * What your hero section really needs to do * Why you need to speak to ONE ideal client * How to add personality without losing professionalism * The little website mistakes that instantly turn people off The Big Takeaways: Your website shouldn’t just look good — it should be memorable If someone can’t remember anything about your site a few hours later… we’ve got a problem. Your hero section needs to do the heavy lifting This is where people decide if they’re staying or leaving. It needs to be clear, specific, and actually say what you do. You are not talking to everyone I always tell my clients this — pick one person and speak directly to them. That’s where the magic happens. Generic messaging is not helping you stand out If your site says the same things as everyone else in your industry, you’re giving people no reason to choose you. Personality matters more than ever People want to feel something. They want to connect with you. And they can’t do that if your website sounds like AI wrote it. Your differentiator is your best marketing tool What makes you different? Your process? Your approach? Your experience? Lead with that. Also… please check your links 😅 Broken pages, outdated info, things not working — this stuff will send people right off your site. My Simple Formula for Standing Out: If you’re in a saturated market, this is what I focus on every single time: * A clear + memorable hero section * Messaging that speaks to one ideal client * Specific, non-generic copy * Personality and polish * A clear process (people love knowing what to expect) * A website that actually works — no broken anything Final Thoughts: You don’t need to reinvent your industry. You just need to stop blending in. And if you’re not sure if your website is doing that? Ask yourself this: would someone remember this tomorrow? 📌 If You Loved This Episode If this episode got your wheels turning, take a look at your own website and see where you might be blending in — and where you can start standing out. And if you want help creating a personality-packed, elevated website that actually converts… you know where to find me 😉 📧  Email Me! I want to hear from you: amanda@onewildbrand.com [amanda@onewildbrand.com] 👉 Explore my services: www.onewildbrand.com [https://www.onewildbrand.com/] 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @onewildbrand [https://www.instagram.com/onewildbrand]

7 Instagram Posting Tips for 2026

If you’ve been feeling like your content strategy needs a full overhaul every few weeks, this episode is your permission slip to take a breath. In this episode, I’m talking about one of the biggest mistakes I see entrepreneurs make with their social media and branding - constantly reinventing everything. New colors. New templates. New messaging. New strategy. Every single month. Instead of creating momentum, that constant change usually creates confusion - both for you and for the people following along. Today I’m sharing why consistency in your content visuals, messaging, and strategy matters far more than constant reinvention, and how a few small tweaks can make a much bigger impact than starting from scratch. In This Episode In this conversation, I talk about the pressure many entrepreneurs feel to constantly refresh their content and why that approach often backfires. I share why recognizable visuals and consistent messaging actually help your brand grow faster, and why you probably don’t need a complete rebrand or total content reset. Sometimes what your content really needs is simply refining what’s already working. Key Takeaways Consistency Builds Recognition When your visuals, templates, and tone stay consistent, people start recognizing your content instantly. That familiarity builds trust and makes your brand easier to remember. Don’t Change Your Templates Every Month If you’re switching templates constantly, your feed can start to feel disjointed. Find a visual style you love and stick with it for a while. Strong Messaging Matters More Than New Designs If your posts aren’t landing, the issue usually isn’t the design. More often it’s the hook, the message, or how clearly the idea is coming across. Small Tweaks Beat Full Reinventions Sometimes your content just needs better hooks, stronger visuals, or a little strategic ad spend - not a complete overhaul. If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, consider this your reminder that you probably don’t need to reinvent everything. What you might actually need is: * Stronger messaging * Better hooks * More consistent visuals * Maybe a little ad spend Small adjustments can go a long way. Free Canva Templates If you want something that feels a little fresh without starting from scratch, I’ve created a free pack of Canva templates [https://onewildbrand.com/done-for-you-canva-templates] you can download and start using right away. They’re designed to help you show up consistently and create polished content without spending hours designing. 📧  Email Me! I want to hear from you: amanda@onewildbrand.com [amanda@onewildbrand.com] 👉 Explore my services: www.onewildbrand.com [https://www.onewildbrand.com/] 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @onewildbrand [https://www.instagram.com/onewildbrand]

How to Plan Your Brand Photoshoot (Insight From a Web Designer)

Brand photos are not a “nice to have.” They are a trust-builder, a credibility boost, and one of the fastest ways to make your website (and socials) feel instantly more professional. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to plan a brand photoshoot without overwhelm or overthinking - plus the exact things I wish I did differently the first time. You’ll also hear my web designer perspective on what photos actually work best on a website, why stock photos can fall flat, and how to plan a shoot that gives you a library of images you can use everywhere - not just a handful of headshots. Download the Free Companion Guide I made a free, 12-page Brand Photoshoot Planning Guide to go with this episode. It includes checklists, planning pages, shot ideas, and an easy way to organize everything with your photographer. 🔗 Grab it here! [https://onewildbrand.com/how-to-plan-your-brand-photoshoot] What You’ll Learn in This Episode * Why brand photos are a non-negotiable for trust and conversion * How to plan a shoot with purpose (so you actually use the photos) * Mood boards made simple - and how to spot “patterns” in your inspo * How to find the right photographer (and why personality matters) * Location ideas that won’t overcomplicate your day * Outfit planning tips that save you from “I hate every photo” regret * Easy props that elevate your photos without feeling cheesy * My two small “extras” that make photoshoot day feel fun and relaxed * A web designer’s shot list tips - negative space, b-roll, and website-friendly angles Resources Mentioned * Peerspace (for renting studios and photo locations) * Pinterest (shared inspo board with your photographer) * Canva Whiteboard (to pull patterns from your inspo and make decisions faster) Quick Action Steps If you want the simplest game plan, here it is: 1. Start a Pinterest board (and share it with your photographer). 2. Pull patterns into a Canva whiteboard (poses, lighting, colors, locations). 3. Choose 3–7 outfits early and try them on fully - shoes included. 4. Build a shot list that includes website-friendly photos (hello, negative space). 5. Use the free guide to organize the whole thing and show up calm on shoot day. Ready to Plan Yours? Don’t overthink it. Don’t wait until your website is “done.” Plan it once - and plan it with intention. 🔗 Download the free Brand Photoshoot Planning Guide here. [https://onewildbrand.com/how-to-plan-your-brand-photoshoot] 📧  Email Me! I want to hear from you: amanda@onewildbrand.com [amanda@onewildbrand.com] 👉 Explore my services: www.onewildbrand.com [https://www.onewildbrand.com/] 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @onewildbrand [https://www.instagram.com/onewildbrand]