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Practical advice on websites and SEO.

Articles from the studio, written to help you make better decisions about your website.

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Latest articles

How much does SEO cost in the UK?

October 29, 2026

How much does SEO cost in the UK?

How much does SEO cost in the UK? It depends on how competitive your market is and how much work your site needs, and most SEO is paid for monthly rather than as a one-off. Our own SEO starts from £500 a month. Below, we explain how SEO is priced, what a month with us…

How much does a website cost in the UK?

October 29, 2026

How much does a website cost in the UK?

How much does a website cost in the UK? It depends on who builds it and what it needs to do: a website builder is a monthly fee plus your own time, while a custom site from a studio is a bigger one-off cost with the work done for you. Our own projects typically start…

AI Overviews SEO: how to show up in Google’s AI answers

October 20, 2026

AI Overviews SEO: how to show up in Google’s AI answers

There's no separate trick to AI Overviews SEO. Google says a page only has to be indexed and eligible to show in search with a snippet, and that there are no extra requirements beyond that. In our view, that makes the job good SEO: answer the question clearly near the top of the page, on…

The web design process: what happens and how long it takes

October 13, 2026

The web design process: what happens and how long it takes

The web design process for most websites follows the same steps: a first call and brief, planning the pages, the words and images, design, build, review and launch, then looking after the site afterwards. As a rough guide, most websites take four to eight weeks from the first call to launch, with online shops and…

Shopify vs WooCommerce: how to choose for your online shop

September 22, 2026

Shopify vs WooCommerce: how to choose for your online shop

Shopify vs WooCommerce mostly comes down to how much of the shop you want to own and look after. Shopify is the quicker start if you want a shop running soon with little to maintain. WooCommerce suits shops that want their own site, freedom over their pages and no platform fee on top of their…

Ecommerce SEO tips: product and category pages that rank

September 8, 2026

Ecommerce SEO tips: product and category pages that rank

The best ecommerce SEO tips come back to one idea: give each search its own page. Brand and category pages are for broad searches like "frying pans" or a brand name, and product pages are for model names. Keep the products at the top, write your own product titles and descriptions, and make sure Google…

Parish council website accessibility: the rules in plain English

August 25, 2026

Parish council website accessibility: the rules in plain English

Parish council website accessibility is a legal duty, not a nice extra. The accessibility regulations for public sector websites cover parish and town councils, and in practice that means two things: making your website meet the standard GOV.UK's guidance sets, WCAG 2.2 AA, and publishing an accessibility statement that says how well it does and…

Website migration SEO: how we moved our own website, step by step

August 11, 2026

Website migration SEO: how we moved our own website, step by step

Website migration SEO is mostly preparation: list every old address that has search history or links, send each one to the closest new page in a single redirect, then test them all on launch day. That's what we did when we moved our own site to a new build, and these are the steps that…

How long does SEO take? What we’ve seen with real clients

July 28, 2026

How long does SEO take? What we’ve seen with real clients

How long does SEO take? For most businesses it's months rather than weeks, and how many depends on where your site starts, how competitive your searches are and how much work goes in each month. Below, we explain what changes the timing, what to look for early on, and what two of our clients told…

Do I own my website? Domain, hosting and content explained

July 14, 2026

Do I own my website? Domain, hosting and content explained

"Do I own my website?" comes down to four things: the domain name, the hosting, the site's design and content, and the logins. If the domain is registered to you, you have the admin logins and you can get a full copy of the site, you're in a good position to move it when you…

How to respond to Google reviews, and how to get more of them

June 23, 2026

How to respond to Google reviews, and how to get more of them

The best way to respond to Google reviews is to reply to every one, good or bad: thank the person by name, mention what you did for them, and for a bad one, say sorry where it's due, give the facts once and offer to sort it out directly. To get more reviews, ask soon…

SEO for a new website: what to set up before and after launch

June 9, 2026

SEO for a new website: what to set up before and after launch

SEO for a new website starts before launch: get the basics right in the build, help Google find the site on launch day, then keep an eye on how Google is reading it over the first few weeks. A brand-new site has no history with Google, so give it time to show for anything competitive.…

Wix, Squarespace or WordPress for a business website?

May 26, 2026

Wix, Squarespace or WordPress for a business website?

Squarespace vs WordPress (and Wix) comes down to one question: do you want the quickest way to get a site up, or a site you own outright that can grow with the business? Squarespace and Wix are quick to start and fine for a simple site you'll run yourself. For a business that wants to…

A local SEO checklist for showing on the map

May 12, 2026

A local SEO checklist for showing on the map

This local SEO checklist covers what it takes to show on the Google map: a complete, accurate Business Profile, a steady flow of genuine reviews and a website that backs up what the profile says. Google says local results are mainly based on three things: relevance (how well your profile matches the search), distance (how…

How to choose an SEO agency: the questions worth asking

April 28, 2026

How to choose an SEO agency: the questions worth asking

The best way to choose an SEO agency is to look at what they'll actually do each month and how they'll show you it's working, not at promises about rankings. Ask the questions below before you sign anything and you'll soon see who's worth talking to. Most business owners don't hire an SEO agency often,…

How to write a website brief (with a template)

April 14, 2026

How to write a website brief (with a template)

A website brief tells a web designer what your business does, what the site needs to do and what you need on it, so they can give you an accurate price and timeline. It doesn't need to be long. A page that covers the points below is plenty, and you'll find a template at the…

How to Reverse Engineer Your Competitor’s SEO Strategy

March 24, 2026

How to Reverse Engineer Your Competitor’s SEO Strategy

As part of the fundamentals of SEO for website visibility, studying how competitors achieve strong search performance can provide valuable insights for improving your own SEO strategy.

The Best Free Tools for Technical SEO Audits in 2026

March 20, 2026

The Best Free Tools for Technical SEO Audits in 2026

A website may contain valuable content, but if search engines struggle to access or interpret its pages, search visibility will remain limited.

Maximising ROI with Google Ads and PPC Strategies

March 17, 2026

Maximising ROI with Google Ads and PPC Strategies

Many businesses invest in Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns to drive measurable traffic and leads.

How Search Intent Is Becoming More Important Than Keywords

March 13, 2026

How Search Intent Is Becoming More Important Than Keywords

Search behaviour has evolved alongside advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative Search. While keywords remain important for visibility, they are no longer the primary factor determining search performance. Today, the real advantage lies in understanding search intent. The focus now is on content that answers user needs rather than relying solely on keyword targeting.…

Why Website Analytics Matter for SEO, UX, and Brand Growth

February 23, 2026

Why Website Analytics Matter for SEO, UX, and Brand Growth

Website analytics connect search engine optimisation (SEO), user experience (UX), and brand outcomes by showing what actually happens when people visit your site, providing teams with the insights needed to make informed decisions. Used properly, website analytics help business owners, marketers, and performance teams understand priorities, uncover opportunities, and improve results across search visibility, usability,…

How to Optimise Your Website Structure for Better SEO

February 20, 2026

How to Optimise Your Website Structure for Better SEO

Website structure affects how search engines crawl your content and how easily users can navigate your site. When it is clear and logical, it supports visibility, usability, and long-term search engine optimisation (SEO) performance. For businesses across Manchester and the UK, the site framework should be treated as an ongoing priority. As content expands and…

Structured Data Is Increasing Visibility in Search Results

January 30, 2026

Structured Data Is Increasing Visibility in Search Results

As search results become more dynamic, structured data has evolved from a technical element into a vital communication channel between websites and search engines. It adds context, highlights essential information, and powers richer search listings that stand out in crowded results. For organisations and agencies, this transforms how visibility is planned and measured. This development…

Topical Authority Is Now More Important Than Keyword Volume

January 30, 2026

Topical Authority Is Now More Important Than Keyword Volume

For a long time, SEO strategies centred on keyword volume, density, and page-level optimisation. These signals shaped how content was written, structured, and prioritised in search results. However, that approach no longer matches how search engines assess relevance or how people search for information today. What has taken its place is a broader, more contextual…

How to choose the best CMS: WordPress vs Alternatives

December 23, 2025

How to choose the best CMS: WordPress vs Alternatives

Picking a Content Management System (CMS) supports how your website will function and scale. Whether you’re evaluating WordPress vs Webflow or researching system alternatives, the platform you go for influences both the user experience and your ability to manage content. Before choosing a platform, it’s important to look at the features and requirements to know…

How To Use Digital Marketing Strategies To Grow Your Business

December 15, 2025

How To Use Digital Marketing Strategies To Grow Your Business

Growing a business today requires more than a great product or strong word-of-mouth. This is because customers now search online before they buy, compare brands on social media, and expect useful content that answers their questions. Digital marketing strategies help you get in front of these audiences, build trust, and convert interest into measurable growth.…

Must-Have Accessibility Features for User-Friendly Websites

November 13, 2025

Must-Have Accessibility Features for User-Friendly Websites

Must-Have Accessibility Features for User-Friendly Websites Website accessibility determines whether all users can navigate, understand, and interact with online content regardless of their abilities. When you build accessible sites, you expand your audience and meet legal requirements whilst improving the overall user experience for everyone. Why accessibility matters for user-friendly websites Approximately 16% of the…

Cache Management for Faster Website Load Times

November 10, 2025

Cache Management for Faster Website Load Times

Cache Management for Faster Website Load Times Website speed determines whether visitors stay or leave. A one-second delay in page load time results in a 7% reduction in conversions. Users expect pages to load in under three seconds. Cache management is the technical foundation for meeting this expectation. Implementing caching correctly can significantly enhance your…

How Cloudflare Enhances Website Security and Performance

October 30, 2025

How Cloudflare Enhances Website Security and Performance

How Cloudflare Enhances Website Security and Performance Cloudflare is a content delivery network (CDN) and internet security service that functions as a reverse proxy between visitors and web servers. The platform routes traffic through its global network of more than 330 data centres across 125 countries before it reaches the origin server. This setup allows…

8 Signs It’s Time for a Website Redesign

October 6, 2025

8 Signs It’s Time for a Website Redesign

8 Signs It’s Time for a Website Redesign Deciding when to redesign your website is rarely straightforward. Many business owners worry about cost or disruption and, therefore, need a website refresh but hesitate to act. However, delaying a website redesign can cost more in lost credibility and sales than timely improvements. Why a Website Redesign…

Top Tips to Improve Your Page Load Speed

September 29, 2025

Top Tips to Improve Your Page Load Speed

Top Tips to Improve Your Page Load Speed Improving page load speed can seem tricky at first. With so many factors to consider, from images and code to hosting and scripts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But even minor improvements make a big difference, and the impact goes far beyond technical performance. Faster pages mean…

Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Web Design Company

September 15, 2025

Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Web Design Company

Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Web Design Company Choosing a web design company is pivotal for any business aiming to establish a strong online presence. The right website design agency can transform your brand, boost engagement, and drive measurable results. However, a poor choice can lead to frustration and wasted resources. To ensure…

Web Design That Converts: Data-Driven Insights for UK Brands

September 10, 2025

Web Design That Converts: Data-Driven Insights for UK Brands

Web Design That Converts: Data-Driven Insights for UK Brands We’ve been thinking about this quite a lot recently: how many brilliant UK businesses are still losing customers before they even get a proper chance to show what they’re about. It’s not always the product or service that’s the problem. More often than not, it’s the…

SEO: The Ultimate Guide to Search Engine Optimisation in 2025

September 4, 2025

SEO: The Ultimate Guide to Search Engine Optimisation in 2025

SEO: The Ultimate Guide to Search Engine Optimisation in 2025 Introduction: Why SEO Still Matters in 2025 When we started working in digital marketing years ago, SEO seemed difficult for people without technical skills. Although the methods have changed significantly since then, SEO continues to be a reliable way to achieve online visibility, and it…

Engaging Users with Animated Website Design

August 25, 2025

Engaging Users with Animated Website Design

Engaging Users with Animated Website Design Did you know that 88% of users avoid returning to websites with a poor user experience? In today’s digital landscape, where attention spans are fleeting and competition is fierce, capturing and maintaining user interest has become more challenging than ever. Static websites, while functional, often fail to create that…

Website Security Tips to Protect Your Site Now

August 13, 2025

Website Security Tips to Protect Your Site Now

Website Security Tips to Protect Your Site Now When we first began building websites, we quickly learned that security isn’t just a concern for large companies. After a number of our clients came to us with hacked websites and compromised customer data, it became clear that every website, regardless of size, needs robust protection. What…

How Core Web Vitals Impact Your Website’s SEO

August 7, 2025

How Core Web Vitals Impact Your Website’s SEO

How Core Web Vitals Impact Your Website’s SEO When we first heard about Core Web Vitals, we thought it was just another technical buzzword Google threw at us. But after digging deeper and seeing how it actually affects real websites, we’ve come to understand why site performance directly affects search visibility and user engagement in…

Guide to Designing High-Converting Landing Pages

July 30, 2025

Guide to Designing High-Converting Landing Pages

Guide to Designing High-Converting Landing Pages Landing pages can be challenging. Many businesses invest heavily in paid advertisements, only to see potential customers leave their landing page quickly. This is frustrating, but a well-designed landing page can significantly impact whether you waste your marketing budget or grow your business. Many people misunderstand landing pages. They…

Enhancing User Experience with Custom 404 Pages

July 23, 2025

Enhancing User Experience with Custom 404 Pages

Enhancing User Experience with Custom 404 Pages We’ve all been there. You’re browsing a website, click on a promising link, and suddenly you’re staring at a stark, uninspiring page telling you that what you’re looking for doesn’t exist. It’s frustrating, even a bit embarrassing. But here’s the thing: this moment of confusion doesn’t have to…

Modern Typography: Crafting a Website That Connects

June 26, 2025

Modern Typography: Crafting a Website That Connects

Modern Typography: Crafting a Website That Connects Are you wondering how to make your website stand out and turn visitors into loyal customers? We’ve got you covered. In 2025, choosing the right fonts can transform your site into something special. It’s not just about picking a style; it’s about creating a website that feels welcoming,…

6 Benefits of Professional Web Design for Your Business

June 15, 2025

6 Benefits of Professional Web Design for Your Business

6 Benefits of Professional Web Design for Businesses in 2025 In 2025, your website is your business’s first impression, and it needs to grab attention. Research shows that 75% of individuals assess your credibility solely based on the design of your website. That’s why collaborating with a skilled web design agency is a smart strategy…