The Node.js security fix from October 21 and who needs it
If your website or web app runs on Node.js, make sure it has the Node.js update from October 21, 2026.
3 min read
Blog
Plain-English notes on building, securing, and speeding up small-business websites. Also published on sitelaunchrva.com.
Posts
The PHP2Shell security hole and what to do about it this week
If your website runs on WordPress or any other PHP software, ask your host today whether they've installed the PHP update from October 21, 2026.
4 min read
Your website answers when you can't
A website answers customer questions while you're busy or closed. For a small business that can't staff a phone all day, that's a big deal.
3 min read
What a small business website really costs, fees included
A website costs more than the build price. You'll also pay for a domain, email, and hosting, plus any changes after launch. Most quotes leave at least one of those out.
4 min read
Why a Facebook page can't replace a website
A Facebook or Instagram page is a good thing to have, but it can't do the job of a website. You don't control who sees your posts, and the company behind the app can lock you out…
3 min read
Your customers look you up before they call
Before most people call a local business, they look it up online. If they can't find a website, a lot of them move on to someone they can.
4 min read
How to show up on Google Maps when locals search
Your Google Business Profile and your reviews do most of the work for showing up on Google Maps. Whitespark surveys local search experts every year. In its 2026 report , they…
4 min read
React in 2026: what's new since React 19
React has gotten faster and easier to work with since React 19 came out in December 2024. I build a lot of sites and apps with React, so here are the updates I actually care about.
2 min read
Redesigning your website? Save these things first
Before you redesign, make sure you keep what your old site already earned. That means your web address and email, plus the Google traffic your old pages bring in. A new look won't…
3 min read
How long until a new website brings you customers?
Google can find a new site within days, but steady calls from search usually take a few months. Google's own SEO Starter Guide says some changes show up in hours and others take…
3 min read
Should you use a website builder or get a custom site?
If you want to build and update the site yourself for cheap, a builder like Squarespace or Wix is a fine choice. If you want a fast site built around your business and you'd…
4 min read
A website security checklist you can finish this afternoon
You can make your business website much safer this afternoon, and you don't need a developer to do it.
4 min read
Squarespace, WordPress, custom, or AI-built? Where each one is weakest
Every way of building a website has weak spots, and they sit in different places depending on what you use.
4 min read
How small business websites actually get hacked in 2026
Most small business websites get hacked by automated programs, and nobody picked them out on purpose.
4 min read
Six accessibility fixes you can make this afternoon
You don't need a developer or a big budget to make your website noticeably easier to use. Most accessibility problems are small and fixable from whatever editor you already use.…
3 min read
Website accessibility, explained for people who run a business
If you've heard the word "accessibility" thrown around and nodded along without being totally sure what it means for your website, you're not alone. Most of the business owners I…
3 min read
Is your website costing you customers?
If your site is slow or hard to use on a phone, it probably is. People who give up on your site usually call the next business in the search results.
2 min read
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): what it is and how we speed it up
Largest Contentful Paint, or LCP, is how long it takes the biggest thing on your page to show up. That's usually your main photo or headline. Google wants it under 2.5 seconds .
2 min read