Hi, I'm Steve. I build websites that actually work.
I'm a web designer, SEO strategist, and digital marketer rolled into one. No agency overhead, no account managers, no games. Just honest work that grows your business.
Steve
Founder & Designer
How I got here
I didn't set out to become a web designer. I studied business, took a job in marketing, and spent a few years watching companies burn money on digital campaigns that never quite delivered. The common thread? Almost every struggling campaign pointed back to the same problem — a website that wasn't doing its job.
So I started teaching myself. HTML, CSS, JavaScript. Then WordPress, then performance optimisation, then SEO. I stayed up too many nights reading Google's documentation and dissecting why some sites ranked and others didn't. Eventually, friends started asking me to build their business websites. Word spread.
In 2019 I went all-in and launched Web Design by Steve as a proper freelance studio. I've since built websites for florists, plumbers, accountants, law firms, e-commerce brands, and everything in between. What I've learned is that the industry and the size of your business matter a lot less than I expected — what matters is having a clear message, a site that loads fast, and a consistent strategy for getting in front of the right people.
Today I run a small, deliberately lean studio. I don't have a team of juniors. I don't outsource your project to someone you've never met. When you hire me, you get me — for every email, every design decision, every strategy conversation.
My philosophy
Three things I believe deeply about web design and digital marketing for small businesses.
Results over aesthetics
A beautiful website that doesn't generate enquiries is a vanity project. I design with conversion in mind from the first wireframe — every section has a job to do.
One person, full accountability
No account managers. No "I'll have to check with the team." You talk to the person doing the work. Decisions happen faster, nothing gets lost in translation, and you know exactly who to hold responsible.
No jargon, no surprises
I'll explain everything in plain English. You'll always know what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, and what it costs. No hidden fees, no scope creep without a conversation first.
Skills & expertise
I've spent years sharpening a very specific set of skills aimed at one outcome: making small businesses more successful online. Here's what I bring to every project.
Web Design & Development
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Astro, WordPress, Webflow
SEO Strategy
Keyword research, on-page optimisation, technical SEO, local SEO
Google Ads (PPC)
Search campaigns, Shopping, Display, Performance Max
Meta Advertising
Facebook & Instagram Ads, retargeting, audience building
Email Marketing
Campaign strategy, copywriting, automation flows
Analytics & Reporting
Google Analytics 4, Search Console, Looker Studio dashboards
Copywriting
Web copy, landing pages, ad copy, blog content
By the numbers
Tools I use
A bit about me beyond the work
I think it matters that you know who you're working with — not just what certificates I hold.
Coffee first, always
I do my best thinking in the first two hours of the morning with a strong flat white. If you email me at 7am you'll probably get a reply before 8.
Runner in training
I run 4 days a week and I'm working toward my first half-marathon. It keeps me sane and honest — results take consistent effort, in fitness and in business.
Perpetual student
I read 2–3 books a month, mostly around business, behaviour, and technology. The industry moves fast and I genuinely love keeping up with it.
Based in the UK, working globally
I'm based in the UK but I've worked with clients from Australia to North America. Timezone differences? We'll figure it out.
Let's build something great together
Ready to talk? I'd love to hear about your business and figure out where I can help. No sales pitch, no commitment required.