Better Radio Websites

Better Radio Websites

The podcast for radio professionals who want to see their website generate more traffic and revenue. Each week your host, Jim Sherwood, and his special guests give you time-tested tips and secret tricks to ensure your radio station dominates digital in your market.

Episodes

July 7, 2025 22 mins

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...

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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 If it’s outdated, cluttered, or confusing, you could be losing valuable connections without realizing it.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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...
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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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:...

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April 21, 2025 18 mins

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...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...
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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

  • General Website Agencies

    • Pros: Custom design, professional expertise.
    • Cons: Hig...
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    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...

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    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...

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    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 ...

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