FAQ
Answers to common questions about costs, timelines and more
How much does a website cost?
For a personal website, consisting of 5 pages (E.g. Home, About, Gallery, Blog, Contact), the baseline cost is £1250. The final cost may vary depending on additional features or specific requirements. Contact me to discuss your needs and I'll provide a more accurate quote tailored to your project.
What does the cost of my website cover?
The cost of your website covers a complete custom build tailored to your business, ensuring it’s fully functional, secure and user-friendly. This includes setup of a Content Management System (CMS) for easy content updates, as well as hosting setup to get your site live. The price also covers performance testing and SEO optimisation.
Before starting the design, we’ll confirm the number of pages and content to be included. The cost will cover the agreed-upon work. Should you need to add more pages or sections later, I’m happy to accommodate these changes at an additional cost.
Additionally, the cost includes 1 month of minor revisions or design tweaks after the site goes live, ensuring it fully aligns with your expectations.
What are your payment terms?
I typically require a 50% deposit upfront, with the remaining balance due upon completion of the project, prior to your website going live. For larger projects, I can offer milestone-based payments. We can discuss a payment plan that works for you before starting the project.
How long does it take to complete a website?
Personal Website (4-5 weeks)
A personal website, such as an artist portfolio / blog, typically takes around 4-5 weeks. These sites usually feature around 5 main pages with straightforward functionality. The timeline includes planning, design, development and thorough testing to ensure the site is functional and user-friendly.
Small Business Website (6-8 weeks)
A small business website generally requires 6-8 weeks to complete. This typically includes 6-10 pages with more complex features like booking systems or multiple service pages. The timeline allows for additional rounds of feedback and revisions.
Ecommerce Website (8-10 weeks)
Ecommerce websites, which include features like online stores, payment gateways, and inventory management, usually take 8-10 weeks. This accounts for the complexity of secure transactions, product listings and a smooth shopping experience for users.
How many pages do I need for my website?
The number of pages your website needs depends on the type of site and the content you want to showcase. Here’s a general guide based on different website types:
Personal Website (5 pages)
- Home - An introduction to who you are and what you do
- About - A brief background or bio
- Gallery/Portfolio - Showcase your work, projects, or creative content
- Contact - A form for visitors to get in touch
- Blog (recommended for SEO) - Share your thoughts, stories, or updates
- Services (optional) - If you offer services, you can include a page outlining them
Small Business Website (6-10 pages)
- Home - A welcoming page explaining what your business offers
- About - Information about your business, mission and team
- Services - Details of the services you provide
- Portfolio/Case Studies - Showcasing past work or client success stories
- FAQ - Answer common questions from customers
- Testimonials - Display reviews or success stories from clients
- Contact - A form and contact details for customers to reach out
- Blog (recommended for SEO) - Share industry news, updates, or insights
It’s always possible to expand your website later if you decide to add more pages down the line.
Can you work with existing websites or redesign them?
If your existing website is built on a platform like WordPress, Wix, or similar, I’m happy to take a look and diagnose any issues or suggest improvements. Whether you need performance optimisation, content updates, or a design refresh, I can help build you a faster, more modern and user-friendly website.
Please note - I am unable to take on projects created by other developers, nor do I use Wordpress or page builders for my own projects.
Do you use Wordpress, Wix, Squarespace etc?
No, I don't use these platforms. While they offer quick setups, they can come with trade-offs in performance, security and flexibility. Most users aren’t aware that these platforms generate a large amount of bloated code under the hood, which can lead to slower page load times and potential errors.
As a developer, having full control over the inner workings of your code allows me to deliver a fast, reliable and error-free website without the limitations of templated solutions.
You can test your website’s performance here - Google PageSpeed Insights
Will I be able to edit and update my website content?
Yes, you'll be able to edit and update your website content using Sanity Studio, a headless Content Management System (CMS). This system is designed for ease of use and I will guide you through the process of using it. Additionally, a headless CMS is safer than providing access to the backend of platforms like WordPress, significantly reducing the risk of accidentally breaking your website!
What technologies and platforms do you use?
For static websites, I use Astro - a Javascript framework designed for building fast and efficient websites. Static websites consist of fixed content, often used for artist portfolios, brochures or small businesses that don't require frequent updates.
For more sophisticated web solutions, I use Laravel - a PHP framework designed for developing powerful web applications.
For content management, I use Sanity Studio, a headless Content Management System (CMS) that allows clients to edit and update their content without any technical knowledge. It gives clients full control and makes website management simple.
What are 'modern web standards'?
Modern web standards are guidelines designed to create websites that are performant, accessible and user-friendly. They ensure that websites function well across different devices and browsers, making the online experience smoother for everyone.
Code Validation
This involves checking the website's code to make sure it follows established rules. This is important because it helps the site work correctly on various browsers, so users have a consistent experience no matter how they access it.
Performance
Focuses on how quickly a website loads and how smoothly it operates. A fast-loading site keeps users engaged and encourages them to stay longer. Plus, search engines like Google prefer sites that perform well, which can improve visibility in search results.
Accessibility
Ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use the website. By following guidelines for accessibility, web designers make sure that all users can navigate the site easily, which is essential for inclusivity.
User Experience (UX)
This is about creating a website that is easy and enjoyable to use. A good user experience means that visitors can find what they need quickly and interact with the site without frustration.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Involves strategies that help a website appear higher in search engine results. When a site is optimised for SEO, it becomes easier for potential visitors to discover it, increasing traffic and engagement.
Security
This is crucial for protecting a website from hackers and keeping user information safe. By implementing security measures, web designers ensure that users can browse the site without worrying about their data being compromised.
By following these modern web standards, websites not only perform better but also build trust and satisfaction among users.
Do you offer SEO services?
I include both on-page and technical SEO services as part of my web design and development packages. This helps Google’s search bots easily crawl and index your site while making sure your website is well-structured, complies with the latest web standards and includes optimised images. Additionally, I’ll implement all necessary meta fields, create a user-friendly URL structure and prioritise fast page loading times.
To maintain strong SEO performance over time, I recommend regularly adding fresh content to your website, such as a blog article. Not only does this keep your website engaging for visitors but it also signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant, helping improve your rankings and visibility.
Will my website require ongoing maintenance?
My websites are custom-coded for high performance and long-term reliability, meaning they don’t require the frequent updates that platforms like WordPress etc often need. I actively monitor all websites I build and perform periodic updates myself, so you don’t have to worry about maintenance. If you ever need page updates or technical assistance, just get in touch to discuss your needs.
Can you help with domain registration and hosting?
Yes, I can assist with domain registration and hosting setup. I can help you choose and secure the perfect domain name for your business. Additionally, I'll guide you in selecting the right hosting plan and make sure your domain is properly configured to work with your website.
What do you need from me to get started?
To get started, I’ll need information about your business, target audience, branding materials (logos, colour schemes, etc), and content such as text and images. The more details you provide upfront, the smoother the process will be. If you need help creating content, I can assist with that as well.