#261 Core Foundations for Building Websites that Book Clients with Alyssa Downey

I’ve got some tough love for you today: it’s 2025, and you can’t afford to not have a website. Clients are vetting freelancers harder than ever, and your site is the first thing that tells them whether you’re worth the investment. The goal isn’t just to throw one together; it’s to have a website that books clients.

That’s why I invited Brand & Web Designer, Alyssa Downey, to join me in this episode. We’re walking you through the essentials of creating a website that isn’t just pretty but strategic, accessible, and designed to convert. Alyssa even echoes exactly what Laura Jawad teaches for SEO in episode #259: search engines and clients need to clearly understand what you do before they’ll take action. Creativity matters, but clarity comes first.

Alyssa is the owner of Amp’d Designs®, helping businesses get noticed through bold, unforgettable Branding & Web Design that’s deeply rooted in strategy and business goals (and looks stunning, too). With over a decade of design experience, a BFA in Communications Design from Pratt Institute, and a background as an NYC art director, Alyssa brings both the strategy and the artistry. She’s also the founder of Make Your Design Matter®, where she empowers self-employed designers to grow thriving, confident businesses.

Listen to learn more about:

• The number one most common website pitfall that’s costing you conversions
• Website accessibility essentials that make your site usable for all visitors
• Two or three quick design tweaks that instantly make your website look more professional
• What to focus on if you’re just starting and don’t have a website yet
• The must-have homepage elements that build trust and help you land better clients

If you’ve been procrastinating on your website (or wondering why the one you have isn’t booking clients), this episode is your wake-up call. Alyssa and I are giving you the practical steps to finally build a website that books clients. Tune in, take notes, and cross “launch my website” off your to-do list once and for all.

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Links Mentioned in the Show:

• Alyssa will be joining our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup to do live website audits in December. It’s your chance to get professional eyes on your site and walk away with actionable tweaks to make it truly client-ready. When you join the Workgroup, you’ll also plug into a tight-knit community of freelancers where you get behind-the-scenes conversations, real-time support, and troubleshooting every solo marketer needs. Plus, you’ll score advanced trainings,...