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

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”

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.ukSkip 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 Now14:37 "Website Design and SEO Insights"Mentioned in this episode:Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclassBlogging masterclassJoin the Phoenix ProgrammeFind out more about joining the Phoenix ProgrammePhoenix Programme

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 businessWhy pricing for value attracts better clientsHow a Website User Manual can save you hours of supportWhat I learned from Lily Atwell-Rowan and Mike Fox about smart systemsHow the Phoenix Program helps you scale with less chaos and more cashSkip to the good bits:00:00 "Leveling Up in Web Design"05:00 Web Design: Start and Improve08:21 Streamline Website Maintenance Efforts10:58 Website Maintenance and SEO Guide13:53 Shared Values in White Labeling20:22 Streamlining Projects and Systems21:29 Scaling Strategies: Pricing & ProcessesMentioned in this episode:Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclassBlogging masterclassJoin my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme

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 sitting right—when your heart drops at another problematic email and you start questioning your own approach, especially as everyone else seems to be breezing through perfect testimonials and happy launches.I’ll share my practical strategies for protecting your boundaries, saying a firm “no” to unethical requests (like copying someone else’s design), and managing difficult clients who want you to queue-jump or abandon your process. You’ll hear some real stories from my own experience, including how to handle disagreements over design decisions, document your advice, and know when it’s time to offboard a client altogether. If you’ve ever lost sleep over a challenging project or wondered how to keep your business running smoothly without sacrificing your sanity, this episode is especially for you. Listen in and let’s talk about how to thrive as a web designer, even when you’re dealing with the trickiest clients.Skip to the good bits:00:00 Dealing with Overbearing Clients04:36 Client Feedback During Design Process07:23 Client Boundaries and Collaboration10:15 "Importance of Client Communication"13:40 Avoid Problem Clients' RetainersMentioned in this episode:Free ResourcesRemember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclassBlogging masterclass

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 choosing the right client experience and support systems, to setting boundaries on content and pricing, I'll share the strategies that have made my own template shop, Simply Sites, a success. Whether you're considering launching your own template shop or looking to improve what you already have, today’s conversation is packed with practical tips, personal insights, and actionable advice to help you avoid common pitfalls and create templates that truly sell. Click play and let’s get started!Mentioned in this episode:Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclassBlogging masterclassFree Resources

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 build a successful business.If you’re wondering how to confidently showcase your pricing online in a way that feels right for you and your business, you’re in the right place. Click play and let’s get started!Mentioned in this episode:Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclassBlogging masterclassFree Resources

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 perfect-fit, dream clients who really get your vibe.In this episode, I’ll guide you through practical, actionable strategies for filling your client list with people who love what you do. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to uplevel your web design business, this episode is packed with advice to help you stand out, stay true to yourself, and attract a steady stream of clients who value your unique skills. Timestamped summary00:00 Authentic Branding Through Personal Design06:08 Website Messaging for Sales Success07:12 Social Media Messaging Consistency Guide11:22 "Building Trust Through Expertise"14:50 Display Prices on Your Website18:13 "Focus and Clarify Your Offers"20:37 Collaborate to Avoid Scope CreepMentioned in this episode:Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclassBlogging masterclass