Blog · Topic 3 of 7
Working out what to spend
What a website really costs, what SEO is worth paying for, and whether to buy it outright or monthly.
All 6
Every guide in this topic.
Newest first. Each one stands on its own — there is no order you have to read them in.
Do you actually need an online shop, or just a website?Plenty of small businesses ask for an online shop when a simpler, cheaper website would do the job. Here's a genuine way to tell which camp you're in.5 min · September 2026Five years of one online shop: what actually moved the numbersFive years managing one online shop taught me what actually moves the numbers: stock accuracy, a Google feed, and shipping that handles VAT and customs on its own.4 min · September 2026What you're actually paying for with ongoing website managementThe monthly fee covers "everything." Here's exactly what that means: hosting, SSL, security updates, content changes, uptime monitoring — and exactly what the commitment is.4 min · September 2026Is it worth paying for SEO as a tradesperson?Honest expectations on what SEO can actually do for a trades business, what's worth paying for, and what to avoid.October 2025Pay monthly vs upfront website: which is right for you?Both payment models have real pros and cons. Here's an honest breakdown to help you decide which approach fits your situation.September 2025How much does a tradesperson website cost?An honest breakdown of what tradespeople actually pay for a website — from DIY builders to agencies — and how to decide what's right for you.July 2025
Other topics
The other 6.
Every guide in the library sits under one of 7 topics, and the topics are problems rather than industries.
Showing up in local search6 guidesLocal searchGetting found in the first place4 guidesStarting from nothingDeciding what goes on the site4 guidesPages and copyWhat a site needs, sector by sector7 guidesWorked examplesMaking it fast and usable4 guidesDesign and speedThe tools around the website5 guidesEmail and admin