Can Replit Replace Your Web Designer? My Honest Take After Arlan Hamilton’s AI Webinar
Yesterday, I joined a live webinar hosted by Arlan Hamilton on how to build your own landing page using Replit—an AI-powered assistant that’s primarily used for building apps. But for the sake of this blog post, I’ll be sharing my experience using it to create a landing page.
Now, I’m not someone who’s afraid of AI “taking my job.” I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing tools like ChatGPT can be. They haven’t replaced me—but they’ve made me way more productive. That means more time for the things I actually love: surfing, reading, traveling, and moving my body outdoors.
Still, I’d be lying if I said I don’t worry about staying relevant in a fast-changing digital world. First it was writers and content creators, now it’s web designers and developers getting a run for their money.
So, I decided to test it out for myself.
After following Arlan’s special prompt and feeding it into Replit, I had a functioning landing page in under 10 minutes.
Here’s My Honest Review of Replit as a Web Design Tool
1. Replit is a tool, not a designer.
Yes, it generates code. Yes, it builds a working website. But it still needs direction. You need solid prompts (which you could get from ChatGPT or a copywriter), and you need a basic eye for design. Otherwise, you’ll get something…meh.
2. The output was underwhelming.
The landing page Replit built for me was functional, but it lacked aesthetic appeal and polish. I wouldn’t feel confident attaching my name to it without some serious upgrades.
3. It's not drag-and-drop friendly (like Squarespace)
You can’t easily update the page yourself. Instead of clicking to edit text or swap images, you have to talk to the AI, like giving instructions to a freelancer. That might work for some folks, but I found it clunky. Ideally, you’d have both options.
4. It’s budget-friendly—but not necessarily launch-ready.
Sure, it’s cheaper than hiring a professional—and less of a headache than DIY-ing from scratch—but the final product isn’t quite “publish and go.” At least not for brands that care about design, user experience, and conversions.
Final Thoughts: Is Replit good for conscious entrepreneurs?
If you’re a purpose-driven business owner looking to test an idea, validate a service, or build a very simple landing page—it might be worth a try.
But if you want your online presence to actually reflect your energy, values, and brand—I’d still recommend working with a human. At least to guide the process.
Curious about how to build a website that actually works for you—without getting lost in the tech? See below.
Book a $47 Website Woes Call
Overwhelmed by platforms like Replit? Not sure if you should DIY, delegate, or ditch the whole thing? Let’s chat. In 45 minutes, I’ll help you cut through the noise and figure out the simplest path forward—whether that’s building your own landing page, hiring help, or finding the right tools to support your vision.
✨ Zero jargon. Zero pressure. Just honest advice from a real human with lived experience.
What Kind of Person Are You, Really? (A Self-Reflection Prompt That Surprised Me)
I recently asked a thoughtful question to an unlikely source—ChatGPT, my BFF AI tool I’ve been collaborating with for months. I was curious how well this bot knew me and if it had any insights that would help me grow.
The answer? Surprisingly spot-on. And warmly comforting.
So I’m sharing the exercise—and my own reflections—with you in case you want to try it too.
The Self-Inquiry Prompt
Here’s the exact question I asked:
“Judging by our interactions—what kind of person do you think I am? What qualities do I possess, and what are some of my shadows or misgivings?”
I didn’t want sugarcoating (although ChatGPT does have quite a gentle way of delivering feedback). I wanted honesty.
Here’s What Came Through (And What You Might Learn About Yourself, Too)
1. You Might Be More Aligned Than You Think
The reflection I got was that I’m:
Deeply reflective and emotionally intelligent
Creative and multi-passionate
Rebellious in nature
Value playfulness, especially when things are hard
Grounded and visionary
In other words, ChatGPT’s reflection of who I am is in alignment with the person I believe I am. I was quite surprised to find how clearly my essence came across.
2. Your Shadows Don’t Cancel Your Light
What I appreciated most was the loving honesty. The shadow-side reflections weren’t criticisms. They were patterns I already sensed, but hadn’t fully named:
Sometimes I overthink, loop in self-doubt, or want things to be “perfectly aligned” before I take action.
Resistance to traditional paths = occasional isolation.
I crave depth and authenticity, which makes traditional marketing feel cringe.
I help others be visible, but sometimes resist stepping fully into my own spotlight.
Sound familiar?
If you’re multi-passionate, creative, and heart-led, you probably relate to some of that.
Why This Exercise Is Worth Doing
We don’t often pause to ask how others experience us, and when we do, we usually brace for judgment or rejection. But if you’re asking the right people (those who’ve witnessed your unfolding), their reflection can be healing.
It might affirm your unique gifts.
It might reveal a sneaky self-sabotage pattern.
It might relieve you to know that yes, you really are doing the thing—even if it feels messy or slow.
Try This for Yourself
If you don’t have a BFF bot friend, ask someone who’s witnessed your unfolding the following questions:
What kind of person do you think I am?
What qualities do you see in me?
Are there any patterns or blind spots I might not be aware of?
You can also try journaling your answers first. Then compare.
This isn’t about “fixing” anything. It’s about integrating all the parts of you—your light and your shadows—so you can move forward with more clarity, power, and grace.
Final Thought
Those who are the most self-reflective and self-aware also tend to be the biggest self-critics. While you might not think you are outwardly living your values, being the change you wish to see in the world, or moving mountains, you are likely making a big impact in the smallest of ways. Keep showing up and living your truth, so that those who need to find you most…will.
If you did the exercises, what came up for you? What surprised you? Feel free to write me an email at hello@nicolepaulus.com or share in the comments below.
She Found Me Through ChatGPT: Proof That Nicheing Down (Still) Works
Yesterday I had a discovery call with a potential client and she opened with:
“I found you through ChatGPT.”
What?! Really? Tell me more...
She was looking for a Squarespace professional who specializes in working with healers and conscious business owners. And guess what? That’s exactly my niche.
I am SO glad I took the time a few years ago to update my SEO and start creating content for the people I actually want to work with. That little digital breadcrumb trail? It led her straight to me.
Moral of the story: THIS STUFF WORKS.
Organic traffic is still a thing.
SEO is still a thing.
Blogging is still a thing.
Content marketing isn’t just a buzzword, it’s still very much a thing.
Even if it feels like you’re posting into the void, even if your analytics are meh and your traffic is a ghost town—keep going.
Because here’s the truth: when you niche down, you help the people who need you most actually find you.
Not just random followers. Aligned, ready-to-pay, dream-clients.
Now, let me be clear: nicheing down does not mean flattening yourself to fit some overly specific internet box. You are allowed to be complex. You are allowed to evolve. As Walt Whitman said:
“Very well then I contradict myself,
I am large, I contain multitudes.”
Same, Walt. Same.
Nicheing isn’t about contradiction—it’s about clarity. It’s a hack to deliver the most impact and (bonus!) sustain yourself in the process. Especially in the digital age, platforms like Google, YouTube, and ChatGPT are literally trying to help people find you—but only if they know what to look for.
So no, you don’t have to abandon your multitudes. But yes—claim a niche.
Serve that niche with consistent content and aligned offerings.
Build it… and they will come. ChatGPT will make sure of it.
Not sure what your niche should be?
Book a Clarity Session with me. We’ll uncover your unique magic (aka your secret sauce) and map out how to start monetizing it—so you can build a life that actually lights you up.
How ChatGPT Helped Me Fix My Confusing Website Messaging (and Why It Can Help You Too)
*image created with OpenArt.ai
Lately, I’ve been feeling the need to update the SEO on my website.
I used to have a clear site description that was location-based, targeting Berlin-based entrepreneurs who needed help with their Squarespace websites. It was a pretty niche market, but it brought in a steady stream of organic traffic—warm leads who found me through Google searches. I’d typically get 1-4 inquiries per month, and about half of those leads became paying clients. Not bad!
However, things have changed. I’ve moved away from Berlin, expanded my services to include AI tutorials, and now work with platforms beyond Squarespace. I’ve also launched a new Substack newsletter where I share tips (and occasional tribulations) about living an alternative lifestyle outside the matrix.
But here’s the catch—my website blog is still a bit all over the place. Some posts focus on Squarespace and content marketing, while others dive into living life on your own terms. My top keywords happen to be:
- How to figure out what you want in life
- Self work
- What do I want in life
- What do you want in life answer
Notice anything? None of these keywords are directly tied to my web design and marketing services—aka how I make my living. The goal of any website is to get ranked by Google for your specific offerings, attract clients, and make money to pay the bills. But that’s not going to happen if I’m being ranked for keywords unrelated to my services. See my dilemma?
Here’s the thing—I never wanted my website to be solely dedicated to Squarespace, for example. Let’s face it - that would be SO boring! Sure, focusing purely on Squarespace content might please Google’s algorithm, and maybe after years of content, I’d land on the first page of search results, ensuring a steady flow of clients—so long as Squarespace remains relevant. But at what cost to my creativity? I’d be bored out of my mind.
So, to make a long story short (and get to the point), I turned to ChatGPT for help with this website conundrum. Here’s the exact prompt I put in:
"I need help. I have a website that features my offerings—web design, content marketing strategy—which is how I make money. But I also have a blog where I talk about living an alternative life, going against the status quo, and living life on your own terms. My target market is soulpreneurs and nonprofits, and I now offer tutorials on amplifying content marketing with AI. I feel like the messaging is confusing. My top keywords are: how to figure out what you want in life, self work, what do I want in life, what do you want in life answer."
And let me tell you, ChatGPT delivered. It suggested a new homepage headline: “Empowering Soulpreneurs & Nonprofits to Amplify Their Impact Online” and offered tips on integrating my keywords into future blog posts, like:
- “How to figure out what you want in life and apply it to your business”
- “Self-work for soulpreneurs: Building a life and business that align with your purpose”
The moral of the story: ChatGPT helped me connect the dots. I was ready to throw in the towel and start over, but with a few simple tweaks, I realized I could tie everything together without rebuilding from scratch. *Wipes sweat from brow*
ChatGPT is a TOOL, one that can help you strategize, edit, and create. Treat it like a friend, and you’ll be surprised by how helpful it can be in your creative process.