Better Radio Websites

If you're chasing more website traffic, better SEO, and deeper community ties, local content is the answer. In this episode, we’re breaking down why it works—and how you can do more of it without overwhelming your team.

We’ll cover:

- The difference between RSS widgets and imported feeds—and why both fall short

- Why national content often harms your SEO and engagement

- Real-world ideas for simple, high-value local content

- How ev...

Today’s radio listeners are constantly connected—and mostly through their phones. If your station doesn’t have a mobile app, or if it’s just a basic stream player, you’re likely missing out on real engagement and revenue.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why “Listen Live” alone doesn’t cut it anymore
• The types of mobile apps available and what to watch out for
• How content and advertiser features can turn your app into a revenue engi...

The homepage is no longer your audience’s first stop. AI-first browsers like ChatGPT Atlas and Perplexity Comet are rewriting how people discover information online. Instead of clicking through websites, users now get summarized answers directly from AI—no visit required.

So, where does that leave your radio station’s website?

In this episode, Jim unpacks how AI is reshaping the digital landscape—and what radio stations must do now t...

When listeners click your station’s Contests page, what do they find? If the answer is “nothing,” you might be doing more damage than you think.

In this episode of Better Radio Websites, we talk about why an empty or outdated Contests page sends the wrong message—and how to fix it fast. From showcasing past winners to teasing upcoming promotions or even temporarily hiding the page, we’ll give you practical strategies to keep that pa...

If your radio station’s website still has an “Under Construction” page—or worse, a dead-end link with no content—you’re sending a message you didn’t mean to. And it’s not a good one.

In this episode of Better Radio Websites, we’re digging into why these outdated placeholders are doing more harm than good. We’ll cover how they hurt your station’s credibility, tank your SEO, and frustrate both listeners and advertisers. More important...

Are you training your listeners to follow your station—or just follow Facebook? Social media is valuable, but if it’s not driving people back to your station’s website, you’re building someone else’s empire instead of your own.

In this episode of Better Radio Websites, Jim breaks down five essential social media goals every station should set:

• Turn listener questions into website traffic, not endless Facebook DMs.

• Use your site—no...

What happens when being the “local news hub” just isn’t realistic for your radio station? Maybe you don’t have the staff. Maybe a competitor already dominates that lane. Or maybe your format simply doesn’t fit daily news coverage. That doesn’t mean you have to step back from being a content leader—it means you need to get creative.

In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for building a content-rich station website without...

“WordPress is outdated and slow.” You’ve probably heard that one before—but is it true? In this episode of Better Radio Websites, Jim tackles the myths and misconceptions surrounding WordPress.

From speed and security to scalability and flexibility, discover why WordPress remains the most powerful and future-ready platform for radio station websites. If you want your site to be fast, secure, and built to grow, this episode will set...

How many banner ads should really live on your radio station’s homepage? That question came up during the Texas Association of Broadcasters conference when Radio Update’s Andy Meadows asked me point-blank.

Some stations go all-in with what I call the “NASCAR approach,” plastering ads on every spare pixel. Others strip things so clean that you wonder if they’ve sold a single advertiser. Both extremes send the wrong message.

In this ep...

Banner ads are still one of the most effective ways for radio stations to generate digital revenue—but only if they’re done right. In this episode, we reveal 10 proven tips to help you design banner ads that grab attention and generate clicks. From choosing the right sizes to writing compelling CTAs, wecover what really works in 2025.

You’ll learn:

• The banner sizes that get the most traction
• Why simple design almost always wins
• How...

When’s the last time you explored your own station’s website like a first-time visitor—or a curious competitor? In this episode, we slip into detective mode and show you how to “secret shop” your website, mobile app, and social channels to uncover hidden flaws, frustrating user experiences, andmissed revenue opportunities. It's one of the simplest ways to boost engagement, trust, and income—no magnifying glass required.

What You...

This week we talk with Michael Brannon, Executive Vice President of Radio Alabama, about how their team is taking high school sports broadcasting to new heights—and making it profitable. Michael shares insights from his recent NAB panel, where he unpacked the real-world workflow and revenue strategy behind their successful local sports coverage model.

From live streaming and video integration to annualized sponsorships that span mul...

Most station websites are treated like digital bulletin boards—updated only when there’s a contest or event. But what if your website was programmed and promoted like another station in your cluster?

In this episode, we explore how shifting your mindset can turn your website from an afterthought into a thriving, revenue-generating platform. From creating a content “clock” to integrating your sales and promotions teams, this approach...

What’s one of the fastest ways to make your radio station website look sharper and load faster? Standardize your featured images.

In this episode, we’ll break down the three most important things you can do to clean up your visuals and improve performance:

1. Keep image sizes consistent – Avoid awkward cropping and sloppy layouts by sticking to a single image dimension across your site.

2. Use high-quality, relevant visuals – Ditch the ...

Your station website shouldn’t be the best-kept secret in your market. Yet, many stations launch a great-looking site and then stop short when it comes to promotion.

In this episode, Jim shares real-world examples and easy-to-implement strategies to get your website the attention it deserves—from your air staff, your sales team, and most importantly, your listeners.

You’ll learn:

• Why on-air mentions fall flat without clear listen...

When it comes to your radio station’s website, the streaming player is the heartbeat of your online presence. But not all players are created equal. Should you go with an embedded player, a popout, or a persistent player that keeps the music going no matter where listeners click?

In this episode, we break down:

• The pros and cons of embedded players, popout players, and persistent players

• Why some streaming providers only allow cer...

By now, you know your station’s website needs regular local news, events, and fresh content — that’s the foundation. But let’s look beyond that. What else could your website be doing to drive more revenue and build stronger local connections?

Here are some smart, often overlooked ideas you can start planning and selling right now, using the platform you already have:

• Host local “Best Of” contests to generate buzz and sell sponsor...

Your contact page might seem like a minor detail, but it’s often the first stop for listeners, advertisers, and contest winners trying to reach you. If it’s outdated, cluttered, or confusing, you could be losing valuable connections without realizing it.

In this quick episode, we cover:

- What every radio station contact page should include

- Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

- Quick fixes you can make this week to build trust an...

In this follow-up to our recent episode on AI search, we dive deeper into what radio stations must do to ensure their websites become go-to resources for AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and CoPilot. When someone in your market asks, “Where’s the best place to advertise in [Your Town]?”, will your station show up?

For more show notes, visit https://www.skyrocketradio.com/189.

We explore how AI Search Optimization (a...