Is AI Killing Web Design or Making It Better? Greg Merrilees Weighs In

Could AI and web design coexist together? In a world where websites can be built by AI in under an hour, many business owners are asking: Do websites even matter anymore?

Short answer: yes. Long answer? Only if they’re built to convert.

In this episode of Marketing Automation Made Simple, I sat down with Greg Merrilees, founder of Studio 1 Design. His team has redesigned over 2,000 websites for brands like Jordan Harbinger, Ezra Firestone – and even Sylvester Stallone.

But this conversation isn’t about name-dropping. It’s about what actually works in modern web design – and how AI, vibe coding, and digital strategy are shaping the future of online business.

👇 Watch the full interview here:

What’s Killing Most Websites Today?

When I asked Greg what he notices first on any website, his answer was clear: lack of clarity.

“If people can’t tell what you do, who it’s for, or why it matters—in under 3 seconds—you’ve lost them.”

The #1 problem? Most websites still talk too much about themselves. “We do this. We’ve been doing that.” It’s what Don Miller calls “we-ing all over your customers.”

Instead, your site needs to position the visitor as the hero, not you. Speak to their problem. Show them the path. Make it easy to buy.

AI, Vibe Coding, and the Rise of Digital Twins

Greg and I also dove into vibe coding – the AI-driven trend of building websites, mockups, and even lead magnets using natural language prompts instead of developers.

He shared how Studio 1 Design is using platforms like Delphi and ElevenLabs to create AI-powered digital clones of their team for better lead capture, faster onboarding, and interactive user experiences.

“We’ve built a digital version of me that can talk to visitors, qualify leads, and even guide them to a free website audit.”

Tools like Microsoft Clarity and split-testing platforms are now table stakes for serious conversion optimization. Static websites are out. Smart, responsive, evolving websites are in.

What Business Owners Get Wrong About Templates

Not all website redesigns need to start from scratch. Greg warns against relying too heavily on AI-generated templates or trendy design effects.

“Templates are great if you’re starting out. But if you want to be seen as a leader, you need a brand and a strategy that stand out.”

He breaks down why overdesigned sites with parallax effects, video backgrounds, and sliders often kill conversions by distracting visitors from the core message. Speed, clarity, and strategy win every time.

Case Study: How Kamari Swim Increased Revenue by 49%

Greg shared a powerful example of how small changes lead to big results.

By analyzing mobile user behavior with Microsoft Clarity, they redesigned Kamari Swim’s mobile menu and cart flow – leading to a 24% revenue increase and 49% growth through conversion optimization alone.

Final Takeaway: AI Is Not Killing Web Design – But Your Copy May Be

If your website hasn’t been updated in the last 3 years, or your copy still talks more about you than your customer, then it’s probably not converting the way it should.

Here’s what to do next:

Audit your messaging for clarity
Remove friction and distractions
Use social proof and lead magnets to build trust
Test everything (yes, even your mobile menu)
Don’t chase shiny tools – start with strategy

Want a deeper dive into what’s working in web design today?

👉 Watch the full interview with Greg above or tune into Spotify if you prefer to listen there

And grab his book Next Level Website Design on Amazon for more practical tips.

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