Author: Simon

  • How to Choose the Right Web Developer in the Black Country (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)

    How to Choose the Right Web Developer in the Black Country (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)

    You’ve finally decided it’s time for a proper website — not another DIY attempt, not another “my mate built it” job, but something that actually brings in leads, looks professional, and works across devices.

    So, you Google “Black Country web design”… and up pop dozens of options.

    But here’s the problem: a fancy homepage doesn’t always mean you’re dealing with a reliable professional.

    In fact, many so-called “web agencies” haven’t touched their own websites since 2018. Some have broken links, empty social media pages, or no contact details at all.

    And if they can’t keep their own site up to date — what does that say about the service you’ll get from them?

    Here’s what to look for when choosing a web developer or designer in the Black Country — and how to avoid getting caught out.


    🚩 Red Flags to Watch Out For

    1. Outdated or Neglected Websites

    If the copyright date still says 2018, that’s a sign. A web designer’s own site is their shopfront — if it looks tired or broken, imagine what’s happening behind the scenes.

    2. Broken Links and Inactive Social Media

    Click through their links. Do the Facebook and Twitter pages actually exist? Are they active? If their own marketing channels are silent, you can bet your website will be treated the same way once the invoice is paid.

    3. “Free Website” Gimmicks

    Some companies promise a £2000 website “for free”. But once you read the fine print, you’ll find hidden fees, hosting lock-ins, and “maintenance” costs that keep you tied to them forever. A good web developer will be transparent about what you own and what you’re paying for.

    4. No Local Presence

    If they claim to serve Dudley, Walsall or Wolverhampton but have no local address or phone number, tread carefully. Working with someone local matters — not just for peace of mind, but for accountability and understanding your market.

    5. No Ongoing Support

    Your website isn’t a one-off project. It needs updates, backups, and proper care. If your developer disappears after launch, you’ll be left scrambling the first time something breaks.


    ✅ What to Look For Instead

    Here’s what separates a solid local developer from the rest:

    • Transparency: Clear pricing, clear ownership, no hidden extras.
    • Local accountability: Someone you can actually meet or ring when needed.
    • Fast, secure, SEO-ready builds: Sites designed for performance and Google visibility from day one.
    • Mobile-first design: Optimised for phones and tablets — because that’s where your customers are.
    • Ongoing support: Regular updates, backups and help when you need it.
    • Real results: Websites that generate leads, not just look pretty.

    When you work with a reputable local business, you’re not just buying a website — you’re investing in a relationship with someone who cares about your business growth as much as you do.



    💬 Final Thoughts

    Don’t just look for the cheapest quote.

    Look for reliability, communication, and proof of consistent, ongoing support.

    A website is often the first impression your customers get of your business — and the right web partner can make that impression count.


    📣 Ready to Build a Website That Works?

    If you want a website that’s fast, secure and built to generate leads — without the fluff or hidden fees — we’d love to help.

    We’re a local team serving Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall and Stourbridge, helping small businesses get online, stay secure and look professional — without breaking the bank.

  • The Wix Editor Struggle: Why “Drag-and-Drop” Isn’t Always Simple

    The Wix Editor Struggle: Why “Drag-and-Drop” Isn’t Always Simple

    Wix sells itself on being easy: “No coding skills needed, just drag and drop!” It sounds perfect for busy small business owners. But once you’ve spent some time inside the Wix editor, the cracks begin to show.

    What should be simple often turns into hours of frustration. Instead of saving time, you end up battling with a clunky system that makes you question whether “easy” is really the right word at all.


    1. Laggy, Buggy, and Resource-Hungry

    Plenty of users complain that the Wix editor:

    • Crashes or freezes mid-edit, losing your changes.
    • Consumes huge amounts of RAM, slowing down your computer.
    • Needs constant reloading just to keep working.

    When all you want to do is update your services page or add a new image, wasting 20 minutes reloading the editor isn’t exactly efficient.


    2. Drag-and-Drop Chaos

    Yes, you can drag elements anywhere. The problem is, they don’t always stay put. Users often report:

    • Text boxes and images that shift or resize randomly.
    • Elements that line up on one screen but appear misaligned on another.
    • Visual consistency that’s hard to maintain across pages.

    Instead of looking professional, your site risks looking cobbled together — not a great first impression for potential customers.


    3. Features Hidden Behind Extra Apps

    Need a simple booking form? Or a way to capture emails? On Wix, many of these basics are buried in third-party apps. That means:

    The “all-in-one” promise suddenly doesn’t feel so all-in-one.


    Why This Matters for Small Businesses

    Your website should be the tool that saves you time, not one that steals it. For tradespeople, shop owners, or local service providers in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, and Stourbridge, every wasted hour in the editor is an hour you could’ve spent serving customers.


    A Better Way: Websites That Just Work

    At Black Country Tech Support, we don’t do clunky. We build clean, fast, easy-to-update websites on open platforms that are designed to grow with your business.

    • No crashes or freezes.
    • Simple updates without design chaos.
    • Essential features built in, not bolted on.

    When you want changes, you can make them easily — or if you’d rather not, we’re just a phone call away.


    Tired of wrestling with drag-and-drop?

    Let us build you a website that works smoothly from day one.

  • Is Wix Holding Back Your Google Rankings?

    Is Wix Holding Back Your Google Rankings?

    You’ve built your site on Wix, the design looks fine, but your phone isn’t ringing. You check Google — and you’re nowhere to be found. Sound familiar?

    Many small business owners discover that Wix makes it harder to achieve strong search engine rankings. While Wix has improved in recent years, its limitations still frustrate business owners who want more than just a pretty site.


    1. Performance Matters to Google

    Google doesn’t just look at your content — it looks at how fast and mobile-friendly your website is.

    Wix sites are often criticised for:

    • Slow load times due to bloated code and large page sizes.
    • Poor mobile scores on Google PageSpeed Insights.
    • Heavy scripts that drag down performance.

    If Google thinks your site is sluggish, it pushes you down the rankings.


    2. SEO Settings That Don’t Go Far Enough

    Yes, Wix has basic SEO tools, but many users find them restrictive. Common complaints include:

    • Limited control over meta tags and structured data.
    • Awkward URL structures that can’t be fully customised.
    • Reliance on third-party apps for features that should be standard.

    For small businesses competing locally, these gaps can make the difference between being on page one or buried on page five.


    3. Growth and Scalability Problems

    As your business grows, you may want to:

    • Add advanced SEO plugins.
    • Integrate analytics or marketing tools.
    • Optimise content around new products and services.

    With Wix, your flexibility is capped. You’re limited to what the platform allows, and workarounds often involve extra apps and costs — without guaranteeing results.


    Why Local SEO Matters in the Black Country

    If you run a business in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, or Stourbridge, you rely on local search visibility. Customers search for “plumbers near me,” “local accountants,” or “IT support Wolverhampton” — and if your site doesn’t show up, your competitors will.

    That’s why your platform choice matters: SEO isn’t just about keywords, it’s about performance, structure, and ownership.


    A Smarter Way Forward

    At Black Country Tech Support, we build websites that Google actually likes:

    • Mobile-first design for high PageSpeed scores.
    • Clean code and lightweight builds to load fast.
    • Flexible SEO tools so you can grow without limits.
    • Local focus to help you rank in the areas you serve.

    Think Wix is holding you back?

    Get a free SEO checkup from Black Country Tech Support and find out how your site can perform better in Google.

  • Don’t Get Locked In: Why Owning Your Website Matters

    Don’t Get Locked In: Why Owning Your Website Matters

    When you build a business website, you’re making a long-term investment. It’s your shop window, your calling card, and often your main sales channel. But here’s the catch: if your site is built on a locked-down platform like Wix, you may not actually own it.

    Instead, you’re renting space inside someone else’s walled garden. And when you want to leave? You’re stuck.


    1. The Problem with Proprietary Platforms

    Wix and similar services are proprietary — meaning the code, content, and structure of your site can’t easily be exported.

    That creates three big problems for business owners:

    • Vendor lock-in: You can’t move your site elsewhere without rebuilding from scratch.
    • Data ransom: If prices go up, you either pay or lose access.
    • Zero flexibility: Advanced features and integrations are limited to what Wix allows.

    For small businesses, this lack of freedom means you’re always playing by someone else’s rules.


    2. Growth and Scalability Hit a Wall

    What works for you today may not work tomorrow. As your business grows, you may need:

    • Better SEO performance.
    • Faster mobile page speeds.
    • Custom integrations with booking, CRM, or payment systems.

    But many Wix users discover that the platform can’t scale with their needs. What should be simple — like integrating an API or optimising for search — becomes either impossible or expensive.


    3. Why Website Ownership Matters

    Owning your website means:

    • Freedom to move hosts if costs or service go bad.
    • Full access to your code and content so nothing is lost if you switch.
    • Future-proofing — the ability to add features as your business evolves.

    Think of it like renting vs buying. Renting is easy at first, but you never build equity. Ownership takes more planning, but it puts you in control long-term.


    A Local, No-Nonsense Alternative

    At Black Country Tech Support, we build websites on open, widely supported platforms like WordPress. That means:

    • You own your site outright.
    • You can host it wherever you like.
    • You’re never trapped by one provider.

    We’ll get you set up with a website that’s fast, flexible, and built to grow with your business — without lock-in.


    Don’t rent your future. Own it.

    Talk to us today about building a site you control, not one that controls you.

  • When Tech Support Lets You Down: Why Small Businesses Need Real People, Not Chatbots

    When Tech Support Lets You Down: Why Small Businesses Need Real People, Not Chatbots

    You’ve probably been there. Something’s gone wrong with your website — maybe a billing error, maybe your site won’t load — and all you want is a straight answer from someone who can fix it.

    Instead, you’re stuck in an endless loop of AI chatbots, repeating yourself to different support agents, or waiting days for an email that never solves the problem.

    For many small business owners using “do-it-yourself” website platforms like Wix, this is the reality. And when your website is tied directly to your livelihood, bad support isn’t just frustrating — it can cost you money, customers, and sleep.


    1. Chatbots Don’t Understand Your Business

    Wix and similar platforms push you towards chatbots first. The problem? A bot can’t understand the nuance of your business, your setup, or the urgency of your issue.

    Many users report:

    • Being forced to explain the same problem over and over.
    • Chatbots looping through irrelevant “help articles.”
    • Cases being closed after agents threaten to end the chat if you complain.

    That’s not support. That’s a wall between you and a solution.


    2. Refunds and Billing: A Nightmare Scenario

    One of the most common pain points is billing errors and unexpected renewals. You’d think a quick phone call could sort it. Instead, users often find:

    • Refunds are denied as “policy,” even if the service was never used.
    • Refunds (when granted) are delayed for up to 45 days.
    • Support teams deflect responsibility, leaving customers feeling scammed.

    Imagine £800 leaving your account unexpectedly — and then being told you might get it back in six weeks. For a small business, that’s cashflow chaos.


    3. Time is Money for Small Businesses

    Every hour wasted chasing support is an hour you’re not serving customers or growing your business. That’s why poor customer service hits small businesses hardest.

    What you actually need is:

    • Fast answers from a human who knows what they’re doing.
    • Local accountability — someone you can call back if things don’t get sorted.
    • Support you trust, not support you dread contacting.

    Why Local, Human Support Matters in the Black Country

    Running a business in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, or Stourbridge means wearing a lot of hats. You don’t have time to fight with a faceless tech giant just to get a straight answer.

    That’s why we built Black Country Tech Support — so local businesses have a partner they can actually rely on when things go wrong.


    A Better Way: Real People, Real Solutions

    Here’s what you get with us:

    • Direct access to a human, not a bot.
    • Clear answers, plain English.
    • Fast problem solving, not endless ticket queues.
    • Ongoing support, so you’re not left in the dark when it matters most.

    Frustrated with faceless tech support?

    Get real, local support that actually cares about your business.

  • The True Cost of a Wix Website: How to Avoid Price Hikes and Hidden Fees

    The True Cost of a Wix Website: How to Avoid Price Hikes and Hidden Fees

    If you’ve built (or asked someone else to build) a website on Wix, you probably signed up because it looked affordable and easy. The adverts say “get online fast” and the starter price feels reasonable. But many small business owners discover the hard way that the real cost of a Wix site isn’t what they expected.

    Hidden charges, auto-renewals, and price hikes at the end of your first year or two can leave you paying far more than you planned. In some cases, business owners report their renewal fees doubling or even tripling overnight.

    So what’s really going on — and how can you avoid nasty surprises with your website costs?


    1. Renewal Price Hikes: The Silent Sting

    Wix, like many “website builder” platforms, attracts people with low upfront prices. The catch is that these prices usually only apply to the first year.

    Here’s what frustrated users have reported when renewals hit:

    • A 2-year subscription jumping from £210 to over £600.
    • An annual fee going from £180 to £396, then again to £500+.
    • Auto-renewals for £850+ on a three-year plan.

    For a small business, that kind of unexpected jump in running costs can be painful — especially when it arrives out of the blue.


    2. Auto-Renewals You Didn’t Ask For

    Another common complaint is unauthorised or unexpected charges. Many business owners believe they’ve disabled auto-renewal, only to discover funds taken from their account without clear notice.

    Refunds? That’s another headache. Wix support has a reputation for being slow to respond, with refunds sometimes taking up to 45 days (if they’re given at all).

    Imagine having £600+ taken from your account without warning — and then having to wait six weeks to get it back. That’s not a healthy way to run a business.


    3. Essential Features Hidden Behind Paywalls

    The other issue is pricing transparency. A classic example is when you build an online shop: you only discover you need to upgrade to a £25–30 per month plan once you try to publish and “get paid.”

    By this point you’ve already sunk hours into designing your store. You’re backed into a corner: pay the higher fee, or start over somewhere else.

    Similarly, Wix pushes domain purchases that aren’t always necessary. What looked like a budget solution can easily spiral into £400–600 per year once everything is added up.


    Why This Matters for Small Businesses in the Black Country

    Cash flow is everything. If you can’t predict your running costs, you can’t plan properly. That’s why so many small businesses in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, and Stourbridge are frustrated with Wix — the platform works against the very job they hired it to do: keep their web presence affordable and reliable long-term.


    A Better Way: Transparent, Predictable Website Costs

    At Black Country Tech Support, we do things differently:

    • Transparent pricing — no nasty surprises at renewal.
    • Simple plans that include what you actually need (domain, hosting, support).
    • Local, human support you can call when you need help.

    We build websites on open, reliable platforms where you own your site, not us — which means no lock-in, no ransom fees, and no “take it or leave it” upsells.


    Tired of unexpected website bills?

    Let’s talk. We’ll show you exactly what it costs to build and run a professional site — and keep those costs predictable, year after year.

  • Cyber Security

    Cyber Security

    Recent cyber security issues at major employers like Jaguar Land Rover in the West Midlands have shown that no organisation is too big – or too small – to be targeted by cyber criminals. While large companies make the headlines, small businesses are just as vulnerable. In fact, attackers often see small firms as easier pickings because budgets are tight, and protections are weaker.

    The good news? You don’t need a huge IT budget to protect yourself. With some straightforward, low-cost steps, you can make your business a much harder target.


    1. Keep Your Devices and Software Updated

    Hackers rely on out-of-date systems because they contain known weaknesses.

    • Turn on automatic updates for Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.
    • Update your website CMS (like WordPress) and plugins regularly.
    • Don’t ignore the update prompts – they’re patches against active threats.

    2. Back Up Your Data – Automatically

    If ransomware or hardware failure hits, your data is often the most valuable thing you risk losing.

    • Use cloud backups (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox) with version history enabled.
    • Keep an offline backup on an external drive, updated weekly.
    • Test restoring files every now and again so you know it works.

    3. Strengthen Your Passwords

    Weak or reused passwords are the easiest way in for attackers.

    • Use passphrases instead of short passwords (e.g. ChairSunshineMarket2024!).
    • Never reuse the same password across work accounts.
    • Consider a password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass to store them securely.

    4. Switch On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

    Even if someone steals your password, MFA stops them logging in.

    • Enable MFA on email, banking, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and any system that supports it.
    • Use an app (like Microsoft Authenticator or Authy) rather than SMS where possible.

    5. Stay Aware of Phishing Emails

    Most attacks start with a dodgy email.

    • Be cautious of unexpected invoices, links, or file attachments.
    • Check the sender’s address carefully – fraudsters often use lookalike domains.
    • If in doubt, don’t click – call the company directly to confirm.

    Small Steps, Big Protection

    You don’t need Jaguar-sized budgets to avoid cyber disasters. A handful of affordable practices can protect your data, your clients, and your reputation.

    ✅ Want Peace of Mind?

    At Black Country Tech Support, we offer a low-cost Cyber Security Health Check for small businesses across the West Midlands. We’ll review your setup, highlight the risks, and give you simple fixes you can put in place right away.

    👉 Get your Cyber Security Health Check today

  • How AI Can Help Local Businesses in Wolverhampton (Right Now)

    How AI Can Help Local Businesses in Wolverhampton (Right Now)

    Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for Silicon Valley giants. Right here in Wolverhampton, AI is quietly starting to transform how local businesses serve customers, save time, and grow their revenue. Whether you’re running a plumbing business, a law office, or a local takeaway, there are practical ways AI can help — without needing to hire a team of techies.

    Here are some real-world examples of how local businesses in Wolverhampton can start using AI today:

    Emergency Services: Faster Response, Happier Customers

    Businesses like emergency plumbers, 24-hour electricians, locksmiths, and boiler repair companies live or die by how fast they can respond to customer calls.

    AI tools can:

    • Answer calls 24/7 with AI-powered phone assistants that can triage the problem and book an appointment — even at 2am.
    • Automatically schedule jobs by prioritising emergencies based on location, traffic, and technician availability.
    • Create ads automatically targeting high-intent local searches like “emergency plumber Wolverhampton” or “boiler repair near me”.

    Home Services: Smarter Quotes & Repeat Business

    Roofers, builders, carpet cleaners, window cleaners, and gardeners all face the same challenge: quoting jobs quickly and keeping customers coming back.

    AI can help by:

    • Generating instant quotes from customer photos of the damage or job area.
    • Predicting repeat service needs — like reminding customers it’s time to have the gutters cleaned or carpets refreshed.
    • Automatically creating SEO blog posts that boost Google rankings for search terms like “roofer Wolverhampton” or “gardener near me”.

    Professional Services: Streamlined Admin Work

    For accountants, solicitors, personal trainers, and driving instructors, admin work can eat up hours every week.

    AI-powered solutions can:

    • Automate client intake with smart online forms and chat assistants.
    • Draft legal documents, contracts, or training plans in minutes.
    • Track compliance updates (for example, changes in tax law) and flag anything that might affect your clients.
    • Send reminders automatically for appointments, renewals, or deadlines.

    Food & Retail: Smarter Menus and Customer Loyalty

    Restaurants, takeaways, and cafes in Wolverhampton can use AI to serve customers better and make smarter decisions.

    Some options include:

    • Forecasting busy times based on weather or local events.
    • Recommending menu changes based on order trends and ingredient costs.
    • Personalising loyalty offers based on past customer orders.
    • Automatically responding to reviews or flagging negative feedback for quick resolution.

    Universal AI Tools for Every Local Business

    No matter the business type, almost every company can benefit from:

    • AI-generated blog content to improve search rankings.
    • Google Business Profile updates created automatically.
    • Competitor monitoring tools to track what other local businesses are offering.
    • Ad copy generators that write effective Google and Facebook ads.

    The Bottom Line: AI Is No Longer “Optional”

    The good news is, most of these tools don’t require big budgets or advanced tech skills. Many are already available as simple apps, add-ons, or affordable services.

    As more local businesses start using AI, those who move early will likely stand out — delivering faster service, better customer experience, and more efficient operations.


    If you’re curious about how AI could work in your Wolverhampton business, feel free to get in touch. I’m happy to chat and point you towards some simple, practical options.

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