The Website Growth Show

Rana Shahbaz

Welcome to The Website Growth Show, brought to you by WP Minds.On this show, we speak with business owners, agency leaders, and marketers to uncover what’s working to grow their websites in today’s fast-changing, AI world.Whether you’re building from scratch or trying to level up your current site, you’re in the right place.

  1. 1d ago

    Website Optimization How to Make Your Website Stand Out and Grow

    In this episode of The Website Growth Show, Rana Shahbaz speaks with Chris LaFay, founder of Classic City Consulting, about how businesses can use website optimization to create websites that are simpler, more memorable, and better at turning visitors into customers. Chris shares why being different can be more valuable than following every traditional UX rule, how simplifying your website can improve the user experience, and why your messaging needs to show customers that you actually understand their problems. The conversation also covers testing business ideas with landing pages, balancing SEO and paid ads with relationship-driven marketing, avoiding mass-produced AI content, and giving your team control over the website. What you will learn in this episode: Why being different can help your website stand out How website optimization can support business growth Why simpler websites can be more effective How to identify design inconsistencies and “design drift” Why your website messaging needs to clearly address customer problems How to test a business idea with landing pages before investing heavily Why businesses should focus on one marketing channel before expanding How authentic content can outperform mass-produced AI content Why businesses should have control and access to their own websites Key takeaway: Website optimization is not always about adding more features. Sometimes the biggest improvements come from simplifying your website, making it more distinctive, and showing your customers that you understand exactly what they need. Subscribe to The Website Growth Show for weekly insights on: Website growth strategy Website optimization SEO and AI search Conversion-focused website improvements Web design and messaging Practical digital marketing strategies #websitegrowth #businessgrowth  #podcast  #businessowners #techlover #earnmoney Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on our social channels: Website: www.wpminds.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WPminds/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wp_minds/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/wp-minds/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wp_minds X (Twitter):  https://x.com/wpminds Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/website-growth-show/id1840905450

    Website Optimization How to Make Your Website Stand Out and Grow
  2. Oct 1

    Web Marketing for Small Businesses What Actually Works Today

    Most small businesses are doing too much with their online marketing initiatives and still not getting the results they want. In this episode of The Website Growth Show, Rana Shahbaz speaks with Mickey Mellen about what actually matters when it comes to websites, SEO, AI, social media, local marketing, and growing a small business online. What you will learn in this episode: • Why small businesses often overcomplicate web marketing • When you actually need a new website, and when you do not • The simple website problems that can cost you customers • Why trust and reputation matter more than ever • How AI is changing search and website content • Why SEO is no longer the only way people discover businesses • How local events and community involvement can generate business • When social media and paid ads are worth the investment • Whether WordPress still makes sense for small businesses • Why traffic, rankings, and attribution do not tell the full story • How to make smarter marketing decisions with a limited budget Key takeaway: You do not need to do everything. Focus on the fundamentals: keep your website accurate, build trust, stay visible in the right places, serve customers well, and invest in the marketing activities that actually make sense for your business. Subscribe to The Website Growth Show for weekly insights on: Web marketing for small businesses Website growth strategy SEO and AI search WordPress and website optimization Conversion-focused website improvements Practical digital marketing strategies Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on our social channels: Website: www.wpminds.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WPminds/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wp_minds/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/wp-minds/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wp_minds X (Twitter):  https://x.com/wpminds Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/website-growth-show/id1840905450

    Web Marketing for Small Businesses What Actually Works Today
  3. May 7

    Local SEO Tips That Actually Drive Leads and Revenue | Joy Hawkins

    Most local businesses believe SEO is the answer to growth. But what if you start too early? In this episode of The Website Growth Show, Rana Shahbaz speaks with local SEO expert Joy Hawkins about when local SEO actually works and when it does not. Joy explains why brand new businesses often fail with SEO, why timing and foundation matter, and how to use data to make smarter decisions about your website and marketing. This is not a generic SEO conversation. It is a practical breakdown of how real businesses grow using local SEO, what mistakes to avoid, and how to focus on actions that actually generate leads and revenue. What you will learn in this episode: • When local SEO works and when it does not  • Why new businesses should not rely on SEO early  • How to choose the right locations using SEO data  • Why your website still controls your rankings  • How case studies improve visibility and conversions  • Why bulk content and AI content can fail  • How internal linking and navigation impact SEO  • Why quality links and brand mentions matter more than volume  • How to measure success using leads and revenue instead of traffic  Key takeaway: Local SEO is powerful. But only when your business is ready for it. Subscribe to The Website Growth Show for weekly insights on: Website growth strategy Local SEO and website optimisation Conversion focused website improvements How to turn your website into your number one business growth tool Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on our social channels: Website: www.wpminds.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WPminds/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wp_minds/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/wp-minds/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wp_minds X (Twitter):  https://x.com/wpminds Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/website-growth-show/id1840905450

    Local SEO Tips That Actually Drive Leads and Revenue | Joy Hawkins
  4. Apr 23

    Your Website Is Costing You Leads (Not Your Marketing) | Craig Burgess

    Many business owners think they need better marketing. More ads. More SEO. More social media. But often that is not the real issue. In this episode of The Website Growth Show, Rana Shahbaz speaks with Craig Burgess about why most businesses do not have a marketing problem. They have a website problem. Craig shares what he has learned after 20 years helping companies fix broken websites and turn them into tools that generate real leads and sales. We discuss why beautiful websites often fail, why clear messaging matters more than design, and how small technical issues like slow load times can destroy conversions. Craig also shares a real case study where a business spending thousands on Google Ads went from zero leads to 30 to 60 leads per month after improving website speed, landing pages, and clarity  If you are investing in marketing but not seeing results, this episode could save you time and money. What you will learn in this episode: • Why most businesses have a website problem, not a marketing problem • Why design alone does not create conversions • How clear messaging increases leads • Why website speed matters for Google Ads and conversions • How landing pages outperform homepages for paid traffic • Why one clear call to action works best • Why professional copywriting matters more than DIY content • How authentic photos build trust better than stock images • How to turn your website into a sales tool  Takeaways Enjoying the process of helping businesses grow through effective websites. The misconception that website design is the most important factor. A website must clearly communicate what a business does. Investing in professional content is crucial for success. The website serves as the core of marketing and sales funnels. Clear next steps are essential for conversions. Specific landing pages improve ad performance. Website speed directly impacts lead generation. Content should be tailored for both humans and search engines. Testing and adapting strategies is key to finding what works. Many businesses have website problems, not marketing problems. A website should reflect the marketing efforts accurately. Clarity in content is essential for effective communication. Websites serve as legitimacy indicators for potential customers. Understanding your offer is crucial for website success. Clear pricing and service descriptions enhance user experience. Simplicity in website design leads to better performance. AI can assist in content creation but requires context. Authentic images are more effective than stock photos. Regularly assess website performance using tools like PageSpeed Insights. Subscribe to The Website Growth Show for weekly insights on: Website growth strategy Website conversion optimisation SEO and paid traffic strategy How to turn your website into your number one business growth tool Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on our social channels: Website: www.wpminds.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WPminds/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wp_minds/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/wp-minds/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wp_minds X (Twitter):  https://x.com/wpminds Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/website-growth-show/id1840905450

    Your Website Is Costing You Leads (Not Your Marketing) | Craig Burgess
  5. Apr 16

    How to Build Trust on Your Website in Seconds | Jamie Mason Cohen

    People decide faster than you think. Before they book a call, enquire, or buy, they ask one silent question: Can I trust this business? In this episode of The Website Growth Show, Rana Shahbaz speaks with communication expert Jamie Mason Cohen about how businesses can build trust on their website within seconds. Jamie explains why trust often matters more than logic, why people judge quickly, and how your website becomes your first conversation with a potential customer. If your website looks fine but is not converting visitors into leads, trust may be the missing piece. We also discuss how positioning, clarity, social proof, and simple messaging help visitors feel confident enough to take the next step. What you will learn in this episode: • How to build trust on your website in seconds  • Why trust matters more than logic in buying decisions  • Why visitors judge your website quickly  • How clear messaging increases conversions  • Why social proof helps build confidence  • How to position your business clearly online  • Why less information can create more trust  • How your homepage influences first impressions  • Why trust comes before competence  Key topics: The importance of clear communication in business Body language and energy as trust builders Positioning and storytelling for differentiation Website as a business growth tool Adapting communication in the AI age sound  bites: "Connection before competence." "Ground yourself in your truth and claim your space." "Jump right in and tell people what this is about today." Key takeaway: Your website is not just a brochure. It is a trust building tool. If visitors do not trust you quickly, they leave quickly. Subscribe to The Website Growth Show for weekly insights on: Website growth strategy Website conversion optimisation SEO and content strategy How to turn your website into your number one business growth tool Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on our social channels: Website: www.wpminds.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WPminds/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wp_minds/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/wp-minds/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wp_minds X (Twitter):  https://x.com/wpminds Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/website-growth-show/id1840905450

    How to Build Trust on Your Website in Seconds | Jamie Mason Cohen
  6. Apr 9

    How to Grow Revenue Without More Website Traffic | Emina Demiri Watson

    #Mastering Digital Growth:  Strategies from Emina Demiri WatsonIn this episode, Emina Demiri Watson, Head of Digital at Wixen Digital, shares practical insights on diversifying digital channels, measuring success, and aligning marketing strategies with business goals. Whether you're a small business owner or a marketing professional, these tips will help you navigate the complex landscape of digital marketing effectively. Main topics covered: The importance of multi-channel marketing over relying on a single platformManaging client expectations within limited budgetsEssential steps to audit and improve website SEO and UXUsing topic-based content and entity-focused keywords for better search visibilityStrategies for content creation, repurposing, and effective promotionSetting realistic KPIs and success metrics for digital projectsModern misconceptions about rank tracking in AI and LLMsUnusual hacks for analysis: Excel formulas, regex, and AI toolsCommon SEO mistakes and how to avoid themPractical example of a successful cross-channel growth campaignWhat you will learn in this episode: • Why website traffic is no longer the most important metric • How revenue can grow even when traffic declines • Why multi channel marketing is critical for growth • How websites, ads, and content must work together • Why content repurposing is more important than publishing more • How to structure content using topics and entities instead of keywords • Why user experience and conversion matter more than clicks • How to approach SEO in an AI driven search environment • Why measuring the right KPIs changes everything    Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Digital Marketing and Curiosity 04:34 The Importance of Multi-Channel Marketing 07:40 Understanding Business Needs for Digital Success 10:05 Starting a New Service Business 12:51 Managing Budgets and Expectations 15:13 Defining Project Success and KPIs 18:02 Case Study: IT Support Client Success 23:02 Content Quality and SEO Strategies 29:10 The Importance of Regular Site Audits 29:55 Shifting Focus from Keywords to Topics 33:06 Mapping Your Space of Influence 38:26 Creating Content with Intent 41:56 The Power of Content Distribution 45:28 Measuring Success Beyond Traffic 46:59 Debunking SEO Myths 52:27 First Steps for SEO Improvement Subscribe to The Website Growth Show for weekly insights on: Website growth strategy SEO and AI search Website conversion optimisation How to turn your website into your number one business growth too #DigitalMarketing #BusinessGrowth #SEO #ContentStrategy #MarketingTips #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #AIinMarketing #MultiChannelMarketing #PodcastEpisode #MarketingStrategy #GrowthHacking #OnlinePresence #BrandSuccess #MarketingInsights Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on our social channels: Website: www.wpminds.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WPminds/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wp_minds/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/wp-minds/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wp_minds X (Twitter):  https://x.com/wpminds Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/website-growth-show/id1840905450

    How to Grow Revenue Without More Website Traffic | Emina Demiri Watson
  7. Apr 2

    AI SEO Explained Why Updating Content Beats Publishing More | Jen Cornwell

    SEO is changing faster than ever. AI search, conversational queries, and large language models (LLMs) are transforming how people discover and evaluate businesses online. In this episode of The Website Growth Show, Rana Shahbaz sits down with SEO expert Jen Cornwell to break down what AI SEO really means—and what businesses must do to stay visible. Jen shares why traditional keyword-based SEO is evolving into persona- and topic-driven strategies, and why understanding your customer journey is now more important than rankings alone. They also dive into one of the biggest shifts in content strategy:  Instead of publishing more content, businesses should focus on improving what already exists—making it clearer, more structured, and genuinely useful. You’ll also learn how AI search platforms evaluate websites, what metrics actually matter today, and why brand mentions, structured content, and clarity are becoming more valuable than backlinks. In this episode, you’ll learn:  What AI SEO is and how it differs from traditional SEO  Why persona-based search is replacing keyword-first thinking  Why updating existing content outperforms publishing new posts  How FAQs and structured content boost AI visibility  Why brand mentions matter more than backlinks  How platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and reviews influence AI search  How quickly AI SEO results can show compared to traditional SEO  What KPIs matter now (including visibility and citations)  How to start optimizing your website for AI-driven search Key Takeaway: SEO isn’t disappearing—it’s evolving. Businesses that adapt their content, structure, and strategy early will gain visibility faster in AI-powered search. Subscribe & Follow: Subscribe to The Website Growth Show for weekly insights on:  Website growth strategy  SEO and AI search  Conversion optimization  Content strategies that drive real business results  #AISEO #WebsiteGrowth #SEO2026 #ContentStrategy #DigitalMarketing #GrowthShow #SearchEvolution  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on our social channels: Website: www.wpminds.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WPminds/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wp_minds/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/wp-minds/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wp_minds X (Twitter):  https://x.com/wpminds Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/website-growth-show/id1840905450

    AI SEO Explained Why Updating Content Beats Publishing More | Jen Cornwell
  8. Mar 26

    Why One Size Marketing Fails (Every Website Needs a Different Strategy) | Emma Blackmore

    Maximizing Website Growth with Strategic Clarity and Human-Centric Marketing  In this episode, Rana interviews Emma Blackmore, a fractional CMO, who shares insights on how small and medium-sized businesses can turn their websites into powerful growth engines by focusing on clarity, purpose, and personalized messaging. Emma emphasizes that success lies in understanding your North Star, creating targeted content, and leveraging the right tools, including AI, with good judgment. Key Topics: The importance of defining and aligning with a North Star to drive business growthWhy simply implementing tactics without understanding the “why” leads to resource wasteHow to identify and articulate your core value and messagingThe critical role of clarity and focus in marketing efforts—do fewer things bestCase studies including the transformation of Snowfox, a Finnish FinTech AI companyStrategies for website optimization: case studies, gated content, videos, and targeted CTAsThe limitations of AI tools in marketing; tools serve to augment, not replace expertisePractical tips for integrating team insights and expertise into website developmentHow to choose between AI-driven tools versus custom builds based on your goalsRecommended tools: Canva for visual content, Figma for web design, WordPress for content ownershipThe significance of marketing personality and authenticity in today’s AI-driven landscapeBest practices for ongoing website testing, updating, and maintaining relevance  Timestamps:  00:00 - Defining success in marketing through clarity and alignment 02:10 - Emma Blackmore’s approach to structured, predictable growth 03:46 - Creating clarity by understanding business value and internal operations 06:03 - How to measure marketing success with a tailored approach 08:14 - Focusing on non-vanity metrics and cross-sector learning 10:23 - The importance of clarity on the North Star for all teams 10:41 - Case study: Snowfox’s website overhaul and trust-based relationship 13:19 - Working closely with organizational teams to optimize website performance 17:33 - Website updates: gated content, forms, videos, and audience targeting 20:55 - The challenge of balancing complex AI product messaging for different audiences 22:09 - Building an integrated marketing team around shared insights 25:36 - Using case studies and white papers for targeted content and lead generation 27:24 - The role of AI in marketing—tools are aid, not replacements 30:46 - Favorite marketing tools: Canva and Figma for visual content 32:00 - Unusual habits for marketers: intuition, gut feeling, and brand clarity 34:52 - Starting from “why”: strategies for organizations unclear about their purpose 36:45 - Making your website your top growth tool through clear messaging 38:05 - Deciding between AI and custom website builds based on strategic goals 41:41 - The significance of owning your domain on WordPress for long-term control 43:03 - Connect with Emma: LinkedIn and website for marketing #websitegrowth #growthshow #podcast Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on our social channels: Website: www.wpminds.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WPminds/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wp_minds/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/wp-minds/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wp_minds X (Twitter):  https://x.com/wpminds Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/website-growth-show/id1840905450

    Why One Size Marketing Fails (Every Website Needs a Different Strategy) | Emma Blackmore

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Website Growth Show, brought to you by WP Minds.On this show, we speak with business owners, agency leaders, and marketers to uncover what’s working to grow their websites in today’s fast-changing, AI world.Whether you’re building from scratch or trying to level up your current site, you’re in the right place.