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Websites Made Simple: How to have a successful website design business: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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.
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- 1 weeks ago13 min
Why Web Design Stopped Being Fun (And How to Get It Back)
If you've started to fall out of love with web design, it's usually not the design that's the problem.It's the invoices, the contract wording, the awkward client emails, and all the other bits that crept in and took over your week. Let's fix that.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 how to work out which parts of your web design business you actually love, how to hand over the parts you don't, and why that usually costs a lot less than you think.We get into:Why getting stuck “in the weeds” makes good designers fall out of love with the workHow to identify the parts of the business you genuinely enjoyWhy not every web designer loves designing, and why that's completely fineHow designers and developers work brilliantly hand in handWhat to do if you're a techie who struggles with the design sideWhy outsourcing makes you money rather than costing you moneyWhether you're selling the website, or selling you as the person who builds itHow to bring team members onto a project without the client feeling droppedWhy there's a hard ceiling on how many websites you can build in a yearThe five income streams I run, and the freelance team behind themHow to map what you love, what you don't, and what you could delegateIf you're busy but no longer enjoying it, this one will help you get the good bits back.Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.ukAnd 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 How to do more of what you love00:38 When you fall out of love with web design01:40 Work out which parts you actually love02:25 Not every designer loves designing02:53 Why designers and developers need each other03:44 What to do if design isn't your strength05:22 Outsourcing is how you make more money06:28 “But I don't charge enough to outsource”06:54 Are you selling the website, or selling you?07:49 Bringing in your team without losing the client09:40 The ceiling on building websites alone10:00 Holly's five income streams10:43 The freelance team behind the business11:51 Map what you love, delegate the rest12:29 Where to find Holly
- 3 weeks ago29 min
Website Designers - Your Clients Could Be Getting Sued Over This
If accessibility has never really come up in your work, it isn’t because you’re careless — it’s because almost nobody teaches it. Not the courses, not the diplomas, and definitely not the platforms we all build on.Check out my 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.Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie.In this episode of Websites Made Simple, I'm joined by Rachel Mess of The Inclusive Design Company, a website designer and trainer who specialises in accessible websites. Rachel got into accessibility because her sister is visually impaired — and was mortified to realise that in years of web design training, not one course had mentioned it.Together we cover the single biggest accessibility failure on the internet, why the drag-and-drop components you trust might be unreadable to both screen readers and Google, why “let the website breathe” is an accessibility decision, the argument that finally brings a reluctant client round, why “click here” hurts you twice over, and the free tools you should be running on every site before you hand it over.🔗 Rachel Mess — The Inclusive Design Company: https://inclusivedesigncompany.co.uk🔗 Sparks group mentoring: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/🌐 More from Holly: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk✉️ Email Holly: hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk🎙️ Podcast produced by Podknows Podcasting: https://podknows.co.uk/Connect with Holly on LinkedIn: Holly Christie.Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn: Rachel MessChapters:00:00 Meet Rachel Meess, accessible web design specialist01:08 How Rachel got into accessibility01:50 Why accessibility never came up in her training02:46 “I can’t charge for a website somebody can’t access”03:09 Web design is a self-taught industry03:40 Why the platforms are part of the problem05:21 Accessibility has to be front of mind as you design05:39 Colour contrast is the biggest issue on the internet06:14 Dropdowns, div blocks and what a screen reader hears07:03 If Google can’t read it, nobody sees your content07:45 Holly’s pet hate: emojis as bullet points09:07 When industry experts quietly ignore best practice10:57 Lived experience is good for business12:49 Consulting with Diversity Scotland13:38 DEI, blog images and seeing yourself on a website14:44 Accessibility is the infrastructure inclusion sits on17:32 Accessibility in your blog posts17:58 Let the website breathe20:46 How to bring a reluctant client round21:32 Why Shopify sites keep coming up22:42 The contrast checker every platform should build in24:06 Why “click here” is a problem25:30 Stop stuffing keywords into alt tags26:29 Test with Lighthouse and WAVE27:36 Graphic designers are not website designers29:04 Where to find Rachel
- Aug 10, 202618 min
The Website Manual Hack That Ends "How Do I Log In" Forever!
If your clients keep coming back with “How do I log in?” and “How do I change an image?”, it isn’t because they’re difficult.It’s because nobody ever handed them a manual for the thing you just built them.Check out my 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.Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie.In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I create a website user manual for every single client: what goes in it, how it’s built, and how it went from a job that ate my time to a template I barely have to touch.There’s a free template to go with this episode, so you can start your own straight away: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/website-manualWe get into:Why a user manual is the difference between a delighted client and endless “how do I…” emailsHow to build yours in Canva and send it as a PDF, and why I never host it on my own siteWhat to tell clients about themes, plug-ins and premium licences before they’re your problemThe front page details that protect you months down the lineThe five minute “Welcome to Your Website” screen recording that shows them the back endWhy a page speed screenshot on handover day saves you an argument with an SEO laterThe dedicated log-in page that kills half your support emailsHow to record your tutorial videos once and reuse them on every single websiteThe troubleshooting page that says “clear your cache” in ten different waysWhere to point clients for extra help, and how you want them to contact you afterwardsIf you want fewer support emails, happier clients, and a handover you can repeat without thinking about it, this one will sort you out.Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.ukSkip to the good bits:00:00 How to create a website user manual00:46 My confession about website handovers01:33 Why user manuals became my biggest win02:16 How web designers actually hand over websites02:58 Why video and written content work best together03:25 Build it in Canva, send it as a PDF04:22 Themes, plug-ins and licensing05:05 What clients need to know about premium licences06:21 The front page: logo, date and screenshot07:32 The table of contents07:57 The “Welcome to Your Website” video09:01 Page speed screenshots that protect you later10:06 The log-in page everyone forgets11:07 Keeping the site updated, and key things to remember12:01 Record once, use everywhere14:03 The troubleshooting page14:53 Additional resources and knowledge centres15:37 How clients get in touch after handover16:21 Grab the free templateMentioned in this episode:Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme
- Jul 27, 202624 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 businessWhy collaboration, not competition, with designers, copywriters and SEO specialists grows your incomeWhy every website project really starts with copy and brand, not the buildHow to work out your offer and review it so it keeps working for youWhy going limited and separating your finances protects you through feast and famine monthsWhy the money from a website build is business income, not your salaryWhere to outsource so you stop overworking and stop burning outWhy you have to step off the tools and spend time working ON your businessHow to spot the money gap between what you charge and what you actually want to earnWhy a mentor is the single biggest lever for growing your businessIf 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.ukChapters (So you can skip to the relevant bits):00:00 Building a web design business that lasts00:20 The undercharging trap01:31 Collaborate, don’t compete03:41 Why copy and brand come before the build05:49 Inside Sparks Group mentoring06:53 Work out your offer, and review it often08:35 Go limited and separate your finances10:24 Website payments are income, not your salary11:13 Outsource what isn’t worth your hourly rate14:15 Work ON your business, not just in it18:54 Mind the money gapMentioned in this episode:Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme
- Jul 13, 202620 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 confidenceWhy "spend money to make money" applies to web design more than you thinkPicking one area to go all in on each year, from accessibility to SEOBuilding a rigid onboarding process so content arrives before the build startsGetting known for one or two things instead of being "just another designer"Why staying in your lane beats watching the competitionCollecting reviews properly (and actually following them up)Why a mentor pays dividends long before you feel you can "afford" oneIf 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.ukOr email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.ukIf 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 for00:33 Web design is a self-taught industry (and tech shaming)02:02 Invest in your web design business05:57 Pick one area to master each year08:54 Get your onboarding right — content up front11:29 Marketing yourself and the know, like, trust factor12:17 Get known for one or two things14:36 Stay in your lane, ignore the competition15:59 Collect reviews and actually use them17:17 Why you should get a mentor
- Jun 29, 202620 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 oneCookie notices, GDPR, and what to check before you go liveWhy you should run a Page Speed Insights report and screenshot it every timeSetting up admin accounts (the step Holly has forgotten more than once)Website manuals: why every client should get one and how to create themHooking up analytics, pixels, and code tracking before handoverHow to test on incognito browser and mobile before you call it doneGetting written sign-off from your client — and the wording that mattersMigration, SSL certificates, and enforcing HTTPS after moving a siteContact form testing, SMTP, and GDPR-compliant database savingHow to organise client training and what Holly’s personalised video manuals look likeSetting up client logins and making sure they know how to run WordPress updatesAsking for reviews at exactly the right momentWhat is and is not your responsibility once a project is signed offIf 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-checklistCome and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.ukAnd 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 reasons01:46 Build your website pack-down checklist02:50 Cookie notices and GDPR compliance03:53 Run a PageSpeed Insights report and save the results06:20 Create an admin account for the client06:55 Website manuals and why every client needs one07:37 Hooking up code tracking before handover08:48 Testing on incognito browser and mobile view10:27 Getting written sign-off from your client11:10 Tying sign-off to payment11:35 Migration, SSL certificates and enforcing HTTPS14:21 Contact forms, testing and GDPR compliance15:39 Organising client training16:17 Holly’s personalised video walkthrough manuals17:12 Getting the client logged in17:58 WordPress updates and making sure clients know how18:40 Ask for a review at the right moment19:09 Your responsibilities after sign-off
- Jun 15, 202611 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 irrelevantWhy client ease of use should drive every tech decision you makeThe difference between a proper handover and abandoning your client at the doorWhy locked-down websites cause problems for everyone, including youHow imposter syndrome fuels tech shaming in the web design industryWhy personality and trust win clients over tech stack every single timeThe disappearing developer problem and how to be the designer clients return toIf 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.ukSkip to the good bits:00:00 What really matters about your tech stack00:36 Welcome to Websites Made Simple00:50 Holly’s experience of tech shaming on LinkedIn01:50 Sparks Group Mentoring explained02:36 It’s not about the platform — it’s about the results03:41 Why client ease of use should come first04:24 Page builders, locked-down sites, and client access05:26 Clients should always be able to access their own website06:25 The disappearing developer problem07:11 How to sign off a website properly07:48 Client training, Zoom handovers, and user manuals08:24 Building for two people: your client and their visitors09:11 Why tech shaming is really just imposter syndrome10:03 Why clients choose you for personality, not tools11:30 “In 20 years, I’ve never gone back to the same designer twice — until now”
- Jun 1, 202616 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 respondThe power of the pauseWhy payment plans for hosting and maintenance are non-negotiable recurring revenueWhat a money mindset ceiling looks like, and why it keeps you stuck at the same figureThe real maths behind outsourcing to a VAWhy website designers bottleneck their own businessesMy personal story of working every evening after the kids went to bedHow to get out of your own way, stop doing everything yourself, and start running a business that actually works for youIf 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.ukSkip to the good bits:00:00 What's really holding back your web design business01:17 Turning over the same money year on year — why it happens02:00 What levelling up really means02:44 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 table07:27 Money mindset ceilings: stuck at the same income figure10:03 Outsourcing to a VA: the real numbers12:19 "You're halving your hourly rate" — the hard truth from a good friend13:55 Get out of your own way and earn what you deserveMentioned in this episode:Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclassBlogging masterclass
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About Websites Made Simple: How to have a successful website design business
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.
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