Top WordPress Tips for Bristol Startups

So, you’ve got a killer idea, a cool logo and a mate who said they’d “sort the website.” Fast forward two months and your homepage still says “Just another WordPress site” and half the menu links don’t work. Sound familiar?

We get it… launching a startup in Bristol is exciting (and chaotic) and your website probably isn’t at the top of your list. But here’s the truth: your site is your digital shopfront, your online first impression, your 24/7 hype machine. So if you’re running WordPress (and you should be) here are our top tips to make sure your site isn’t holding you back.

Start With the Right Theme (or Better Yet, Go Custom)

Free themes are great until you realise 200,000 other businesses are using the same one. If you’re serious about standing out, invest in a theme that fits your brand or better yet get a custom build tailored to your needs. Trust us, it’ll pay off in clicks and conversions.

Need a hand? We build custom WordPress sites for startups all over Bristol (and beyond).

Ditch the Bloat. Use Plugins Wisely

WordPress has a plugin for everything. Literally. But that doesn’t mean you should install all of them. Too many plugins = slow site = sad users and grumpy Google. Stick to essentials like:

• Yoast SEO for, well umm, SEO!
• WP Super Cache or LiteSpeed Cache for speed
• Wordfence for security
• Gravity Forms for beautiful, functional forms

Mobile First, Always

Over 60% of website traffic comes from mobile. If your site’s not optimised for small screens, you’re losing customers before they even read your headline. Make sure your layout, buttons, and menus work like a dream on phones and tablets.

Pro tip: Test your site on at least three different devices (including your gran’s old iPad).

Sort Your SEO Early

It’s not just about keywords. It’s about structure, speed and strategy. Make sure you:

• Use clear page titles and meta descriptions
• Optimise your images for fast loading
• Submit your site to Google Search Console
• Make sure you claim and complete your Google Business Profile
• Consider Google Analytics to measure your performance

If you want to rank for “Bristol coffee delivery” or “eco-friendly accountants BS1” you’ve got to start now.

Don’t Sleep on Security

Startups are prime targets for dodgy bots and malware. Set up automatic backups, use strong passwords (not “Startup123”) and keep your WordPress version, themes, and plugins updated. It’s boring but essential.

Make It Easy to Convert

What’s the point of your site? Sign-ups? Sales? Phone calls? Whatever it is make it obvious. Add clear CTAs (“Book a demo”, “Get a quote”, “Order now”), remove clutter and guide users toward action.

Talk Like a Human, Not a Robot

You’re a Bristol startup, not a Silicon Valley mega-corp. Use real, honest language. Ditch the jargon. Be yourself. People want to know who they’re buying from or working with, especially locally.

Got it? Gert lush.

Proper Job, Now Let’s Build Something

Building a strong WordPress site doesn’t have to be a headache but it does take a bit of love, thought and the right crew backing you. Whether you’re launching your first idea or growing your second, your website should work as hard as you do.

At DCOED we help Bristol startups create smart, scalable, good-looking WordPress websites that do the business. No cookie-cutter templates. No bloat. Just bold ideas, clean builds, and the occasional GIF.

Ready to get started? Drop us a line. We’d love to hear what you’re building.