104: Using Graphics to Build Trust and Increase Conversions with Mauri King

A laptop, notepad with pen, coffee mug, glasses, envelopes, USB drive, and yellow flowers arranged on a white desk.

Mauri King is a food blogger-turned-graphic designer, and now a go-to-gal for helping mamapreneurs create sales pages that actually convert.

Mauri’s favorite is to help her clients take their brilliant digital products and turn them into stunning, strategic sales pages, product PDFs, and brand visuals that connect AND convert.

Mauri loves offering relief from bland graphics & the death stare of a blank cursor and STRATEGICALLY marketing digital products with gorgeous graphics & fun-to-read copy that makes an audience want to click that “buy” button!

In this episode, Mauri breaks down how good design (and a little help from AI) can make a huge difference in your business.

She shares why visuals matter way beyond just looking pretty and how they can actually help build trust, boost conversions, and make your offers stand out online. You’ll hear her take on when it’s totally fine to DIY your graphics and when it might be time to bring in an expert, plus some easy tips to make design feel a lot less intimidating.

Mauri also explains how tools like ChatGPT can help you brainstorm, overcome common buyer objections, and make your sales pages even more effective.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to polish things up, this episode is full of helpful insights and encouraging takeaways!

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) From food blogger to graphic designer
(03:35) Why graphics matter
(06:00) DIY or hire? How to know when it’s time to outsource your design
(10:15) How good design builds trust and boosts conversions
(13:15) Beginner-friendly design tips
(16:40) How AI tools like ChatGPT can elevate your product creation
(22:35) Quick design tips to make your offers stand out
(29:55) Picture Perfect Sales Pages

Listen to Previous Episodes:

Connect with with Mauri King:

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Step Up Your Sales with Stunning Graphics and Smart Strategy

In this episode of the Teacher Biz Podcast, Heather sits down with Mauri King—a graphic design pro and fellow teacher-turned-business owner—to unpack exactly how visuals, strategic outsourcing, and even AI can make your digital products stand out (and sell out).

Why Graphics Matter: Beyond Just “Looking Pretty”

In the fast-paced, scroll-happy world of online business, first impressions matter. Mauri shares that while great products and solid marketing strategies are essential, graphics play a vital role in capturing attention and building trust.

“Graphics help people stop their scroll rather than click away,” Mauri explains. “They communicate quality, consciously or subconsciously.”

Whether it’s a sales page or a digital shop listing, well-designed visuals act as a silent endorsement of professionalism and reliability.

For anyone worried that their designs can’t compete, she’s quick to reassure: “You can absolutely do your own graphics. It just takes time and a willingness to experiment.”

DIY vs. Hiring Out: When Should You Get Help?

For many solopreneurs, there comes a time when stretching yourself thin just isn’t sustainable. But how do you know when to hand over the design reins?

Mauri advises beginners to focus on testing and selling their products first. “If you haven’t market tested or built a relationship with your audience, it’s probably not time to outsource,” she says. Once you’ve validated your product and want to scale or improve conversions, a designer can help strategically highlight your offer.

Heather adds a crucial reminder: “There’s some self-awareness involved. If design isn’t your strength, that’s okay! Focus on your strengths—like strategy, for example—and consider hiring out design when you’re ready.”

The Power of Product Logos and Consistent Branding

Simple tweaks can have a huge impact on your perceived professionalism. One of Mauri’s top tips is to create a branded product logo—even if you’re just playing with fonts and colors. “It takes your product five levels higher,” she says.

For those managing multiple products or resources, she suggests creating templates to keep your brand consistent (and save time!). As Heather notes, having a basic template makes it easy to update graphics as your suite of offerings grows.

Making the Most of AI in Your Online Business

If you feel overwhelmed brainstorming what to highlight or how to position your products, AI tools like ChatGPT can be a lifesaver. Mauri suggests feeding as much information as possible into the AI—your audience, product details, and examples of what you offer. Then, ask for help brainstorming:

Benefits: What advantages does your product bring your customer?
Objections: Why might someone hesitate to buy, and how can you address it?
Bonus Ideas: What extras could you add to sweeten the deal?

Maureen emphasizes another key AI lesson—“the more you put in, the better the output.” Use those insights to strengthen your sales copy, emails, and even the product itself.

Practical, Actionable Design Tips

For those seeking quick wins, Mauri offers these simple steps:

Create visual cues: Use images or icons on your sales page to quickly communicate features (like “printable” vs. “digital”).
Add shadows: This small detail can make elements pop and distinguish pieces of your page.
Build a visual library: Spend time upfront in Canva or your favorite tool to select colors, fonts, and elements that match your vibe—be it playful, polished, or somewhere in between.

And remember: design (like teaching!) is a skill you develop over time. Don’t get hung up on perfection. As Heather says, “No one is good at this until they practice and practice.”

Play to Your Strengths

Ultimately, success comes from combining your unique skills with a willingness to learn. “You can run a business without being the expert in all of these things,” Maureen assures. The key is starting—testing, iterating, and seeking help when you’re ready.