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

Holly Christie (Website Design Business Mentor)
  • 0.0 (0)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Websites Made Simple, a podcast helping you become more successful in your website design business. Most small website design business owners are working hard. Really hard. At the same time they feel like they’re winging it. And their online presence isn't helping them. This podcast is here to change that for you. Holly Christie is founder of website companies, This Demanding Life and Simply Sites. Holly will walk you through the common factors that are stopping you from making a success of your website design business, and how to overcome them, in a way that feels authentic to you. If you’d like to learn more about Holly and her work you can find her at: https://thisdemandinglife.com/ or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollycchristie/

  1. Podcasting For Website Designers: What Works and What Doesn't

    1D AGO

    Podcasting For Website Designers: What Works and What Doesn't

    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

    13 min
  2. Vibe Coding: Sounds Clever. Here's Why it's Total Crap

    12/29/2025

    Vibe Coding: Sounds Clever. Here's Why it's Total Crap

    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 my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme Free Resources

    11 min
  3. The Website Design Habits Making Users Hate Your Site

    12/15/2025

    The Website Design Habits Making Users Hate Your Site

    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

    17 min
  4. Coaching Failed You — Here’s the Website Designer Mentoring That Won’t

    12/01/2025

    Coaching Failed You — Here’s the Website Designer Mentoring That Won’t

    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 Mentioned in this episode: Join my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme

    12 min
  5. Website Designer Playbook: Less Chaos - More Cash

    11/17/2025

    Website Designer Playbook: Less Chaos - More Cash

    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: How to tell when it’s time to level up your web design businessWhy pricing for value attracts better clientsHow a Website User Manual can save you hours of supportWhat I learned from Lily Atwell-Rowan and Mike Fox about smart systemsHow the Phoenix Program helps you scale with less chaos and more cash 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 my Sparks Group Mentoring Programme

    25 min
  6. One-Star Review For Your Website Design Business? Great News! Here's Why...

    11/03/2025

    One-Star Review For Your Website Design Business? Great News! Here's Why...

    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

    14 min
  7. How to handle those 'pain in the arse' website clients

    10/20/2025

    How to handle those 'pain in the arse' website clients

    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

    16 min

  8. 10/13/2025 · BONUS

    Ready to transform your career as a web designer or developer?

    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.

    10 min
See All (51)

Trailer

About

Welcome to Websites Made Simple, a podcast helping you become more successful in your website design business. Most small website design business owners are working hard. Really hard. At the same time they feel like they’re winging it. And their online presence isn't helping them. This podcast is here to change that for you. Holly Christie is founder of website companies, This Demanding Life and Simply Sites. Holly will walk you through the common factors that are stopping you from making a success of your website design business, and how to overcome them, in a way that feels authentic to you. If you’d like to learn more about Holly and her work you can find her at: https://thisdemandinglife.com/ or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollycchristie/

Information

You Might Also Like