1st May 2025
At the end of a recent video call with one of our web design clients, they signed off by saying, "Thanks for being human!"
That simple comment meant a lot. It’s exactly the kind of thing we look for in a company and it’s something we've always made a conscious effort to bring to our work. We also value this quality in our clients, those who communicate openly and naturally, without any assumptions about how to talk to "I.T. people."
Positive feedback about our approach and process is just as meaningful as praise for the finished website. That's because genuine, human interaction between collaborators is what leads to the best results. In fact, it's such a vital part of any project that we thought it was worth breaking down exactly why 'being human' matters so much in a web design partnership.
Human-centred design goes together with human-centred communication
We don't expect clients to know the lexicon of web development or UX (user experience) - but they do know their aims, why they need a website, their stakeholders and their own resources. These are the things we ask them about. Speaking in clear language encourages better discussion and more useful feedback. This sets the tone for the whole design process, which is about people, not pixels.
Approachability builds trust
Clients may understandably feel vulnerable when commissioning a website. It can be a big investment tied to their business or personal brand. Being approachable and providing gentle leadership helps reduce anxiety and creates a safe space for questions and honest input. Trust and confidence in the web developer leads to a smoother project process that's enjoyable for everyone.
Translating tech into tangible outcomes
Clients shouldn't have to care about the technical details of their website. They care about their goals and calls to action their web users should take, such as accessing support, finding information, booking events, buying a product and so on. Stripping away the tech speak allows us to focus on discussions about outcomes and because we choose to work with organisations and individuals who are making a positive difference, their outcomes are all the more important to us.
How we feel makes all the difference
We want clients to come away from a web development project feeling respected, heard and understood and we want to feel that way too. Positive experiences like this are more likely to lead to long-term working relationships and potentially more opportunities for both parties.
6th Feb 2025
On June 28th 2025 the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force. The Act aims to ensure equitable access to online digital services (including websites) and products for users in the European Union. It applies to any business that provides products and services to consumers in the EU, wherever the business is based. This means that it applies to UK businesses.
See our previous article 'Website accessibility - what, why and how' for more details on what web accessibility means, why it is important and ways to make your website more accessible.
Previously, legislation based around website accessibility has been aimed mainly at Public Sector bodies but the EAA focusses on the private sector. It applies to businesses who trade in the EU, who are based outside of the EU but sell products and services within the EU and who have at least 10 employees and a turnover of €2 million.
Whilst the EAA may not apply to some smaller businesses and individuals, we believe that all website owners should be working towards a more accessible internet. As in other areas of society, many people are disadvantaged in the digital world due to unequal access to information, services and products. Older people, disabled people and those without access to fast internet services will all benefit from websites that are designed and created to accessibility standards.
Find more detailed information about the European Accessibility Act at:
European Union
European Commission
Ability Net
Gov.uk - understanding accessibility requirements
3rd Oct 2024
Did you know that some of our clients have come to us via their web designer?
Ethical web designers choose Green Hosting because they understand the absolute importance of reliability and excellent support. It isn’t just about using an environmentally and socially responsible service, its fundamental to making sure their clients feel confident in them and their business.
We work in both web design and web hosting, developing websites for our own clients in a range of sectors. So we understand the pressures and concerns that a designer may face. With this experience we can help with some of the more hosting specific technicalities that designers may encounter when creating sites for their clients.
If you’re a web designer who wants to align with other ethical businesses and be a part of a positive movement towards a greener internet then drop us a line. Find out what we offer, our impact and the great company you and your clients would keep, alongside the other amazing individuals and organisations who already work with us year after year.
Here's some feedback from web designers who have chosen Green Hosting for their clients…
"Thank YOU for providing such a brilliant service!... I used to provide web solutions for businesses and so I have had plenty of experience of web hosts. Even without the amazing green credentials you guys are the best!" – Sam
"As always a great service from you. I have recommended you a number of times and will continue to do so. Not very often you get such fantastic service these days... Big pat on the back to the Green Hosting team." – Jason
"A wicked level of service from you guys. Really pleased to have found a good and friendly hosting comp. Looking forward to working with you in the future." – Gaz
8th May 2024
You might think that a newsletter from a website hosting company sounds boring. But if you're looking for a way for your business to contribute to positive change, then switching to Green Hosting can help.
We only send our newsletter 4 times a year. So signing up is no big commitment and we hope you'll find what we have to share useful. We'll tell you about...
> the work of some awesome and diverse individuals, brands and organisations. We could create an amazing ethical directory with this gold.
> helpful tips and information for website owners.
> discounts and affiliate opportunities
If you sign up and it's not for you, then you can unsubscribe again. It's not the end of the world.
22nd Feb 2024
Displaying a clear pricing structure is key to operating an ethical business. This might sound obvious but there seem to be a lot of examples across many industries where customers are being led to believe that a service costs one price but later increases despite there being no difference in how the client uses the service. These hidden costs can come as a nasty shock, especially if you've committed to using a service that isn't easy to leave later down the line.
We have never used 'charm pricing' and always keep it simple with round numbers. The prices that you see for our hosting plans are what you will pay and this will only change if you upgrade your plan or use more resources. We haven't changed this pricing structure for ten years and in the economic crisis of recent times have kept it the same despite the rising costs that all businesses are facing.
If you would like to save some money on your Green Hosting plan, here are two things you can do:
If you would like to know more about the other benefits of signing up to Green Hosting, see how we support our clients, charities and fellow ethical businesses.
Current clients can also become a Green Hosting affiliate, potentially earning money from sign-ups via your website.
If you've been thinking about signing up to Green Hosting but you're not yet ready, join our mailing list and we will keep in touch with you 4 times a year.
Green Hosting works handsomely with:
Auto-installer now available on all accounts
