This week’s Q&A livestream was packed. People from all types of businesses—IT trainers, dog trainers, smart home installers, wellness spaces, and more—came together for a live deep-dive into digital marketing, websites, YouTube, AI, and the challenges everyone faces trying to stand out online. I’ll walk through some of the best advice and practical tips that came out of the session.
Key Takeaways
- Use plain language and zero in on website visitors’ needs, not just what you do.
- AI is a tool for drafts and structure, not a one-click website solution (yet).
- Video and YouTube are powerful for personal brands—even local service businesses can benefit.
- Lead magnets need to offer immediate value, not just a generic coupon.
- Personal brands need a real person, not a cartoon avatar.
Structuring a Website for Results
Building a website that actually gets you leads? You’d be surprised how many people overthink it. Here are a few pointers straight from the Q&A:
- Show the outcome: Lead with the result your service or app delivers—not just fancy UI or a list of features.
- Homepages = Landing Pages: Treat every location or service page like a homepage. Put your best foot forward in every market.
- Personal branding works: Especially for multi-offer or multi-practitioner businesses. Use content and your own voice, trustworthiness builds too.
- Keep image choices high quality, avoid typical bland or pixelated stock imagery (AI tools like Midjourney can generate fantastic, unique visuals now).
Sample Website Element Table:
| Section | What To Include |
|---|---|
| Hero Image | Happy client or outcome (not a team photo/logo) |
| Headline | The benefit/result you get, not just your company name |
| Service/Location | Tie service to city, e.g.: "Naperville Landscape Design" |
| CTA (Button) | Clear action: Book, Call, or Download something useful |
Using AI in Websites and Marketing
AI isn’t magic. Most builders are glorified templates with a few tweaks. Here’s how you can actually use AI:
How to make the most of AI:
- Draft your website or landing page copy using AI trained in your own tone.
- Edit and personalize for real authenticity.
- Use AI-driven chatbots—but only if you can answer fast or it’s well-trained (like using CustomGPT, fed with FAQs and your preferred style).
- For lead magnets: create a custom GPT that acts as a mini-consultant, answering specific questions and gathering leads.
Pro tip: Offering a coupon isn’t a true lead magnet unless there’s urgency. Checklists, useful tools, or a demo/mini-course on a pressing problem work much better.
YouTube & Video Content: Build Authority
YouTube is about reliability, not viral luck. Beginners often worry nobody will care; the reality is that no one is watching at first, so nerves fade quickly.
YouTube Setup Advice:
- Use scripts and a teleprompter to sound natural (practice: read as if you’re thinking it up in real time).
- Start with FAQs and DIY topics—what your clients actually search for.
- Don’t overthink backgrounds: Clean, uncluttered, maybe add a colored light for depth.
- Batch record for efficiency, use your phone if you’re new (the Sony ZV-E10 if you want to upgrade).
Table: Good YouTube Topic Starters
| Video Type | Example |
|---|---|
| FAQ | "How much does a website cost?" |
| DIY/How-to | "How to get more leads from your website in 2025" |
| List-based | "5 things every website should have" |
| Pain Point Solution | "Why your site isn’t getting you clients" |
Getting Found in an AI-First Search World
Things are changing. Search (SEO) is shifting, but helpful content, FAQs, and honest answers still win with AI and humans alike. Use schema when possible, but mostly, focus on clarity and being the best answer.
Quick Wins:
- Update site images for speed (compress, scale for web, use modern formats)
- Don’t use your home computer as a web server—solid shared hosting is cheap and saves headaches
FAQs, Workshops, and Authority—Real Questions Answered
A lot of the livestream was on the nitty-gritty:
- Batch video editing? Use Descript or Camtasia for simple edits.
- Market research for odd industries? AI can now pull forum, review, and competitor info with the right prompts.
- Building confidence: No one is watching your first videos. Relax and improve with each one.
- Choosing a lead magnet? Narrow down to actionable, overlapping with your main offer, and easy to digest quickly.
Tools Mentioned:
- Asana (for video prod management)
- Dropbox (for sharing media)
- Hostinger/Elementor (for web builds)
- CustomGPT and Midjourney (for AI answers and imagery)
Final Thoughts
It’s a weird time for digital businesses. AI is everywhere, but can’t think strategically like you can. Use AI to save time and fill gaps, but always polish it up yourself. Websites and YouTube aren’t dead by any means—they just require a mix of new tools, old-school empathy, and clear, bold offers.
In every session, the question was the same: How do I stand out? Short answer: sound like a real person, solve real problems, and keep pressing ‘publish.’
Rodney Laws is an ecommerce expert with over a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs build and grow online businesses. He specializes in reviewing ecommerce platforms, optimizing user experience, and guiding brands toward higher conversions. His insights have been published on leading industry sites including UsabilityGeek, G2, Spendesk, and PPC Hero.
As the editor at EcommercePlatforms.io, Rodney combines hands-on knowledge with clear, actionable advice to help business owners choose the right tools and strategies. When he’s not testing the latest software or analyzing trends, he’s sharing practical tips that make complex ecommerce decisions simple.
