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

Holly Christie (Website Design Business Mentor)
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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. Website Designer Playbook: Less Chaos - More Cash

    4H AGO

    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 the Phoenix Programme Find out more about joining the Phoenix Programme Phoenix Programme

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

    NOV 3

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

    OCT 20

    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

  4. OCT 13 · 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
  5. Template shops that actually sell

    OCT 6

    Template shops that actually sell

    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

    20 min
  6. Stop Hiding! Why Faceless Website Design Websites Don’t Win Clients

    SEP 22

    Stop Hiding! Why Faceless Website Design Websites Don’t Win Clients

    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

    14 min
  7. Should you list your bespoke website design prices?

    SEP 8

    Should you list your bespoke website design prices?

    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

    15 min
  8. Where to begin as a brand new web designer

    AUG 25

    Where to begin as a brand new web designer

    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

    22 min
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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/

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