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

The Marketing Freelancer: Unicorns Unite

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.

Sponsored by the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School

Admin work is getting automated—but marketing? That’s in demand everywhere. UDMA School is the only program that teaches you the exact skills clients are searching for: email marketing, funnels, SEO, social media, and even AI tools. You’ll learn how to do the high-value work that pays $35, $45, even $50+ an hour, plus get live support and access to a network of clients who need your skills. Doors open October 23, class starts October 30. Don’t stay stuck in low-paying admin work. Step into the skills businesses really need. >>Save your spot at udmaschool.com

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, networking opportunities, and even exclusive job leads. Apply here to join us & get your website in front of Alyssa!
• Grab Alyssa’s FREE How to Build a Website that Converts workbook: the perfect supplement to this discussion to help you put all of these tips into action, whether you're working on your own website or a client's. It includes: questions to brainstorm before adjusting a website, checklists of important elements to keep in mind when adjusting a website, & recommended page layouts for common website pages. https://www.ampddesigns.com/emily-reagan

Connect with Alyssa:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampd_designs/
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/ampddesigns
• Website: https://ampddesigns.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@makeyourdesignmatter

Connect with Emily:

• Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab
• Instagram: @emilyreaganpr
• Facebook: @emilyreaganpr
• YouTube: Emily Reagan

3 ways we can work together:

1. Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can confidently put yourself out there for freelance work? Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School where you'll learn in-demand marketing implementation skills to launch or grow your work-from-home business. I also share job leads directly with students, making this a true gateway to flexible, meaningful freelance work. Ready to get started sooner? You can jump into the self-study program right now.
2. Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you'll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you're ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!
3. Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I'll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free.

>>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services