I’ve been a “web” designer for 20+ years and as much as I love what I do, I’ve seen my fair share of spooky things and heard copious horror stories from my clients and network.

So in todays blog, I’m talking all things that make your website project feel like it’s cursed – think ghosting, website hostage situations, and communication so foggy you need a crystal ball just to see where things are headed.

Thing is, designers don’t set out to be villains. Sometimes it’s lack of experience, sometimes poor systems, and sometimes they’re simply juggling too much. But as a client those experiences can be terrifying. So here’s a few “haunting tales” from the web design world and what I’ve learned about keeping projects smooth + stress-free to make sure you never get haunted by them again.

👻 Ghosting Games

“The last email I got was a year ago, and the time before that…3 months…so I’ve just given up trying to chase them and want to start over again.”

OOOoof! What an awful experience. My client received such bad communication from her web designer that in the end she gave up trying to make it work and came to me instead. And this isn’t the first I’ve heard this tale. Many businesses have expressed frustration after been left to chase up deadlines or getting ghosted completely. 

It’s rarely from a malicious place…usually, it’s lack of structure or process (or inability to face up to their embarrassingly low standard of service). But even still, when you’re a business owner investing time, money, and energy into your website, disappearing acts are completely uncalled for.

How I keep things grounded:

Communication is everything. When clients work with me, they get access to a personalised, private portal to outline everything that happens and when, so they always know what’s coming next – no Ouija board required.

And I always email to give clients a heads up should there be a delay. Life happens and we’re only human (which is okay) but not taking just 2 minutes to acknowledge the human on the other end and respect their time is insulting and disrespectful (not okay!)

The only thing a ghost and a web designer should ever have in common is transparency.

🧛‍♂️ Defensive Designers

Sometimes designers pour so much of themselves into their work that feedback can feel personal. They hiss at revisions, suck the joy out of collaboration, and forget that it’s your business and your website.

It’s one thing to provide a professional rebuttle (I’ll straight up tell you WHY something is a good idea or not), but if a designer is “my way, or the high way” and isn’t willing to try things out to give you the website of YOUR dreams then run away now before they suck the life out of you (and your website!)

How I approach it:

I’ll always share my professional opinion (that’s what you’re paying me for), but at the end of the day, it’s your business, your vision, and your website which is why every client I work with gets two rounds of revisions included in the process.

🧙 Condescending Consultants

Ever been on a call with someone who makes you feel small for asking questions?They speak in mysterious tech tongue and toss around jargon like spells. But as Einstein once said “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough” 

These peeps either have no clue what they’re talking about (meaning you’re not paying for a REAL expert) or get a kick out of feeling technologically “superior” – or both! 

But most people aren’t designers. With AI, DIY website builders, and ‘do-it-in-a-day’ courses everywhere, it’s easy to think you should know more than you do. But web design is complex, strategic, and ever-evolving. The real red flag isn’t NOT knowing something…it’s a designer who makes you feel bad for asking.

My belief:

It’s completely reasonable not to know this stuff. That’s WHY you hire a professional web designer. And explaining everything in plain English is one of my superpowers. Because you deserve a partner who takes you seriously and empowers you with knowledge to help you feel confident in every decision.

🕷🕸 Website hostages

Clients have come to me after launching a beautiful new website… only to discover they can’t edit anything. Want to update a phone number? £250 please. Want to change an image? Sorry, that’s an “advanced feature“

That’s a possession not a partnership!

Not here!

I believe in empowering my clients to confidently make updates themselves. Every project includes full training so they have full ownership of their site and content.

🪓 Careless Creations

“…that process DELETED MY ENTIRE WEBSITE AND MY DASHBOARD BACK OFFICE. OMG! ⁣

⁣I’ve spent nearly an hour online with Bluehost and they have escalated my backup files to hopefully be restored in the next 48 hours.⁣ I could cry. This is the second time I’ve inadvertently deleted my website…I NEED you and your expertise.”⁣

This one makes my blood boil every time I hear it! My client experienced this very real nightmare before we worked together. She would make changes to her website herself (she wasn’t a technophobe by any means) but one mishap and BAM! Her WHOLE site went down!⁣ 

Thankfully, her hosting had it backed up but if not…⁣EeKK! A whole site gone in less than 60 seconds.⁣ All because she was left in the dark after her website was handed over. 

Unfortunately, some ‘experts’ treat your website like a one-night stand: rush through the build, collect the payment, and disappear into the void without any guidance, maintenance, or care. They wanna build your site as quickly and cheaply as possible and then get the hell out, so you’re left with a site that kinda works but not quite – the digital equivalent of a Frankenstein monster that’s so stitched together so badly, it fulls apart the moment you pick it up – and no one to turn to for help. 

My commitment:

I care just as much about what happens after the launch as I do during the design. Every site I build is done so in a way that you can’t accidentally “break” it and I take you through everything you need to know to keep your website running smoothly. I love developing long term relationships with my clients and watching them evolve over the years. I’m in it for the long haul!

🧟 Inexperienced Enthusiasts

Everyone starts somewhere, and I have so much respect for people entering this field. But the reality is, web design isn’t just about making something look good — it’s about how it functions, performs, and supports your goals.

There’s a growing trend of “template tinkerers” who learn a platform one day and start selling sites the next. And while there’s nothing wrong with simple websites or starting somewhere, what’s often missing is strategic thinking and the deeper understanding that comes with years of experience crafting sites for businesses.

And when you’re investing serious time, energy, and money into a website that’s gonna support you for the long term, you’re beyond a quick fix or cheap template.  

Why experience matters:

True craftsmanship takes time, and when done right, it gives you a website that not only looks alive but actually thrives and grows with you. A template or cheaper website is great when you’re starting out, but when you’re scaling your business and thinking about growth, you need more than a quick fix. You need a strategic site built to deliver long-term results.

💀 The Final Word

If you’ve ever felt burned, ghosted, or overwhelmed by jargon, I get it! I’ve had my fair scare of nightmare projects when I’ve hired other service providers to help. 

But working with a designer doesn’t have to be scary. With clear communication, mutual respect, and the right process in place, your website can be one of the most exciting and empowering parts of your business.

So this spooky season, if you’re searching for a web designer…trust your instincts. Look for someone who values transparency, collaboration, and wants to watch you grow. Because choosing the right partnership can save you from a world of fright.

And if you’re thinking of working with me, check out my website services to see how we can team up.