Setting Up a New Craft CMS Project from a Starter Repo
After building a lot of Craft CMS sites from scratch, I created a starter project that's been saving me a good chunk of time on each new build since.
Read MoreBlock 81 Blog
Insights on web design, development, and running a small studio.
Finding Entries That Use Specific Matrix Blocks in Craft CMS
With a simple Twig template, you can get every entry that contains a specific block type. Perfect for content audits or before making big changes to Matrix fields.
Read MoreSmall Studio, Big Impact: Why a Solo Web Developer Might Be Your Perfect Match
Finding the right web developer for your small business isn't about the biggest team or lowest price—it's about finding a true partner who communicates clearly, delivers quality work, and sticks…
Read MoreWebsite Development ROI and the Hidden Cost of Going Cheap
A $2,000 website sounds like a bargain until you're dealing with slow load times, ghosting developers, and prospects bouncing to competitors—here's what website ROI actually means.
Read MoreLooking Back at My 2025
2025 was an odd year marked by business challenges and personal hurdles, but going slow and keeping things simple helped me stay focused on what matters most.
Read MoreThe Malicious Code Hiding in My Client's Database
A client's "weird link" turned into a two-hour hunt for malware hidden in their database. Here's what happened, how I fixed it, and the warning signs every website owner should watch for.
Read MoreHow I Plan My Week As a Web Designer
A look at my weekly planning system using Things 3 and Apple Calendar, including how I balance client projects, support retainers, and internal work without burning out.
Read MoreWhy I Still Choose Craft CMS
After more than two decades of working with content management systems—from the early days of MODx and WordPress to discovering ExpressionEngine and beyond—I keep returning to Craft CMS for my client…
Read MoreQuickly Check Your Website Speed Like a Pro
Want to know if your website is secretly driving visitors away? With just a few free tools and simple checks, you can quickly test your site’s speed and performance—without hiring a developer. In…
Read MoreAligning with Craft CMS Support Versions
Block 81 follows a support policy based on Craft CMS's official version timeline. This ensures your site stays secure, compatible, and maintainable while following industry best practices.
Read MoreHow Lazy Loading YouTube Videos Boosted Mobile Performance by 39%
YouTube embeds hide a performance secret: they load Google Fonts and JavaScript on every page load, even when users never watch the videos. On a recent client project with multiple video embeds, this…
Read MoreWhy Your Website Security Needs More Than a Good Hiding Spot
Think your small business website is safe because you're "flying under the radar"? Modern web attacks are automated, and attackers aren't after your customer data. Learn why "security by obscurity"…
Read More