A special interview here for a few reasons:

1. This one is in-person so it has a completely different feel, dynamic and I have to admit, I LOVED it. Definitely inspiring me to do more in-person interviews with local colleagues.
2. My guest (Web Designer Pro member Andy Milligan) just took his agency to 200k+ in revenue in 2025 from 30k in 2024. So massive growth, however, it came at a cost. We dig into the stressful side of quick success. 
3. Andy asked awesome questions and we got into some topics I’ve never discussed publicly. Hats off to him for becoming such a great, thoughtful interviewer and host!

Lastly, I should note that I was coming off of a wicked sickness when we recorded so I was not even close 100% but alas, with 3 littles under 7 at home, it’s the usual story during winter 🙂

Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/421

For all links mentioned, head to my new Divi 5 blog post here

I think there’s a misunderstanding of the term “solopreneuer” in that, when you think about that term, you probably think about being “alone.” At least I did.

Until this conversation.

I had a light bulb moment in this chat with Maggie Patterson, author of the book “Staying Solo” with this very idea that you can be a solopreneur while not being an alonepreneur.

Some of the happiest, most balanced and most profitable entrepreneurs and web biz owners I know are somewhere in the middle of alone and owner.

That’s the sweet spot we’re diving into in this one.

Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/420

Watch the video version of this episode.

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I’m not gonna lie…I needed this chat. In an era where there’s so much emphasis on growth plans (like SEO, CRO, Email Marketing, Ads, Social, etc), it’s easy to second-guess yourself or just abandon web design completely if you prefer to just build awesome websites and support that work.

Well good news, just offering high-converting web design + hosting and maintenance plans is still a VERY VIABLE model in 2026 and beyond.

Jake Kramer of Artillery Media (along with many members in my community Web Designer Pro) are proof.

Jake and his partner John, along with their lean team, are currently hosting and maintaining 500+ websites with their plan, using the same toolstack I’ve been using since 2015. Divi website builder + SiteGround hosting. 

We get into how they’re running and managing things practically in this one so if you’re interested in simply designing sites and supporting clients month to month but not becoming a full stack digital marketing agency, this one’s for you.

Note: I don’t disparage anyone wanting to get into growth plans or digital marketing, and that is a faster path to revenue growth but if you’re more in the “slow and steady” camp, and you’re ok with delayed gratification, website design + hosting and maintenance plans are still a great way to go.

Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/419

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Building a web design business has it’s challenges. Building it on the side while working a 9-5 has an added set of complexities and challenges. But after coaching hundreds of members in Web Designer Pro over the past 5 years, I’ve seen many members go from part time to full time and absolutely soar when they take that leap.

But getting there is the hard part.

• How do you create time to learn, implement and hone your craft?
• How you get clients working a full time job?
• How do you manage client calls/meetings on nights and weekends?
• How do you build a business and brand on social media without full time hours?
• How do you potentially work in the shadows to hide your aspirations from your employer?

All and more is covered in this podcast episode with Allison Ditmer who has some great strategies on how to build your business (and personal brand) all while working a 9-5!

Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/418

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In our 2025 in-person Web Designer Pro Conference, Sam Sarsten (the Local SEO King inside Pro) presented for us live, sharing his top lessons learned in building his MRR primarily through SEO Growth Plans.

In this special edition podcast, I’m giving you access to the full replay + Q&A sessions (which has been reserved for Pro members to this point.)

I hope this helps you seriously consider, or at the very least, think about what growth plan type service you can offer to help build your monthly recurring revenue.

And if it’s SEO, be sure to check out the SEO Surge Summit that Sam is hosting later this month in Feb 2026!

I’ll be a speaker along with many other Web Design and SEO Pros.

Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/417

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The landscape of website builders has evolved so much since I got started in 2010 and you know what else has evolved? Web designers. 

Building high-converting, well-designed professional websites is still at the core of most web designer studios and agencies but the landscape is evolving now to where, in my experience, clients are relying on web designers to help make sense of the scattered online world and to help them drive traffic, leads and customers to their website.

This means an identity shift for many web designers, who are now viewed as more of webmasters or web consultants/strategists. 

That’s exactly what we dive into in this chat I had with Mark Szymanksi. This convo was recorded for his show Fueled by Progress but we covered so much important ground, I wanted you to hear it as well.

Apart from the landscape of website builders changing, we get into:

• How web designer identities change as we progress
• Where AI is in web design now in 2026
• The changes in the DIY market
• My identity shifts from designer, to course creator, to community builder and coach
• Running an online business around family (as Mark is expecting his first kiddo soon)
• And more.

Head to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/416