Pursu co-founder Laurie Barron joins Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact
The story behind Pursu, our strategy-first approach, and what business owners should know about AI, WordPress, and growth
Pursu Co-Founder, Laurie Barron, was recently a guest on Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, the podcast of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, hosted by Chamber President and CEO Bret Schanzenbach. The episode, Building with Intention, is a candid look at how Pursu came to be, how we work with clients, and why we believe every website should be built on a clear strategy.
How Pursu Began
Pursu is the result of two creative businesses becoming one. Laurie ran her own web development company, and Betsy ran Heavens to Betsy Design. The two met while working at the same agency, Betsy as the graphic designer and Laurie bringing designs to life on the web, and they bonded over their shared love of white German Shepherds.
After years of collaborating as independent businesses, they decided to combine forces. Separate billing and separate scopes made projects feel disjointed, and a single agency gave clients one cohesive team. Today Pursu is truly bicoastal, with Laurie in Carlsbad and Betsy in Virginia, supported by a trusted network of SEO specialists, copywriters, marketers, and developers who share our standards.
As for the name: Pursu is about action. It reflects whatever our clients are pursuing, whether that is growth, freedom, a new venture, or more revenue. We dropped the final “e” as a happy middle ground between a verb and a noun.
Key Takeaways
Strategy Sets the Foundation
Before design begins, we dig into research, audience clarity, the competitive landscape, and user experience. Understanding who your ideal client is and how they behave online is what separates an agency partnership from simply hiring a freelancer to make something look nice.
Websites Should Evolve with the Business
Products change, audiences shift, and goals move. We build on a tech stack that makes expansion straightforward, integrating lead capture, conversion tools, and payments from the beginning, and then use data and user behavior to keep refining over time.
Content Should Center the Client
Much of our work becomes consulting. We help clients move from describing what they do to explaining what their customers gain. That shift strengthens not only the website but every sales conversation, networking introduction, and trade show pitch.
AI Is Powerful, but Strategy Still Wins
Instant website builders can produce something in minutes, but the result rarely stands out or supports real business goals. We use AI as a tool for drafting copy, emails, and content, guided by SEO and brand strategy. The better the direction, the better the result. Businesses also now need to consider how AI search tools find and surface their content, not just traditional search engines.
WordPress, Done Right
WordPress remains our platform of choice because of its massive, well-supported ecosystem and its flexibility to grow. But it is only as strong as its setup. The right theme, compatible plugins, and quality hosting make the difference between a site that performs and one that becomes a liability. Its popularity also means clients are never locked into one provider.
Who We Work With
Our process works across industries. Much of our work has been with professional services, including law firms, construction companies, physicians and healthcare groups, and nonprofits.
Is Your Website Built with Intention?
If you are wondering whether your current site is doing its job, ask yourself:
- Does it speak directly to your ideal client and the outcomes they care about?
- Does it answer common questions before prospects have to call or email?
- Is there a clear next step on every page, such as booking a call, requesting a quote, or signing up?
- Can it grow with new services or features without a rebuild?
- Is it secure, fast, and maintained by someone who is accountable for it?
- Can your team make simple updates without waiting on a developer?
If any of those answers is no, it may be time to revisit the foundation. Learn more about our process, explore our strategy and consulting and web development services, or browse more articles on our Insights page, including what to look for when choosing a developer or agency.
Thank You, Carlsbad Chamber!
We are grateful to Bret Schanzenbach and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce for the invitation, and to DifMix Productions for producing the show. Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact spotlights the people shaping business and community life in North County San Diego. Follow along on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Let’s Talk About What You’re Pursuing
Ready to build a brand and website with intention? Schedule a free consultation with our team.
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