The Academic Website Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making (and How to Fix Them)

Are you an academic editor or coach struggling to show up online without feeling salesy? You're not alone — and today's guest has the solution.Jennifer van Alstyne, founder of The Academic Designer, helps faculty and researchers around the world craft powerful online presences — from strategic websites to clear social media marketing. In this episode, Jennifer explains how she turned an unexpected opportunity in grad school into a thriving business, why most academics are making their bios WAY too boring, and how a well-crafted website can actually free up your time while attracting the right people.Whether you're building your editing or coaching business, or simply want to stop hiding online, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.We cover:👉 The #1 place to start if you're building your own website👉 What most faculty websites are missing (and how to fix it)👉 The shift from chasing engagement to creating deep connections👉 Why visibility doesn’t mean selling out — and how to post with purpose👉 How to think about testimonials, even if you're new to businessIf you’ve been thinking about starting an editing or coaching business — or already have one and want to grow — this episode will give you mindset and strategy tools to move forward.📌 Connect with Jennifer:Website: TheAcademicDesigner.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifervanalstyne/YouTube: https://youtube.com/jennifervanalstyneSocials: @HigherEdPR / @JenVanAlstyneResources:🔧 Mentioned tool: Owlstown.com – free academic website builder🔧 AI Tool Mentioned: Minvo.pro – for podcast clip editingWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor0:00 - Welcome & Introduction to Jennifer Van Alstyne0:20 - Understanding Online Presence for Academics1:06 - Jennifer's Academic Background & Business Journey2:48 - How to Build a Strong Website6:34 - Why Academics Struggle with Self-Promotion12:44 - Navigating Social Media for Client Engagement13:31 - The Importance of Deep Engagement Over Likes15:07 - Shifting to Inbound Marketing Strategies19:04 - What Clients Typically Seek from Jennifer20:55 - The Range of Services Offered for Different Budgets26:58 - Maximizing Website Functionality for Academics29:15 - Crafting a Compelling Bio for Your Website30:37 - The Dynamic Nature of Your Website Content33:26 - Creating Clear Calls to Action on Your Website34:56 - Adapting Your Website as Your Business Evolves39:13 - The Value of Testimonials and Client Feedback41:19 - Overcoming Content Creation Challenges44:12 - Repurposing Existing Content Effectively47:39 - Final Thoughts & How to Contact Jennifer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.