The Website Owner’s Playbook: A Guide to Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Building a website can feel like navigating a minefield. Missed deadlines, exploding budgets, and technical jargon can turn an exciting venture into a source of constant stress. But it doesn’t have to be this way. A successful web project is not a matter of luck; it’s a matter of process and transparency.

For over 20 years, I’ve seen every mistake and navigated every pitfall. I’ve distilled that experience into this playbook—a comprehensive collection of articles designed to demystify the world of web development. Here, we dissect the 20 most common “pains” a business owner faces and provide clear, actionable solutions. Think of this as your guide to asking the right questions, spotting the red flags, and ensuring your digital asset is built for success from day one.

Budget and Timeline

Master your project’s financials and schedule. Learn to prevent budget creep, decode quotes, and guarantee on-time delivery.

Result and Efficiency

Turn your website into a sales machine. Discover how to improve site speed, boost conversions, and dominate search engine results.

Process and Communication

Secure your investment for the long term. Understand post-launch support, asset ownership, and how to avoid hidden recurring costs.

Technology and Security

Ensure your digital asset is built to last. Learn to protect your site from hacks, avoid vendor lock-in, and own your tech stack.

What’s next?

Your website’s journey begins after launch. Learn to handle hidden costs, broken updates, and asset ownership traps to secure your investment.

The Complete Playbook Index: Find Your Specific Issue

For a quick overview or to find a specific article by its title, use the complete index below. All 20 articles are organized by their core category to help you navigate the key challenges of web development.

Budget & Timelines — Project Management Issues

My Deadlines Are Blown, and There’s No End in Sight
The Budget Keeps Growing: Where Are These Extra Charges Coming From?
I Don’t Understand What I’m Actually Paying For
They Demanded 100% Upfront, Then Disappeared for Weeks

Results & Effectiveness — Business Goal Issues

The Site Is Live, But We Have No Customers: Why Isn’t It Selling?
Why Is My New Website So Slow?
Everything Is Broken on My Phone: The Site Isn’t Mobile-Friendly
We’re Impossible to Find on Google

Process & Communication — Interaction Issues

My Developer Is a Ghost: Where Are They and When Will They Reply?
I Speak English, They Speak Elvish: The Technical Barrier
They Don’t Listen and Just Do It Their Own Way
We’re Drowning in Endless Revisions

Technology & Security — “Under the Hood” Issues

My Site Was Hacked, and Now It’s Sending Spam
They Built Me a Site That No One Else Can Work On
I Can’t Even Change the Phone Number on My Own Website!
The Site Is Built on Outdated Technology

What’s Next? — Post-Launch Issues

The Warranty Expired Yesterday: Now Every Little Thing Costs Extra
I Just Found Out the Domain and Hosting Aren’t Registered to Me
Surprise! Turns Out This Theme Costs $100 Every Year
My Site Broke After the First WordPress Update