AI is Secretly Deciding Which Websites Succeed Online! - Greg Merrilees

In this episode of Hustle & Flowchart, host Joe Fier welcomes Greg Merrilees, founder of Studio 1 Design and acclaimed web design strategist, for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of websites in the AI era. Greg unpacks how artificial intelligence is transforming traffic, trust, and web conversion, and shares actionable strategies for businesses and personal brands looking to stand out online. The episode dives deep into website optimization, AI-driven search changes, lead magnets, and the non-negotiable human element that helps brands build real trust with audiences. It’s a must-listen for anyone wanting to future-proof their online presence and convert more visitors into loyal customers.

Topics Discussed

• The Changing Digital Landscape: How AI is shifting who gets discovered online and why traditional web traffic strategies may not be enough.
• Web Design for the AI Era: What’s really changed with website design and conversion since AI has started influencing user behavior.
• Brand Positioning & Authority: Why it’s now more important than ever to stand out from competitors and how to find your brand’s unique edge.
• Interactive Lead Magnets: Moving beyond static PDFs to interactive tools and quizzes to engage and convert warmer web traffic.
• Strategic Website Copy: How much copy your site needs now, depending on the warmth of your audience and your traffic’s source.
• The Five Core Web Principles: Greg’s blueprint for high-converting websites—audience understanding, positioning, strategy, psychology, and conversion-focused design.
• Ongoing Optimization: Why your website’s never truly “done” and how to keep iterating with AI-driven tools and user feedback.
• Using Tools Like Delphi & Microsoft Clarity: Leveraging new AI and analytics platforms to enhance user experience and trust.
• Building Emotional Connection: How unique design and humanizing your brand can break through the “sea of sameness” created by AI.
• Greg’s Vision for the Future: Insights on vibe coding, dynamic websites, and how AI might shape work and life balance.

Resources Mentioned

• Next Level Website Design Book: https://www.nextlevelwebsitedesign.com/
• Studio 1 Design: https://studio1design.com/
• Greg's Delphi Clone: https://studio1design.com/ai/
• Delphi: https://hustleandflowchart.com/delphi
• Microsoft Clarity: https://clarity.microsoft.com/

Connect with Joe Fier

🤖 Chat with Joe's AI Clone: https://aibuildteam.ai/ask-joe/

📰 Newsletter: https://hustleandflowchart.com/subscribe

🎙️ Podcast: https://hustleandflowchart.com/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joefier/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joefier/

Loved the episode? Be sure to subscribe to Hustle & Flowchart on your favorite podcast app to get inspiring conversations, actionable strategies, and next-level insights delivered straight to your ears every week. Don’t miss our next episode—your online business will thank you for it!