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.

00:00 Dealing with Overbearing Clients

04:36 Client Feedback During Design Process

07:23 Client Boundaries and Collaboration

10:15 "Importance of Client Communication"

13:40 Avoid Problem Clients' Retainers

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Resources

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.

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:

Free Resources

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 in this episode:

Free Resources

Websites Made Simple Courses

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:

Free Resources

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 websites for service-oriented businesses, which offers an opportunity to hone essential skills without overwhelming complexity. Furthermore, nurturing strong relationships with clients is paramount; this engenders trust and facilitates collaboration, ultimately enriching the design process. As we explore the initial steps in this episode, we provide guidance on aligning your offerings with your expertise while emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and investment in your professional development.

Mentioned in this episode:

Contract pack

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.

00:00 Authentic Branding Through Personal Design

06:08 Website Messaging for Sales Success

07:12 Social Media Messaging Consistency Guide

11:22 "Building Trust Through Expertise"

14:50 Display Prices on Your Website

18:13 "Focus and Clarify Your Offers"

20:37 Collaborate to Avoid Scope Creep

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 deposit
• Expose the radio-silence communicators and teach you how to lock them down with a rock-solid client contract
• Rant about the 'pretty-over-perform' crowd who ignore tech, security, and UX fundamentals
• Swat the copy-paste lurkers hijacking your LinkedIn posts for clout.
• Plus one bonus AI-built-site myth-buster you can’t miss

By the end, you’ll have a clearer playbook for protecting your reputation and your clients’ results. No sleaze required. Grab your earbuds, hit play, then snag my Website Designer Contract Pack to keep every project (and payment) on track.

Mentioned in this episode:

Websites Made Simple Courses

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, why its initial appeal sucks people in, and the frustrations I've faced with its licensing, code quality, frequent updates, and compatibility issues.

I said what I said.

And now you can hear it.

Links referenced in this episode:

• linkedin.com/in/hollycchristie
• websitesmadesimple.co.uk

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Crocoblocks
• Elementor
• Divi
• Neve

00:00 "Boost Your Design: Ditch Elementor"

06:34 "Client Needs and Software Flexibility"

08:32 Elementor Updates: Challenges and Limitations

11:06 Elementor Usage Insights on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

Contract pack

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 disarray.

You'll need effective communication and structured processes, which not only safeguard the integrity of the project but also foster a positive relationship with clients.

By adopting these practices, we can maintain both the quality of our work and the satisfaction of our clients, ultimately leading to a more successful and enjoyable web design career.

Listen to hear my advice on how to handle client scope creep in your website design business.

Links referenced in this episode:

• websitesmadesimple.co.uk

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Websites Made Simple
• Wix
• Squarespace

Mentioned in this episode:

Websites Made Simple Courses

Check out our Websites Made Simple courses!

Websites Made Simple Courses