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

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-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 a special bonus episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. (Quick note — my podcast mic was misbehaving for this one, so the audio is not quite up to our usual standard. My producer Neal at Podknows has worked his magic to clean it up, so please do stick with it. The conversation is genuinely worth your time.) I am joined by senior developer Rob Fisher to talk about where AI actually helps in web design, where it absolutely does not, and the security and stability risks nobody is being loud enough about. We get into: Why vibe coding is not a shortcut, it is a stack of technical debt waiting to break How LLMs really work, and why they hallucinate when you let them Why your prompt boundaries matter as much as your prompt The chatbot that gave a customer 85 percent off a 10,000 dollar order What the October 2025 AWS outage tells us about AI first dev cultures Why AI tools are junior developers, not senior ones, and what that means for your business Why vibe coded WordPress plugins are a house of cards How a “safe” plugin can become a Trojan horse with one auto update What is actually changing in WordPress 7 If you are a designer or developer trying to work out where AI fits into your business without putting your clients at risk, this one is for you. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Bonus episode intro and audio note 01:18 Where AI fits in running a web business 02:34 Vibe coding and why it is a shortcut too far 05:12 The flip side, vibe coding as a learning tool 06:48 Tech debt: your vibe coded site is a liability waiting to break 07:45 What AI cannot do for user journeys and design psychology 09:20 How LLMs actually work, probability engines not brains 11:30 Hallucinations and the suspiciously short prompt 13:05 Prompt boundaries and staying on topic 15:10 What system prompts at OpenAI and Anthropic actually look like 17:00 The chatbot that gave away an 85 percent discount on a 10,000 dollar order 19:40 AI first dev houses and the October 2025 AWS outage 22:15 Microsoft layoffs and the AI replacement myth 24:30 Why generative AI is a junior developer, not a senior one 26:20 Vibe coded plugins, the house of cards problem 28:50 The WordPress plugin ecosystem and what it lets in 31:00 How a safe plugin becomes a Trojan horse overnight 33:15 WP Rocket, All in One Migration and the malicious update problem 34:50 WordPress 7 and the new AI APIs, and why it will not feel revolutionary 37:00 Block editor improvements and the abstraction layer problem 38:40 Final thoughts and how to get in touch

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 on LinkedIn makes it worse. And what you can actually do to push through it, level up, and stop letting self-doubt quietly run your business. We talk about: Chapters: 00:00 Imposter syndrome — it comes for all of us 04:28 When LinkedIn chips away at your confidence 07:35 Stay in your lane and look forward 08:20 Tighten up your processes and onboarding 09:30 What to do when your designs feel stale 10:45 Pushing outside your comfort zone 12:05 You’re doing better than you think 💡 Want Holly’s Sparks Group Mentoring? Find out more here: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/sparks-group-mentoring/ 🌐 Website: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk 📧 Email: hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollycchristie/

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 instead to keep conversions high without frustrating visitors straight off the page. We get into: 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. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Why popups might be hurting your clients' websites 01:11 Welcome and intro 01:39 Why popups interrupt the user experience 03:26 Popups block content and the SEO problem 06:01 Exit intent, popup frequency and the surveillance feeling 08:11 Slide-ins as a smarter alternative 10:30 Floating buttons done right 12:00 Dedicated signup sections that convert without disruption 14:23 How to push back when clients ask for popups 15:28 Wrap-up and how to get in touch Mentioned in this episode: Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme

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 another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I'm talking about two of the most underrated pages in website design: the links page (your on-brand, SEO-friendly alternative to Linktree) and the custom 404 page. Both are quick to build, easy to position as a value add, and a genuinely great way to stand out from designers who aren't sweating the details. We get into: If you want to impress clients, add real value to your builds, and start standing out from designers who aren't going the extra mile — this one is for you. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Stop leaving these pages out of your website builds 00:30 Why Linktree and Linke hurt your social media reach 01:02 Build a links page on your own website instead 02:00 What to put on your links page 03:10 Keeping links pages simple but effective on mobile 04:30 Links pages, SEO, and sending traffic to your own site 05:00 How to charge for links pages (don't make it optional) 05:44 The problem with generic 404 pages 06:20 How to check if your 404 page is customised right now 07:20 Adding personality and fun to your 404 page 08:14 Using 404 pages to redirect and re-engage visitors 10:02 Start with your own website first Mentioned in this episode: Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme

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 number of pages or the platform. It's the experience. From the first discovery call to the handover manual, every touchpoint either builds confidence or erodes it. We get into: If you want better clients, better money, and a process that makes people tell their friends about you, this one is for you. 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. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 What you're really selling (it's not a website) 01:30 Why discovery calls convert better than email 03:00 Screen sharing and building confidence on the call 03:41 Following up after the call — and why timing matters 05:00 The follow-up email template Holly uses 06:00 How many times to follow up before letting go

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 signals are a bit muddled, and your website is not doing enough heavy lifting before someone ever speaks to you. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I’m talking about why charging hourly for your web design projects is holding you back — from better clients, better income, and a calmer business. We get into: If you want better clients, fewer arguments over invoices, and more peace of mind about your income, this one's for you. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Stop charging hourly — why it hurts your income 01:09 Why everyone has an hourly rate (and why that's the problem) 02:55 What project pricing actually looks like 03:42 How project pricing helps you prioritise your work 04:34 Scope creep and why hourly makes it worse 05:48 Bundled pricing: what goes into a project quote 07:23 Working with freelancers and white labellers 09:44 If they can't afford you, they're not your people 10:31 How project pricing creates better clients 11:43 Sparks Group Mentoring and how to join Mentioned in this episode: Websites Made Simple Courses Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme

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 developers to bring real questions, tricky client situations, fuzzy boundaries, and those moments where you’re thinking, “This isn’t actually my job, is it?” In this episode, I’m joined by SEO specialist Nikki Pilkington to talk about the difference between SEO friendly and SEO optimised, and why that distinction matters so much for web designers. We dig into how good websites end up being labelled “not working”, how easily expectations drift, and why web designers often carry responsibility for outcomes that sit firmly outside their role. We get into: • What SEO friendly actually means from a web design and build perspective • Why SEO friendly is a baseline, not a ranking strategy • How “just add the keywords” quietly sets you up for problems later • Where your responsibility as a designer genuinely starts and ends • Why selling SEO as a one off is a trap, even when clients ask for it • How blurred roles damage trust between designers, SEOs, and clients • The conversations that protect you before a project even begins • How to stop your work being judged on results you were never hired to deliver If you want clearer boundaries, more confident explanations, and fewer projects where everyone looks bad six months later, this episode will help you put language around things you probably already feel. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Why designers get blamed for SEO results 01:21 SEO friendly vs SEO optimised (what you are actually delivering) 02:40 How client expectations quietly drift 03:49 What is and isn’t a web designer’s job 08:10 Why SEO can never be “done” 11:00 Where projects start going wrong 15:24 The danger of saying yes to everything 17:13 What good SEO collaboration looks like 20:40 Protecting trust in your work Mentioned in this episode: Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme

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 enough heavy lifting before someone ever speaks to you. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie. In this episode, I’m talking about how to level up in your web design business by building a stronger brand, showing up with more intention, and making more money without trading time for money. We get into: If you want better clients, better boundaries, and fewer awkward sales calls that start from scratch, this will help you tighten things up. Come and find out more at https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk And 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 Level up your web design business 01:09 Brand consistency and your website signals 03:41 Showing up consistently on social media 04:42 Strategic content that makes your work obvious 08:00 FAQ content that answers buyer questions 09:00 Let your website do the heavy lifting before the call 09:56 Networking without cold pitching 12:35 Get known for one or two things 16:01 Why web designers should start a podcast 17:34 Use your email list properly 19:00 Start now, not “after this project” Mentioned in this episode: Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme

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?” moments Podcasting can be a powerful marketing tool for website designers — but only if it’s done with intention. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie! In this episode, I share what I’ve learned from nearly two years of podcasting for my web developer mentoring and website design business. I cover strategy, production, audio quality, SEO, and, honestly, the expectations you should have. Most importantly, I share where I learned what I could have done better, what I did wrong and where I’ve seen others stumble, too. I talk about how to plan before you hit record. I explore the stuff I underestimated, like how much audio quality matters. I explain why relying on Zoom hurts listener retention, how podcast SEO is a thing, and why downloads grow slowly (spoiler: that’s normal). I’ll also show you how podcasting fits into a long‑term marketing strategy rather than a quick win. If you’re a website designer thinking about starting a podcast — or wondering why yours hasn’t gained traction — what I’ve learned should help you reset your expectations and do it properly. Come and find out more at websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Here are the links if you want to learn more about Neal and Podknows: https://podknows.co.uk/ Skip to the good bits: 00:00 "Podcasting: Consult, Plan, Produce" 06:19 "Engaging and Concise Podcasting Tips" 07:14 "Podcasting Goals and Advertising" 10:45 "Boost Your Podcast with SEO" Mentioned in this episode: Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme

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?” moments You 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 I felt the first time I heard “vibe coding”. Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple with me, Holly Christie! In this episode, I’m talking about what vibe coding actually is, why it’s suddenly everywhere, and why I’m really not here for the idea that AI-generated websites are a shortcut to doing things properly. I share what I’ve been seeing behind the scenes — clients in a panic because AI-written code doesn’t work, websites that look fine on the surface but fall apart when you try to use them, and designers whose confidence gets knocked after someone else tears their work apart. This isn’t an anti-AI rant. I use AI in my business. But I keep it on the periphery — not at the heart of the products I hand over to clients. Because websites need to be robust, usable, and something people can actually manage once they’re live. We’ll talk about where AI does make sense, why user journeys still need human thinking, and why vibe coding doesn’t replace experience, judgement, or good website practice. If you’re a web designer wondering whether you should feel threatened — or a business owner tempted to let AI “just build the site” — this episode is here to steady the nerves. Come and find out more at websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Skip to the good bits: 00:00 What “vibe coding” actually means 01:34 Why AI-built websites keep breaking 04:51 Where AI helps — and where it doesn’t 07:56 Page builders, usability, and admin access 09:19 Client confidence and human-led design 10:00 Why you don’t need to feel threatened Mentioned in this episode: Join the Phoenix Programme Find out more about joining the Phoenix Programme Phoenix Programme Free Resources

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.uk Skip 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 Now 14:37 "Website Design and SEO Insights" Mentioned in this episode: Join the Phoenix Programme Find out more about joining the Phoenix Programme Phoenix Programme

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 practical, industry specific support. I talk about: • the key difference between coaching and mentoring • why “you already have the answers” can feel infuriating when you’re in client chaos • how industry specific advice helps with things like tricky feedback, scope creep and boundaries • what it looks like to be supported while you level up without burning out I’ll also share how I work with designers and developers inside my Phoenix programme and through one to one mentoring, so you can decide what kind of support is right for you. 👉 Want mentoring that actually understands the realities of running a web design business? Come and find out more at websitesmadesimple.co.uk or email me at hello@websitesmadesimple.co.uk Happy designing! Skip to the good bits: 00:00 Coach vs. Mentor: Key Differences 06:04 "Mastering Best Practices Confidently" 08:50 Mentoring for Thriving Designers 10:40 "Connect for Design Insights" Join my Phoenix Programme - https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/phoenix-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: Skip to the good bits: 00:00 "Leveling Up in Web Design" 05:00 Web Design: Start and Improve 08:21 Streamline Website Maintenance Efforts 10:58 Website Maintenance and SEO Guide 13:53 Shared Values in White Labeling 20:22 Streamlining Projects and Systems 21:29 Scaling Strategies: Pricing & Processes Mentioned in this episode: Join the Phoenix Programme Find out more about joining the Phoenix Programme Phoenix Programme

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 website designer or dev who’s ever ignored red flags (yep, me too), this one’s for you. Skip to the good bits: 00:00 "Client Conflicts and Resilience" 06:15 "One-Star Reviews Often Misleading" 09:00 "Responding to a 1-Star Review" 11:39 "Phoenix Program: Transform Your Career" When a client threatens to ruin your reputation, here’s the exact playbook to protect your brand and flip the narrative—fast. For web designers/developers dealing with scope creep, 1-star bombs, and refund pressure. Handle non-refundable deposits without panic What to write under a 1-star review Turn a bad review into social proof on LinkedIn Red flags: endless meetings, too many stakeholders Boundaries in contracts & terms that actually hold Chapters: 00:00 When a client threatens your reputation (nightmare setup) 02:00 ‘Go-away pricing’, red flags & endless meetings 05:00 Stalemate, terms, and the non-refundable deposit 06:15 The threat + the 1-star review hits 08:18 Posting it on LinkedIn—community flips the script 10:00 Why it strengthened my reputation 12:00 Lessons: boundaries, meetings, and saying no 13:00 Phoenix Programme can help with this My site: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk Phoenix Programme: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/phoenix-programme Podcast page: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/podcast

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 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