Growing a Digital Garden: Trivera's Melinda Myers Case Study

In this episode of the Trivera Deep Dive, Chip and Nova dig into how Trivera helped nationally recognized gardening expert Melinda Myers revitalize her content-heavy website into a fast, secure, and future-ready platform. With a growing audience of radio listeners, readers, and green thumbs from across the country, Melinda needed a site that could keep up with demand—without compromising user experience or content accessibility.

Chip and Nova walk through the Trivera process from strategy to launch, explore the ongoing upgrades that keep the site fresh and functional, and highlight the results that prove the investment paid off. Whether you're a digital marketer, a tech partner, or just love a good before-and-after story, this Deep Dive delivers insights that grow on you.

Read the Blog: Melinda Myers Case Study

Visit Melinda Myers' Website 

Transcript

[Chip]
You know when you see a garden just exploding with life? That's kind of what we helped happen online
for gardening guru, Melinda Myers. 

[Nova]
Mm-hmm. 

[Chip]
Stick around, Nova and I will dig into exactly how we cultivated that digital growth. [upbeat music]


[Narrator]
Welcome to Trivera's AI Deep Dive podcast, hosted by Chip and Nova, our AI co-hosts. Together, they
transform top marketing insights from our blogs, articles, and events into actionable strategies you
can use. Ready to dive in? Let's get started. 

[Nova]
Welcome to this Trivera Deep Dive. I'm Nova. 

[Chip]
And I'm Chip. 

[Nova]
And yeah, today, we're excited to unpack a really interesting project. 

[Chip]
We're zeroing in on the story of Melinda Myers, a true icon in the gardening world. Think of her as
the ultimate green thumb whisperer, from TV and radio- 

[Nova]
Mm-hmm 

[Chip]
... to authoring over 20 books, plus her own DVDs. She's been sharing her plant wisdom for more than
three decades. 

[Nova]
That's, uh, that's quite a legacy. Back in 2016, Melinda partnered with us here at Trivera. 

[Chip]
Right. 

[Nova]
Her website was a well-established resource. I mean, it had served her well, but as her brand
blossomed, her digital home started showing its age. 

[Chip]
Yeah, the tech under the hood was becoming outdated, wasn't it? 

[Nova]
It was, which meant things were getting a bit sluggish for her audience, you know? 

[Chip]
Right. Frustrating for them. 

[Nova]
And it was holding her back from doing some of the newer things she wanted to. 

[Chip]
So the core need was really a complete digital renovation, a brand-new website built from the roots
up. 

[Nova]
Pretty much, yeah. 

[Chip]
It needed to handle a massive garden of content- 

[Nova]
Uh-huh 

[Chip]
... perform reliably in all seasons, keep everything secure from digital pests- 

[Nova]
Always important 

[Chip]
... and be super easy for everyone to navigate, whether you're a seasoned horticulturist or, like, a
radio producer grabbing a soundbite. 

[Nova]
Exactly. 

[Chip]
Our mission for this Deep Dives is to dig into exactly how we tackled those needs and the real
results we harvested. 

[Nova]
You know, Chip, our process always starts with really getting into the client's head, understanding
their goals from every angle. 

[Chip]
Crucial first step. 

[Nova]
Definitely. We kicked things off with an in-depth strategic planning and discovery phase with
Melinda. It was crucial for our team to be completely on the same page as her regarding her vision- 

[Chip]
Right 

[Nova]
... for her online presence. A key question we always ask at this stage is, um, "What does online
success look like for you in the next few years?" 

[Chip]
Hmm, good question. 

[Nova]
And Melinda's answer really helped us tailor our approach to her specific long-term goals- 

[Chip]
Right 

[Nova]
... which, you know, went beyond just having a new website. 

[Chip]
Right, and from that solid strategic base, we moved into our historically proven digital marketing
process. 

[Nova]
Our proven method. 

[Chip]
Think of it like carefully tending a plant through its life cycle. We guided the website through
each vital stage- 

[Nova]
Hmm 

[Chip]
... strategy- 

[Nova]
Mm-hmm 

[Chip]
... design, making sure it looked inviting and, you know, easy to use. 

[Nova]
Yeah, user experience is key. 

[Chip]
Then development, building it with a strong and modern infrastructure, and finally, deployment,
planting it firmly online. 

[Nova]
And the fruit of our labor was a fantastic new website built on the Concrete CMS platform. Now, for
those who aren't super techie, a CMS is, like, the behind-the-scenes control panel for a website,
makes it easy to manage all the content. 

[Chip]
Gotcha. Like the dashboard. 

[Nova]
Exactly. We chose Concrete CMS because it's incredibly robust and flexible, perfect for handling the
vast amount of information Melinda had. 

[Chip]
All those gardening tips. 

[Nova]
Oh, yeah, it was designed and developed by our team to deliver a smooth and consistent experience,
whether you're browsing on a desktop, tablet, or phone. 

[Chip]
Responsive design, basically. 

[Nova]
Right, it's like having a responsive garden that looks great from any angle. 

[Chip]
Huh, nice. But just like a garden needs ongoing care, our work didn't stop after the initial launch.


[Nova]
Never does, really. 

[Chip]
We believe in continuous nurturing here at Trivera and have maintained a strong, ongoing
collaboration with Melinda. 

[Nova]
It's a partnership. 

[Chip]
Exactly. This includes regular checkups, optimizations to keep everything running smoothly, and, uh,
technology upgrades to make sure she's always using the latest tools. 

[Nova]
Absolutely. One essential part of that ongoing care is a thorough technical and design audit. 

[Chip]
Mm-hmm, digging in. 

[Nova]
Our team regularly puts on our detective hats and looks for any potential weak spots, security
vulnerabilities. 

[Chip]
Can't have those. 

[Nova]
Areas where the user experience could be even better, and any technical bottlenecks slowing things
down. 

[Chip]
Finding the performance drags. 

[Nova]
This proactive approach allows us to address any security risks before they become a problem, ensure
pages load quickly so visitors don't get impatient, guarantee the site works flawlessly on mobile
devices, and create a roadmap for future enhancements. 

[Chip]
Planning ahead. And to keep everything secure and running on the cutting edge, our team performs
regular upgrades to both the Concrete CMS itself and the PHP version. 

[Nova]
Okay, explain PHP quickly. 

[Chip]
Sure. Now, PHP is, like, the underlying programming language that makes the website actually work. 

[Nova]
Got it, the engine? 

[Chip]
Kinda, yeah. 

[Nova]
Gotcha. 

[Chip]
Keeping it up-to-date is crucial for security and performance, sort of like getting regular oil
changes for your car. 

[Nova]
Good analogy. 

[Chip]
We made sure these upgrades happened seamlessly, with minimal disruption, even coordinating with
Melinda's team for off-hour deployments and thorough testing. 

[Nova]
Smooth transition is key. 

[Chip]
To ensure everything went smoothly. 

[Nova]
And based directly on Melinda's feedback and, um, a deep understanding of what her audience needed,
our team also focused on enhancing the website's internal search functionality. 

[Chip]
Oh, that's huge for content-heavy sites. 

[Nova]
It really is. Think of it as giving her website visitors a super efficient way to find exactly the
right plant care tip or article they're looking for, even with- 

[Chip]
Yeah 

[Nova]
... her massive library of content. We also made her podcasts and audio tips much more accessible. 

[Chip]
Nice. 

[Nova]
And streamlined how radio stations could access her audio and video content for their own broadcasts
and websites. 

[Chip]
Ah, so supporting her partners too. 

[Nova]
Exactly. So if you've ever heard Melinda's advice on the radio, chances are, our work helped make
that happen. 

[Chip]
Very cool. And as Melinda's online presence grew-... attracting more and more visitors, and needing
more digital storage space. 

[Nova]
Mm-hmm. 

[Chip]
What happened then? 

[Nova]
Well, our team migrated her website to a dedicated virtual private server, or VPS. 

[Chip]
Okay, VPS. Break that down. 

[Nova]
Sure. Now, imagine moving from a shared apartment building to your own house. That's kind of what a
VPS is like for a website. 

[Chip]
Ah, more dedicated resources. 

[Nova]
Exactly. Better performance and enhanced built-in security features. This ensured reliable
performance during peak traffic times. 

[Chip]
Important for popular sites. 

[Nova]
And provided peace of mind knowing her valuable online presence was well-protected. 

[Chip]
Makes total sense. 

[Nova]
So, Chip, after all this in-depth digital cultivation, what were the key outcomes for Melinda? 

[Chip]
That's a great question, and we'll dive into the answer right after this short break. Don't go away.


[Melinda Myers]
[upbeat music] 

[Melinda Myers]
Hi, I'm Melinda Meyers. Whether you're planting your very first container garden, planning a full
backyard makeover, or just trying to keep your houseplants happy and healthy, I'm here to help you
grow your green thumb. I've spent over 30 years teaching gardeners of all levels through my radio
segments, podcasts, books, videos, and live events across the country. Every week, I share practical
tips and expert advice to make gardening easier, more rewarding, and a whole lot more fun. You can
listen to my latest audio segments, watch how-to videos, find helpful resources, check out my event
calendar, or find a radio station that airs my shows anytime by visiting my website,
melindameyers.com. I'd love to help you dig in, get growing, and find out how you can become an
expert gardener right in your own backyard. That's Melinda Myers, M-Y-E-R-S,.com. 

[Webster]
Hi, I'm Webster, Trivera's AI assistant, here to help businesses like yours thrive in the
ever-changing digital landscape. At Trivera, we're celebrating 29 years of delivering digital
marketing that drives measurable results. Since 1996, we've partnered with Southeastern Wisconsin's
strongest brands, blending creativity, strategy, and cutting-edge technology, like me, to produce
success you can measure. From SEO-optimized websites and ROI-driven marketing campaigns to
leveraging AI tools to analyze data and refine strategies, Trivera is the partner you can trust to
help your business grow. Now, as we enter our 30th year, we're more committed than ever to pushing
boundaries and redefining what's possible in digital marketing. With decades of experience and the
power of AI on the team, we're ready to help you tackle whatever's next. Visit trivera.com today,
and let's make 2025 the year your business thrives. Trivera, where nearly three decades of expertise
meet the latest in technology to deliver digital marketing that converts. 

[Narrator]
Welcome back to Trivera's AI Deep Dive. Now, back to our conversation with Chip and Nova. 

[Chip]
Welcome back for the big reveal. So, Nova, what were the key outcomes for Melinda? 

[Nova]
Well, her website is now running on a robust and scalable digital foundation, built for optimal
performance and long-term growth. 

[Chip]
Solid base. 

[Nova]
It's like planting strong roots for years of success. 

[Chip]
Okay, let's look at the hard numbers. Comparing 2023 to 2024, the impact of Trivera's work is, uh,
really clear. 

[Nova]
Let's hear it. 

[Chip]
Total users visiting the site increased by 5.7%. 

[Nova]
Good start. 

[Chip]
New users grew by 5.3%, and page views saw a healthy rise of 3.8%. 

[Nova]
Nice, steady growth. 

[Chip]
Sessions were up by a significant 7.2%. 

[Nova]
Mm-hmm. 

[Chip]
Her average search engine position improved by a fantastic 16.5%, meaning more people are finding
her through search. 

[Nova]
That's a big one, search visibility. 

[Chip]
Huge. Organic traffic grew by 4%, and direct traffic saw a really substantial jump of 26%. 

[Nova]
Wow, 26% on direct. People are coming straight to her. 

[Chip]
Yeah. These numbers really show how the improvements we implemented have made a tangible difference
in reaching and engaging her audience. 

[Nova]
And it's not just about the numbers, right? It's about the partnership. Melinda herself shared some
wonderful feedback. 

[Chip]
Let's hear it. 

[Nova]
She said, "Working with Trivera has been a true partnership. They took the time to understand my
audience and goals, and they've consistently delivered smart, thoughtful solutions that help my
website grow with my brand." 

[Chip]
That's great feedback. 

[Nova]
She added, "Their team is responsive, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. I trust them
completely to keep my digital presence strong." 

[Chip]
Fantastic. 

[Nova]
That kind of trust and positive feedback is what we always strive for at Trivera. 

[Chip]
Absolutely. What's really fascinating here, I think, is seeing how a thoughtful, strategic approach
to website development and ongoing maintenance, the kind of care we provide at Trivera- 

[Nova]
Mm-hmm 

[Chip]
... can have such a profound impact on someone's ability to connect with their audience and expand
their brand. 

[Nova]
Yeah, it's transformative sometimes. 

[Chip]
It's not just about having a website. It's about having a website that actively works for you,
supporting your goals and helping you flourish. 

[Nova]
Yeah, you know, you might even hear experts like us discussing these kinds of digital strategies on
podcasts like this one, or see similar content being shared through sponsored partnerships. It's all
part of how we help our clients amplify their message and share their expertise across various
platforms. 

[Chip]
Right. So for you listening in, what does all this mean? What's the takeaway? 

[Nova]
Good question. 

[Chip]
We hope this deep dive into our work with Melinda Meyers has given you a clearer understanding of
how a well-thought-out and expertly executed digital strategy, like the ones we craft here at
Trivera- 

[Nova]
Mm-hmm 

[Chip]
... can lead to significant growth and real success in the online world. 

[Nova]
Definitely. 

[Chip]
Whether you're a solo content creator, a business owner looking to expand your reach, or simply
someone curious about the digital landscape, grasping the importance of a strong online foundation
is key to thriving. 

[Nova]
It really is foundational. So if you're facing similar challenges with your online presence, maybe
your website feels a bit overgrown or isn't performing as well as you'd like. 

[Chip]
Needs some weeding. 

[Nova]
Exactly. Or if you're looking for a dedicated digital partner to help your brand truly flourish, we
would absolutely love to hear from you. 

[Chip]
Where should they go? 

[Nova]
Head over to the Trivera website, trivera.com, to learn more about our strategic planning sessions,
our website development expertise, and our ongoing support services. 

[Chip]
Let's chat. 

[Nova]
Let's explore how our team can help your digital presence blossom. And just think about this. What
areas of your own digital presence could benefit from a little bit of a deep dive and some
thoughtful cultivation? 

[Chip]
Hmm. Good question to ponder. 

[Nova]
It might just be the seed you need to plant for some significant future growth. Thanks so much for
joining us for this Trivera Deep Dive. We hope you found it helpful. Be sure to hit the subscribe
button so you never miss an episode. 

[Chip]
Catch you next time. 

[Narrator]
Thanks for joining us on Trivera's AI Deep Dive with Chip and Nova. If you enjoyed this episode, you
can find more and stay up to date with new episodes wherever you listen to podcasts, or find them on
our website and our social media channels. And don't forget to visit us at trivera.com to learn how
we can help take your marketing to the next level. Ready to talk? Reach out. We'd love to hear from
you. See you next time.