Interview – Kim Scotland Website Designer

I interviewed Kim Scotland from www.kimscotland.com.

What was your work background before starting your business?

Before I started my business I spent 8 years working as a Software Engineer for a company who made primary care software used by the NHS.

Tech is a male-dominated industry, and when I returned to work after having my daughter I felt undervalued and unappreciated. Work opportunities that had been there before motherhood had suddenly disappeared and it felt like I had to prove myself as a valuable employee all over again.

What made you start your business and when did you do so?

I didn’t set out to start a business. After 10 months of maternity leave in 2015, I was looking for a project to hone my coding skills so I would feel confident in finding a new job. So, I started a blog. And during the time I spent in the blogging world, I saw that people were making money from it. Some were running online businesses, so I decided to give it a go myself.

I was really struggling with leaving my daughter at nursery every day, especially since we don’t have any family nearby to help out. So running my own business from home, around her routine, felt like the right move.

I launched my first blog in 2016 and it evolved from there. It went from a parenting blog, to a tech blog, to a tech VA business, and eventually into the web design business it is today. I left my corporate job in February 2019 and haven’t looked back.

What does your business offer?

My business offers web design for service-based business owners who want more than a good-looking homepage. Through my bespoke design packages and ongoing care plans I turns underperforming sites into strategic tools that book clients, automate admin, and create smoother experiences for all users.

With over 10 years in tech as a software engineer and web designer, I build clean, high-converting sites that do the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business, not wrangling your website.

I’m passionate about building websites with a strong focus on accessibility and creating inclusive digital experiences especially for marginalised people who experience systemic inequality online.

What would you say has been your biggest challenge on your business journey so far?

My biggest challenge so far has been getting a steady stream of clients and making consistent income each month. When I started my business it was because I wanted to do something I’m passionate about, on my terms. But, what I didn’t realise was that once you start a business you have to wear all the hats. Bookkeeper, marketer, sales person, customer service and more. No-one starts a business because they want to do all those things, but it does come with the territory.

What would you say are the positives with regards running your own business?

One of the best parts of running my own business is getting to choose the work I do. If something sounds fun, I generally say yes.
Recently, I’ve taken on some associate work that involves writing a lot of code – which I’ve really missed since I left my corporate role. It doesn’t pay as well as selling website packages directly to clients, but the satisfaction it brings is worth so much more. I feel more fulfilled and energised.
And when I’m enjoying what I do, I’m a better business owner, a more present parent, and a happier partner. That’s a big win for me.

What advice would you give to anyone starting out on their own business journey?

Don’t expect success overnight. When I first started my business I was taken in by business coaches telling me that I could be a 6-figure business owner within 6 months. 6 years in and I’m still not there, but that’s OK. I spent a lot of time looking for quick fixes and that one thing that was going to bring me the success I craved. Once I realised that there was no magic formula, I started to appreciate just how far I’d come.

Do you attend business networking events and, if so, are there any that you recommend and why?

Yes I attend several online and in-person networking events including Parenting Business Connections and Connect Women in Biz. Networking can feel very cliquey but I’ve found both communities to be very supportive and welcoming.

Have you joined any memberships for business owners and, if so, which if any would you recommend and why?

When I join memberships it’s for very specific topics. I am a member of ‘The Get Legit Hub’ legal membership where I get access to a lawyer for general legal questions as well as regular contract clinics. I’m never confident about a new offer until the legals are in place.

I’m also part of the Connect PR club which posts regular opportunities to be featured in the press and media. I know that having household name ‘as seen in’ logos on a website can massively increase a business’ authority, so it’s a very welcome recent addition.

Do you have any offers/discounts running now?

Right now, I’m offering free website homepage accessibility reviews so that you can make sure that everyone feels welcome when they visit your website.

I’ll check your homepage to make sure that the structure makes sense to screen readers, that your text is easy to read and that your text, links and buttons work across different devices.

You’ll get a short, jargon-free, video explaining what’s working, what needs fixing and advice on how to do it.

Which activities do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?

I’m a big fan of Lego and jigsaw puzzles. I’ve always had a logical brain, so those kinds of activities really appeal to me. There’s an end goal, a clear picture of what I’m building, and I follow the steps to make it happen.

It’s actually not that different from software and web design. The only difference is that with design and development, there’s no instruction manual. I have to use my knowledge, experience, and logic to figure out the best path to that end goal. And honestly, that’s what I love most about it: solving the puzzle and bringing everything together.