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 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
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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 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
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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.
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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
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
About Websites Made Simple: How to have a successful website design business
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/
Listen to Websites Made Simple: How to have a successful website design business, This is Money Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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