From Idea Overload to a Clear Mission
When Ian and I met at a Rebel Business School event, we had plenty of ideas but no clear business model. We knew we had valuable skills, but how could we turn them into something real?
I had reached a point where I needed to promote my skills and make sales – but I was hesitating. Despite my ability to handle advanced tech work, I lacked the confidence that comes with real-world experience. Ian, on the other hand, had 15 years of expertise in websites, SEO, marketing, and design. He had also begun experimenting with AI-powered digital solutions, exploring ways to push beyond traditional websites into the future.
The way we bounced ideas off each other made it clear that we had complementary strengths, and collaborating seemed like the obvious next step. Our first idea was to create a marketing tool for businesses – but we soon realised it wouldn’t generate income fast enough. So, we pivoted.
The Gap We Noticed in the Market
Too many businesses struggle with websites that don’t reflect their brand – or worse, don’t actually work for them. We saw a clear need for high-quality websites that aren’t just visually appealing but actually perform, convert, and scale as a business grows. A common issue we noticed? Many web designers focus purely on aesthetics, overlooking functionality, speed, accessibility, and security – all of which can make or break a website’s success.
We also discovered something surprising – we both love auditing websites. We could instantly spot what was missing, whether it was a confusing layout, slow loading times, or missing key trust signals. These insights helped us shape a clear value proposition:
Strategic Websites – Built for business growth, not just appearance.
Performance-Optimized – Speed, security, and SEO baked in from the start.
Custom-Tailored Solutions – No one-size-fits-all templates
A Fast Start: Proof Our Approach Works
Within just three weeks, we had:
✔ Received deposits for our first confirmed orders – far beyond our goal of simply starting conversations.
✔ Landed a larger, long term project in the pipeline, with the client eager to move forward.
✔ Delivered a website that exceeded our first client’s expectations in both design and functionality.
✔ Proven that our collaboration meant we could achieve more, and faster, than either of us expected.
Our Approach: More Than Just Websites
We don’t just build websites – we help businesses craft a strategic online presence that supports their goals.
Business Strategy & Goal Setting – Helping businesses clarify their vision and make informed digital decisions.
User Experience & Conversion Focus – Ensuring sites engage visitors and drive results.
AI & Automation – Integrating smart digital solutions that save time and enhance efficiency.
Accessibility & Security – Prioritising inclusive design and robust security from day one.
Ian’s corporate background and eye for design, combined with my technical knowledge and self-employed mindset give us a unique perspective – we understand what works across different industries and business models.
Overcoming Challenges & Building Smarter Systems
We knew that efficiency was key if we wanted to scale quickly. Instead of reinventing the wheel with every client, we built processes that save us time and enhance the customer experience:
- Client guides for common tasks like domain purchases.
- A streamlined intake form to help clients clarify their needs.
- A client call script to guide our meetings and ensure we ask the right questions upfront.
These systems didn’t just help us deliver results faster – they also enhanced client satisfaction, making every interaction smoother and more valuable.
We also learned that we balance each other out – when one of us overthinks, the other finds a practical solution. The best part? We love what we do, and the energy we bring to each project keeps things exciting.
Our Mission and Core Values
What makes us different?
- Premium Quality: High-performing websites built to drive business growth.
- Transparency: We don’t hide behind vague processes. Whether it’s custom coded or template-based, we’re upfront about how your site is built.
Accessibility & Security – Every site follows best practices for inclusivity and protection.
A key breakthrough came when Ian and I debated the use of templates. I initially thought using templates was “cheating,” but Ian helped me see that everyone uses them – it’s the customisation, strategy, and execution that make a website truly effective. We realised that transparency was often missing in web development, so we made it a core value in our agency.
What’s Next for Rebellion Websites?
We’re already working on some exciting projects, including:
- AI-powered tools to help businesses streamline operations.
- Helping clients access funding for digital growth.
- Innovating beyond websites – while growing with our clients every step of the way.
Our long-term vision is to provide businesses with the tools and expertise they need to thrive online. Our focus is on delivering premium websites that generate real results for ambitious businesses.
How We Collaborate
One of the reasons we work so well together is open communication—even when we don’t initially agree.
For example, early on, we debated which platform to build our own site on. Ian wanted to use a WordPress template to launch quickly, while I hesitated, wanting more custom flexibility. Instead of letting it turn into a conflict, we discussed our perspectives, weighed the pros and cons, and found a middle ground – a customized template that balanced speed with bespoke features.
This experience solidified our commitment to clear communication and trust, ensuring every decision prioritizes what’s best for our business and our clients.
Join Us on Our Journey
Launching your first website is a big milestone for any business. We’re here to make the process simple, strategic, and stress-free.
Let’s ensure your website isn’t just a page – but a powerful business tool that drives growth.