Being transparent in your pricing is relationship building. I'm not saying you need to put the price of every single thing your offer but I would I really encourage you to put a 'from' price.

For someone coming to look at your site and services and if they really connect with you a from price helps make a cost decision before either of you hop on a call.

That said, it's important to have offers at different price points that they can see, so they see what works for their budget. It opens the door, rather than, door is closed you can't afford it, off you go.

I feel that's not a good experience for anybody. I want people to feel comfortable and spend the free consultation or discovery call having honest conversations about their business and website needs.

Which website platform is right for you and your business? Is WordPress or Squarespace the answer to supporting and growing your business?

1. What is WordPress?

WordPress is a flexible, open-source content management system (CMS) that powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. WordPress comes in two flavours: WordPress.com, which is a managed hosting solution, and WordPress.org, which is the self-hosted version.

WordPress.org is what most people mean when they talk about WordPress in the context of building professional websites. It offers limitless customisation possibilities through themes, plugins, and the ability to access and modify the site’s underlying code. However, building a WordPress site may require more technical know-how or the assistance of a developer depending of the  theme you choose and the functions your website needs.

2. What is Squarespace?

Squarespace is an all-in-one website building platform that allows users to design, create, and manage a website without needing technical expertise. It offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, pre-designed templates, and built-in hosting, making it an attractive option for small business owners, creatives, and anyone looking to quickly launch a website without dealing with the complexities of web development.

Squarespace is a closed-source platform, meaning the company fully controls its ecosystem. While this makes it simpler to use, it also limits flexibility in terms of customisation compared to other website-building tools.

3. Managed Hosting vs Self-Hosted

One key difference between WordPress and Squarespace is how hosting is handled.

WordPress.org is self-hosted, which means you are responsible for finding your own web hosting provider (I recommend SiteGround* if you're looking for hosting). While this gives you control over your hosting environment and potential costs, it also means you're responsible for handling backups, updates, security, and server configurations unless you use a managed WordPress hosting provider.

Squarespace is a fully managed hosting platform, meaning the hosting, domain management, and site security are all taken care of by Squarespace itself. You don’t need to find a separate hosting provider, worry about server maintenance, or handle technical backend issues. It’s perfect for users who want a hands-off experience.

4. Open Source vs Closed Source

The nature of the platform (open vs. closed source) plays a big role in what you can do with it.

WordPress is open source. This means anyone can access the code, modify it, and contribute to it. This open-source nature offers ultimate flexibility and control over your website. You can install any plugin, create custom features, and modify the code to fit your exact needs. The only limitations are your technical knowledge or your budget to hire a developer.

Squarespace is closed source. This means its code is controlled by the company. You can use the tools and features provided by Squarespace, but you can’t modify the platform beyond what is allowed within the interface. This is ideal for users who want a no-fuss experience, but it’s limiting for those who want deep customisation or more complex website functionality.

5. WordPress vs Squarespace: A Direct Comparison

* I offer a WordPress maintenance and support (Peace of Mind) Plan to handle security, updates and hosting for those who don't have the time or don't want to do it themselves.

The Pros & Cons of WordPress

WordPress Pros:

Ultimate Flexibility: WordPress allows you to create any type of website, from blogs to eCommerce stores, portfolios, and membership sites.

Vast Ecosystem: WordPress boasts over 50,000 plugins and thousands of themes, which gives you the ability to add nearly any feature you can imagine.

Customisation: With access to the source code, you can customise every aspect of your site.

Community Support: The WordPress community is massive, and there are countless tutorials, forums, and resources to help you along the way.

Scalability: WordPress is highly scalable, making it suitable for both small websites and large-scale enterprises.

WordPress Cons:

Learning Curve: WordPress can be daunting for beginners, especially when it comes to handling customisations, security, and maintenance.

Maintenance: You are responsible for keeping your WordPress installation, plugins, and themes up to date. If things break, you have to troubleshoot or hire help.

Costs Can Add Up: Although WordPress itself is free, premium themes and developer costs (if needed) can add up.

Who is WordPress Best For?

WordPress is best for users who want total control over their website and are comfortable (or willing to hire help) handling technical aspects such as hosting, security, and updates. It’s also ideal for businesses or individuals who need a highly customisable, scalable platform and are looking to create complex websites with advanced functionality.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Female WordPress Designer?

The cost of hiring a WordPress designer can vary greatly depending on the scope of your project, the designer's experience, and the complexity of the website you need. For basic website designs, you can expect to pay around £2,000.

As a specialist WordPress designer with 12+ years experience my prices start from £4,000 for a customised, feature-rich WordPress site with advanced functionality (such as online shop, membership sites. A high-end custom WordPress design projects can exceed £8,000, especially if you require ongoing support, SEO optimisation, or integrations with other platforms.

The investment is well worth it if you need a tailored, professional website that aligns with your business goals.

The Pros & Cons of Squarespace

The Pros:

Ease of Use: Squarespace is designed for non-technical users. The drag-and-drop editor and user-friendly interface make it easy to build a beautiful website without coding.

All-in-One Solution: With built-in hosting, design tools, and security, Squarespace is a one-stop-shop for building and maintaining a website.

Beautiful Templates: Squarespace is known for its visually appealing templates that are optimised for mobile devices.

Support: Squarespace provides 24/7 customer support to handle technical issues, which can be a major advantage for non-tech-savvy users.

The Cons:

Limited Customisation: You are restricted to the features and templates provided by Squarespace. Custom coding is possible (you'd need a developer) but limited, making it difficult to fully tailor the site to your needs.

Scaling Limitations: While fine for small to medium-sized websites, Squarespace is not ideal for large-scale websites with complex features.

Cost: Squarespace can become expensive, especially if you need to upgrade to higher-tier plans for eCommerce or advanced features.

Who is Squarespace Best For?

Squarespace is ideal for users who want a simple, easy-to-use platform to build a website without technical knowledge. It’s particularly well-suited for creatives (photographers, artists, designers), small business owners, and anyone who prioritizes aesthetics over extensive functionality. It’s also great for those who want minimal involvement in hosting and maintenance.

Putting the Record Straight - Common Misconceptions About WordPress and Squarespace

Misconception 1: WordPress is too hard to use for beginners.

While there is a learning curve, there are beginner-friendly themes and page builders like Divi and Elementor that make WordPress much more accessible.

Misconception 2: Squarespace is cheaper than WordPress.

While Squarespace bundles hosting and other features in one price, WordPress can actually be cheaper in the long run, depending on the hosting provider and the features you use.

Misconception 3: WordPress is only for blogging.

WordPress started as a blogging platform, but it has evolved into a robust CMS capable of handling any type of website, from eCommerce to membership and course sites.

Misconception 4: Squarespace sites are bad for SEO.

Squarespace offers basic SEO tools, and for most small businesses, these are more than enough. However, WordPress offers more advanced SEO options for those who want to take their optimisation to the next level.

Need help with your WordPress website?

Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your current WordPress site, with over 12+ years experience, I offer expert WordPress design and development services. Get in touch today, and let's create a website that helps your business grow!

Looking to DIY with a WordPress template? Visit my WordPress Template Shop to find the perfect look for your site.

Here are 3 fun and creative ways to infuse your website with fresh energy, ensuring it’s working wonders for your business.

1. Give It a bit of a Design Glow Up

Just like sprucing up for date night, your website deserves to look its best too! If your site is feeling a little drab or outdated, consider a design refresh. Even small changes like updating fonts, colours, or switching out old images for more modern, vibrant ones can make a big impact.

Try a new color scheme: Add pops of color or go for a sleek, minimalist design that reflects your brand’s evolution.

Update your branding: If your branding has changed over time, now might be the perfect moment to give your logo a little revamp to match your current vibe.

Freshen up your images: Replace outdated or low-quality images with high-resolution photos or graphics that really shine (or glow!).

2. Keep it Fresh With New Content

Content is the heartbeat of your website. Just like any good relationship, your website thrives when you get rid of what’s no longer serving it. Declutter and simplify your site for a more streamlined experience.

Keep things current and exciting by adding fresh blog posts, updating your portfolio, or creating a new landing page that connects with your audience.

A bit cheesy, but write a Valentine’s-themed blog post: Get playful and tie your business into the holiday! Share love stories related to your products/services or create a "gift guide" featuring your offerings.

Feature customer testimonials: Nothing says love like sharing the kind words of your happy clients. Sprinkle their feedback throughout your website for an added boost of credibility.

Create a “What’s New” section: Show visitors you’re constantly growing by updating them on recent projects, new services, or upcoming events.

3. Introduce a Little Animation and Fun

Why not add some fun, interactive elements to make your site a little more exciting for visitors?

Add some humour: Who doesn't like to laugh, inject some fun and your personsality into the more boring/yet essential pages on your website - A 404 page is a great place to start!

Add a subtle animation: Animations, like a gentle button bounce or hover effect, can bring a sense of movement and make your site feel more dynamic and alive.

Use a countdown timer: If you’re running a Valentine’s Day special or promotion, adding a countdown timer creates urgency and excitement for visitors.

Ready to Show Your Website Some Love?

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses and chocolates—it’s about showing care and appreciation where it’s needed most. By giving your website some much-needed attention, you’ll not only fall back in love with your site, but your visitors and customers will too.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or a heart-shaped cookie), sit down with your site, and start making those updates. Your website—and your business—will thank you!

Need help giving your website a little extra love?
Book a call or visit my WordPress Template Shop to find the perfect look for your site. Let’s make sure your website feels the love this Valentine’s Day!

Why blogs are still relevant in 2025:

1. Blogging Drives Organic Traffic

In a world of paid ads and fleeting social media content, blogs stand out as a sustainable way to drive organic traffic.

Well-written, SEO-optimised blog posts rank on search engines and can attract visitors to your website long after they’re published. This long-term visibility makes blogging a vital part of any content marketing strategy. Even in 2025, people turn to search engines for answers, and blogs that provide useful, relevant content continue to rank well.

In a new world of Ai, people will look for a human connection more than ever and your blog is the perfect platform.

2. Blogs Build Authority and Trust

Readers value expertise, and a blog is one of the best platforms to share your knowledge. Whether you're a small business owner, freelancer, or hobbyist, regularly publishing informative, high-quality content establishes you as an authority in your field. As your audience grows, so does their trust in your recommendations, products, or services.

3. Blogs Support a Multichannel Strategy

A blog doesn’t exist in isolation. In 2025, content marketing is about reaching your audience across multiple platforms. Your blog can serve as a central hub for content that can be repurposed into social media posts, email newsletters, videos, and more. It ensures you're offering consistent value across different channels, giving you a competitive edge.

4. Blogs Foster Deeper Engagement

While short-form content on platforms like TikTok or Instagram grabs attention, blogs offer depth that’s hard to achieve elsewhere. Blogging allows you to delve into complex topics, provide detailed guides, and offer valuable resources that engage readers on a deeper level. This helps create a loyal community around your brand or blog.

5. You Control Your Blog

Unlike social media, where algorithms control visibility, your blog is yours. You own the content, the platform (If it's a WordPress site), and the audience. This gives you more control over how you interact with your readers and ensures that you aren’t at the mercy of ever-changing platform rules.

Visitors to your website can see everything you publish or what you decide they can see (and so can Google).

A Strategy for a Successful Blog in 2025

If you’re ready to start a blog in 2025, follow these key steps for long-term success:

1. Choose Your Blog Focus Carefully

Your blog needs a clear focus to stand out. Decide on your content buckets (also known as content pillars or categories), broad topics or themes that help you organise your content strategy. They should represent the main areas of your business/brand on your blog, ensuring your content remains structured, relevant, and aligned with your audience’s interests. Think of them as the core categories under which all your blog posts can be grouped

Choose what you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in, but also consider the needs of your audience. What problems can you solve? What information can you offer that’s not widely available?

In 2025, the digital world is competitive, so finding a specific focus, being intentional and using your own unqiue voice is essential to avoid getting lost in the crowd.

2. Create high-quality, evergreen blog Content

While trendy topics may bring a temporary boost in traffic, evergreen content—posts that remain relevant over time—offers long-term benefits. Think how-to guides, tutorials, and detailed explainer posts that address common questions in your niche. Make sure your content is well-researched, easy to read, and offers genuine value to your audience. The key is to focus on quality over quantity in 2025.

Optimising for search engines in 2025 is about more than just stuffing keywords—it’s about creating content that satisfies the reader’s needs while signaling value to search engines. My blog post on The Perfectly SEO-Optimised Web Page takes you through the basics to get search engines seeing and showing your content.

4. Be Consistent with Posting

Consistency is key to building a successful blog. Whether you post once a week or twice a month, stick to a schedule so your audience knows when to expect new content. Consistent posting helps you build a loyal following and signals to search engines that your blog is active and worth ranking.

Here are some ideas of what to blog about if you're stuck for inspiration.

Your blog will not be successful if you are not posting regularly. In 2025 I would recommend at a bare minimum of once a month, any less than that and you are really wasting your time.

5. Promote Your Content Across Platforms

Once you’ve created your blog posts, don’t just publish them and hope for the best. Promote them actively across your social media platforms, in email newsletters, and within online communities.

Always repurpose your blog content into bite-sized pieces for Instagram or LinkedIn, or turn it into videos for YouTube or TikTok. A multichannel approach ensures you reach a wider audience and keep them coming back to your blog.

6. Engage with Your Audience

Blogging is not just about publishing content—it’s about building a relationship with your readers. Respond to comments, encourage feedback, and create a sense of community around your blog. Engaging with your audience helps build trust and fosters a loyal following.

7. Measure and Improve

Track your blog’s performance with tools like Google Analytics to see what’s working and what’s not.

Which posts are driving the most traffic? What’s resonating with your audience? Use this data to refine your content strategy, optimise your SEO efforts, and continuously improve your blog over time.

2. Meta Description

Ideal length: 150-160 characters.

Optimisation: Include the main keyword and a call to action or enticing reason to click.

Unique for Each Page: Avoid duplicating meta descriptions across pages.

Example: Discover the best running shoes for women in 2024. Top picks for comfort, durability, and style—shop now for your perfect fit!

4. Header Tags (H1, H2, H3…)

H1: The main title of the page should be wrapped in an H1 tag and include the primary keyword.

Example: Best Running Shoes for Women 2024

H2 & H3: Use subheadings (H2, H3) for section titles and include secondary keywords or variations of the main keyword.

Example H2: Top Features to Look for in Women's Running Shoes

Example H3: Comfort and Cushioning: Key Features for Long Runs

6. Body Content

Keyword Optimisation: Naturally incorporate the target keyword and related terms throughout the content. Avoid keyword stuffing, but ensure relevancy.

Content Depth: Aim for a detailed, well-researched piece—typically 1,000+ words—depending on the topic.

Scannable Format: Use short paragraphs, bullet points, numbered lists, and bold text for important points.

Engagement: Keep the content reader-friendly with a conversational tone. Use questions, facts, and actionable advice.

Multimedia: Add images, videos, infographics, and other media to enhance the page's value and keep users engaged.

Internal Links: Link to other relevant pages on your website to enhance user navigation and internal page authority.

External Links: Link to high-quality, authoritative external sources to add credibility and improve the page’s trustworthiness.

8. Call to Action (CTA)

Clear and Visible: Make sure the CTA stands out and directs users on what to do next (e.g., Buy Now, Learn More, Sign Up for Updates).

Placed Strategically: Position CTAs after useful content, in the middle, and at the end to guide the user toward the next step.

10. Mobile Optimisation

Responsive Design: Ensure the page is fully optimized for mobile devices.

Fast Loading Speed: Aim for a mobile-friendly design that loads in under 3 seconds.

Touch-Friendly: Ensure buttons and links are easy to click on mobile devices.

12. User Experience (UX)

Clean Design: Avoid clutter. Keep the layout simple and intuitive. Use white space and break content up into digestible chuncks.

Navigation: Make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for, using clear, intentional menus, breadcrumbs, and internal links.

13. Footer Optimisation

Important Links: Include links to important pages like the About page, Contact Us, Privacy Policy, and other relevant sections.

Email Capture Reinforcement: You can include a reminder to subscribe with another CTA or email capture form.
example: "Looking for more exclusive tips, offers, and product recommendations? Sign up for our newsletter and get all the latest updates directly to your inbox!"

Social Share: Include social sharing buttons (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.) to allow users to share your content and connect on their socials too.

Sitemap: Ensure there’s a link to the XML sitemap, especially for larger websites.