Building a Trades Website That Showcases Craft: Horan Tiling

New website graphic for horan tiling in kildare, irish tiling contractors

One of the most rewarding parts of running Ballymore Web Works is helping skilled trade businesses present their work online in a way that genuinely reflects the quality of what they do.

Horan Tiling, a professional tiling contractor working across commercial, residential, bathrooms, kitchens and floors, is a great example. With a strong reputation built through high quality work and word of mouth, they needed a website that would properly showcase their completed projects and give potential customers confidence from the first visit.

View the finished site: https://horantiling.ie/

The brief: a clean, work-led tiling website

The brief was simple and refreshingly clear: create a professional tiling website that puts the work front and centre.

The site needed to:

  • showcase commercial and residential tiling projects
  • showcase real bathroom and kitchen tiling projects
  • feel solid, trustworthy and easy to use
  • work seamlessly on mobile
  • avoid unnecessary design clutter

This wasn’t about trends or gimmicks. This project was about creating a website that mirrors the care, precision and reliability of the work itself.

The website build: structure, clarity and collaboration

The Horan Tiling website was designed and built with simplicity and longevity in mind. A clear page structure, restrained colour palette using their existing corporate colours, and straightforward navigation ensure the site won’t date quickly and can easily grow as new projects are added.

As is often the case with trade websites, content came together gradually. That’s where a flexible, collaborative approach really matters. We worked through layout, copy and imagery in stages, refining the site as it took shape.

Taking the time to get these details right leads to better results — and a website the client is genuinely happy to share.

Professional photography for tiling and bathroom projects

Strong photography is essential for any trades website, particularly for tilers, where finish, alignment and detail are everything.

This project was elevated by the work of Brenda Reade Photography, whose images capture the texture, precision and overall quality of Horan Tiling’s work. Good photography allows the workmanship to speak for itself and avoids the need for generic stock images.

For trade businesses, professional photography isn’t an add-on — it’s a core part of effective web design.

The finished result

The completed website gives Horan Tiling:

  • a professional online presence they’re proud of
  • a clear portfolio of commercial, residential, bathroom, kitchen and floor tiling work
  • a strong foundation for future growth

Most importantly, it reflects the standard of work customers can expect when they choose Horan Tiling.

A simple approach that works

This project is a good reminder that an effective trade website doesn’t need to be complex. With the right structure, clear messaging and strong imagery, a straightforward site can make a real difference to how a business is perceived online.

If you’re a tiler, tradesperson or small business owner and your website no longer reflects the quality of your work, Ballymore Web Works can help.

You can email email Barry -> ballymorewebworks@gmail.com

Irish Websites & the European Accessibility Act: A Practical Update for Small Business

Graphic of worker doing maintenance on a website

When I was first drafting this post, the European Accessibility Act was still on the something businesses were preparing for list.

Fast forward to today, with Christmas only weeks away and we’re already five months in. The rules officially in force since 28 June 2025.

For many Irish businesses, especially those selling products or services online, the question has changed. It’s no longer “What’s coming?” but “Are we actually compliant yet?”

At Ballymore Web Works, I’ve been helping clients adjust to the new requirements, understand what’s expected, and make practical progress. So here’s an updated, plain-English look at where things stand now and what you should be doing next

Quick Recap: What the Act Is All About

The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) was introduced to make digital products and services more inclusive and usable for all people, including those with disabilities. Nothing wrong with that.

It applies to:

  • E-commerce websites
  • Mobile apps
  • Ticketing and self-service terminals
  • Online banking
  • E-books and media players

If you sell online or offer digital services, there’s a good chance the Act affects you. Either directly or through third-party tools your business uses.

Five Months On: What “Accessible” Really Means in Practice

Now that the rules are active, “accessibility” has moved from a nice-to-have to an essential part of modern web design.

In practical terms, an accessible website should:

  • Work with screen readers and assistive technology
  • Use strong colour contrast and readable fonts
  • Include descriptive alt text on images
  • Be navigable using only a keyboard
  • Have logical heading structures and clean code
  • Avoid flashing elements or unnecessarily complex forms

These are all based on the WCAG 2.1 AA standards, which remain the benchmark for compliance.

Why Accessibility Still Matters (and Even More Now)

1. Compliance expectations are increasing

While enforcement is gradual, the expectation for businesses to demonstrate accessibility improvements is growing.

2. Better websites drive better results

Accessible websites tend to be faster, clearer and more user-friendly — which increases conversions and reduces bounce rates. In short, apart from anything else, it makes business sense to have an accessible website.

3. SEO wins continue to stack up

Google consistently rewards sites with strong accessibility foundations: proper alt text, headings, fast loading, clean navigation.

4. You reach a much wider audience

Roughly 15% of people globally experience some form of disability. Many other people benefit from accessibility improvements — including older users and mobile visitors.

What Businesses Should Be Doing Now (Five Months Later)

Most small businesses don’t need a ground-up rebuild. Instead, they need to review, improve, and plan.

Here’s what I’m advising clients:

1. Book an accessibility review if you haven’t already

This highlights quick wins and any critical fixes still needed since the Act came into effect.

2. Prioritise updates with real impact

Things like alt text, colour contrast, form labels and heading structure can be updated quickly and cost-effectively.

3. Tackle bigger issues gradually

If the site needs template adjustments, navigation updates or code improvements, these can be phased over time.

4. Build accessibility into your ongoing site care

Just like security updates, accessibility should be something you maintain regularly.

At Ballymore Web Works, I offer:

  • Accessibility audits with clear, actionable insights
  • WCAG 2.1 AA updates tailored for small business websites
  • Ongoing monthly maintenance
  • Content support to make sure new updates stay compliant

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Small Businesses?

The European Accessibility Act coming into force wasn’t the finish line — it was the starting point.
Over the next year, accessibility expectations will continue to grow. Businesses in Ireland that get ahead now will avoid larger, more expensive fixes later.

The good news? Improving accessibility almost always improves your website as a whole — for users, for Google, and for your business.

If you’re unsure how your website measures up five months into the Act, I’m happy to take a look.

Get in touch for a free accessibility check or to chat through what’s needed.

ballymorewebworks@gmail.com

Bringing Brenda’s Eye to Life: A New Home for Brenda Reade Photography

Illustration promoting the launch of Brenda Reade Photography's new website, featuring a laptop and mobile device displaying the site content, with the text 'New Website Launch - Live Now!'

One of the best parts of my work is getting to showcase talented people doing what they do best—and Brenda Reade is a perfect example.

Brenda is a superb photographer based in Kildare, with a natural eye for capturing atmosphere, emotion and detail in every frame. Whether it’s the stillness of a quiet landscape or the fuzzy feels of a family portrait, her work speaks for itself. So, when she asked me to build a new website to present her photography in the best possible light, I was more than happy to help.

A few months ago we launched brendareadephotography.ie, a clean, elegant portfolio site designed to let her images do the talking. It’s fully mobile-friendly, fast to load, and easy for Brenda to update herself with new projects, galleries and blog posts. We kept things simple and intuitive, putting her photography front and centre with minimal distractions—just the way it should be.

Brenda’s already been recognised for her talent. She won Best Photo in Bermingham Cameras competition at the Punchestown Festival—no surprise to anyone who’s seen her work. It’s been a pleasure helping her create a digital space that reflects her creative style and professionalism.

This is the kind of project I love: working with creative people who are passionate about what they do, and helping their work reach more of the right audience. If you haven’t already, take a moment to browse Brenda’s new site and enjoy her photography—brendareadephotography.ie

If you’re a photographer, artist, or small business looking for a site that shows off your best work, I’d love to help. Get in touch and let’s chat.

What Every Small Business Needs to Know About Website Maintenance

Illustration of work loading on a computer screen representing the importance of website management

For many small business owners, the hard work feels “done” once the website is live. But just like your van, tools, or shopfront — your website needs regular upkeep to stay in top shape.

Website maintenance isn’t just for big companies with big websites. In fact, for small businesses, it can be the difference between showing up in search results… or not showing up at all.

Why Website Maintenance Matters

Here are five key reasons why ongoing website care is essential for small businesses:

1. Security

Websites need regular updates to stay protected against hackers and bugs. Out-of-date plugins or software can leave your site vulnerable — even if it looks fine on the surface. Regular maintenance ensures your site and your customers’ data stay safe.

2. Speed & Performance

A slow website frustrates visitors and is a put off for potential customers. Keeping your site optimised (think image compression for example) helps your pages load faster — especially important for users on mobile, which is how the vast majority of people will look at your site.

3. Search Engine Visibility

Google rewards sites that are regularly updated and technically sound. That means fixing broken links, keeping your content fresh, and making sure your site loads properly — all of which help you rank higher in local search results.

Adding regular content like blog posts (just like this one!) or customer testimonials can have a huge impact too. These updates show Google that your business is active and relevant, and they help you target keywords your customers are actually searching for — whether it’s “electrician in Kildare” or “best café in Blessington.”

4. User Experience

Little things break over time — contact forms stop working, layout issues crop up, or mobile views get messy. Regular checks make sure your website is always easy to use and professional-looking.

5. Peace of Mind

We’re always happy to provide training so you can manage your website content, but as a business owner, your time is valuable. Having someone you trust to look after your website means one less thing to worry about – leaving you free to focus on running your business.  

What We Do  For Small Businesses & Trades Websites

At Ballymore Web Works, we offer a flexible range of website management and maintenance services tailored to support small businesses. Whether you just need the essentials covered or want to actively grow your online presence, we’ve got you. 

Our most popular package – Ongoing Website Care – is designed to give you peace of mind, knowing your site is in safe hands while you focus on running your business.

Ongoing Website Care

  • Hosting management
  • Regular security updates and checks
  • Technical maintenance to keep your site fast and reliable
  • Routine content updates (e.g. text edits, image swaps, layout tweaks)

Content & Growth Support

  • One SEO-optimised blog post or article each month
  • Custom-designed assets to promote content on social media
  • Website analytics monitoring and monthly performance reporting
  • Insights on audience behaviour and engagement

Strategic Support

  • Quarterly check-in call to align on business goals and digital strategy

We tailor our plans depending on your needs and budget — from simple check-ups to more involved support.

Is It Worth It?

If your website plays any role in attracting customers — whether you’re a tradesperson in Newbridge, a salon in Blessington, or a café in Naas — then yes, keeping it maintained is absolutely worth it.

A small monthly investment in maintenance and management can save you a lot of stress (and cost) down the line if things break or go offline.

Want to Keep Your Website in Good Health?

We’re based in Kildare and work with small businesses and trades in Kildare, Wicklow and across Ireland. We keep our clients websites fast, secure, and performing at their best.

Let’s have a chat about how we can help you.

Email: ballymorewebworks@gmail.com

OR

Call Barry on 0851062554

Bringing Craftsmanship to the Page: A New Brochure for A Cassidy Decorators

At Ballymore Web Works, we believe that how you present your business should reflect the quality of the work you do — and A Cassidy Decorators made that part easy.

We recently worked with the Meath-based firm to design a new company brochure that tells the story of their work and showcases their professionalism in a clean, modern format.

Who they are

A Cassidy Decorators is a family-run painting and decorating business, who’ve made their name on their dependable service and meticulous finishes. They work on a wide range of projects — from new-build housing developments to bespoke residential interiors, and everything in between.

The brief

The team needed a polished brochure they could use with developers, builders and potential clients etc. It had to be professional, easy to digest, and show their track record clearly at a glance. We focused on creating something clean, visual, and grounded in their real-world work.

Our approach

We designed a structured layout that blends:

  • Concise company messaging
  • Clear breakdowns of services
  • Featured project case studies with budgets and scopes
  • Trusted partner and client references

We, and they, are delighted with the final result.

Louise and the team at A Cassidy Decorators were a pleasure to deal with from start to finish, we hope to able to work with you again soon.

You can take a look at the final product here.

Why it matters

For trades and construction businesses, a business brochure plays a vital role — especially in tendering or B2B relationships. A well-designed brochure helps you stand out from the crowd, back up your reputation, and show you’re serious about what you do.

Need print or brochure design for your business?

If you’re looking for print design services in Ireland, or want help creating marketing materials for your construction or trade business, Ballymore Web Works can help. We offer:

  • Brochure design for small businesses
  • Graphic design for construction companies
  • Custom marketing materials for Irish tradespeople
  • Website updates and content creation

We’re based in Kildare and work with clients across Ireland. Whether you need a single brochure or a full digital and print campaign, we’ll help you look as good as the work you do.

Have a project we can help with? Get in touch today!

Why Content Creation is Essential for Local Businesses

An illustration of a woman presenting and a screen behind her showing upward growth

If you run a small business near us in Kildare, Wicklow, Carlow or Dublin, being visible in online search results is crucial for attracting customers. One of the most effective ways to improve your local SEO is through quality content creation—blogs, landing pages, social media posts, and more.

By regularly publishing high quality and engaging content, your website can rank higher on Google, bringing in more local customers and boosting your business growth.

How Content Creation Improves Local SEO

1. Increases Keyword Relevance

Google prefers websites that publish new and original content regularly, and especially text containing location-specific keywords. For example, a great fit on a blog on website for a plumber in Naas would be a post titled “How to Fix a Leaky Tap: Expert Plumbing Tips for Homeowners in Kildare”.

This not only helps your site rank higher but also attracts potential customers searching for services and answers to questions in your area.

2. Enhances Website Authority & Trust

Publishing informative blog posts, guides, and case studies helps position your business as an industry expert. When customers see helpful content from you, they are more likely to trust your brand and contact you.

3. Boosts Engagement & Social Shares

Content isn’t just about SEO; it’s also about engagement. When you create useful articles or guides tailored to say, Kildare, Wicklow, or Carlow, you increase the chances of people sharing your content on social media, and in turn expanding your reach.

What Types of Content Help Improve Local SEO?

You will probably have noticed some of these already, and while not a complete list, it offers some good guidance that anyone with a small business can introduce and implement on their website.

  • Blog Posts & Guides: Create informative content around your industry that answers common customer questions.
  • Service Pages Optimised for Local SEO: Ensure your web pages highlight your services in the county you operate in and surrounding areas. So, a business like ours that is as close to Naas in Kildare as it is to Blessington in Wicklow, needs to refine our SEO to reflect this.
  • Customer Case Studies & Testimonials: This one should be obvious, sharing reviews and showcasing real stories of happy clients builds trust and business credibility.
  • Local Event Coverage & News: Writing about community events can help you connect with a local audience. For example, if you are a business in Newbridge, and Sarsfields are playing a county final, writing a story wishing them well would work great – especially for engagement on social media.
  • SEO-Optimised Social Media Posts: Regular updates with tagged content help improve online visibility, and increase engagement with other businesses and potential customers.

Local SEO Tips for Small Businesses in Kildare & Wicklow

  • Use Location-Based Keywords: Mention your service areas naturally throughout your content.
  • Add Internal Links: Link your blog posts to relevant service pages for better navigation.
  • Ensure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly: Google ranks mobile-optimised sites higher in local searches.
  • Encourage Customer Reviews: Positive reviews improve your local search ranking and build business credibility.

Ready to Improve Your Local SEO?

At Ballymore Web Works, we want to help small businesses in Kildare, Wicklow, and beyond stand out online. Whether you need SEO-friendly blog posts, social media content, or website optimisation, we can help you out.

📢 Want to boost your search rankings and grow your business? Contact us today to get started!

Your Website Should Work for You — Here’s How to Make It Happen

Graphic of work man constructing a website with hammers and nails

For many small businesses, a website is like an online shopfront — often the first impression a customer gets of your business. But what happens when that shopfront is a bit… neglected? Inactive emails, out-of-date content, broken links — these little issues add up, and they could be costing you more than you realise.

From my experience, here are some of the most common issues I encounter on small business websites

The Pitfalls: What’s Going Wrong?

Inactive Contact Details

Ever tried to reach a business only to find their email bounces back or the phone number is out of service? It’s frustrating — and it’s the quickest way to lose a potential customer. If your contact details aren’t up to date, you’re shutting the door on business opportunities.

Stale, Out-of-Date Content

Your website should reflect the business you run today — not the one you had five years ago. Old product info, outdated service lists, and news posts from 2019 make your business look inactive. Worse, it tells customers you might not be keeping up with their needs.

A Poor User Experience

Broken links, slow loading times, and confusing navigation make visitors click away fast. If people can’t find the information they need quickly and easily, they won’t stick around — and they certainly won’t convert into customers.

The Impact: Why It Matters

Every small business thrives on trust and reputation. A website full of errors and outdated content can make people wonder if your business is still active — or if you’re as professional and reliable as they need. It’s not just about appearances; it’s about credibility.

On top of that, search engines like Google prioritise websites with fresh, relevant content and a good user experience. An inactive website won’t just lose you customers — it could also drop you down the search rankings.

The Solution: Make Your Website Work for You

Keeping your website in top shape doesn’t have to be a full-time job — but it does take attention and the right expertise. That’s where Ballymore Web Works comes in. We help small businesses like yours keep their websites up to date, functional, and engaging with superb content.

Here’s how we can help:

  • Website Audits: We’ll review your site’s content, functionality, and back-end setup, ensuring everything works as it should.
  • Content Plans: Fresh, engaging content that keeps your audience informed and your business visible.
  • Technical Updates: From fixing contact forms to checking analytics, we can handle the nitty-gritty so you don’t have to.
  • Social Media Management: We’ll align your website and social channels for a consistent, professional online presence and brand.

Ready to get your website working for you? Let’s chat and see how we can support your business’s growth.

Get in touch

Your website should be your hardest-working employee — make sure it’s earning its keep.

Hello!

Hi, I’m Barry, founder of Ballymore Web Works. Based in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, I set up this business with a simple mission: to help small businesses and organisations shine online.

So many incredible businesses are already doing amazing work, but without a strong digital presence, they’re not getting the attention they deserve—that’s where I can help.

With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, website management, and content creation, I’ve worked across industries from community and non-profits to business, music, and the media. My background in journalism and digital communications means I know how to craft content that connects.

When I’m not fine tuning websites, crafting eye-catching designs, or planning marketing campaigns, you’ll find me at home in Ballymore with my wife and two young kids. I’m originally from Newbridge, and outside of work, I love music, collecting records, football, reading, hikes, walks—and, of course, a good cup of coffee.

If you need a hand with anything digital—whether it’s marketing, design, or content creation—let’s have a chat. I’d love to see how I can help!