What Most Companies Get Wrong: Online Presence Strategies in the Digital-First Era

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In today’s digital-first world, your website isn’t just a tool—it’s your first impression. If potential clients struggle to navigate your site, find outdated information, or encounter friction at every turn, they’ll leave. 

In this episode, Amanda Schneider is joined by two experts, Tyler Suomala and Erica Waayenberg, to break down exactly what companies get wrong when it comes to their digital presence—and how to fix it. From architecture firms to product manufacturers, businesses across the built environment must rethink their websites to inspire, inform, and convert visitors into loyal clients. 

After listening, you will be able to:  

• Rethink your website’s role—it’s not just a portfolio or digital brochure; it should be a frictionless experience that builds trust and drives action.
• Understand the #1 mistake companies make— not having a clear call to action for their target audience. 
• Learn why simplicity wins—reducing friction, improving navigation, and making the next step clear increases engagement and conversions.
• Balance self-service with human connection—clients want the ability to explore autonomously, but they also need fast access to real people when they’re ready to move forward.
• Optimize your website for action—avoid outdated content, overly gated resources, and vague calls-to-action (CTAs) that confuse visitors instead of guiding them.  

• Tyler Suomala
• Erica Waayenberg 

Links Mentioned: 

• Download ThinkLab’s 2025 U.S. Design Industry Benchmark Report: ThinkLab Reports
  

Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore. 

Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART and NEOCON – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. 

Interested in becoming a sponsor? 

Design Nerds Anonymous is the only podcast of its kind – holding an engaged audience of architects, designers, CRE leaders, and end users – and delivering the most insights per minute on the forces shaping the built environment. With over 100K+ downloads, the show features industry powerhouses from brands like Chik-fil-A, Hilton, and StoryBrand, having bold conversations on what’s next in business and design—market shifts, process innovation, and the hidden dynamics driving change.

Get in touch with Olga Odeide, our business strategist, to learn more about becoming a sponsor.