John K Mitchell's Misc Blog

Google’s AI Search: What It Means for Small Businesses Who Rely on Search Traffic
Google’s AI Search: What It Means for Small Businesses Who Live on Search Traffic


Google has changed the game again. Its new AI-powered search feature is already reshaping how people click, scroll, and trust results. For small businesses that rely on organic search traffic, this isn’t a minor tweak. It’s a proper shake-up.

This article explains what’s happening, why traffic is dropping for some sites, and what it might mean for your business if search has been your main lifeline.


What Google’s AI Search Actually Is (Without the Techy Stuff)


Google’s AI search feature, often called “AI Overviews” or “AI answers”, changes how search results appear. Instead of showing a list of websites straight away, For the past few months, Google now puts a big AI-written summary right at the top of the page. That summary tries to answer the searcher’s question without them needing to click on anything.

From a user point of view, it sounds helpful. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2811

Ethernet vs WiFi: What's Best for Your Small Business Network?
Ethernet vs WiFi: What's Best for Your Small Business Network?


Upgrading your small business network? The choice between Ethernet (wires) and WiFi (wireless) is more important than you think! Our guide breaks down the pros, cons, and surprising truths about which option will save you money, boost productivity, and keep you secure. #SmallBusinessTech #Networking #UKBusiness

 


Introduction: The Great Networking Dilemma


Alright, let's have a proper chat about your office internet. You're probably reading this while connected to WiFi, maybe thinking "It works fine, what's the problem?" But if your small business is growing, or you're setting up a new office, you've hit that classic crossroads: should you wire everything up with Ethernet cables, or stick with wireless for everyone?

Here's the thing most suppliers won't tell you: there's no one-size-fits-all answer. What works brilliantly for a coffee shop would be a disaster for an architecture firm. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2808

How to Change to a New PC as a Small Business
How to change to a new PC as a small business


Switching to a new PC doesn’t need to be a drama. Having been through this process recently I can say that with the right steps, you can move your files, browser settings, and network connections smoothly, without losing a single important thing. This guide walks you through the whole process in simple, clear language, so you can get back to running your business fast.


Getting ready for the move


Before you plug in your shiny new computer and start pressing buttons, it’s worth slowing down and getting properly prepared. A new PC isn’t just a faster machine or a nicer screen—it’s a fresh workspace. And just like moving into a new office, a bit of planning goes a long way. Think about what you actually use every day: documents, spreadsheets, emails, saved logins, browser favourites, shared drives, Wi-Fi details, printers and so on. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2806

What Is Amazon Haul and How Can I Use It as a Small Business?
What Is Amazon Haul and How Can I Use It as a Small Business?


You’ve probably heard of bargain-hunting on Amazon — but now there’s a whole section called Amazon Haul that’s all about ultra-low prices. It’s a shop within Amazon where you can get things mostly under £10, all the way up to £20. If you’re a small business, this might sound like it’s only for bargain shoppers — but there are ways you could use it too. Let’s dive in.


What exactly is Amazon Haul?


So, what is Amazon Haul It’s basically a deep-discount store inside Amazon, launched in the UK in May 2025.  The idea is simple: thousands of products across fashion, home, beauty, lifestyle, and everyday staples — all priced at £20 or less, with most of them actually under £10. Some even drop as low as 99p when tagged with Amazon’s “Crazy Low” badge.

The store sits inside the regular Amazon Shopping app (or on desktop). https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2804

How Hard Is It to Design a Website?
How Hard Is It to Design a Website?


Designing a website sounds simple… until you try it. For many small firms of accountants, it feels a bit like trying to build flat-pack furniture without the instructions. The pieces are all there, and you know what it should look like, but somehow the legs don’t match the holes and something important always seems to be missing. If you’ve ever wondered how hard is it, really, to design a website, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down in plain English, without the technical jargon, and look at what actually goes into creating a site that works for your business.


Why Website Design Feels So Complicated


Many accountants assume that building a website is just choosing some colours, adding a logo, and writing a few lines about services. But the moment you start digging, you realise there’s more going on behind the scenes than you expected. Part of the challenge is that people often underestimate the planning stage. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2800

Why Are the Descriptions on My Google Search Results Different?
Why Are the Descriptions on My Google Search Results Different?


Short answer: Google rewrites things. A lot. But there’s a good reason for it — and as a small business owner, knowing why can help you get better clicks.

Let’s dive into why those neat descriptions you carefully typed into your website don’t always show up the way you expect. We’ll keep things informal, practical, and totally free of techy jargon.


Why Google Doesn’t Always Use Your Meta Description


Up until about 2016 Google always used the meta description for the snippet in the search results, then it changed it's mind and started to write it's own snippet.

If you’ve ever written what you thought was the perfect snippet for your website, only to see Google show something totally different, you’re definitely not alone. Many small business owners hit exactly the same confusion, and honestly, it can feel a bit rude. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2795

What Makes a Successful Website?
What Makes a Successful Website?


A successful website isn’t just one that *looks* good — it’s one that actually brings you traffic, enquiries, leads and sales. Let’s break down what really makes a website work for a small business.


Introduction


When people think about successful websites, they often jump straight to design — fancy colours, clever layouts and flashy animations. Sure, looks matter, but a website that only looks good is like a shop with no door. What really makes a website successful is how well it attracts people, keeps them interested and encourages them to take action. That action might be sending you an enquiry, buying something, booking a service or even just picking up the phone. Every part of your site plays a role in this journey, and understanding how it all fits together can make a massive difference to your business.

For small businesses, a website isn’t just a “nice to have” anymore. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2793