Better Radio Websites

“WordPress is outdated and slow.”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...

Today, we’re tackling one of the most visited parts of your website: the homepage.  Your homepage is your storefront.  So, it must be maintained to ensure you’re directing visitors to where you want them to go. Here are three quick fixes you can do today to make an immediate impact.For more in-depth show notes, visit https://www.skyrocketradio.com/188.1. Refresh Your Hero Section2. Add or Improve a Clear Call to Action3. Reorder Ho...

I recently met with consultant, strategist, and all-around radio sage Tracy Johnson to get his insights on how stations can stop dabbling in digital and start banking on it. From his Nebraska beginnings to building an AI content engine that curates 13+ format-specific versions of every story in under two minutes, Tracy unpacks the playbook that turns "we're too busy" into "we can't believe the ROI." If y...

98-year-old vaudeville stage? Check. Packed broadcaster convention? Check. One of radio’s most sought-after revenue gurus sharing the mic? Double-check. Strap in, because veteran sales consultant Pat Bryson just dropped a clinic on turning radio stations—and their websites—into relentless revenue engines.

Five Take-Home Truths from Pat Bryson

1. Staffing is still the #1 pain point.
   Most stations lack enough sellers—or the right s...

A well-designed radio station website isn’t just about function—it’s about feeling. Whether visitors stay, click, or come back depends on more than just your stream player and latest contest. It depends on how the website makes them feel the moment they land on it.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why first impressions happen in milliseconds—and what that means for your homepage

• The psychological impact of font choice, color, and layo...

AI is changing the way people discover content—and if your radio station or group isn’t updating its website regularly, you’re already falling behind. In this episode, we dive into what AI-driven search means for your station’s visibility, why fresh local content is key, and how stations and groups should tailor their strategies to stay relevant and profitable.

Whether you're a single station needing local news updates or a grou...

Your radio station’s mobile app can do more than just stream music. In this episode, Jim challenges you to explore creative ways to enhance your app’s impact—especially through platforms like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. From updating metadata to testing app-exclusive promotions, find out how small tweaks can deliver big results in listener engagement and sponsor value.

What You'll Learn:

• How to customize your “Now Playing...

In this quick-hit episode, Jim shares a fast and effective way to improve your radio station’s “Advertise With Us” page. If potential advertisers are clicking the link, your page should be doing more than just collecting names—it should sell the value of your station.

Learn how to:

• Present your value up front

• Use strong calls-to-action

• Build trust with local examples

• Promote the page across your site

Don’t let your website miss ...