The phenomenon of scope creep is a pervasive challenge that besets web developers, often arising from the desire to appease clients. I share my strategies for mitigating this issue, ensuring that projects remain true to their original parameters. It's imperative to establish clear boundaries at the onset of any project, thereby preventing the gradual expansion of client demands that can lead to disarray.

You'll need effective communication and structured processes, which not only safeguard the integrity of the project but also foster a positive relationship with clients.

By adopting these practices, we can maintain both the quality of our work and the satisfaction of our clients, ultimately leading to a more successful and enjoyable web design career.

Listen to hear my advice on how to handle client scope creep in your website design business.

Links referenced in this episode:

• websitesmadesimple.co.uk

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Websites Made Simple
• Wix
• Squarespace

Mentioned in this episode:

Websites Made Simple Courses

Check out our Websites Made Simple courses!

Websites Made Simple Courses

Welcome to “Websites Made Simple.” I’m Holly Christie; website designer, mentor, and the host of this podcast.

In this episode I’m pulling back the curtain on the real cost of free website tools.

I’ll be sharing my personal insights and experiences, helping you figure out when those tempting free tools are actually a smart move - and when they’re more trouble than they’re worth.

As someone who loves WordPress and has tried just about every option out there, I’ll explain why some free platforms are industry favourites, and why investing in premium themes and plugins could actually save you a ton of time and help your business grow.

I’ll also walk you through the practical side: how to budget for tools, price your projects right, and invest in what really matters for your workflow and your clients.

Whether you’re starting out or looking to take your web design business to the next level, I’m here to give you honest, actionable advice from inside the industry.

00:00 Free Websites Can't Generate Income

05:55 Yearly Learning vs. Tools Limitations

07:06 Invest in Premium Web Tools

Mentioned in this episode:

Websites Made Simple Courses

Check out our Websites Made Simple courses!

Websites Made Simple Courses

Welcome to another episode of Websites Made Simple!

I’m Holly Christie, your host, and I’m thrilled to have you here. As someone who’s been in the website design game for over a decade, I know how tricky—and sometimes overwhelming—the world of web design can be, especially when it comes to protecting yourself with the right contracts.

In this episode, I’m explaining what you absolutely need to include in your website design contracts.

I share the essentials from my own real-world experience: how to create agreements that keep both you and your clients accountable, why you need detailed terms of service alongside your contract, and the must-have clauses to avoid headaches like scope creep, project delays, or ghosting clients.

I’ll walk you through practical strategies for outlining timelines, handling changes, protecting your intellectual property, and making sure your liabilities are clear—plus, I’ll offer friendly tips on navigating cancellations and abandoned projects.

Whether you’re brand new to contracts or looking to shore up your existing ones, this episode will give you the tools and confidence you need to run your web design business smoothly.

So, let’s get started and make sure you—and your clients—are always on the same page!

00:00 Essential Website Design Contract Elements

05:29 "Showcase Client Testimonials"

08:18 Website Build: Quote and Timeline Management

12:42 Project Cancellation and Abandonment Guidelines

15:21 Web Design Project Terms & Conditions

18:28 Send Terms Before Project Start

Mentioned in this episode:

Websites Made Simple Courses

Check out our Websites Made Simple courses!

Websites Made Simple Courses