Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Hoyle-Moran.
Hi Diane, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely! My story starts right after I graduated from UMass with a BA in Psychology. I loved understanding people—how they think, what drives them—but I quickly realized I wanted to take that insight and channel it into something more creative. So, I made a pivot and headed to Emerson College in Boston, where I earned my master’s degree in marketing.
It was an exciting time—this was back in 1998, when websites were just starting to become a big deal in the marketing world. I saw the writing on the wall (or maybe on the screen?) and decided to dive in headfirst. I took classes to learn how to code and launched Emerald City Web Design, combining my background in psychology, creative writing, and marketing with this brand-new digital frontier.
As the years went on, the business grew and evolved into Wicked Branding. I embraced emerging technologies and expanded into SEO, analytics, strategic copywriting, user experience, and of course, branding and identity. It’s been a constant journey of learning and leveling up.
Today, the company has evolved again—now focused on uncovering what I call your web DNA—the essence of what makes you, you, online. My favorite part of the job? Helping clients find the best strategy to reach their goals, and building websites that blend beauty with brains. It’s all about creating something that looks amazing, tells the right story, and performs like a champ behind the scenes.
And what’s next? I’m launching a new venture called OHMYeah! (Https://ohmyeah.com), an online artist marketplace that brings together real handmade art, real artists, and real connection. It’s more than just a shop—it’s a community built by artists, for artists, and for anyone who values authenticity and creativity. I’m so excited to use my skills to help artists share their work and connect with people who truly appreciate it.
Creating beautiful, meaningful platforms—whether for businesses or artists—that’s why I do what I do.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh, definitely not a smooth road—but that’s part of the adventure, right?
The web world moves fast. Technology changes, trends evolve, and what worked one year might be outdated the next. When I first started, just having a website put you ahead of the curve. But over the years, things shifted dramatically. Suddenly, the market was flooded with free website builders like Wix, Shopify, and Squarespace—great tools for some, but they also made it harder for people to see the value of a fully customized, strategic online presence.
That’s where some of the real challenges came in—finding ways to stand out and show that there’s a huge difference between a plug-and-play template and a site that truly reflects your brand, your voice, and your goals. I had to evolve constantly, developing services that not only kept up with the tech but also put the human element back into websites.
I leaned into what made my approach different—personalization, strategy, and know how. Websites aren’t just digital brochures anymore—they’re your storefront, your voice, your story. I wanted to make sure my clients didn’t lose that just for the sake of convenience.
That’s also why I launched Got Wicked Hosting—to offer full-service support from start to finish. It’s not just about building the site, it’s about making sure it runs smoothly, stays secure, and can grow with you.
So no, it hasn’t always been smooth. There have been pivots, tough markets, and plenty of late nights figuring out how to stay relevant. But every challenge has pushed me to level up—and I’m proud of how far it’s come.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Wicked Branding?
At Wicked Branding, we help businesses and creatives stand out in a crowded digital world by building beautiful, brainy websites that reflect their true identity. With over 25 years of experience and thousands of successful projects behind us, we’re known for creating custom digital experiences that blend strategy, creativity, and tech to drive real, measurable results.
What sets us apart? It’s our ability to fuse design, messaging, and user experience into one seamless story—your story. We start by digging into your unique “web DNA”—your values, your goals, your voice—and use that foundation to craft websites that not only look amazing but are built to perform. That means smart design, fast load times, intuitive navigation, and clear, compelling messaging that resonates with your audience.
We’re not here to churn out cookie-cutter websites or rely on trendy templates. We take a user-centered, data-driven approach that helps businesses build credibility, strengthen relationships, and grow. Our process is rooted in strategy: we look at your audience, market, and goals, and then align everything—from your visuals and structure to your content and calls to action—to support long-term success.
What do we specialize in?
Custom website design and development
Strategic copywriting that connects and converts
UX and UI design focused on usability and engagement
SEO and performance optimization
Branding and identity development
Hosting and website maintenance through our sister company, Got Wicked Hosting
And most recently, building community through OHMYeah!—our new online marketplace for real, handmade art and artist connection
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of our ability to evolve while staying true to what matters: helping people tell their stories authentically online. Whether you’re a business looking to grow or an artist looking to connect, we build platforms that reflect who you are and where you want to go.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is helping people—plain and simple. That’s job #1. Whether it’s a solo entrepreneur launching their dream business or an established brand ready to level up, I’m here to help them reach new highs, achieve their goals, and grow with confidence.
A huge part of that is truly listening—not just to what clients say they want, but to what they really need. I take the time to understand their challenges, their audience, and their vision, so we can create solutions that are thoughtful, strategic, and personal. That human factor is at the heart of everything I do.
I love becoming a trusted part of my clients’ teams—bringing a mix of creativity, critical thinking, and strategy to help shape an identity that works and a digital presence that performs. I’m committed to delivering a top-notch experience, sharing over 25 years of insight while always working within each client’s reality, including their budget.
And for me, it’s not just about the final product—it’s about doing what you say you’re going to do, following through with integrity, and showing up with consistency and respect.
I also believe in staying sharp. The digital space is constantly evolving, and I’m always learning so I can bring the most up-to-date tools, tech, and ideas to the table. That ongoing growth helps me keep my clients ahead of the curve and positioned for long-term success.
At the end of the day, what drives me is seeing someone light up when they see their vision come to life. That moment when they say, “I love this! It’s me.” That’s what it’s all about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emeraldcitywebdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotwicked65
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gotwicked
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-hoyle-moran-6439b9/
- Other: https://ohmyeah.com/
