What's changed.
Notable updates since launch. New portfolio projects, design changes, performance work. Not every commit - just the ones worth calling out.
Subscribe via RSSShopify and Webflow comparisons added
Two more decision-stage comparison pages: when Shopify or Webflow is the right call, and when a custom Next.js build wins. Same honest format as the existing comparisons - no hit pieces, just where each tool fits.
Browse comparisonsAI-search-friendly summary at /llms.txt
Added a Markdown summary of the studio at hallwd.uk/llms.txt so ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Google AI Overviews have a clean source to cite when someone asks them about freelance Next.js designers in the UK. Spec at llmstxt.org.
Read itHonest comparisons against WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace
Three new pages walking through where each incumbent platform actually wins, where it doesn't, and what a custom Next.js build offers in return. Built for the small-business owner already shortlisting tools, not for me.
See the comparisonsWhatsApp alternative on the contact page
Some people hate forms. Added a WhatsApp message button alongside the contact form so visitors can send a quick note without filling anything in.
Try itFloating 'Start a project' on long pages
On longer pages a small pill appears bottom-right once you've scrolled past the first viewport. Dismissible for 24 hours, hidden once you're near the inline CTA at the bottom of the page. Quietly there when you want it.
Accessibility polish — tokens, contrast, and a silent CSS bug
Reviewed every visitor-facing page against WCAG AA contrast. New --text-brand token (lighter indigo) for body copy on dark backgrounds, primary indigo darkened slightly so white-on-button passes contrast on light theme. Caught and fixed a CSS-cascade bug that was making the WhatsApp button's black text silently render white. Lighthouse accessibility now passes 95+ on every audited route.
Changelog + colophon + signature 404
This page now exists. Added /colophon documenting the stack and how the site is built, a lost-in-space 404, and a subtle 'last updated' indicator in the footer.
See the colophon10MB of image bloat, gone
Portfolio screenshots converted from PNG to WebP (2.5MB -> 152kb average) and the about photo from PNG to JPEG (3.5MB -> 172kb). Homepage mobile Lighthouse went from 41 to 89 in one pass. Desktop averages 99 across every page.
Light theme
Warm off-white palette to complement the dark default. Flash-free bootstrap via an inline script that reads localStorage before first paint. Toggle lives in the nav.
Editorial hero + portfolio case studies
Homepage hero rewritten in mixed Fraunces italic + Geist sans. Every portfolio project gets a full case study page at /portfolio/[id] with problem / approach / outcome sections and JSON-LD CreativeWork.
Browse the portfolioGecko Enduro Tours added to the portfolio
Guided enduro motorcycle tour operator in the French Pyrenees. Typography-led Next.js rebuild of a dated WordPress/Elementor site, with three image treatments to get more out of the existing low-resolution photography.
Read the case studyFairways Service Station added to the portfolio
Greenfield Next.js site for a family-run garage in Ackworth, trading since the 1960s with no prior website. Mobile-first four-page brochure with a Google-style reviews carousel and JSON-LD local-business SEO.
Read the case studyCastleford Hire Centre added to the portfolio
Full-stack Next.js tool hire platform with live HireHop integration: real-time stock, date-specific availability, custom pricing engine, and a staff dashboard behind Microsoft Azure AD.
Read the case studySelf-hosted Umami analytics
Replaced the broken Vercel Analytics integration with a self-hosted Umami instance. Privacy-friendly, cookieless, no visitor tracking. Event tracking wired on every CTA.
Bram Racing and V Clarke Books added to the portfolio
First two portfolio entries. Bram Racing is a WordPress-to-Next.js migration for a Yorkshire vehicle tuning specialist. V Clarke Books is a typography-led author platform with Decap CMS for in-browser editing.
Site launched
hallwd.uk goes live on Vercel. Next.js 16, React 19, Tailwind v4. Built to be fast, accessible, and honest.
Want to see what's coming next? Tell me what would help your business.