<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>HDC Consultancy Blog</title><description>Practical advice on websites, SEO, paid ads, AI lead systems and lead generation for ambitious businesses across Shropshire and the UK.</description><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/</link><language>en-gb</language><item><title>What Should You Look for in a Web Developer? A Shropshire Owner&apos;s Guide</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/choosing-a-web-developer-shropshire-guide/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/choosing-a-web-developer-shropshire-guide/</guid><description>Choosing a web developer is hard when every quote sounds the same. Here&apos;s the honest checklist of what actually matters — from a Shrewsbury team.</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>web development</category><category>shropshire</category><category>shrewsbury</category><category>choosing a web developer</category><category>small business</category></item><item><title>How Much Does a Website Cost in Shrewsbury in 2026?</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/website-cost-shrewsbury-2026/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/website-cost-shrewsbury-2026/</guid><description>A straight answer on website pricing for Shropshire businesses — real 2026 price ranges, what actually drives the cost, and the ongoing fees no one warns you about.</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>web development</category><category>website cost</category><category>shrewsbury</category><category>pricing</category><category>shropshire</category></item><item><title>What Is GEO? How to Get Your Business Recommended by AI Search</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/what-is-geo-ai-search/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/what-is-geo-ai-search/</guid><description>Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) is how you get recommended by ChatGPT, Google AI and Perplexity — not just ranked on Google. Here&apos;s what it is and how to do it.</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>GEO</category><category>AI search</category><category>generative engine optimisation</category><category>ChatGPT</category><category>SEO</category></item><item><title>WordPress vs Astro: Which Is Better for a UK Business Website in 2026?</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/wordpress-vs-astro-uk-business-website/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/wordpress-vs-astro-uk-business-website/</guid><description>For most business websites, a modern static stack like Astro wins on speed, security and SEO. WordPress still has its place. Here&apos;s an honest, jargon-free comparison.</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>web development</category><category>wordpress</category><category>astro</category><category>core web vitals</category><category>website performance</category></item><item><title>How to Build a Website That Ranks on Google and Gets Recommended by ChatGPT</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-to-build-a-website-that-ranks-on-google-and-chatgpt/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-to-build-a-website-that-ranks-on-google-and-chatgpt/</guid><description>You don&apos;t build two websites for two audiences. You build one fast, crawlable, well-structured site that wins in both places.</description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>AI SEO</category><category>GEO</category><category>website build</category><category>ranking on Google</category><category>ChatGPT</category></item><item><title>How to Get Your Business Recommended by ChatGPT</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-your-business-recommended-by-chatgpt/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-your-business-recommended-by-chatgpt/</guid><description>You can&apos;t buy your way in. Here&apos;s how to earn a ChatGPT recommendation the honest way — the same way you earn trust.</description><pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>AI SEO</category><category>ChatGPT</category><category>GEO</category><category>AI search</category><category>local business</category></item><item><title>How to Appear in Google AI Overviews: A Local Business Guide</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-to-appear-in-google-ai-overviews/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-to-appear-in-google-ai-overviews/</guid><description>You can&apos;t buy a spot in Google&apos;s AI answers. Here&apos;s how local businesses actually earn one, explained in plain English.</description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>AI SEO</category><category>Google AI Overviews</category><category>AI Mode</category><category>GEO</category><category>local SEO</category></item><item><title>Does llms.txt Actually Work? An Honest Answer for 2026</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/does-llms-txt-work/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/does-llms-txt-work/</guid><description>A plain-English look at whether the llms.txt file really boosts your AI visibility, and whether it&apos;s worth adding to your site.</description><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>llms.txt</category><category>AI SEO</category><category>GEO</category><category>AI search</category></item><item><title>Schema Markup for AI Search: The Structured Data That Gets You Cited</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/schema-markup-for-ai-search/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/schema-markup-for-ai-search/</guid><description>Schema markup is the code that labels your facts so Google and AI engines read them without guessing. Here&apos;s what to add first.</description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>schema markup</category><category>structured data</category><category>AI SEO</category><category>JSON-LD</category><category>GEO</category></item><item><title>Does the Way Your Website Is Built Affect SEO? (Yes, and Here&apos;s How)</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/does-website-build-affect-seo/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/does-website-build-affect-seo/</guid><description>How your site is built quietly decides its speed, structure and whether Google can even read it — often the real reason two similar businesses rank worlds apart.</description><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>web development</category><category>SEO</category><category>website build</category><category>technical SEO</category><category>Core Web Vitals</category></item><item><title>Does Page Speed Affect Google Ranking? Core Web Vitals, Explained Simply</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/does-page-speed-affect-google-ranking/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/does-page-speed-affect-google-ranking/</guid><description>Yes, page speed affects Google ranking, but in proportion. Here&apos;s what it really does, and why it matters even more for your enquiries.</description><pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Core Web Vitals</category><category>page speed</category><category>SEO</category><category>website performance</category><category>INP</category></item><item><title>How Long Does SEO Take for a New Website? An Honest Timeline</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-long-does-seo-take-for-a-new-website/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-long-does-seo-take-for-a-new-website/</guid><description>The straight answer, no spin: how long SEO really takes for a brand-new website, and the realistic month-by-month arc to expect.</description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>SEO</category><category>new website</category><category>organic growth</category><category>SEO timeline</category></item><item><title>Why Is My New Website Not Ranking on Google? (And How to Fix It)</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/why-is-my-new-website-not-ranking-on-google/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/why-is-my-new-website-not-ranking-on-google/</guid><description>A brand-new site not showing up on Google is normal and usually fixable. Here are the real reasons, and the fix for each.</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>SEO</category><category>new website</category><category>indexing</category><category>Google ranking</category></item><item><title>Local SEO: How to Win Your Immediate Area</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/local-seo-dominating/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/local-seo-dominating/</guid><description>For most local businesses the battle is won within a few miles. Here&apos;s how the map pack, your Google Business Profile, reviews and NAP consistency actually drive local enquiries — and what to fix first.</description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>local SEO</category><category>google business profile</category><category>map pack</category><category>near me searches</category></item><item><title>Web Development in Shropshire: How to Turn Your Website Into a Lead Machine (2026 Guide)</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/web-development-shropshire-lead-generation-guide-2026/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/web-development-shropshire-lead-generation-guide-2026/</guid><description>A practical guide for Shropshire business owners on how the right web development and local SEO turn a quiet website into a steady source of qualified leads, from Shrewsbury and Telford to Oswestry, Ludlow and the market towns in between.</description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>web development shropshire</category><category>web design shrewsbury</category><category>lead generation shropshire</category><category>shropshire seo</category><category>telford web design</category><category>get more leads shropshire</category></item><item><title>Web Design for Tradesmen: What You Actually Need (And What&apos;s a Waste of Money), UK Guide 2026</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/web-design-for-tradesmen-uk-guide-2026/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/web-design-for-tradesmen-uk-guide-2026/</guid><description>A no-nonsense guide for UK plumbers, electricians, and builders on what a tradesman website actually needs to get leads in 2026, and what&apos;s a waste of money.</description><pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>web design for tradesmen</category><category>tradesman website UK</category><category>website for plumber</category><category>website for electrician</category><category>builder website UK</category></item><item><title>How Much Does a Website Cost in the UK? (2026 Honest Guide)</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-much-does-a-website-cost-uk-2026/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-much-does-a-website-cost-uk-2026/</guid><description>The honest answer to the UK&apos;s most searched web design question, with real price breakdowns, what affects the cost, and how to avoid paying for things you don&apos;t need.</description><pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>web design cost</category><category>website price UK</category><category>web development UK</category><category>small business website</category></item><item><title>Why Your Website Is Losing You Customers (And How to Fix It), UK Guide 2026</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/why-is-my-website-not-getting-customers-uk-2026/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/why-is-my-website-not-getting-customers-uk-2026/</guid><description>The data-backed answer to the most common complaint from UK business owners, with a practical, prioritised action plan you can start today.</description><pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>website performance</category><category>website not converting</category><category>slow website UK</category><category>Core Web Vitals</category><category>UK SME website</category></item><item><title>The Rise of Micro-Influencers in Niche Markets</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/rise-of-micro-influencers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/rise-of-micro-influencers/</guid><description>You don&apos;t need millions of followers to make an impact. How targeted voices are driving higher engagement for small businesses.</description><pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>micro-influencers</category><category>influencer marketing</category><category>social media</category><category>niche marketing</category></item><item><title>AI vs the Human Touch: Finding the Balance in Digital Strategy</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/ai-vs-human-touch/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/ai-vs-human-touch/</guid><description>Automation is a tool, not a replacement. How we use AI to enhance, not replace, creative strategy.</description><pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>AI marketing</category><category>digital strategy</category><category>content strategy</category><category>automation</category></item><item><title>Storytelling vs Selling: The Boutique Advantage</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/storytelling-vs-selling/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/storytelling-vs-selling/</guid><description>Big brands shout. Boutique brands tell better stories. How to weave a narrative that compels action.</description><pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>brand storytelling</category><category>branding</category><category>marketing narrative</category><category>customer connection</category></item><item><title>The Metrics That Actually Matter in Digital Marketing</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/metrics-that-matter/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/metrics-that-matter/</guid><description>Vanity metrics vs actionable data. What you should actually be reporting on to your stakeholders.</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>marketing metrics</category><category>analytics</category><category>vanity metrics</category><category>ROAS</category></item><item><title>SEO in 2026: It&apos;s About Intent, Not Just Keywords</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/seo-in-2026/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/seo-in-2026/</guid><description>Search engines are getting smarter. Why stuffing keywords is dead and answering questions is the key to ranking.</description><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>SEO</category><category>search intent</category><category>semantic search</category><category>helpful content</category></item><item><title>The Death of the Generic Landing Page</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/death-of-generic-landing-page/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/death-of-generic-landing-page/</guid><description>Why custom-tailored funnels convert better than templates. The case for bespoke design.</description><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>landing pages</category><category>conversion rate optimisation</category><category>bespoke design</category><category>marketing funnels</category></item><item><title>Sustainable Web Design: Good for the Planet, Good for Speed</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/sustainable-web-design/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/sustainable-web-design/</guid><description>Bloated websites hurt your SEO and the environment. The benefits of clean, efficient code.</description><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>sustainable web design</category><category>website performance</category><category>core web vitals</category><category>green hosting</category></item><item><title>Privacy First: Marketing in a Cookie-less World</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/marketing-in-a-cookieless-world/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/marketing-in-a-cookieless-world/</guid><description>With third-party data vanishing, first-party relationships are everything. How to build your own data ecosystem.</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>data privacy</category><category>first-party data</category><category>cookieless marketing</category><category>GDPR</category></item><item><title>Why Boutique Agencies Outperform Giants in 2026</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/why-boutique-agencies-outperform-giants-in-2026/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/why-boutique-agencies-outperform-giants-in-2026/</guid><description>In an era of automation, the personal touch is your greatest asset. Discover why agile, bespoke teams are winning over larger corporate agencies.</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>boutique agency</category><category>digital agency UK</category><category>agency selection</category><category>small agency</category></item><item><title>What is Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and Why It Matters in 2026</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/what-is-generative-engine-optimisation-geo/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/what-is-generative-engine-optimisation-geo/</guid><description>The shift from search engines to answer engines is here. Discover how GEO helps make sure your brand is visible when AI answers your customers&apos; questions.</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>generative engine optimisation</category><category>GEO</category><category>AI SEO</category><category>answer engines</category><category>AI search</category></item><item><title>How AI is Changing SEO Forever (And What Your Business Should Do About It)</title><link>https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-ai-is-changing-seo-forever/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://hdcconsultancy.co.uk/blog/how-ai-is-changing-seo-forever/</guid><description>AI search engines are redefining how customers find businesses. Learn the practical steps you can take to keep your competitive edge.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>AI SEO</category><category>AI search</category><category>SEO 2026</category><category>answer engines</category><category>GEO</category></item></channel></rss>