The Blog
Most Popular Posts
Can you use AI to write your website copy?
Have you tried any of the AI tools like ChatGPT yet? What about using AI to write your website copy? Yes you can use AI to write your website copy, although you need to be cautious with how you use it to get something that is going to help rather than hinder your...
11 ways to market your small business without social media
Whoever said "build it and they will come" was wrong (sorry Kevin Costner). At least in the context of a business. You need to market your business. But it takes effort. And time. It's another thing to add to the long to do list when you run a business. And I'm...
4 reasons you shouldn’t display your prices on your website
The issue of whether to display your prices on your website is like marmite. It tends to divide the world into those who believe it is a necessity and those who think it is the worst thing you can do. There are many reasons we hear why you wouldn’t. Here are...
Posts about Websites
What does a website designer actually do?
Many people assume people who build websites like myself spend all day writing code. That may have been true 20 years ago, but the reality today is very different. So if we don't spend our time coding, what does a website designer actually do? In 2011, around 76% of...
12 Questions to ask your Website Designer before you hire them
So you've shortlisted one or more website designers to build your new website. What do you really need to know before you hire them? In this post I'm giving a list of 12 questions you want to answers to, before you hire them. You'll find the answers to some of these...
How to find a Website Designer for your Business
So you're thinking about employing a professional to design and build you a new website? You've decided it's time to take your business to the next level and you know this means you need a website that looks "the business", sets you apart from your competition and...
Can you use AI to write your website copy?
Have you tried any of the AI tools like ChatGPT yet? What about using AI to write your website copy? Yes you can use AI to write your website copy, although you need to be cautious with how you use it to get something that is going to help rather than hinder your...
Which pages should you have on your website?
This mean seem like an easy question to answer but, as I have been finding when I talk with clients in my website business, it's not necessarily the same for everyone. There are some obvious pages that everyone needs. Then it is a question of thinking about what...
7 Tips for Writing Website Copy
It's hard. I get it. You sit down to write the copy (that's words) for your website. You're faced with a blank sheet of paper. And your mind just goes completely blank. You're not alone. It happens to all of us (it certainly happens to me too). I'm not a copywriter,...
Posts about SEO
Can you do your own SEO?
I've had a couple of conversations recently where potential clients have had someone do their SEO in the past or they're talking to other website developers who are emphasising the SEO work they do on websites as part of their website design/build services. And...
Quick and Easy SEO tips for small businesses
Did you know that 87% of adults in the UK are online each day (according to the ONS)? But only about 67% use social media each day (according to Statista)? Many of those who aren’t on social media are big online users. I know quite a few busy...
How to use your website to attract and book clients
There’s a lot of hype at the moment around passive income. But many of us would prefer passive marketing. Not to have to endlessly feed the social media animal. Wouldn't it be great if our website did all the work? If it attracted and booked clients?...
Posts about Marketing
Should you be investing in your business now?
As the economic headwinds blow, looking at the costs of your business and what you can cut back on is a good idea. In fact, I'd say it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the costs of your business. There are some costs you need to pay to keep your business...
How to market your business when you have little time
There are lots of demands on our time when we run our own business. There's the actual client work itself, but there's also admin, accounts, preparation for client work and, of course, sales and marketing. And for many of us, marketing our business falls to the bottom...
10 Things I’ve learnt about podcasting (from almost 50 episodes)
As you may know, I have a podcast, the Website Coach which I launched in October 2022. As I'm approaching my 50th episode I thought it would be good to look back and think about what I've learnt about podcasting and the impact having a podcast has had on my business....
7 Social Media Content Ideas for Summer
It's the summer holidays and you probably don't have much time (or the inclination) to spend creating social media content. I know I don't! It's also the time of year when people spend less time on social media so views/reach and engagement tend to be down. And...
11 ways to market your small business without social media
Whoever said "build it and they will come" was wrong (sorry Kevin Costner). At least in the context of a business. You need to market your business. But it takes effort. And time. It's another thing to add to the long to do list when you run a business. And I'm...
How to attract higher paying clients
Working with higher paying clients is something many business owners dream of. Because higher paying clients means more revenue (and not necessarily more work for that revenue). Or it could mean the same revenue with fewer clients and less hours. And who doesn't want...
Posts about Running a Small Business
Business Books to read this summer
I don't know about you, but summer is the time when I really get the time to read books. I do try and read during the year, but don't get through them at the same rate. In the summer I try to take time off from client work and focus on rest, relaxation, time with the...
Boost Your Business: The Free Business Tools I Use
It has never been easier (or cheaper) to start a business. Ignoring any costs associated with what you "do" (like a camera if you're a photographer) you can start, and run, a business for free. I'm not suggesting you rely entirely on free business tools, but there are...
What does a website designer actually do?
Many people assume people who build websites like myself spend all day writing code. That may have been true 20 years ago, but the reality today is very different. So if we don't spend our time coding, what does a website designer actually do? In 2011, around 76% of...
Using a CRM (Dubsado)
A CRM (Client Relationship Management) tool can make you more organised, save time and ultimately make you/your business come across as more professional. All to the benefit of your clients (or potential clients). I use one called Dubsado. CRMs are useful for all...
Business Books
I'm not a big reader of books. Business books or fiction. I much prefer podcasts. They fit into my lifestyle. I can listen when I walk my dog, Barney, when I'm tackling the laundry mountain or in the car (on my own - my family don't share my love of podcasts). Books...
How to get work done in the school holidays
The school holidays are upon us. And whilst children everywhere are full of joy, there are parents wondering how on earth they're going to survive the next 6 weeks or more. On the one hand there's no rushing from place to place. It is a chance to spend time together...