Websites Made Simple: How to have 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.

Over the years, I’ve learned that creating stunning websites is just one piece of the puzzle—discovering higher standards and focusing on accessibility are what really boosted my confidence and helped my clients trust me, too.

I’ll walk you through some of my go-to strategies, starting with simple accessibility wins, like choosing the right font sizes and making sure every website is easy for everyone to use.

I’ll talk about how to structure content for good SEO, the benefits of using quality tools over just the cheapest options, and why keeping your websites lightweight and mobile-friendly matters more than ever.

And, because I know how overwhelming client projects can get, I’ll share some hard-won advice on setting boundaries and keeping communication clear, so everyone enjoys the process from start to finish.

Whether you’re new to web design or looking to fall back in love with your business, this episode is full of insights you can start using right away. Let’s make your design business not only better—but more enjoyable, too.

Websites Made Simple Courses

Links referenced in this episode:

• courses.thisdemandinglife.com
• websitesmadesimple.co.uk

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Reddit
• LinkedIn
• Yoast
• Divi
• Elementor
• Avada

Mentioned in this episode:

Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!

Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass

Blogging masterclass

Websites Made Simple Courses

Check out our Websites Made Simple courses!

Websites Made Simple Courses

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 episode

This episode, we're examining the critical aspects of client management, emphasizing the importance of identifying and avoiding challenging clients who may impede our progress.

We'll talk about those people who ghost us, or push the limits and boundaries, ultimately leading to scope creep.

We'll also talk about a practical way to avoid those customers who are lacking clarity in their preferences or those prone to shifting demands without consideration of process or costs.

We'll also explore strategies for fostering a collaborative relationship with clients who respect the design process, thereby enhancing both our creative output and professional satisfaction.

Click play now, and enjoy the episode which serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of client interactions while building a fulfilling and sustainable website design practice.

Links referenced in this episode:

• courses.thisdemandinglife.com
• thisdemandinglife.com
• websitesmadesimple.co.uk

00:00 Web Design Autonomy

04:02 Managing Indecisive Design Clients

07:12 Managing Website Features & Expectations

12:21 Website Builder Challenges and Best Practices

16:16 Attracting Ideal Web Design Clients

18:54 Personalised Web Design Collaboration

21:19 Enhancing Client Relationships

Mentioned in this episode:

Turn Negative Feedback Into a Winning Website

Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!

Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass

Blogging masterclass

Websites Made Simple Courses

Check out our Websites Made Simple courses!

Websites Made Simple Courses

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 episode

There 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 essential platforms and software that not only streamline processes but also enhance client relationships.

Some of these are free.

From file-sharing solutions to design apps and project management, I'm covering it all.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced designer, I'm hoping this episode will help you elevate your website design business by simplifying the administrative and creative elements of website creation.

• My courses - courses.thisdemandinglife.com
• My LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollycchristie/

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• wetransfer.com
• canva.com
• trello.com
• vimeo.com
• tidycal.com
• zoom.us
• freeagent.com
• gocardless.com
• stripe.com
• screamingfrog.co.uk
• thisdemandinglife.com
• linkedin.com/in/hollychristie

Mentioned in this episode:

Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!

Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass

Blogging masterclass

Websites Made Simple Courses

Check out our Websites Made Simple courses!

Websites Made Simple Courses

In this episode of Websites Made Simple, I'm talking you through the complexities of dealing with challenging website clients.

Hi, 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 offering my advice on dealing with clients who may become difficult during the web design process.

I've witnessed some common client behaviours such as frequent requests for changes, project delays, and scope creep, and I'll offer practical solutions for setting boundaries and maintaining a positive working relationship.

I'm also explaining why you might want to get access to one of my valuable resources (linked below) which will help you solve a lot of these problems almost immediately.

Check out my courses for Website Professionals:

• courses.thisdemandinglife.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Turn Negative Feedback Into a Winning Website

Websites Made Simple Courses

Check out our Websites Made Simple courses!

Websites Made Simple Courses

Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!

Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass

Blogging masterclass

In 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 episode

Whether you're a designer or small business owner, this episode is packed with insights on how a well-crafted CTA can guide visitors on your website and help turn interest into engagement and sales.

I'll explain the importance of CTAs, explaining how they can transform a beautifully designed site into a powerful sales tool.

I'm also sharing my personal strategies and experiences in using CTAs effectively.

Did you know, there's a balance to be struck between having too few and too many CTAs?...

00:00 Email Lists: Engage Beyond Websites

05:42 Streamlined Client Engagement Strategy

10:19 Newsletter Engagement Strategies

11:21 Boost Sales with Simple Website Tweaks

• My courses - courses.thisdemandinglife.com
• My LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollycchristie/

Mentioned in this episode:

Websites Made Simple Courses

Check out our Websites Made Simple courses!

Websites Made Simple Courses

Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!

Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass

Blogging masterclass

Running 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 my SEO course as mentioned in the episode

As a passionate advocate for small businesses, I wanted to offer some practical advice on identifying ideal clients, refining your messaging, and effectively building a marketing strategy that includes your website, social media, and email list.

If you're on the verge of quitting your website design business, this episode is packed with valuable strategies to keep you motivated and help you attract the right clients, ensuring your career as a website designer is both satisfying and successful.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to reignite your passion, I want you to know I'm providing all the support and guidance you need to stay in the game.

Listen to discover how to leverage your unique skills and expertise in the competitive website design industry.

00:00 Reviving Your Website Design Career

04:13 Attracting Ideal Clients Online

08:03 Storytelling Websites for Services

10:23 Targeting Micro Business Owners Online

15:31 Focus on Resourceful Design Confidence

18:58 Website Design Messaging Strategy

22:28 Collaborative Networking in Web Design

The link to my course and main website offerings:

• courses.thisdemandinglife.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Wix
• WordPress
• thisdemandinglife.com
• TidyCal
• Simply Sites

Mentioned in this episode:

Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!

Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass

Blogging masterclass

Websites Made Simple Courses

Check out our Websites Made Simple courses!

Websites Made Simple Courses

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 why having robust guidelines for your clients, including collecting essential content upfront, is crucial for success.

Whether you’re a website designer just starting or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable tips to refine your workflow and elevate your web design business.

Learn how organisation and strong communication can enhance client satisfaction, save time, and set your projects up for success.

Want to optimise your website development process and take your web design business to the next level? Best click play then!

00:00 Website Designer Communication Issues

06:09 Copywriting Alternatives and Solutions

07:15 Website Design & SEO Course described

10:18 Website Design Setup Essentials

15:39 Effective Website Building Boundaries

17:44 "Collaborative Web Design Success"

Websites Made Simple Courses

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Squarespace
• Shopify
• WordPress
• Wix
• WeTransfer

Links referenced in this episode:

• courses.thisdemandinglife.com
• wetransfer.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Websites Made Simple Courses

Check out our Websites Made Simple courses!

Websites Made Simple Courses

Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!

Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass

Blogging masterclass

Welcome 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 great advice I received over the summer.

In this introductory episode, I'll share my story of last year and explain why I decided to switch directions.

This podcast is now all about aiding fellow website developers with valuable insights and practical advice. Whether it's enhancing your marketing skills, avoiding common pitfalls, or learning industry best practices, I’ve got you covered.

Expect bite-sized, impactful episodes every couple of weeks that are designed to fit into your busy schedule.

You can find out more about me and access my resources at thisdemandinglife.com and courses.thisdemandinglife.com.

I'm here to help you thrive in your website development business, enabling you to do work you love 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

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 components which are needed to have your website climb the ranks of Google and win your ideal clients' favour.

Are you ready to turn your website into a lead generating, sales making machine? 

Mentioned in this episode:

Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!

Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass

Blogging masterclass

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 from A - B (or B - C, or even M - N, depending on where they're at).

In this co-hosted episode with Amy Newlands, we talk about what they journey looks like for both, you and your customers. How to work out the stage you need to meet them at, and how to turn that meeting into successful outcomes for you both.

Ready? Let's get started. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Remember to sign up for our blogging masterclass!

Go to https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/masterclass

Blogging masterclass