Common questions from local business owners

Website costs for small businesses typically range from $2,500 to $8,000+, depending on complexity. A basic 5-7 page website starts around $2,500. A more comprehensive site with local SEO, content strategy, and custom functionality runs $5,000-$8,000+. What affects the price? Number of pages, custom design vs. templates, content creation needs, e-commerce or booking features, and ongoing SEO work. I provide clear, upfront pricing - no mystery quotes or surprise fees. If budget is a concern, my intake form helps me understand your constraints so I can recommend the right approach.

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Yes. I understand cash flow matters for local businesses. Most projects can be split into 2-3 payments spread across the project timeline. We'll work out terms that make sense for your situation.

Every project includes custom design (no templates), mobile-responsive development, basic SEO setup, Google Business optimization, a contact form that works, and training so you can update your own content. You own everything - no hostage situations.

Your website needs hosting (typically $10-30/month depending on your needs). I can recommend reliable hosts or manage hosting for you. There are no required monthly fees to me unless you want ongoing support or SEO services.

Faster than you'd expect. Most local business websites launch in 1-3 weeks once we're aligned on direction. Simpler sites can be done in days. The biggest variable isn't the build — modern tools make development fast — it's how quickly you can provide feedback and content. Here's how it typically breaks down: Day 1-3 (strategy and direction), Days 4-7 (design and your review), Days 8-14 (development, content, refinement), then launch. If you're responsive and have content ready, we can move even faster.

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To have a productive first conversation, it helps to think about: (1) What problem you're trying to solve - not showing up on Google? Current site looks outdated? Need to convert more visitors? (2) Who your ideal customers are and what they need to see. (3) Any websites you like (competitors or otherwise) as inspiration. (4) Your timeline and budget range - even rough numbers help. (5) Whether you have brand assets like logos, colors, and photos. Don't worry if you don't have everything figured out - my guided intake form walks you through these questions step by step, and we'll fill in the gaps together.

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Here's how it works: (1) Discovery - a focused conversation about your business, goals, and audience. (2) Strategy - I recommend an approach based on your needs and share a clear plan. (3) Design - you see concepts before building starts. (4) Build - this is where modern tools shine; development happens fast while you prepare content. (5) Refinement - we add your content and polish together. (6) Launch - site goes live after testing. (7) Handoff - you learn how to make updates. The whole thing typically takes 1-3 weeks. Clear checkpoints throughout, no surprises.

It depends on the project. For most local business sites, I'll train you to make basic updates yourself - changing text, adding photos, updating hours. For more complex builds, I can provide documentation and hand off to your team, or we can discuss ongoing support options. Either way, you won't be left stranded.

Realistically, expect to invest 5-10 hours over the project: a kickoff call, time gathering photos and content (the biggest variable), a couple review sessions, and a final walkthrough with training. The difference from DIY? Your time goes to making decisions about your business — not learning software or troubleshooting technical issues. And if you're responsive with feedback, we can wrap up in 1-3 weeks instead of months.

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Getting your business on Google Maps requires a properly set up and optimized Google Business Profile. I help with this as part of every local business website project - including verifying your listing, optimizing your categories, and making sure your website and Google listing work together.

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Local SEO helps your business show up when people in your area search for services you offer. If you want local customers to find you on Google, you need local SEO. It includes things like optimizing your Google Business Profile, building local citations, and making sure your website is structured correctly.

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Honest answer: it depends. For a new website, expect 3-6 months to start seeing meaningful results in local search. Existing businesses with some history can see improvements faster. SEO is a long game, but a well-built website gives you a strong foundation.

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Yes. I can set up systems that make it easy for happy customers to leave reviews - QR codes, follow-up emails, links on your website. Getting reviews is mostly about making the process simple for customers.

A website that 'works' should do one or more of these things: generate leads or calls, show up when people search for your services, make a good first impression that builds trust, and answer common questions so you don't have to. If your website isn't doing these things, we should talk about why. Common culprits: poor SEO, confusing messaging, no clear call to action, slow loading, or mobile issues. I can help you figure out what's actually happening and what to fix first.

Realistic expectations depend on your business type. For most local service businesses, a good website should: (1) show up when people search for your services in your area, (2) clearly explain what you do and who you help, (3) build enough trust that people contact you, (4) make it easy to call, email, or request a quote. For retail or e-commerce, add: drive sales, showcase products effectively. I don't promise magic - but I do promise a website that does its job.

Social media is great for visibility and community, but you don't own it - algorithms change, platforms fade, and you're competing for attention. A website is something you control. It's where people go to learn more after seeing you on social, verify you're legitimate before calling, and find specific information (hours, services, location). For most local businesses, you need both working together - social media to be found, website to convert.

No. Every website project includes custom imagery - not stock photos, not placeholders. Depending on your package, that includes a photography session at your business plus additional visuals I create to complete your site. You get a complete solution, not a website waiting for photos.

Great! If you have quality images, we'll absolutely use them. I'll supplement with additional photography and created imagery to fill gaps and ensure visual consistency across your site. Most clients have some photos but not enough for a complete website - we'll work with what you have.

I focus on business imagery as part of website and content projects - product shots, environment photos, team portraits for your site. I don't do standalone photo shoots, weddings, or event coverage. If you need professional photography beyond what's included in your project, I can recommend local photographers.

Yes. While I'm based in Springfield, Oregon, I work with local businesses anywhere. Most of my work is done remotely anyway - we'll meet over video calls and collaborate online. Local is local, whether you're down the street or across the country.

That's actually most of my work. The first step is figuring out WHY it's not working. Common issues include: not showing up on Google (SEO problem), getting traffic but no leads (conversion problem), looking outdated or unprofessional (trust problem), or being hard to update (platform problem). We'll diagnose the real issue together and figure out whether to fix what you have, rebuild on the same platform, or start fresh. Sometimes a few strategic changes make a big difference - other times a clean slate is the right move. My intake form includes questions about your current situation so I can come to our first call with ideas.

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Both options work. Many clients prefer to provide rough content that I refine and optimize for the web. I can also write content from scratch, especially for service pages and SEO content. What I always need from you: your expertise, your voice, and what makes your business different. I can turn that into polished web copy - you just need to have a conversation with me about your business. The intake form asks about your content needs so I can plan accordingly.

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That's completely normal - and honestly, that's a big part of what I help with. If you know something needs to change but aren't sure what, start by filling out my intake form. It's designed to help you think through your situation, even if you don't have all the answers. Then we'll have a conversation where I ask questions and make recommendations. No commitment required - just clarity.

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After launch, you'll have a website you own and can update yourself. I offer optional ongoing support packages if you want help with updates, SEO, or just having someone to call when you have questions. Many clients check in quarterly for updates and strategy adjustments. No pressure either way - but I'm here if you need me.

Yes - every website I build is mobile-first. Over 60% of local searches happen on phones, so your site needs to look great and work perfectly on mobile devices. This isn't optional in 2026.

If you don't already have one, yes. A domain typically costs $10-20 per year. I can help you choose and register one, or you can register it yourself. Either way, you own it.

It depends on your needs. For most local businesses, I build fast, modern websites that don't require expensive monthly platform fees. For businesses that need to update content frequently, I might recommend a CMS like WordPress. We'll discuss what makes sense for you.

I can point you in the right direction for business email, and I set up things like contact forms and Google Analytics. For complex IT needs, I can recommend specialists.