Better Radio Websites

In this episode:

We’re outlining the five fundamental principles that drive everything we teach and recommend at Skyrocket Radio. If you learn anything from our blog or podcast, we hope it's these core beliefs:

• Treat Your Website Like a Core Part of Your Station: It's your 24/7 digital brand extension.

• Commit to Consistent, Local Content Creation: Regular, local updates build loyalty and drive SEO.

• Own Your Mobile Presence:...

Every news story your station publishes online is competing for visibility—against TV stations, newspapers, and even other radio outlets. If you're not using smart SEO strategies, you're leaving traffic, influence, and ad dollars on the table.

In this episode, we cover key ways to ensure your station’s content outranks the competition in search results:

- Research keywords based on real search intent

- Use clean, optimized UR...

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges radio stations face: turning their websites into real revenue generators. A well-managed station site can be your strongest sales tool, listener destination, and community hub, but too often it’s overlooked or treated as an afterthought.

We’ll explore common pitfalls—like a lack of emphasis, stale content, and underutilized on-air promotion—and map out practical steps to fi...

Your website is critical for keeping listeners engaged and informed. Unfortunately, many radio station websites still rely on outdated features that drive visitors away. In this episode, we’ll introduce five of the top offenders you should remove from your station’s site right now—along with some easy, impactful fixes.

Sneak Peek: 5 Outdated Website Elements

1. Auto-Playing Audio

   • Problem: Surprises and annoys visitors.

2. Clutte...

Is your station’s website feeling weighed down by outdated promos, old event pages, or stale content? In this episode, we explore how a little “spring cleaning”—both refreshing valuable older posts and pruning what’s no longer relevant—can boost your station’s credibility, improve SEO, and keep listeners coming back.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Spring Is Perfect for a Cleanup: Seasonal momentum makes it easier to spot which content needs ...

Imagine having someone who applies the same strategic thinking your Program Director uses on-air to your website’s content.

For more in-depth show notes, visit https://www.skyrocketradio.com/176.

Key Takeaways

• Role Comparison: Your on-air Program Director oversees everything from playlists to personalities. A Digital Content Director applies the same strategy online—ensuring brand consistency, content scheduling, and audie...

Are you looking to start or revamp your radio station’s website? In this episode, we explore the most common options—working with a general web agency, DIY builders, template providers, or specialized radio station website partners. Find out why the cheapest route may end up costing you more in lost time, revenue, and missed opportunities.

Key Takeaways

According to Marketron's latest reports, streaming video has become a game-changer for radio stations, surpassing streaming audio as the top digital revenue source: https://rbr.com/radios-digital-revenue-surges-to-a-record-level.

Many stations are already using video for local sports coverage, but there are so many more ways to leverage video for audience engagement and revenue growth. In this episode, we’ll explore creative way...

This week we visit with Andy Meadows—a Texas-based radio consultant, author, and chief editor for RadioUpdate.com. Andy shares his radio journey, starting in a small family-owned station and moving into larger markets, ultimately overseeing digital strategy and earning national recognition for outstanding online engagement. He also reveals why he believes the future of radio relies on a meaningful blend of on-air personality and ef...

Your radio station likely has set processes for programming, promotions, and sales—but what about your website? Without clear guidelines, your station’s digital presence can become inconsistent, outdated, and ineffective. In this episode, we discuss why every station needs a Digital Playbook to keep its website professional, engaging, and revenue-driven.

What is a Digital Playbook?

A strategic guide for managing and maintaining your ...

For the first time in history, digital ad revenue will surpass traditional media. Local digital advertising is projected to hit $89 billion, overtaking traditional media at $82 billion. So, what does this mean for radio? Is this the beginning of the end, or a golden opportunity?

In this episode, we dive into Marketron’s 2025 Radio Revenue Outlook and what it means for your station’s future. The shift is happening, but radio isn'...

QR codes have exploded in popularity, and smart radio stations are using them to boost digital engagement, increase app downloads, and drive website traffic. From billboards to event signage, QR codes can connect your audience to exclusive content, contests, live streams, and more—all with a quick scan. In this episode, we’ll explore real-world examples of stations successfully using QR codes, break down the best ways to implement...

In this episode, we explore why waiting a full year to audit your station’s website can cost you listeners, advertisers, and credibility. From discovering that your stream might be offline to missing crucial content updates, we look at the power of quick, regular spot-checks to stay on top of issues before they escalate. Key Takeaways - Prevent Critical Failures: Frequent checks help you catch issues (like offline streams) early. ...

AI-generated images can inject fresh, modern visuals into your radio station website—and help you avoid the high costs of stock photos. But with that convenience comes responsibility. In this episode, we discuss how to leverage AI art tools ethically, avoid hidden legal pitfalls, and keep your brand consistent. We also share tips for dealing with quirks like extra limbs and warped text, ensuring your station maintains transparency,...

If you're scratching your head trying to uncover how to generate additional revenue and engagement with your station website, local content is the answer.  For more detailed show notes, visit https://www.skyrocketradio.com/blog/how-local-content-builds-radio-revenue-engagement. Discover how CowleyPost.com is using user-generated content and innovative strategies to connect communities and grow its audience. This week, we talked...

New Year, Same Struggles? Every January, radio stations set ambitious online goals, but how many of them actually stick? In this episode, we’re breaking down the "Top 10 Online New Year’s Resolutions Most Radio Stations Will Break."

From neglected websites to untapped digital revenue, we’re diving into the most common missteps—and how to avoid them.

Want the full list and actionable tips? Get more in-depth show notes at https://w...

Making local news a main highlight of radio station websites has been our goal since we started ten years ago. Many of our clients have grown their revenue by offering a local news website in addition to the station websites or by including their stations within a news portal. Get more detailed show notes at https://www.skyrocketradio.com/165. Hyperlocal News Websites https://www.peakofohio.com https://www.wrul.com https://www....

Pete Pachal is a seasoned journalist and media executive with over two decades of experience in technology and artificial intelligence. He has led AI initiatives at CoinDesk and held senior editorial roles at Red Ventures, Mashable, and NBCUniversal. Pete’s insights have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, TIME, PC Magazine and many other outlets.

I’ve been listening to “The Media Copilot” podcast for some time. We’re thrilled ...

As we wind down 2024, we're looking back at the best episodes of 2024.  If you haven't, please go back and check out our previous episodes.  This is one of our favorites.  According to our analytics, it was one of yours as well.  

For more in-depth show notes, visit https://www.skyrocketradio.com/163.

Today, we’ll be talking with Melissa Boswell Townsend, the owner and General Manager of Boswell Media in Kosciusko, MS. Born into r...