The Blog
Behind The Screen
Welcome to Behind the Screen, a space where design, development and digital strategy meet. I share the process, thinking and inspiration behind the websites I build and the brands I help grow across Teesside and the UK. From WordPress development and performance tweaks to SEO insights and creative design, this is where the work behind the scenes takes centre stage - clean code, clear ideas, and a little personality along the way.
How Much Does a Website Cost in the UK? (2026 Honest Guide)
A UK website costs anywhere from £500 to £15,000. Most small businesses land somewhere in the middle — but most pricing guides won’t tell you exactly where. Here are the real numbers, broken down by business type, with no vague “it depends” non-answers. Based on 25 years of building websites for businesses across the UK.
WordPress 7: What to Know Before Updating Your Site (2026 Guide)
WordPress 7 is out. New admin, built-in AI, and a big feature that didn’t ship. Here’s what changed, whether Divi and WooCommerce are safe, and how to update without breaking anything.
Lessons from 25 Years of Web Development
I’ve been building websites for 25 years. From dial-up and Flash to AI and Core Web Vitals, here’s what’s changed, what hasn’t, and why good web design is still about people.
Future-Proofing Your WordPress Website
Future-proofing your WordPress site isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about making sure your website stays fast, stable, and easy to manage as WordPress evolves. Whether you’re using Divi or another setup, planning ahead now can save time, cost, and stress later.
Why Regular Website Maintenance Matters More in 2026
Website maintenance in 2026 is no longer optional. From AI-driven security threats to Core Web Vitals, discover why keeping your site updated is critical for business growth
My Own Website: A Fresh Start
I’ve fully rebuilt johncorner.co.uk using Divi 5 with a cleaner structure, faster performance and subtle Depeche-influenced design throughout. The new site includes improved SEO, modern layouts, updated project pages and a better home for long-form tutorials and development notes.
Essential Affordable Marketing Tools for UK SMEs in 2026
Marketing takes time, but the right tools can take a lot of pressure off your day. Here are the affordable automation tools UK SMEs can use to save time, stay visible and keep their marketing running in the background.
The 2026 Website Report: 7 Trends That Will Help Your Business Grow
A clear and simple look at the website trends that matter for small and medium businesses in 2026, and how they can help you attract more customers.
AI, Nvidia & the Future of Search
Nvidia’s rapid growth and Google’s push into AI-driven search are reshaping how people find websites online. In this post, I look at what this shift means for your SEO, why old tactics are fading, and how you can get your site ready for the future of search.
Cloudflare down: Why half the internet stopped working on Tuesday
If you couldn’t log into X or Canva this morning, you weren’t alone. A major Cloudflare outage knocked out huge parts of the web. Here is why the internet’s plumbing failed.
The Power of Tailored Digital Strategies for Sustainable Growth
Tailored digital strategies aligned with specific business goals, using custom SEO and PPC, boost targeted online presence, drive sustainable growth, and deliver measurable results.
Unlocking New Revenue Streams for SMEs with Tailored SEO Strategies
Tailored SEO strategies help SMEs boost targeted traffic, enhance online visibility, and increase revenue by focusing on customer-specific keywords and continual optimisation, driving measurable growth.
The Hidden Advantages of Responsive Design for E-commerce Success
Responsive design boosts e-commerce success by enhancing mobile user experience, increasing conversion rates, and improving SEO. John Corner Web Design offers tailored solutions to optimize your site.
Boost Your SEO Rankings and User Experience with Website Speed
Fast website speed boosts SEO rankings and user experience by reducing bounce rates and increasing engagement. John Corner Web Design offers tailored optimization services with proven success.
Save Time and Boost Engagement with Email Marketing Automation
Email marketing automation saves time, builds engagement and strengthens customer relationships. Integrate it into your digital strategy to deliver timely messages and drive long-term business growth.
Crafting a Digital Presence that Captures Local SEO and Niche Markets
Tailored web design and SEO targeting local (e.g., Teesside) and niche markets boost engagement and trust. Partner with John Corner Web Design for customized, effective digital solutions and growth.
Is Your Website Ready for AI-Driven Search?
Search is changing, short keywords no longer work. John Corner Web Design helps UK businesses stay visible with smart SEO, long-tail keywords, and future-ready websites.
The Blackwell Ox – Top 10 in North Yorkshire
The Blackwell Ox was named one of North Yorkshire’s top 10 most booked restaurants by OpenTable. With web design and SEO by John Corner, the pub boosted visibility and bookings.
Brussels-Charleroi-Brussels: Conquering the Grand Départ …Again!
The 2019 Tour de France stage was a brutal test: 192km in 48°C heat. John Corner was beaten by cramp at Waterloo, but his two-year effort raised over £9,300 for Prostate Cancer UK, leading to a crucial, early diagnosis for one man.
Grand Triumph: £4,426 Raised to Beat Prostate Cancer!
Against a brutal headwind, John Corner conquered the 195km Grand Départ Classic in 8 hours, raising an astonishing £4,426 for Prostate Cancer UK. See the message from HQ and the vital impact of every donation.
Google Ads Certified Partner – PPC Specialist
I’m a certified Google Partner with specialist status in Google Ads, trusted by Google to run PPC campaigns properly and help businesses get better results from their advertising.
