Start with the shape of the project
Before choosing a platform or design direction, I look at the audience, content, workflows, editing needs and long-term support requirements.
About
A practical web design and development partner
First Ideas is run by me, Gordon Hill.
I have worked in web design and development for more than 20 years, helping clients plan, build, improve and support websites across a wide range of sectors.
Gordon-led
Direct technical advice without agency layers
I work directly with clients on planning, design, development, integrations, search visibility and long-term support.
My work includes ecommerce sites, WordPress and WooCommerce builds, other CMS and ecommerce platforms, healthcare platforms, charity websites, community directories, local business websites, specialist launch sites, custom integrations, hosting, AI search visibility and technical SEO.
I work directly with clients, which keeps projects clear and practical. You are not passed between account managers or hidden behind agency layers. You get straightforward advice, sensible technology choices and hands-on support from the person doing the work.
I do not believe every project needs the same platform. Some websites are best as fast static sites. Some need WordPress. Some need WooCommerce or another ecommerce platform. Some need custom development or integrations. The right choice depends on the content, the users, the workflow and the long-term support needs.
How I work
Practical principles behind the work
Good web projects usually come down to a few simple things done properly: clear thinking before build, sensible technology choices, and support that continues after launch.
Choose technology for the job
A project might need a static site, WordPress, WooCommerce, another CMS, a custom integration or automation. The decision should follow the use case.
Build for users and search systems
Structure, performance, mobile experience, technical SEO, schema and AI search visibility are planned into the site rather than patched on later.
Keep support practical
After launch, First Ideas can help with hosting, updates, fixes, reporting, improvements and the smaller technical jobs that keep a website useful.