The Journal
Notes on getting found,
and building something that lasts.
Plain-English writing on websites, storytelling, Google, and local SEO — the things I wish every owner, maker, and founder knew. No jargon, no fluff.
How Much Does a Small Business Website Actually Cost?
DIY builders, freelancers, and agencies compared in plain English — plus the ongoing costs nobody warns you about, and exactly what I charge and why.
Getting Found · Local SEOWhy Isn't My Business Showing Up on Google?
You Google your own business and find… nothing. Here are the seven real reasons that happens — and the plain-English fix for each, in the order they actually matter.
Getting Started · Local BusinessDo You Really Need a Website If You're on Facebook?
It's the question I hear most. Facebook is useful — but it's a rented room, not a house you own. Here's the honest answer for owners on why you want both.
Restaurants · WebsitesWhy Your Restaurant's Website Is Costing You Customers
Your food's great and your regulars love you — but the person deciding where to eat tonight is on their phone. Here are the seven small frictions quietly sending them down the street, and how to fix each one.
Getting Found · Local SEOHow to Claim & Optimize Your Google Business Profile
When someone Googles "near me," Google shows three businesses on a map before anything else. Here's the free, step-by-step way to get your business in that box — and keep it there.
Getting Started · DomainsHow to Get Your Own Domain Name
Your domain is your address on the internet — and buying one is simpler than it looks. A plain-English, click-by-click walkthrough, no tech skills needed.
More notes on the way — websites, story, reviews, and getting found.