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 business

If 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.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifervanalstyne/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/jennifervanalstyne

Socials: @HigherEdPR / @JenVanAlstyne

Resources:

🔧 Mentioned tool: Owlstown.com – free academic website builder

🔧 AI Tool Mentioned: Minvo.pro – for podcast clip editing

Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor

0:00 - Welcome & Introduction to Jennifer Van Alstyne

0:20 - Understanding Online Presence for Academics

1:06 - Jennifer's Academic Background & Business Journey

2:48 - How to Build a Strong Website

6:34 - Why Academics Struggle with Self-Promotion

12:44 - Navigating Social Media for Client Engagement

13:31 - The Importance of Deep Engagement Over Likes

15:07 - Shifting to Inbound Marketing Strategies

19:04 - What Clients Typically Seek from Jennifer

20:55 - The Range of Services Offered for Different Budgets

26:58 - Maximizing Website Functionality for Academics

29:15 - Crafting a Compelling Bio for Your Website

30:37 - The Dynamic Nature of Your Website Content

33:26 - Creating Clear Calls to Action on Your Website

34:56 - Adapting Your Website as Your Business Evolves

39:13 - The Value of Testimonials and Client Feedback

41:19 - Overcoming Content Creation Challenges

44:12 - Repurposing Existing Content Effectively

47:39 - Final Thoughts & How to Contact Jennifer

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