Adviser of the Month: Patricia Greene – building websites and resilience for 25 years

Congratulations to our Adviser of the Month for May, Patricia Greene, founder of The Web Crew.

With 25 years of experience in web design and digital support, Patricia has mentored and trained over 100 people in how to use their website and online presence to grow their business.

In our Adviser of the Month interview for May, Patricia shares how she pivoted during a recession, what makes a good client fit and how small businesses can get their online presence right from the start. She says:

“My mission is to help small and micro businesses grow and be sustainable.

“Whether you’re building a business or a website, start with clarity. Know who you help, how you help them and what support you need along the way.

"There’s no shame in asking for help – that’s how we all grow.”

What sparked your move into web design and development?

My journey into web design started from a place of necessity and family balance. Back in 2000, I had been working as a project coordinator in the health services, and my husband was a graphic design lecturer. With young children at home, we wanted more control over our schedules.

My husband took a three-year career break, and I left my job – a scary leap at the time, but we saw it as an opportunity to create something of our own.

We started out in graphic design and print management – brochures, branding, logos – and we were already telling businesses back then that they needed websites. That was 25 years ago, when the internet was still dial-up and design files had to be sent by bus to Belfast for printing!

Over time, the web became central, and in 2019, we rebranded to The Web Crew to reflect our full shift into website design and development.

What challenges shaped the way you run your business today?

One major turning point was the 2009 global recession. At the time, we had a full team of five and a dedicated office space, but we were hit hard and had to make the tough decision to downsize. It forced us to refocus.

We pivoted entirely to web design and began working more remotely. That experience taught us resilience and the importance of staying adaptable. It also helped us streamline our services and understand what really matters to clients.

What’s a common misconception clients have about web design?

That it’s easy. People think using platforms like WordPress means you can do it all yourself. And yes, some parts are user-friendly, but building a strategic, effective website takes skill.

A lot goes on behind the scenes: structure, user experience, security, optimisation and maintenance. Good websites require planning, maintenance and strategic thinking. That’s where we come in.

What core services does The Web Crew offer clients?

• Website design and development (mainly WordPress)

• SEO structure and optimisation

• Ongoing maintenance and support

• Google Ads and analytics setup for long-term clients

• Content creation, like blog writing, to support SEO

We help business owners identify what’s not working and put an action plan in place to get it working much better. We aim to be a one-stop shop for our clients who value clarity and continuous support.

How do you decide who’s a good client fit?

We’re honest. If someone isn’t ready – maybe they’re unsure of their message or just starting out – we’ll advise them to work on their foundation first. Sometimes we refer them to mentors or suggest starting with a basic one-page site.

We also tend to avoid large e-commerce projects with thousands of products. We do smaller e-commerce sites through Shopify or WooCommerce, but only when it complements the client’s service offering.

Overall, we look for clients who:

• Are established or have a clear business idea

• Value quality and are ready to invest in a proper online presence

• Understand the time and effort that goes into a good website

What’s exciting on the horizon for The Web Crew?

This year marks our 25th anniversary, so we’re doing a few things to celebrate!

• Website giveaway: We’re launching a competition where one deserving business will win a full website or upgrade, valued at nearly £4,000. It’ll be a professionally built, bespoke design with everything they need to get started

• Tourism support: We’re also involved in a programme focused on helping small tourism businesses in Ireland get online. It’s a great fit for us, and it’s wonderful to see more women running businesses in this space

• Simplified packages: We’re rolling out clearly defined website packages. While we’ll always tailor solutions, sometimes clients want to see clear options and pricing to help them decide

For businesses without the budget for a web developer or a consultant, what advice would you offer?

First, get clear on your service, audience and message. Start with clarity. Know who you’re serving, what you’re offering and how it helps. If your messaging is fuzzy, no website can fix that.

There’s plenty you can do for free or low cost before hiring a web designer:

• Use a Google Business Profile to list services and collect reviews

• Be active on social media with a clear message

• Consider mentorship. I mentor through Enterprise Nation and other programmes, and there are amazing free or subsidised resources available

Don’t rush into a website until your foundation is solid. The clearer your business vision, the easier it will be to build an effective website when the time comes.

Watch this webinar to discover how the strategic structure of your website can dramatically improve your conversion rates:

You’re also a mentor – how did that start?

I’ve both given and received mentoring. Being part of Enterprise Nation has allowed me to support others, which I love, and it's also a platform where I continue to learn.

In fact, after one of my recent Lunch and Learn sessions, several participants signed up for audits or services. That’s proof that people are hungry for the right advice – they just need someone to guide them.

I’ve been mentoring through Enterprise Nation and other local programmes. It’s my way of giving back. I needed guidance when I started, and I still seek it today. Mentoring helps others gain clarity and avoid common pitfalls.

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