John K Mitchell's Misc Blog

How to Protect Your Website: A Comprehensive Guide to Web Security
How to Protect Your Website: A Comprehensive Guide to Web Security


Why Website Security Matters for Small Businesses


You might think that only big firms are targets for hackers, but that’s a myth. Small businesses are often easier targets because their defence is weaker. According to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), cyber threats are rising and many breaches start with simple vulnerabilities. :contentReference{index=0}

If your website gets compromised, what could go wrong? You could lose customer trust, suffer financial losses, be forced offline, or even face regulatory penalties for losing or exposing personal data. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has repeatedly warned small businesses to get the basics right (strong passwords, backups, multi-factor authentication). :contentReference{index=1}

Also, many UK buyers expect basic security signals (SSL padlock, privacy policy, etc.). https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2699

Best Antivirus for Windows PC: Honest, Human Guide
Best Antivirus for Windows PC: Honest, human, no-nonsense guide


Want solid, simple protection for your Windows PC? This friendly guide explains the 5–6 best-known antivirus options, what they do well, and where they slip up — written in plain UK English so you understand it fast.

Key note on tests and trust: Independent testing labs rate many of the products below highly, and the firms themselves publish features and updates — but each tool has trade-offs (system load, cost, privacy, extras). We’ll point those out so you can pick the right one for you.


Quick verdict (for people who just want the short version)


If you want hassle-free and free: Microsoft Defender (built into Windows) is surprisingly good and easy. If you want lots of extra tools, strong scores and useful extras: Bitdefender and Norton are safe bets. If you like long-standing tech with good lab results: Kaspersky and McAfee are solid, though each has political or privacy baggage for some users. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2696

The Pros and Cons of Having a Cat in Your Home Office
The Pros and Cons of Having a Cat in Your Home Office


Working from home with a cat sounds like a dream – until it’s 9am, you’ve got fur in your keyboard, and your furry co-worker’s just barfed on your desk. Here’s the full, funny, honest look at what it’s really like to share your home office with a cat – the good, the bad, and the furry.


Welcome to the Furry Side of Remote Work


Let’s be real – cats and home offices sound like the perfect combo. Who wouldn’t want a soft, purring ball of fluff keeping them company while they work? You get all the benefits of an office pet without the awkward “who’s cleaning the litter tray?” chat with your colleagues. It’s you, your cat, and your laptop – the ultimate work-from-home team.

But anyone who’s actually tried working from home with a cat knows the truth: it’s a rollercoaster. One moment they’re the most adorable office buddy you could imagine; the next, they’re sitting on your keyboard mid-Zoom call or casually vomiting on your notes. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2694

Installing and Using Google Site Kit on WordPress
Installing and Using Google Site Kit on WordPress


Short version for the busy: Google Site Kit is the official plugin from Google that brings all your key website stats — like traffic, search rankings, and ad earnings — right into your WordPress dashboard. It’s free, powerful, and surprisingly simple to use once it’s up and running. But if any of this feels too complicated, don’t panic — there are SEO professionals who’ll install it and explain the reports for a reasonable cost.


What Is Google Site Kit and Why Should You Care?


Let’s start with the basics. Google Site Kit is a free WordPress plugin built by Google itself. It connects your website to Google’s main tools: Search Console, Analytics, AdSense, Tag Manager, and PageSpeed Insights. Basically, it gives you the full picture of how your site’s performing — how people find you, what they do once they land on your pages, and how fast your site loads. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2692

10 Simple Tips to Boost Your Small Business SEO
10 Simple Tips to Boost Your Small Business SEO


Want more people to find your business online? You’re not alone. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) can sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be. These 10 simple tips are things you can actually do yourself, even if you’re not a tech expert. They’ll help your small business show up higher in search results and attract the right customers.

Of course, if this all feels like too much hassle, there are SEO professionals who’ll gladly do the work for you (for a fee, naturally). But if you’re up for a DIY challenge, here’s how to make a real difference without breaking the bank.


1. Make Sure Your Website Loads Quickly


People hate waiting. If your website takes forever to load, visitors will disappear faster than you can say “404 error”. Search engines notice this too — a slow site can push you down the rankings. A fast website not only pleases Google, it keeps your potential customers happy and more likely to stick around. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2688

Top 10 Most Asked SEO Questions from Small Businesses (Answered Simply)
Top 10 Most Asked SEO Questions from Small Businesses (Answered Simply)


Ever wondered why your website doesn’t show up on Google? Or why your competitor always seems to be one step ahead? SEO might sound like techy wizardry, but it’s really about helping people find you online. Whether you’re running a local bakery, an online shop, or a small service business, understanding SEO can make the difference between being invisible and being found. So, let’s clear up the mystery — here are the ten most common SEO questions small business owners ask (and straight, practical answers you can actually use).


1. What Exactly Is SEO and Why Does It Matter?


SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. It’s basically how you make your website appear higher in Google’s search results. Think of Google as a huge library — SEO helps make sure your website is catalogued correctly and stands out to readers. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2684

How to get your website banned in Google (and more importantly how to avoid it and recover)
How to Get Your Website Banned in Google (and More Importantly How to Avoid it and Recover)


Want your site gone from Google? Do the things in this post. If you don’t, stick to the “what not to do” parts and you’ll stay visible. Read this if you’re worried you’ve been punished — and follow the recovery steps to get back in the game.

 


Important: I won’t show you how to actively break Google’s rules — that's harmful. Instead I’ll explain clearly what behaviours cause bans, give you real-world examples so you recognise problems, and show safe, practical recovery steps. This is the best way to protect your site (or bring it back) without doing further damage.

 

What does “banned” mean?


When people say a website is “banned,” they usually mean one of two things:

- Completely removed from Google search results (de-indexed). The site won’t show at all for any queries.


- Penalised or demoted so pages don’t rank well — they exist in Google, but visibility tanks. https://www.forestsoftware.co.uk/blog/?p=2681