Digital Druid

21/04/2026

Argyll Jobs 👈

Argyll Jobs is now live in Oban, connecting local people with jobs and volunteer roles through a platform powered by This is Oban.

20/04/2026

We’ve put together something new for B&Bs and guesthouses in the Oban area.

The Silly Season Special is a collaborative package from Digital Druid, This Is Oban, LJF Photography and Norsto — designed to help local accommodation businesses get properly ready for the busy season.

Start here:
https://portal.druid.digital/silly-season

The form lets you build your own package — whether that’s a new website on its own, or a fuller setup including photography, branding and more.

Once submitted, we’ll have a one-to-one video call to go through it together, refine anything if needed, and make sure it’s the right fit.
No payment until everything’s agreed.

At the centre of it is a new website, supported with ongoing help — not just something you’re handed and left with.

You can also choose to include:
• Photography from LJF Photography
• Branding, social media guidance and design from Norsto
• the option to be featured on This Is Oban (monthly), reaching an engaged audience
• SEO and other add-ons

A big part of this is keeping things human — making sure your website and content sound like you, not generic AI — and bringing in Scottish Gaelic where it adds something real and meaningful.

The goal is simple: a proper upgrade that helps attract more bookings.

The dedicated client hub for Digital Druid projects, providing a streamlined space for project onboarding, branding assets, monthly retainer management, and direct communication.

16/03/2026

Over the past few months I’ve been testing a number of AI website builders to see how good they actually are.

There’s a lot of marketing around these tools promising that you can create a fully finished website “in one click”. As someone who builds websites professionally, I was curious to see how close that claim is to reality.

The short answer is that some of the tools are genuinely impressive.

I tested platforms including Wix AI, Base44, Squarespace, 10Web, Hostinger Horizons and Lovable, and most of them can produce a surprisingly good starting point for a website in a matter of minutes.

However, the reality is slightly different from the marketing.

The results depend heavily on the quality of the prompts you give the AI, and the websites usually still need refinement. Messaging, structure, calls-to-action and overall strategy still benefit from human thinking.

Another thing that remains clear is that a website is only one part of the picture. A strong online presence still depends on things like communication, reputation and customer relationships. For many rural businesses in particular, networking and word-of-mouth remain just as important as the technology behind the website.

Because of this, I’m also launching a new service through Digital Druid that combines the speed of AI website generation with a human strategy session. The idea is to make websites more accessible for small businesses and startups, while still making sure there’s proper thinking behind the messaging, structure and overall online presence.

AI tools are becoming another useful tool in the digital toolkit, but they work best when combined with human insight and creativity.

I’ve written a more detailed review of the tools I tested, including what they’re good at, where they fall short and how businesses should approach them.

You can read the full article here:
https://druid.digital/are-ai-website-builders-any-good-a-web-designers-honest-review/

I’d be interested to hear if anyone else has been experimenting with these tools recently.

05/01/2026

Over the last few months, I’ve been deliberately using social media less.

Not stepping away entirely, but becoming more aware of how much time I was spending scrolling. Endless feeds, short-form video, and content designed to keep us watching can quietly add up. I realised it was starting to affect my mental health, leaving me more distracted and less present than I wanted to be.

That reset made me reflect on digital strategy too, especially for small businesses.

We’re often told to post more, be everywhere, and chase the algorithm. But that isn’t always what builds trust or meaningful connection.

In the blog post, I share:

why algorithms and people respond to different things

how stepping back can bring clarity

and practical advice for building a calmer, more effective digital presence

You can read it here:
👉 https://druid.digital/new-year-new-strategy/

If you’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed by social media, you’re not alone. Sometimes a fresh start begins with stepping back, not adding more.

03/01/2026

Blwyddyn newydd dda / Bliadhna mhath ùr / Happy New Year!

We’re back in the office, heaters blasting, and ready to get stuck in. If you’re looking for a fresh start this year, get in touch for a digital MOT or a clear, practical strategy for your business.

28/11/2025

The Cornish language, Kernewek, will be recognised alongside Welsh, Irish Gaelic and Scots Gaelic after the government recommended it for Part III status - the highest level of protection under European treaty.

The announcement comes after years of hard work by Cornwall Council, community groups and cultural organisations dedicated to protecting Kernewek.

06/11/2025

It’s been a while since I’ve posted - mostly because, like many of the rural businesses I work with, I’ve been lucky to stay busy through good old-fashioned word of mouth. In places like ours, that still beats any algorithm.

But I’m really excited to share some news.
Derw Digital has evolved - and is now Digital Druid.

If you’ve spoken to me in Scotland, you’ll know the name Derw (Welsh for “oak”) sometimes caused a bit of confusion - with people thinking my name was Drew half the time! So the new name makes life a little easier, but it also carries deeper meaning.

In Welsh, the word for Druid is Derwydd, meaning “knower of the oak.” The oak has always symbolised strength, wisdom, and connection to nature - values that still sit at the heart of what I do.

The name is a nod to the balance between technology and tradition. It’s about using modern tools with wisdom - rooted in local culture and values, not detached from them. It’s also a reminder that digital doesn’t need to be impersonal or corporate; it can be craft-based, community-driven, and human.

What I offer hasn’t changed and if anything, it’s become clearer:

Consultancy & Strategy - clarity and direction for your digital world

Digital Sidekick - think PT for tech: ongoing, human-first support and accountability

Project Management - leading digital change, from choosing tools to training teams

Training & Workshops - approachable, hands-on learning, online or in person

And yes, I still create simple, well-designed websites for small businesses who want something practical, easy to manage, and true to who they are.

For those looking for more brand and design-led projects, there’s exciting news coming soon about a new studio I’m launching with a friend - focused on thoughtful, story-driven branding and websites.

To all my clients - past and present - thank you for your continued trust and support. You’ve helped shape this journey more than you know.

If you’ve got a minute, I’d love for you to check out the new site: https://druid.digital

Cymraeg & Gàidhlig versions of the site coming soon 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

24/07/2025

I’ve got a desk at the new co-working space!

I’ll be in every Thursday (and the odd extra day) — because it turns out working from home 24/7 with only the dog for company isn’t ideal for an extrovert!

Nola’s still my emotional support animal / head of HR 🐾 but I’m very glad to be sharing air with other humans again.

08/05/2025

Monthly client visit to this morning ☀️🛥️ What a place to work for the day!

Digital Sidekick is a bespoke service, offering tech support to small rural businesses. Think 'personal trainer' for all things digital, from website support and email marketing to digital tools to help with operations. The monthly check-in (in-person or video call) provides accountability and keeps things moving forward - because we all get caught up in the day to day!

We have capacity to take on 2 new Digital Sidekick clients - DM for more info 🤝

08/01/2025

New bilingual site for Oban Mountain Rescue Team - updated from the old and tired website.

Everyone involved in the team give their time voluntarily, and as a keen hillwalker, I'm hosting their site for free as a small token of gratitude. Have a look at the new site and feel free to click on the big red Donate button 😜⛰️