1. Cost and paying
How much does a website cost?
It depends on the job, so I don't have a fixed rate. Every project is priced individually because every project needs different things. A project gets bigger with more pages, with bookings or payments, with a custom system or an app, and when there's little written or photographed yet. Tell me what you have in mind and a short chat gets you a real figure.
Can I pay monthly?
Yes. You can pay upfront, or make one monthly payment instead. Paying upfront means a deposit to book the project in and the balance when it's done.
What does the monthly payment include?
One monthly payment covers the website, the hosting, and any amendments and updates you need. If you want to know where something else sits, ask and I'll tell you straight.
2. Time and changes
How long does a website take?
I aim to have your project up and running for you to test within 7 days. Extremely complex projects may take longer. I keep you updated throughout and stick to the timeframe we agree when your project is booked in.
Can I change the words and photos later?
Yes. Tell me what you want changed and I do it for you, as often as you like, as part of the fee. You don't edit the site yourself, you just ask me.
3. What you need
Do I need a website if I already have a Facebook or Instagram page?
A social page still has a place, so keep it. But you don't control those platforms or how they show your posts. A website is yours, and it's what I build to be found when someone searches for your trade in your town.
What are a domain and hosting, and do I need both?
The domain is your web address. Hosting is where the site lives so people can open it. You need both. I buy the domain, set up the hosting and keep both renewed, so you don't have to think about either.
I already own a domain. Can I keep it?
Yes. If you already own one, I'll help you move it to where it needs to be.
Will my site show up on Google?
I build sites to be found when someone searches for your trade in your town. Nobody can honestly guarantee a position on Google, and I won't promise you one.
4. Working with me
Who will I be dealing with?
Me, Curtis. I'm one person, so you deal with me from start to finish and after the site goes live. I do the design, the build and the domain and hosting, with no team to get passed between.
Where are you based, and can we meet?
I'm based in Grantham and work across Nottingham, Lincoln and the East Midlands. I'm happy to meet for a coffee or a pint, whatever works for you. The work is online, so it doesn't matter where you are either.
What if I only need some advice?
Email me at [email protected]. It's free, straight advice with no upselling, and you don't have to hire me.
Can you build a booking system, or something more complicated than a website?
Yes. I build booking requests, deposits and reminders, and completely bespoke systems made around how you work. If something slows the business down, I can build the thing that fixes it. Tell me what the problem is and I'll say whether it's worth building.
Do you build apps?
Yes, for iOS and Android. An app is a much bigger job than a website, and plenty of businesses don't need one. If you think you do, tell me what it should do and I'll say honestly whether an app is the right thing.
Should I just use Wix, Squarespace or WordPress?
If you have the time and want to build and update the site yourself, one of them may suit you, and I'd rather you picked the right tool than paid me for a job you don't need. If you'd rather hand the whole job to one person, that's me. I've written up each one.