How Human Connection (Not Just Tech) Built My Web Design Business

Running a business isn’t just about what you do - it’s about how you do it. In this post, I’m sharing some of the moments, mindset shifts, and human connections that have shaped my journey as a website designer. From handwritten thank you notes to rediscovering joy in my work, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how I built a business rooted in purpose, passion, and a whole lot of techy love.

This blog post is taken from an interview I recently did with Canvas Rebel.

Client experience with a personal touch

When people talk about creating an amazing client experience, they often point to tech: smooth systems, clever automations, and beautiful platforms. And while I love a good piece of software (hello, tech nerd here!), the truth is that the most memorable client experiences come from something much simpler - human connection.

No matter how efficient your processes are, nothing beats the power of a personal touch. Think about it - how special does it feel to receive a handwritten card, a personalised video message, or a surprise gift in the post? Those little moments are what turn a good client experience into a great one.

For me, one way I bring that human element into my business is by posting thank you gifts to my clients, complete with a handwritten note. But not just any gift - my favourite thing to send is a custom notebook engraved with their logo. Not mine. Because let’s be real… no one needs another mug with someone else’s branding on it. But a beautiful, personalised notebook that reflects their business? That’s something they’ll actually want to keep on their desk.

As a website designer, so much of what I do lives online. But I love giving my clients something tangible - something they can hold in their hands and feel proud of. Especially now that so much of our work happens through screens, it’s those real-world touches that often mean the most.

A Little About Me

If we haven’t met yet - hi, I’m Freya Padmore! I’m a website designer, tech enthusiast and your new nerdy bestie. With over four years of experience in web design and a degree in digital marketing, I create websites that not only look gorgeous but are rooted in strategy.

I specialise in what I like to call the “attract, convert, retain” method - designing websites that bring in your dream clients, guide them toward working with you, and help you build lasting relationships through automation and email marketing.

My career started with a Digital Marketing degree from the University of Derby. That’s where I first discovered my love for web design, SEO and the magic of a solid online presence. During the pandemic, I joined a Facebook group for local small businesses and was completely inspired by the way everyone showed up for each other, week after week, with a glass of wine in hand and plenty of support to go around.

That experience cemented what I already suspected: small business owners are deeply passionate about what they do. And I knew I wanted to be a part of that world.

After graduating, I made my dream move to London and worked at a big marketing agency running campaigns for huge brands (hello, Amazon!). It looked impressive on paper, but the truth? I was miserable. The passion just wasn’t there, and I hated that my growth (and income) depended on someone else’s decisions.

So I left. I went back to what lights me up - working with small business owners, supporting their big dreams, and creating websites that actually convert. It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.

The Power of Online Community

When I reflect on what really helped me grow my business, it wasn’t ads or fancy funnels - it was community.

In the early days, I tried in-person networking, but honestly? It didn’t do much for me. I was showing up at low-budget events hoping to find clients, but it always felt like everyone was just there to pitch. The connections didn’t feel genuine.

What changed everything was finding online communities. Places where people weren’t just there to sell - they were there to collaborate, cheer each other on, and grow together. From virtual coworking spaces, to Facebook groups to online masterminds, those digital spaces became my lifeline.

Through those connections, I found not only clients, but friendships, collaborators, and a renewed sense of purpose. If you’re trying to grow your business, my biggest advice? Focus on real connection first. The clients will follow.

(And if you’re looking for a recommendation, Wild Coworking is one of the best communities I’ve ever been a part of!)

A Joyful Pivot

At the end of last year, I had a wake-up call during a session with my business coach. I realised that somewhere along the way, I’d lost the joy in my business. I was saying yes to projects that didn’t excite me, attending events that drained me, and constantly chasing the next client instead of enjoying the process.

So I made a change.

I decided to stop doing things just because I should and started prioritising what actually felt good. That meant carving out time to learn new skills, hosting live masterclasses, and saying yes only to clients and projects that lit me up. It was a pivot from pressure to passion - and it transformed everything.

I fell back in love with my business. And more importantly, I started having fun again.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for years, I hope this post reminded you of the power of connection, community, and staying true to what lights you up. If you’re ready to create a website that feels aligned with your vision and works hard behind the scenes to grow your business, I’d love to chat. You can explore my services here or get in touch here. Let’s build something beautiful together.