Firstep Online

26/05/2026

That little AI summary at the top of the search page is quietly changing how customers find businesses like yours, and soon it'll have sponsored placements woven right into it.

I've written a calm, jargon-free guide for small business owners on what's actually happening, what it means for your ads and your visibility, and why you should be sceptical of anyone selling you urgency.

Head to the news section of my website to find the article.

Google's about to sell ads inside its AI answers. A jargon-free look at what that means for your small business, and what to do.

03/05/2026

Remember Ask Jeeves? The cartoon butler who let you type a proper question and got a proper answer back? He was quietly retired on Friday. And here's the joke: the way he wanted us to search in 1997 is exactly how most of us now use ChatGPT in 2026.

https://www.firstep.co.uk/web-design-seo-news/shouldve-asked-jeeves-a-fond-farewell-to-the-butler-who-saw-the-future

Ask Jeeves was switched off on 1 May 2026. A fond look back at the cartoon butler who saw conversational search coming twenty-five years early.

05/08/2025

The rise of AI search tools like ChatGPT and Google's AI Mode is changing how customers find businesses online. I've been getting more questions from clients about how to "rank" in these new tools, and unfortunately, I've also seen a surge in opportunistic cold callers trying to sell expensive "AI optimisation" packages with fancy acronyms like AEO and GEO.

Here's the truth: the same ethical SEO principles that have always worked are exactly what you need for AI search success. I've written a comprehensive guide explaining why quality content and genuine expertise matter more than ever, and how local businesses can prepare for this shift without falling for scams.

Read the full article on my website to learn the real strategies that work;

Learn why traditional white-hat SEO principles are more important than ever for AI search success. Avoid scammers and focus on proven strategies.

08/05/2025

A sensible take on Windows 10 becoming unsupported in October this year.

TLDR: Upgrade to Windows 11, switch to Linux, or buy a Mac in the next few months!

https://youtu.be/jN3ShDRoQvQ?si

Dave explains the end of life and support for Windows 10 that is coming in October 2025.Free Sample of my Book on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/3zBinWMCheck ...

18/11/2024

Milestone alert! Four years ago today, I launched firstep.co.uk! 🎉

What began as a temporary side-hustle during "the event" quickly blossomed into a thriving business that now brings me immense joy and fulfilment.

A massive thank you to all my incredible clients who've joined me on this adventure. Your ideas, challenges, and support keep me on my toes and make every day exciting!

I couldn't have done it without my biggest cheerleaders: my wife Louise and son Alex. They kept me sane during those early days when I transitioned from a buzzing agency office to my spare room with only Lauren Laverne for company.

My only regret? Not starting sooner... and buying a web domain name that nobody spells correctly! 🤦‍♂️

Time to celebrate with a Monday night beer! 🍻

26/10/2024

Redditors in London are cleverly manipulating Google's AI to protect their favourite restaurants from tourists and influencers... and it's working!

Find out what this means for your business's online visibility and the future of AI-driven search results.

Redditors are exposing flaws in Google's AI search by manipulating results. What does this mean for small business visibility online?

16/03/2024

It is so good to see the branding work I did for Paper Spectrum in use at The Photography and Video Show!

You can read more about the work I did in the Case Studies section of my website.

Paper Spectrum in Leicester embarked on a transformative journey with a comprehensive rebranding project.

15/01/2024

Important Update for Small Business Owners: Google is making significant changes to its Google Business Profiles service, impacting many small businesses. In my latest article, I talk about what this means for your online presence and how to smoothly transition to alternative web solutions.

Google has decided to discontinue websites created through its Google Business Profiles service. What are the implications for small businesses?

23/12/2023

My latest blog post considers the transformation of UK town centres, with a special focus on Rugby. What does the future hold for our traditional town centres? I explore the challenges they face, the evolution of consumer habits, and the vital role of local communities in breathing new life into these spaces.

Explore the transformation of UK town centres with a focus on Rugby, Warwickshire. Discover the shift from vibrant town centres to out-of-town retail parks, the challenges they face, and the crucial role of local communities in revitalising these vital spaces for future generations.

27/11/2023

Discover how to skyrocket your brand's visibility with just £5/day!

How to boost your small business with Google Ads. Learn about budgeting, keyword bidding, and campaign management in our comprehensive guide. Ideal for beginners, this article demystifies Google Ads to help you achieve better visibility and growth.