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

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 panicWhat to write under a 1-star reviewTurn a bad review into social proof on LinkedInRed flags: endless meetings, too many stakeholdersBoundaries in contracts & terms that actually holdChapters:00:00 When a client threatens your reputation (nightmare setup)02:00 ‘Go-away pricing’, red flags & endless meetings05:00 Stalemate, terms, and the non-refundable deposit06:15 The threat + the 1-star review hits08:18 Posting it on LinkedIn—community flips the script10:00 Why it strengthened my reputation12:00 Lessons: boundaries, meetings, and saying no13:00 Phoenix Programme can help with thisMy site: https://websitesmadesimple.co.ukPhoenix Programme: https://websitesmadesimple.co.uk/phoenix-programmePodcast 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 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 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 ResourcesWebsites 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. 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 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/hollycchristiewebsitesmadesimple.co.ukCompanies mentioned in this episode: Crocoblocks Elementor Divi Neve Timestamped summary00:00 "Boost Your Design: Ditch Elementor"06:34 "Client Needs and Software Flexibility"08:32 Elementor Updates: Challenges and Limitations11:06 Elementor Usage Insights on LinkedInMentioned 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.ukCompanies mentioned in this episode: Websites Made Simple Wix Squarespace Mentioned in this episode:Websites Made Simple CoursesCheck out our Websites Made Simple courses!Websites Made Simple Courses

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 loves WordPress and has tried just about every option out there, I’ll explain why some free platforms are industry favourites, and why investing in premium themes and plugins could actually save you a ton of time and help your business grow. I’ll also walk you through the practical side: how to budget for tools, price your projects right, and invest in what really matters for your workflow and your clients.Whether you’re starting out or looking to take your web design business to the next level, I’m here to give you honest, actionable advice from inside the industry. Timestamped summary00:00 Free Websites Can't Generate Income05:55 Yearly Learning vs. Tools Limitations07:06 Invest in Premium Web ToolsMentioned in this episode:Websites Made Simple CoursesCheck out our Websites Made Simple courses!Websites Made Simple Courses

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 include in your website design contracts. I share the essentials from my own real-world experience: how to create agreements that keep both you and your clients accountable, why you need detailed terms of service alongside your contract, and the must-have clauses to avoid headaches like scope creep, project delays, or ghosting clients.I’ll walk you through practical strategies for outlining timelines, handling changes, protecting your intellectual property, and making sure your liabilities are clear—plus, I’ll offer friendly tips on navigating cancellations and abandoned projects. Whether you’re brand new to contracts or looking to shore up your existing ones, this episode will give you the tools and confidence you need to run your web design business smoothly.So, let’s get started and make sure you—and your clients—are always on the same page!Timestamped summary00:00 Essential Website Design Contract Elements05:29 "Showcase Client Testimonials"08:18 Website Build: Quote and Timeline Management12:42 Project Cancellation and Abandonment Guidelines15:21 Web Design Project Terms & Conditions18:28 Send Terms Before Project StartMentioned in this episode:Websites Made Simple CoursesCheck out our Websites Made Simple courses!Websites Made Simple Courses

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 productivity hacks for web developers that restore momentum in minutes.Quick win you can try today: set a 15-minute timer, tackle the easiest unfinished task on your current build and watch how fast clarity returns. Ready for more? Hit play and get the practical moves that will unstick your web-design projects—starting now.Links referenced in this episode:websitesmadesimple.co.ukthisdemandinglife.comMentioned in this episode:Websites Made Simple CoursesCheck out our Websites Made Simple courses!Websites Made Simple CoursesTurn Negative Feedback Into a Winning Website

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 website to a new one, especially concerning the existing URLs that search engines have already indexed. I always emphasise the critical importance of not discarding the old website prematurely; rather, there are effective techniques I use to construct the new site and safeguard SEO integrity. I'll share them all with you in this episode.Links referenced in this episode:courses.thisdemandinglife.comscreamingfrog.comwebsitesmadesimple.co.ukTools mentioned in this episode: Screaming Frog Elementor (sorry, not sorry)Mentioned in this episode:Websites Made Simple CoursesCheck out our Websites Made Simple courses!Websites Made Simple Courses

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 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.comwebsitesmadesimple.co.ukCompanies mentioned in this episode: Reddit LinkedIn Yoast Divi Elementor Avada Mentioned in this episode:Websites Made Simple CoursesCheck 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 episodeThis 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.comthisdemandinglife.comwebsitesmadesimple.co.uk00:00 Web Design Autonomy04:02 Managing Indecisive Design Clients07:12 Managing Website Features & Expectations12:21 Website Builder Challenges and Best Practices16:16 Attracting Ideal Web Design Clients18:54 Personalised Web Design Collaboration21:19 Enhancing Client RelationshipsMentioned in this episode:Turn Negative Feedback Into a Winning WebsiteWebsites Made Simple CoursesCheck 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 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 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. Next steps to take with meMy courses - courses.thisdemandinglife.comMy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollycchristie/Tools mentioned in this episode:wetransfer.comcanva.comtrello.comvimeo.comtidycal.comzoom.usfreeagent.comgocardless.comstripe.comscreamingfrog.co.ukthisdemandinglife.comlinkedin.com/in/hollychristie

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 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.comMentioned in this episode:Turn Negative Feedback Into a Winning WebsiteWebsites Made Simple CoursesCheck out our Websites Made Simple courses!Websites Made Simple Courses

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 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?...Timestamped summary00:00 Email Lists: Engage Beyond Websites05:42 Streamlined Client Engagement Strategy10:19 Newsletter Engagement Strategies11:21 Boost Sales with Simple Website TweaksNext steps to take with meMy courses - courses.thisdemandinglife.comMy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollycchristie/Mentioned in this episode:Websites Made Simple CoursesCheck out our Websites Made Simple courses!Websites Made Simple Courses