Websites Made Simple: How to have a successful website design business

Holly Christie (Website Design Business Mentor)

Welcome to Websites Made Simple, a podcast helping you become more successful in your website design business.

Most small website design business owners are working hard. Really hard. At the same time they feel like they’re winging it. And their online presence isn't helping them.
This podcast is here to change that for you.
Holly Christie is founder of website companies, This Demanding Life and Simply Sites.
Holly will walk you through the common factors that are stopping you from making a success of your website design business, and how to overcome them, in a way that feels authentic to you.
If you’d like to learn more about Holly and her work you can find her at: https://thisdemandinglife.com/ or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollycchristie/

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66 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes66

Newest first

Monday · 24 min
Want to build a sustainable website design business? Here's how.
If you’re overworked, underpaid, and doing every single part of your web design business alone, the problem usually isn’t your skills. It’s that no one ever showed you how to build the business around the work: how to price it, structure it, and share the load so it actually lasts. In this episode I mention my Sparks mentoring community. You can join here: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I’m talking about how to build a sustainable web design business, one that pays you properly, doesn’t burn you out, and works for you and your clients, whatever stage of your career you’re at. We get into: How undercharging and “building a portfolio for free” quietly stalls your business Why collaboration, not competition, with designers, copywriters and SEO specialists grows your income Why every website project really starts with copy and brand, not the build How to work out your offer and review it so it keeps working for you Why going limited and separating your finances protects you through feast and famine months Why the money from a website build is business income, not your salary Where to outsource so you stop overworking and stop burning out Why you have to step off the tools and spend time working ON your business How to spot the money gap between what you charge and what you actually want to earn Why a mentor is the single biggest lever for growing your business If you want a business that earns well, runs smoothly, and doesn’t leave you exhausted, this one’s for you. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk Email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Chapters (So you can skip to the relevant bits): 00:00 Building a web design business that lasts 00:20 The undercharging trap 01:31 Collaborate, don’t compete 03:41 Why copy and brand come before the build 05:49 Inside Sparks Group mentoring 06:53 Work out your offer, and review it often 08:35 Go limited and separate your finances 10:24 Website payments are income, not your salary 11:13 Outsource what isn’t worth your hourly rate 14:15 Work ON your business, not just in it 18:54 Mind the money gap Mentioned in this episode: Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme
July 13 · 20 min
You're Not Doing Web Design Wrong — You Just Weren't Told This
Nobody handed most of us a manual for this. Web design is a self-taught industry, so we all arrive from different angles, with different tools, and it's far too easy to decide you're "doing it wrong" the moment a louder voice tells you their way is the only way. *whispers in your ear* - if this episodes sparks your interest, check out my mentoring group: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It's a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and "is it just me?" moments. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I'm talking directly to designers and developers in their first few years, sharing the practices that helped me build confidence, better websites, and a stronger business, without pretending there's one "right" way to do it. We get into: How investing properly in your setup (themes, insurance, compliant contracts) slowly builds your confidence Why "spend money to make money" applies to web design more than you think Picking one area to go all in on each year, from accessibility to SEO Building a rigid onboarding process so content arrives before the build starts Getting known for one or two things instead of being "just another designer" Why staying in your lane beats watching the competition Collecting reviews properly (and actually following them up) Why a mentor pays dividends long before you feel you can "afford" one If you're early in your web design journey and just want a bit more support in your corner, this one's for you. Come and find out more at - https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk Or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk If you'd like to talk about mentoring for new website designers and developers, come and say hello. Skip to the good bits (Chapters): 00:00 Who this episode is for 00:33 Web design is a self-taught industry (and tech shaming) 02:02 Invest in your web design business 05:57 Pick one area to master each year 08:54 Get your onboarding right — content up front 11:29 Marketing yourself and the know, like, trust factor 12:17 Get known for one or two things 14:36 Stay in your lane, ignore the competition 15:59 Collect reviews and actually use them 17:17 Why you should get a mentor
June 29 · 20 min
How to sign off a website project properly: a free checklist
A messy sign-off leaves a messy memory — and it’s one of the easiest things to fix with the right checklist in place. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. Check out: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It’s a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and “is it just me?” moments. In this episode, I’m walking you through my full website sign-off process — the checklist I use every single time to make sure projects end cleanly, clients are set up properly, and I can actually close the project and move on. We get into: Holly’s website “pack-down” checklist and why you need one Cookie notices, GDPR, and what to check before you go live Why you should run a Page Speed Insights report and screenshot it every time Setting up admin accounts (the step Holly has forgotten more than once) Website manuals: why every client should get one and how to create them Hooking up analytics, pixels, and code tracking before handover How to test on incognito browser and mobile before you call it done Getting written sign-off from your client — and the wording that matters Migration, SSL certificates, and enforcing HTTPS after moving a site Contact form testing, SMTP, and GDPR-compliant database saving How to organise client training and what Holly’s personalised video manuals look like Setting up client logins and making sure they know how to run WordPress updates Asking for reviews at exactly the right moment What is and is not your responsibility once a project is signed off If you want every project to end with a clean, confident handover — this one will help you build that process. Grab Holly’s sign-off checklist at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sign-off-checklist Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk And here’s the link if you want to learn more about Neal and Podknows: https://podknows.co.uk/ Skip to the good bits: 00:00 The sign-off feeling and making sure clients come back for the right reasons 01:46 Build your website pack-down checklist 02:50 Cookie notices and GDPR compliance 03:53 Run a PageSpeed Insights report and save the results 06:20 Create an admin account for the client 06:55 Website manuals and why every client needs one 07:37 Hooking up code tracking before handover 08:48 Testing on incognito browser and mobile view 10:27 Getting written sign-off from your client 11:10 Tying sign-off to payment 11:35 Migration, SSL certificates and enforcing HTTPS 14:21 Contact forms, testing and GDPR compliance 15:39 Organising client training 16:17 Holly’s personalised video walkthrough manuals 17:12 Getting the client logged in 17:58 WordPress updates and making sure clients know how 18:40 Ask for a review at the right moment 19:09 Your responsibilities after sign-off
June 15 · 11 min
Stop Tech Shaming: What Actually Matters in a Website Build
If you’ve ever been made to feel that your tech stack is wrong, or that using a page builder makes you less of a “real” developer, this episode is here to give you a reality check. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I’m talking about tech stacks, tech shaming, and why the platform you build on matters a whole lot less than what you’re actually delivering. We get into: What we’re actually being hired to deliver — and why the tools are irrelevant Why client ease of use should drive every tech decision you make The difference between a proper handover and abandoning your client at the door Why locked-down websites cause problems for everyone, including you How imposter syndrome fuels tech shaming in the web design industry Why personality and trust win clients over tech stack every single time The disappearing developer problem and how to be the designer clients return to If you’ve been tech shamed, or you’ve been second-guessing your tools, this will help you refocus on what actually builds a sustainable web design business. Check out my mentoring group offer: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It’s a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and “is it just me?” moments. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 What really matters about your tech stack 00:36 Welcome to Websites Made Simple 00:50 Holly’s experience of tech shaming on LinkedIn 01:50 Sparks Group Mentoring explained 02:36 It’s not about the platform — it’s about the results 03:41 Why client ease of use should come first 04:24 Page builders, locked-down sites, and client access 05:26 Clients should always be able to access their own website 06:25 The disappearing developer problem 07:11 How to sign off a website properly 07:48 Client training, Zoom handovers, and user manuals 08:24 Building for two people: your client and their visitors 09:11 Why tech shaming is really just imposter syndrome 10:03 Why clients choose you for personality, not tools 11:30 “In 20 years, I’ve never gone back to the same designer twice — until now”
June 1 · 16 min
Why you need to outsource in your website design business
If you're putting in the work, showing up, doing everything you can — and still turning over the same amount of money year on year — this episode is for you. Check out my popular group mentoring programme: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It's a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and "is it just me?" moments. Hi and welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I'm talking about the money mindset patterns that can sometimes keep web designers stuck, what it actually means to outsource and invest in your business, and how to get out of your own way so you can finally start earning what you deserve. We get into: Why so many web designers drop their prices before the client has even had a chance to respond The power of the pause Why payment plans for hosting and maintenance are non-negotiable recurring revenue What a money mindset ceiling looks like, and why it keeps you stuck at the same figure The real maths behind outsourcing to a VA Why website designers bottleneck their own businesses My personal story of working every evening after the kids went to bed How to get out of your own way, stop doing everything yourself, and start running a business that actually works for you If you're working hard but not seeing the financial results to match, this episode will show you exactly what's holding you back — and it might just be you. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 What's really holding back your web design business 01:17 Turning over the same money year on year — why it happens 02:00 What levelling up really means 02:44 Self-sabotaging behaviours — do any of these sound like you? 05:47 Why even getting a client on a call earns your seat at the table 07:27 Money mindset ceilings: stuck at the same income figure 10:03 Outsourcing to a VA: the real numbers 12:19 "You're halving your hourly rate" — the hard truth from a good friend 13:55 Get out of your own way and earn what you deserve Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass
May 18 · 11 min
Website Designers - You Think You've Got SEO Covered? Think Again!
If a client has ever asked you "When will my website be found on Google?" — and you didn’t quite know how to answer — this episode is for you. Check out my new offer: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It's a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and "is it just me?" moments. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I’m talking about where your role as a web designer ends and where an SEO specialist’s begins — and why knowing that difference could genuinely change the quality of the websites you deliver and the reputation you build. We get into: The difference between building an SEO-friendly website and delivering SEO services What you ARE responsible for in every build (and where the line is) How to find an SEO specialist you actually like working with Why you should bring them in before the build starts, not after What an SEO specialist actually produces and how to show clients the value How to handle clients who don’t want to pay for SEO support Whether to build the SEO cost into your website price Why the relationship goes both ways — and how SEO specialists can become a referral source for you If you’ve ever felt unsure about where SEO fits in your process, this will help you get clear, get confident, and start building better websites with the right people around you. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk And here’s the link if you want to learn more about Neal and Podknows: https://podknows.co.uk/ Skip to the good bits: 01:15 “When will my website be found on Google?” 01:41 What web designers ARE responsible for in SEO 02:34 SEO-friendly ≠ SEO services 02:57 Nikki Pilkington 03:44 Find an SEO specialist you vibe with 04:44 Bring them in before the build starts 05:03 What your SEO specialist will actually produce 06:14 When the client won’t pay for SEO 07:03 Build the SEO cost into your website price 08:24 It goes both ways: the referral relationship Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass
May 4 · 16 min
Cheap £99 website builds are killing your website design business
If you’ve been tempted to move to a £99 a month website model — or you’ve been quietly cutting your prices just to get work through the door — this episode is a direct intervention. Psst! Check out my new offer: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It’s a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and “is it just me?” moments. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I’m talking about why the £99 website model isn’t the sustainable business move it might look like on paper — and what to do instead when the market feels slow. We get into: How the maths of volume pricing simply don’t add up The burnout that comes with trying the model Why ongoing payment plans are bad news The hidden costs that slowly erode client trust What to do instead If you’re a web designer wondering whether dropping your prices is the answer, this episode will give you the confidence to hold firm. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Why the £99 website model doesn’t work 00:35 Meet Holly: Websites Made Simple 00:46 Who this episode applies to 01:45 The volume problem: you’d need 30 clients for £3,000 04:14 Burnout is baked into this model 04:38 Scope creep and the ongoing payment trap 06:32 Hidden costs and eroding client trust 08:34 Email hosting, DNS, and the chaos that follows 11:19 Content collection in a low-cost model 12:26 Hold your nerve: panic pricing makes it worse Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass
April 27 · 31 min
How AI and Vibe Coding Puts Your Website Design Business At Risk
AI is everywhere — and so is everyone telling you to use it for everything. But when it comes to your website, your plugins, and the work you ship for clients, the wrong AI shortcut can quietly become a serious liability. Check out my Sparks Group Training for anyone and everyone involved in the publishing of websites, from copywriters to SEOs: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It’s a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and “is it just me?” moments. Welcome to a special bonus episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. (Quick note — my podcast mic was misbehaving for this one, so the audio is not quite up to our usual standard. My producer Neal at Podknows has worked his magic to clean it up, so please do stick with it. The conversation is genuinely worth your time.) I am joined by senior developer Rob Fisher to talk about where AI actually helps in web design, where it absolutely does not, and the security and stability risks nobody is being loud enough about. We get into: Why vibe coding is not a shortcut, it is a stack of technical debt waiting to break How LLMs really work, and why they hallucinate when you let them Why your prompt boundaries matter as much as your prompt The chatbot that gave a customer 85 percent off a 10,000 dollar order What the October 2025 AWS outage tells us about AI first dev cultures Why AI tools are junior developers, not senior ones, and what that means for your business Why vibe coded WordPress plugins are a house of cards How a “safe” plugin can become a Trojan horse with one auto update What is actually changing in WordPress 7 If you are a designer or developer trying to work out where AI fits into your business without putting your clients at risk, this one is for you. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Bonus episode intro and audio note 01:18 Where AI fits in running a web business 02:34 Vibe coding and why it is a shortcut too far 05:12 The flip side, vibe coding as a learning tool 06:48 Tech debt: your vibe coded site is a liability waiting to break 07:45 What AI cannot do for user journeys and design psychology 09:20 How LLMs actually work, probability engines not brains 11:30 Hallucinations and the suspiciously short prompt 13:05 Prompt boundaries and staying on topic 15:10 What system prompts at OpenAI and Anthropic actually look like 17:00 The chatbot that gave away an 85 percent discount on a 10,000 dollar order 19:40 AI first dev houses and the October 2025 AWS outage 22:15 Microsoft layoffs and the AI replacement myth 24:30 Why generative AI is a junior developer, not a senior one 26:20 Vibe coded plugins, the house of cards problem 28:50 The WordPress plugin ecosystem and what it lets in 31:00 How a safe plugin becomes a Trojan horse overnight 33:15 WP Rocket, All in One Migration and the malicious update problem 34:50 WordPress 7 and the new AI APIs, and why it will not feel revolutionary 37:00 Block editor improvements and the abstraction layer problem 38:40 Final thoughts and how to get in touch Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass
April 20 · 14 min
Every Website Designer Feels Like a Fraud Sometimes. Here's What To Do About It
Imposter syndrome doesn’t care how good you are. It shows up anyway — making you hesitate before you send a contract, stumble over your words on a call, or scroll past someone else’s work and quietly wonder if you’re good enough. In this episode of Websites Made Simple, Holly Christie gets honest about imposter syndrome in web design. Why it hits so hard in a self-taught industry. Why tech shaming on LinkedIn makes it worse. And what you can actually do to push through it, level up, and stop letting self-doubt quietly run your business. We talk about: Why imposter syndrome affects experienced and award-winning designers too The problem with tech shaming (and why the tool you use doesn’t define your worth) Why there’s a seat at the table for every web designer How to stay in your lane and focus on your own growth What to do when your processes feel messy or your designs feel stale How to push outside your comfort zone and keep developing Why you’re probably doing much better than you think Chapters: 00:00 Imposter syndrome — it comes for all of us 04:28 When LinkedIn chips away at your confidence 07:35 Stay in your lane and look forward 08:20 Tighten up your processes and onboarding 09:30 What to do when your designs feel stale 10:45 Pushing outside your comfort zone 12:05 You’re doing better than you think 💡 Want Holly’s Sparks Group Mentoring? Find out more here: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ 🌐 Website: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk 📧 Email: hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollycchristie/ Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass
April 6 · 18 min
The SEO Problem That Popup Plugins Won't Tell You About!
If you keep finding yourself building features your clients ask for that quietly make their websites worse, this one's for you. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I'm talking about popups — why they're usually doing the opposite of what your clients think they're doing, what to say when a client is dead set on having one, and what to do instead to keep conversions high without frustrating visitors straight off the page. We get into: Why popups interrupt the user experience in the worst possible way How popup design often looks spammy and quietly damages trust The SEO problem that popup plugins don't tell you about (hint: it's your H1) Why exit intent popups feel like surveillance — and why that's a problem How caching plugins can break popups entirely anyway What slide-ins are and how to use them without being annoying Floating buttons — how to use them properly (and what not to do on mobile) Dedicated signup sections that convert without the disruption How to push back when a client is dead set on having a popup Check out my new offer: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It's a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and "is it just me?" moments. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Why popups might be hurting your clients' websites 01:11 Welcome and intro 01:39 Why popups interrupt the user experience 03:26 Popups block content and the SEO problem 06:01 Exit intent, popup frequency and the surveillance feeling 08:11 Slide-ins as a smarter alternative 10:30 Floating buttons done right 12:00 Dedicated signup sections that convert without disruption 14:23 How to push back when clients ask for popups 15:28 Wrap-up and how to get in touch Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme
March 23 · 13 min
How To Add 404 Pages To Your Websites That DON'T Suck!
If you're not including links pages and custom 404 pages in your website builds, you're leaving money on the table — and doing your clients a disservice. Check out my new offer: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It's a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and "is it just me?" moments. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I'm talking about two of the most underrated pages in website design: the links page (your on-brand, SEO-friendly alternative to Linktree) and the custom 404 page. Both are quick to build, easy to position as a value add, and a genuinely great way to stand out from designers who aren't sweating the details. We get into: Why Linktree and similar tools can actually hurt your reach on social media platforms How a links page on your own website works with your SEO and drives traffic where you want it What to put on a links page to make it genuinely useful — and how to make it your own Why most 404 pages are a completely wasted opportunity How to design a 404 page that gets visitors back on track (and even puts a smile on their face) Why these pages should be built into your project cost, not offered as an upsell The one quick check you can do on your own website right now How showcasing these pages on your own site helps attract the right clients If you want to impress clients, add real value to your builds, and start standing out from designers who aren't going the extra mile — this one is for you. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Stop leaving these pages out of your website builds 00:30 Why Linktree and Linke hurt your social media reach 01:02 Build a links page on your own website instead 02:00 What to put on your links page 03:10 Keeping links pages simple but effective on mobile 04:30 Links pages, SEO, and sending traffic to your own site 05:00 How to charge for links pages (don't make it optional) 05:44 The problem with generic 404 pages 06:20 How to check if your 404 page is customised right now 07:20 Adding personality and fun to your 404 page 08:14 Using 404 pages to redirect and re-engage visitors 10:02 Start with your own website first Mentioned in this episode: Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass
March 9 · 20 min
Stop Selling Websites. Sell This Instead.
If you're wondering why clients aren't buying from you or why the ones who do seem to undervalue your work, the answer isn't always more leads — it's the experience you're creating from the very first touchpoint. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I'm talking about what we are really selling when we are selling websites — and it's not the number of pages or the platform. It's the experience. From the first discovery call to the handover manual, every touchpoint either builds confidence or erodes it. We get into: Why discovery calls convert better than email enquiries — and how to structure them How to follow up after a call so you stop losing warm leads What your contracts should protect you from (and why so many designers get this wrong) How to keep clients informed and feeling involved throughout the build When to refer out — and why knowing your boundaries makes you more professional, not less What good aftercare looks like (hint: it's not a two-hour Zoom dump) Why you should be checking on the results your websites produce for clients If you want better clients, better money, and a process that makes people tell their friends about you, this one is for you. Check out: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It's a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and "is it just me?" moments. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 What you're really selling (it's not a website) 01:30 Why discovery calls convert better than email 03:00 Screen sharing and building confidence on the call 03:41 Following up after the call — and why timing matters 05:00 The follow-up email template Holly uses 06:00 How many times to follow up before letting go Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass
February 23 · 15 min
Stop charging hourly for website design work!
Check out my new offer: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It’s a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and “is it just me?” moments. If you keep attracting bargain clients, it’s usually not because you need more leads. It’s because your pricing model is less than optimal... mostly because your brand signals are a bit muddled, and your website is not doing enough heavy lifting before someone ever speaks to you. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I’m talking about why charging hourly for your web design projects is holding you back — from better clients, better income, and a calmer business. We get into: Why hourly pricing puts you in a race to the bottom How project pricing builds confidence on both sides Why clients feel cheated when hourly quotes run over How scope creep is easier to manage with project pricing What bundled pricing looks like in practice How to work with freelancers and white labellers without losing money Why the clients who can't afford you aren't your people How to quote higher and still win the work If you want better clients, fewer arguments over invoices, and more peace of mind about your income, this one's for you. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Stop charging hourly — why it hurts your income 01:09 Why everyone has an hourly rate (and why that's the problem) 02:55 What project pricing actually looks like 03:42 How project pricing helps you prioritise your work 04:34 Scope creep and why hourly makes it worse 05:48 Bundled pricing: what goes into a project quote 07:23 Working with freelancers and white labellers 09:44 If they can't afford you, they're not your people 10:31 How project pricing creates better clients 11:43 Sparks Group Mentoring and how to join Mentioned in this episode: Websites Made Simple Courses Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme
February 9 · 23 min
Why Your SEO-Friendly Website Isn't Ranking
If you’ve ever delivered a well built, SEO friendly website and then found yourself being blamed when it doesn’t rank or generate leads, this episode will feel very familiar. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. Check out my new offer: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It’s a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring real questions, tricky client situations, fuzzy boundaries, and those moments where you’re thinking, “This isn’t actually my job, is it?” In this episode, I’m joined by SEO specialist Nikki Pilkington to talk about the difference between SEO friendly and SEO optimised, and why that distinction matters so much for web designers. We dig into how good websites end up being labelled “not working”, how easily expectations drift, and why web designers often carry responsibility for outcomes that sit firmly outside their role. We get into: • What SEO friendly actually means from a web design and build perspective • Why SEO friendly is a baseline, not a ranking strategy • How “just add the keywords” quietly sets you up for problems later • Where your responsibility as a designer genuinely starts and ends • Why selling SEO as a one off is a trap, even when clients ask for it • How blurred roles damage trust between designers, SEOs, and clients • The conversations that protect you before a project even begins • How to stop your work being judged on results you were never hired to deliver If you want clearer boundaries, more confident explanations, and fewer projects where everyone looks bad six months later, this episode will help you put language around things you probably already feel. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Why designers get blamed for SEO results 01:21 SEO friendly vs SEO optimised (what you are actually delivering) 02:40 How client expectations quietly drift 03:49 What is and isn’t a web designer’s job 08:10 Why SEO can never be “done” 11:00 Where projects start going wrong 15:24 The danger of saying yes to everything 17:13 What good SEO collaboration looks like 20:40 Protecting trust in your work Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme
January 26 · 21 min
Stop Attracting Bargain Website Design Clients: Build a Brand That Sells!
Check out my new offer: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ It’s a supportive group mentoring session for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and “is it just me?” moments. If you keep attracting bargain clients, it’s usually not because you need more leads. It’s because your brand signals are a bit muddled, and your website is not doing enough heavy lifting before someone ever speaks to you. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I’m talking about how to level up in your web design business by building a stronger brand, showing up with more intention, and making more money without trading time for money. We get into: How to make your website properly represent the work you want more of Why constantly rebranding can quietly damage trust How to show up consistently without spreading yourself thin What strategic content looks like (not just personal updates) How to use FAQs and pre call emails so clients arrive already informed Why your network matters, and how to grow it without cold pitching How to get known for one or two things so you stop being “just another designer” Why podcasting and email can support long term marketing, without the daily noise If you want better clients, better boundaries, and fewer awkward sales calls that start from scratch, this will help you tighten things up. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk And here's the link if you want to learn more about Neal and Podknows: https://podknows.co.uk/ Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Level up your web design business 01:09 Brand consistency and your website signals 03:41 Showing up consistently on social media 04:42 Strategic content that makes your work obvious 08:00 FAQ content that answers buyer questions 09:00 Let your website do the heavy lifting before the call 09:56 Networking without cold pitching 12:35 Get known for one or two things 16:01 Why web designers should start a podcast 17:34 Use your email list properly 19:00 Start now, not “after this project” Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme
January 12 · 14 min
Podcasting For Website Designers: What Works and What Doesn't
Check out my new offer - https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ - a supportive group mentoring session created specifically for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and “is it just me?” moments Podcasting can be a powerful marketing tool for website designers — but only if it’s done with intention. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie! In this episode, I share what I’ve learned from nearly two years of podcasting for my web developer mentoring and website design business. I cover strategy, production, audio quality, SEO, and, honestly, the expectations you should have. Most importantly, I share where I learned what I could have done better, what I did wrong and where I’ve seen others stumble, too. I talk about how to plan before you hit record. I explore the stuff I underestimated, like how much audio quality matters. I explain why relying on Zoom hurts listener retention, how podcast SEO is a thing, and why downloads grow slowly (spoiler: that’s normal). I’ll also show you how podcasting fits into a long‑term marketing strategy rather than a quick win. If you’re a website designer thinking about starting a podcast — or wondering why yours hasn’t gained traction — what I’ve learned should help you reset your expectations and do it properly. Come and find out more at websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Here are the links if you want to learn more about Neal and Podknows: https://podknows.co.uk/ Skip to the good bits: 00:00 "Podcasting: Consult, Plan, Produce" 06:19 "Engaging and Concise Podcasting Tips" 07:14 "Podcasting Goals and Advertising" 10:45 "Boost Your Podcast with SEO" Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme
Dec 29, 2025 · 12 min
Vibe Coding: Sounds Clever. Here's Why it's Total Crap
Check out my new offer - https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ - a supportive group mentoring session created specifically for website designers and developers to bring their questions, roadblocks, ideas, and “is it just me?” moments You ever hear a new tech term and immediately feel… tired? Like you’re supposed to be impressed, but something doesn’t quite add up? Yeah. That’s how I felt the first time I heard “vibe coding”. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie! In this episode, I’m talking about what vibe coding actually is, why it’s suddenly everywhere, and why I’m really not here for the idea that AI-generated websites are a shortcut to doing things properly. I share what I’ve been seeing behind the scenes — clients in a panic because AI-written code doesn’t work, websites that look fine on the surface but fall apart when you try to use them, and designers whose confidence gets knocked after someone else tears their work apart. This isn’t an anti-AI rant. I use AI in my business. But I keep it on the periphery — not at the heart of the products I hand over to clients. Because websites need to be robust, usable, and something people can actually manage once they’re live. We’ll talk about where AI does make sense, why user journeys still need human thinking, and why vibe coding doesn’t replace experience, judgement, or good website practice. If you’re a web designer wondering whether you should feel threatened — or a business owner tempted to let AI “just build the site” — this episode is here to steady the nerves. Come and find out more at websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 What “vibe coding” actually means 01:34 Why AI-built websites keep breaking 04:51 Where AI helps — and where it doesn’t 07:56 Page builders, usability, and admin access 09:19 Client confidence and human-led design 10:00 Why you don’t need to feel threatened Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme Free Resources
Dec 15, 2025 · 17 min
The Website Design Habits Making Users Hate Your Site
You ever land on a website and instantly feel… irritated? Like something’s off, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it? Yeah. Your users feel that too. In this episode, I’m calling out the website design habits that quietly push people away — the unnecessary animations, the chaotic menus, the inconsistent images, the confusing links, and all the things we think look clever but actually make visitors hate being on our sites. And I’m not ranting for the sake of it. These choices cost you enquiries, sales, and trust. We’ll talk through why these habits creep in, what they’re doing to your user experience, and the simple fixes that make your site feel cleaner, calmer, and more professional (without stripping out your creativity). If you build websites for clients — or you’re guilty of “just adding one more animation” — this one’s for you. Come and find out more at websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 "Over-Animating Websites: A Problem" 04:54 "Traditional Header Menus Matter" 08:36 "Clear Clickable Navigation Tips" 13:34 Create a Brand Kit Now 14:37 "Website Design and SEO Insights" Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass Join the Phoenix Programme Find out more about joining the Phoenix Programme Phoenix Programme
Dec 1, 2025 · 12 min
Coaching Failed You — Here’s the Website Designer Mentoring That Won’t
If you’re a website designer or developer who’s invested in coaching and still feels stuck, this episode is for you. I’ve been hearing from so many designers who say “I tried coaching, I’m burned out, and my business still doesn’t feel sustainable.” In this episode I’m breaking down the real reasons coaching often doesn’t work for website designers, and why mentoring can be a better fit when you need practical, industry specific support. I talk about: • the key difference between coaching and mentoring • why “you already have the answers” can feel infuriating when you’re in client chaos • how industry specific advice helps with things like tricky feedback, scope creep and boundaries • what it looks like to be supported while you level up without burning out I’ll also share how I work with designers and developers inside my Phoenix programme and through one to one mentoring, so you can decide what kind of support is right for you. 👉 Want mentoring that actually understands the realities of running a web design business? Come and find out more at websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Happy designing! Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Coach vs. Mentor: Key Differences 06:04 "Mastering Best Practices Confidently" 08:50 Mentoring for Thriving Designers 10:40 "Connect for Design Insights" Join my Phoenix Programme - https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/phoenix-programme Mentioned in this episode: Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass
Nov 17, 2025 · 25 min
Website Designer Playbook: Less Chaos - More Cash
If your web design business feels like controlled chaos with too many projects and too few profits — this episode is for you. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie! In this episode, I’m sharing how I raised my prices without scaring clients off, simplified my systems, and built a smoother, more sustainable design business. You’ll also hear how I created a simple Website User Manual that completely changed my client handovers — turning them into a premium experience and cutting out all those “can you just…” support messages. I talk about Lily Atwell-Rowan, who’s brilliant at helping creatives untangle their processes and onboard team members with ease, and Mike Fox, host of The Lone Wolf Unleashed Podcast, who’s doing clever things with AI to streamline systems and workflows. And finally, I’ll walk you through how my Phoenix Programme mentoring track helps website designers scale with less chaos and more cash. This is my playbook for any website designer who wants fewer headaches, higher rates, and a business that runs on your terms. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to tell when it’s time to level up your web design business Why pricing for value attracts better clients How a Website User Manual can save you hours of support What I learned from Lily Atwell-Rowan and Mike Fox about smart systems How the Phoenix Program helps you scale with less chaos and more cash Skip to the good bits: 00:00 "Leveling Up in Web Design" 05:00 Web Design: Start and Improve 08:21 Streamline Website Maintenance Efforts 10:58 Website Maintenance and SEO Guide 13:53 Shared Values in White Labeling 20:22 Streamlining Projects and Systems 21:29 Scaling Strategies: Pricing & Processes Mentioned in this episode: Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass! Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass Blogging masterclass Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme

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Every Website Designer Feels Like a Fraud Sometimes. Here's What To Do About It

The SEO Problem That Popup Plugins Won't Tell You About!

How To Add 404 Pages To Your Websites That DON'T Suck!

Stop Selling Websites. Sell This Instead.

Stop charging hourly for website design work!

Why Your SEO-Friendly Website Isn't Ranking

Stop Attracting Bargain Website Design Clients: Build a Brand That Sells!

Podcasting For Website Designers: What Works and What Doesn't

Vibe Coding: Sounds Clever. Here's Why it's Total Crap

The Website Design Habits Making Users Hate Your Site

Coaching Failed You — Here’s the Website Designer Mentoring That Won’t

Website Designer Playbook: Less Chaos - More Cash