Whether you’re starting a new business or you’ve already launched, having a website is one of the most important steps in building visibility and credibility. But for many founders, websites feel complicated, expensive, and overwhelming. That’s where this special website edition of the Free Business Startup Clinic comes in.

This interactive group session is designed for new business owners who want clarity on websites—especially if you’re not confident with technology.

**With experienced business advisors on hand, we’ll break things down into simple, practical steps and give you the confidence to move forward with your website.**

During the session, you’ll have the chance to ask any question you like about websites—from preparing your content and choosing the right tools, to understanding how web developers work and what it really costs to build a site.

You’ll also hear the unfiltered truth about WordPress and other popular site builders like Wix, Squarespace and Shopify, and the reality of building a website (hint: it’s always a bit frustrating, and never perfect).

By the end of the clinic, you should have a clearer understanding of what’s involved in creating your website, what to prioritise now, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that slow so many startups down.

**SESSION FORMAT:**

* Welcome & introduction
* Interactive group Q&A – ask anything related to websites and your startup

The presentation acts as a conversation starter to draw out any thoughts or questions you may have about starting and growing your own business.

Questions can be about any business topic, not just those related to the presentation.

The Q&A session is for every participant of the group.

By attending this clinic, you can ask all your questions and get answers about any issue, query or dilemma you have regarding your business.

**EXAMPLE TOPICS WE CAN COVER FOR YOU:**
While we won't be doing a presentation, we will be able to cover a wide range of topics related to creating websites for small businesses.

1. How websites actually work (in plain English)
2. What content your site really needs
3. Which website builder to use to create your website
4. Should I build my website or hire someone to build it for me?
5. Typical costs and timelines for building a website
6. Design basics: how to improve usability and accessibility
7. Feedback on your existing website
8. Help to solve problems with your existing website
9. SEO questions
10. Blogging questions
11. Ecommerce questions
12. Any question related to making or improving your website!

This clinic is designed to help you feel more confident about taking your next step in creating your own business website. We will explain jargon and technical words in plain English whenever needed, so you have a better understanding of everything related to websites.

**WHO SHOULD ATTEND:**

1. Startup founders who need to create a website for their business.
2. Small business owners who need to update their existing website.
3. People who need help to solve a problem with their website.
4. Folks who want feedback about how to improve their existing business website.
5. Anyone who wants to learn more about how websites are made.

**WEBSITE CLINIC HOSTS:**

**Philip Porter**

Philip Porter is a Creative Web Developer and AI Strategist dedicated to simplifying websites and technology for entrepreneurs. As the founder of Shop Startup, he has extensive expertise in WordPress development, ecommerce and digital marketing. With recent developments in AI, he also helps people use generative AI and automation in their business.

Philip demystifies advanced tools used to create website and offers business owners many ways to use AI. He shares a wealth of practical experience through his no-code workshops and 1-to-1 consulting, empowering small business owners and startup founders to enhance their productivity, protect their data, and build a formidable online presence.

**Patrick Lauruol**
Patrick Lauruol, is a business startup advisor helping people to launch and develop successful businesses.

With over 20 years experience working in digital media and business advisory, he's worked with a wide range of clients as a freelancer, advisor and consultant.

Patrick's work is focused on supporting startup founders and small business owners to launch and grow their business, including helping them set up and develop a website for their business.

**WEBSITE WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS:**

**Testimonial 1**
*Patrick helped chunk the process of creating a website which felt like a real weight on my mind before. Having the development process explained and instructions on what order to do things helped make the process manageable. Knowing how web developers work helped me to get better results.*
Paul L.

**Testimonial 2**
*Using Phil to build my website was the best decision I have made this year…*
*My old website was a generic template which was difficult to personalise, I wanted a website I could easily update and told the story of my brand, Phil designed exactly what I had envisioned, his support and understand is excellent, highly recommend him.*
Justine

**Testimonial 3**
*I'm well on my way with my website. I've got enough to present so I'm really happy.*
*All your advice recently has been really good and put me in a clear head space. It's much appreciated.*
*Thanks!*
James S.

**Testimonial 4**
*Patrick helps emerging businesses get a simple, effective and great looking website up in a short period of time. He does this by having a step by step system which guides you through the process, saving everyone time, money and hassle!*
*He is a supportive partner in bringing what you need to life quickly.*
Annie P.

**Testimonial 5**
*Patrick helped me achieve an attractive and clear online presence in a matter of days from start to finish. Now I can focus on serving my clients not web headaches!*
*Thank you!*
Velody

**DATE & TIME:**
Wednesday 17th September 2025
7pm (BST)

**SESSION LENGTH:**
2 hours (although the session may run longer if people have lots of questions)

**PRICE:**
Free

**HOW TO JOIN:**
This event will take place using the Zoom video calling app online. If you haven't got Zoom installed on your device already, you can download it from https://zoom.us/download

You will receive a message with the link to join the Zoom call on the same day as the event itself. We usually send the link out at least 1 hour before the session starts.

So you don't miss any part of the presentation, please join the Zoom call a few minutes before the advertised start time.

**BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW:**
Everyone is welcome!

Patrick Lauruol

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Free Business Startup Clinics Birmingham

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Free Business Startup Clinics Birmingham

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