Websites Made Simple: How to have a successful website design business
Websites Made Simple is a podcast that helps small website design business owners succeed. Host Holly Christie, founder of This Demanding Life and Simply Sites, shares practical advice on overcoming common challenges and building an authentic business. Each episode covers topics like client acquisition, pricing, and work-life balance. The show aims to simplify the path to a profitable and fulfilling website design career.
Episodes
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
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 episo
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
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-mentorin
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
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 inste
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 an
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 num
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
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 deve
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
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?” momentsPodcasting can be a powerful marketing tool for website designers — but only if it’s done with intention.Welcome to another episode of Websites Made
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?” momentsYou 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
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 vi
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
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 W
One-Star Review For Your Website Design Business? Great News! Here's Why...
A client threatened to “ruin my reputation” unless I refunded a non-refundable deposit. Then came the one-star Google review and the plot twist that made my reputation stronger. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie! In this episode I share the whole story, how I responded, and what to put in place so one angry client can’t tank your business. If you’re a websi
How to handle those 'pain in the arse' website clients
Let's talk about the challenges that every website designer and developer has faced at one time or another: those “pain in the arse” clients who constantly try to override your creative process, push for shortcuts, or ignore the boundaries you’ve set.Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie! I’m getting honest about what it feels like when a project just isn’t sit
Ready to transform your career as a web designer or developer?
In this episode, I'm excited to introduce you to something very different. Something that if you're a website designer or developer, is going to help to transform all your results. Have a listen, and if you're interested, visit https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/ and click the menu item "Phoenix Programme" for more details and to book your free introductory call.
Template shops that actually sell
Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie! With nearly two decades of experience in website design, I'm explaining the pros and cons of template shops; those ready-made website solutions that so many of us create, yet often struggle to actually sell. In this episode, I'll talk you through what it really takes to build a thriving template side business. From choosin
Stop Hiding! Why Faceless Website Design Websites Don’t Win Clients
Are you losing clients before they even hit 'contact'?Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple! I’m Holly Christie and in this episode, I'm revealing why faceless websites kill trust — and how showing up, sharing your values, and being transparent with pricing makes clients choose you.👉 Plus: the simple UX shifts that turn browsers into buyers.Click play and let’s get started!Mentioned i
Should you list your bespoke website design prices?
Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple! I’m Holly Christie, and today I’m exploring a question I get asked all the time by fellow web designers and developers: should you put your pricing on your website, even if every project you do is completely bespoke?In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on this contentious topic. I’ll walk you through how I've addressed issues like this to bui
Where to begin as a brand new web designer
Embarking on a journey as a new web designer necessitates a judicious approach, particularly regarding pricing strategies. It is imperative to refrain from undercutting one's prices, as doing so compromises the perceived value of your services and undermines the professional standard within the industry. Rather, I advocate for establishing a solid foundation by specializing in brochure-led website
How to get more clients for your website design business
Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple, the podcast designed for website designers and developers who want to build thriving businesses without losing their sanity. I’m Holly Christie, website designer, mentor, and straight-talking website design advocate, and today we’re tackling one of the most common challenges in the web design world: how to attract more clients... especially those
You Give Web Design a Bad Name: 5 Industry Practices I'm Sick of Hiding
Ready to vent with me? I’m Holly Christie, website designer, mentor, and straight-talking website design advocate. This week I’m torch-lighting the five shady moves that keep giving our craft a black eye. In 20 punch-packed minutes you’ll hear me:Call out those 'custom' builds that are nothing more than slapped-on Elementor templates Drag the timeline-promise-breakers who ghost after pocketing the
Stop using Elementor for building websites! Here's why.
Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. I'm a web designer, founder, and mentor dedicated to empowering website professionals in their careers. In this episode, I'm risking some backlash. And it's a topic that’s sure to get a lot of my peers riled up. Drawing from years of experience with one specific tool, I'm explaining why Elementor needs to get in the bin, w
How to handle client scope creep in your website design business!
The phenomenon of scope creep is a pervasive challenge that besets web developers, often arising from the desire to appease clients. I share my strategies for mitigating this issue, ensuring that projects remain true to their original parameters. It's imperative to establish clear boundaries at the onset of any project, thereby preventing the gradual expansion of client demands that can lead to di
What's the REAL cost of FREE website tools?
Welcome to “Websites Made Simple.” I’m Holly Christie; website designer, mentor, and the host of this podcast. In this episode I’m pulling back the curtain on the real cost of free website tools. I’ll be sharing my personal insights and experiences, helping you figure out when those tempting free tools are actually a smart move - and when they’re more trouble than they’re worth.As someone who love
What you need in your website design contracts!
Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple! I’m Holly Christie, your host, and I’m thrilled to have you here. As someone who’s been in the website design game for over a decade, I know how tricky—and sometimes overwhelming—the world of web design can be, especially when it comes to protecting yourself with the right contracts.In this episode, I’m explaining what you absolutely need to incl
How to get unstuck in your website design business
Stuck staring at a half-finished client homepage, and wondering why your carefully planned timeline has melted? Hi, I'm Holly Christie, and in this straight-talking session, I'm sharing website design business tips for small-business owners who keep hitting the same wall. You’ll learn the simple test that reveals whether your block is a process gap or a mindset trap, along with workflow and produc
Do this to ensure effective SEO for website rebuilds
Have you been tasked with rebuilding a website? Is the idea of destroying the SEO filling you with dread? This is the episode for you.The Essential Guide to Maintaining SEO When Rebuilding WebsitesWebsite rebuilding necessitates a meticulous approach, particularly with respect to SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). There are a heap of challenges you'll stumble across when transitioning from an old w
6 best practices you need for a successful website design business
Welcome to another episode of "Websites Made Simple." I’m Holly Christie, your host, and in today’s episode, I’m sharing what best practices in website design truly mean based on my own journey as a website designer and mentor. The Ultimate Guide to Website Design Best PracticesOver the years, I’ve learned that creating stunning websites is just one piece of the puzzle—discovering higher standards
How to create your dream website design business!
How can you create an ideal website design business that not only aligns with your aspirations but also alleviates the stress often associated with running such an operation? That's what this episode is about. Welcome to Websites Made Simple. I'm your host, Holly Christie. Scroll for the link to my courses as mentioned in the episodeThis episode, we're examining the critical aspects of client mana
9 essential tools for your website design business (some are free!)
In this episode, we're going to talk all about those must have website design tools.Welcome to Websites Made Simple. I'm your host, Holly Christie. Scroll for the link to my courses as mentioned in the episodeThere are some crucial tools that every website designer should have to efficiently run their business. As a seasoned website designer and mentor, I wanted to share with you some of the more
How to work with tricky website clients
In this episode of Websites Made Simple, I'm talking you through the complexities of dealing with challenging website clients. Pro Tips for Secure and Successful Web Design Projects with Difficult ClientsHi, I'm Holly Christie, a seasoned website designer with extensive experience, and it's my mission to share my insights with you. Over the course of 20 minutes in this episode of the podcast, I'm
How to make sales through your website call to action buttons
Maximize Sales with Effective Website Call to ActionIn today's episode, I'm focusing on the crucial aspect of leveraging your website’s call to action (CTA) button to increase sales. Welcome to Websites Made Simple. I'm your host, Holly Christie. Scroll for the link to my SEO course as mentioned in the episodeWhether you're a designer or small business owner, this episode is packed with insights o
Are you thinking of quitting your website design business?
Why Now Isn't the Time to Quit Your Website Design BusinessRunning a website design business can be super challenging, especially during tough market conditions. Time to talk about how we can overcome imposter syndrome and fill knowledge gaps, particularly in the wake of recent global changes. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple. I'm your host, Holly Christie. Scroll for the link to
Nail the website design workflow and land new business!
In this episode of Websites Made Simple, "Nail the website design workflow and land new business" I'm talking you through the critical importance of streamlined processes for website development and effective client communication. Discover practical strategies to structure your workdays, set clear boundaries, and manage client expectations to avoid common pitfalls like 'ghosting'. We’ll discuss wh
Introducing "Websites Made Simple"
Transforming Your Website Development Business with Holly ChristieWelcome to the very first episode of "Websites Made Simple"! I'm your host, Holly Christie. If you followed my previous podcast, "Your Business Online Your Way," you'll know this tagline from my website, This Demanding Life. After a long break, I am excited to be back, with a refreshed outlook and newfound motivation, thanks to some
Turn your business website into a valued sales team member!
Do you wish your website was working harder for your business? That it stopped behaving as a shopfront and started bringing in leads and making sales.If you haven't had high expectations from your website, today is the day we change that.Your website is not a shopfront, but a vital member of the sales team for your small business.In today's episode I walk you through the different c
Got your customer journey figured out on your website?
Have you heard the term 'customer journey'? But you've never been quite sure of what it means?Every customer you have will be on a specific part of their journey in their business or career. It's your job to meet them at that point and to help them, through your products or services, to get to the next stage of where they're at.It's not about getting people from A - Z, it's about getting them
Want Your Business To Make More Money While You Work Less? Here's How!
Would you like to make more money in your business? But you're not sure you can squeeze more hours into your day or fund more products?I hear you. It can be hard to fully realise the potential in your small business, especially when you don't want to spend every waking hour and every penny you've got, on it. If you've been in business for a while, you've probably realised that this model lead
Making changes in your small business - when should we do it?
Are you thinking of the next steps for your business? Or whether it’s time to do things in a slightly different way? It could be that you’ve become bored with your current setup. Or you don’t feel you’re charging what you’re worth. Maybe you’re lonely and are missing the camaraderie of working with others. Whatever has brought you to this episode, it’s great to see you here! Le
Leveraging Creativity In Your Business Niche
Are you creative but not sure how to leverage it in your business?Do you feel like the existing creative job titles aren't quite the right fit? Neither did Jo, who loved being creative in her VA and marketing roles, but there wasn't a job title out there which encompassed what she could do to support small businesses in her own, unique way.These days Jo describes herself as a creative partner
How to show up in your business (even when you don't feel like it)
Are you struggling to show up in your business? You're feeling the pressure but you just can't seem to get there.You're definitely not alone. Being a business owner means having to show up in your business, in ways you never thought of before. All of a sudden you're very public and very visible. You have to put work into your marketing strategy as well as wearing all the hats of the different
Podcasts make website more dynamic! Here's how to get started.
Are you thinking of starting a podcast? There's loads of information out there and you're not sure where to start? I hear you! I felt like that when I started my own podcast. It felt like there was so much I needed to know about format and software and equipment and hosting. All of sudden, something that was meant to be a joyful next step for my business started feeling like a stressful
Switching off to be more productive & have more fun
Do you wish you could be more productive? Does life as an entrepreneur not seem as fun as you thought it would be? If either of these apply to you then you're definitely not alone. We often think that the life of an entrepreneur is a joyful one - full of working your own hours, being your own boss and being able to do things at your leisure. The reality is very different, but it doesn't have to be
That 6 figure business is a lie. Here's the truth.
How do you feel when you see people claiming to make 6 & 7 figures online? Does it motivate you to be like them or does it leave you feeling a little bit less than? What if we told you that the 6 & 7 figure claims are just a tactic in an unregulated industry and what you’re being sold is a story rather than a reality? Does it still appeal to you now? In this co-hosted e
Be intentionally you - how to master your marketing with Gus Bhandal
What does 'Be Intentionally You' have to do with marketing? After all, you're marketing a product or service, *you* don't really come into it.Marketing doesn't really work like that. As the old adage says: 'people buy from people' and being intentionally you has everything to do with it. In this episode I interview marketing guru, Gus Bhandal. With 20 + years of marketing experience in h
Stop yourself from self-sabotaging!
Do you find that you only ever get so far in your business? That, no matter how successful you are, it’s always a little less success than you hoped for? Wanting to always be that little bit further along than you currently are? Most of us self-sabotage without even realising it. We have hopes and dreams for our businesses and they often stay just that… dreams. It can be demoralisin
How to be happy in your business
Do you feel happy in your business? You set up to be the one in control, but it feels like your business is controlling you?Many of us setup our small businesses thinking of all the perks, the freedom, the flexibility that comes with entrepreneurship. What we don't think about - usually because we don't experience them until we're in it, are all the difficulties that entrepreneurship brings w
Is your online presence working against you?
Do you struggle with your online presence? Does it feel that, no matter what you do, whether it's on your website or Social Media, you're just not getting it right? If you feel like the online world is an uphill battle then this episode is the one for you! Many of us struggle to represent ourselves online. To have the shiny brand, the brilliant words, the flawless photos, to post ev
Tips for pricing your services
Do you feel your prices aren’t quite right? You’ve followed the lead on what others’ in your industry are charging but you’re not getting the customers you want. Getting the price right for your services can be the difference between being full of clients or watching the tumbleweed pass by as your competitors seem to be getting all the business. The thing is with pricing, it’s not j
Creating a community - finding your tribe with John Espirian
The entrepreneurial journey can be a lonely one. Finding your tribe and creating a community can make all the difference between continuing your journey successfully and having a negative experience. No one likes to feel they're alone. John Espirian is an expert at creating communities, having created the Espresso plus community with hundreds of members, he talks to us about how he achieved it. Wi
5 Ways to make money from your website
Are you looking to make money from your website? You have some ideas but you’re not sure what’s best for you.Websites done well can be a great source of income. You can sell your products or services and there's so much more when it comes to making money from them. Whether you look at pay per click angles or you'd like a sponsor other methods that you hadn't thought of, this episode
How to get clients
Are you struggling to get clients for your business?Are you not sure of the best method of reaching them?When you set up in business you've usually got a brilliant skillset for that business. However you are now the marketing department, the invoicing department and everything in-between.These may involve skillsets you haven't yet built and it can be difficult to know where to start. A website pr
When free turns out to be really expensive
Do you use free tools in your business?Are you not sure what you should be investing in and what's a waste of time and money?If you've answered yes to either of these I'm not surprised.When you setup your small business for the first time the internet is LOUD with what you should be buying to make your business better.Everyone has their opinion and their toolkit that works for them. But often the
Stand out and make sales with Niraj Kapur
If 2024 is the year you've decided to be bold, be brave and really go for it in your business, then this episode is a must listen. Niraj Kapur generously shares his time and experience, detailing how he went from unknown on LinkedIn to having 31,000 followers, a 'LinkedIn Top Voice' award and a full time career in Sales and LinkedIn training. In this episode Niraj talks us through:What d
How to stop people pleasing - before it ruins your business.
Are you a people pleaser? Do you find it hard to say no to people? Do you find it frustrating when, despite your best efforts, a relationship with a client or team member turns sour? If you've answered yes to any of these then this episode is for you! Most of us are trained people pleasers, a habit we carry over from childhood and something we hope will smooth relationships in our business, as wel
How to overcome perfectionism in your business!
Most small business owners pride themselves on having high standards. After all, you need to create great work to win clients over the competition. Often high standards morph into perfectionism.In this episode we look at where perfectionism often comes from. Why it's not helpful to us or our clients and what we can do to start to overcome it. You have a business to run. One you want to be busy and
3 Things Holding Every Business Back From Success!
In this episode I look at what's stopping you from getting to where you want to be in your business. We'll look at the 3 common factors that cause you to screech to a halt and how to overcome them without putting you outside of your comfort zone. You'll get to hear about my journey from single mum setting up a small, online marketing business to becoming an award winning website designer with 2 su
Websites Made Simple - Trailer
Welcome to Websites Made Simple; a fortnightly podcast which wants to help you run a successful website design business. Most small business owners in the website design space are working hard. Really hard. At the same time they feel like they’re winging it. This podcast is here to support you in your business journey. Helping you to identify and plug the gaps in your processes, market y
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