In this episode of The Thriving Podcast, Kate and Sam sit down with special guest Maria Sandy from Bits Web Design to unpack what really makes a small business visible, trusted, and profitable online. Maria shares how she went from designing buildings in her previous career as an architect to “architecting” websites through design, local SEO, and reviews that actually work for real-world businesses.Maria explains why a website has to be both beautiful and functional because if it doesn’t look good or doesn’t work, it’s costing you leads both ways. She dives into the “brushing and flossing” of marketing: getting consistent reviews so Google and future clients see you as a real, active, trustworthy business. Maria also demystifies local SEO, Google Business Profiles, and how AI tools like ChatGPT actually use your reviews and authority signals to decide who to recommend.This conversation is especially helpful if you’re a local or service-based business owner who feels overwhelmed by websites, SEO, and all the noise about “AI replacing everything.” Maria shows that the basics, clear messaging, solid foundations, reviews, and an alive-looking online presence still matter more than hacks or tricks.Episode Highlights:How Maria pivoted from traditional architecture to digital “business architecture” for local businessesWhy aesthetics and functionality must work together on your websiteReviews as the “brushing and flossing” of your marketing—and why asking 3 times mattersHow Google Business Profiles, reviews, and local SEO work together to get you found in the map packWhy AI recommendations (like “best X near me”) still rely on solid SEO and reviewsThe role of blogs, FAQs, and ongoing content in building real authority over timeWhy “no website needed” advice can be expensive in the long runIf this episode gave you an “aha” about your own online presence, take one small action today: choose one thing, update your Google Business Profile, ask three past clients for a review, or refresh a key page on your website so it’s clearer and more human. Then, share your win with us:Send us a message about what you changed and what happened next.If you enjoyed this conversation with Maria, follow The Thriving Podcast and leave a review so more local business owners can find these practical, no-nonsense conversations.Connect with Your Hosts:Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: [email protected] Morris | Digital Systers 🌐 Website: https://www.digitalsysters.com/ 📱 Instagram: @sammorris.businesscoach

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