New podcast episode: Joe Perkins in conversation with David Taylor
In a world where algorithms are constantly shifting and audiences are harder to pin down, what role does a cultural organisation’s website play?
That’s the question we dive into in a new podcast episode hosted by David Taylor, where I joined him to talk about the future of arts websites — and why we need to stop treating them like digital noticeboards.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube
The Internet Is Changing — Fast
Web traffic from search engines is already in decline. Google is no longer the guaranteed discovery engine it once was. With the rise of AI-generated overviews and tools like ChatGPT, audiences are getting their answers before they ever visit a website.
That poses a big challenge — but also an opportunity.
If we want people to seek us out directly, we have to build websites worth seeking out
What We Talked About
David and I have collaborated before — most recently on the redesign of the Leeds International Piano Competition website. He’s someone who deeply understands the arts and the need for better digital strategy in the sector.
In this episode, we explore:
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Why your website needs to do more than just list events
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How to think like a visitor, not an institution
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The critical role of UX and stakeholder engagement in successful projects
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What makes a homepage actually work
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The impact of AI, “Google Zero,” and how to prepare
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Why mobile design and payment tools like Apple Pay are no longer optional
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How smaller organisations (and even individual artists) can do more with less
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The importance of accessibility, inclusivity, and clear storytelling online
Whether you’re running a festival, managing an orchestra, or just trying to connect with your audience in a more meaningful way — this episode offers insights that are practical, honest, and hopefully a little inspiring.
Why This Matters
At Chaptr, we believe arts organisations deserve digital platforms that reflect the creativity, emotion, and ambition of the work they do. However, websites are often built for internal logic rather than an external experience.
That has to change — and it starts with rethinking what a website is.
Is it a tool to sell tickets? Yes.
But it’s also a space to build trust, share stories, and offer something that makes someone want to return — even when there isn’t a show to sell.
Give It a Listen
If you’re rethinking your digital presence — or wondering what’s next for your organisation’s web strategy — this is a conversation worth tuning into.
🎧 Listen to the episode here:
https://lnkd.in/eTCnYVFU
And if it sparks ideas, challenges, or questions — I’d love to hear from you ([email protected]).
Article Photo by Larisa Birta on Unsplash
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