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Frequently Asked Questions

General Web Design Questions

How long does a website project usually take?

Most Brighton web design projects take 4-8 weeks. Here’s a typical timeline:

  • Small business WordPress sites: 4–5 weeks

  • Professional service websites: 5–7 weeks

  • E-commerce websites: 6–10 weeks

  • Complex custom projects: 8-12+ weeks

These timelines assume you provide content and feedback quickly. Brighton businesses like my structured approach – I won’t keep you waiting for updates.

What makes Brighton web designers different from London agencies?

Brighton web designers know the local landscape well. I understand the challenges from North Laine to Hove seafront. You’ll get face-to-face meetings, quick responses, and designers who understand your market. My rates are often 20–30% lower than central London agencies. I also maintain high quality.

Can I update my website content myself?

Absolutely! I design every website with you in mind. Adding pages, updating text, or changing images is simple. I use WordPress, which is very user-friendly. You can make new pages, update services, and manage your blog easily. No technical skills are needed. I also provide training and support so you never feel stuck.

Do you work with businesses outside Brighton?

Yes, I serve clients across Sussex, Surrey, and the UK. While I love our Brighton base, about 40% of my clients are from elsewhere. I handle everything remotely via video calls and project management tools. If you are nearby, I am happy to meet in person.

How much does web design cost in Brighton?

Web design costs in Brighton range from £500 to £7,000. A basic WordPress site for a small business starts around £1,000. Complex e-commerce or professional service sites can reach £5,000 to £7,000. I don’t have fixed prices since each project is unique. Share your budget with us, and I’ll suggest the best way to meet your needs.

How many meetings can we have?

As many as you need! I believe in clear communication. I don’t limit meetings or calls. I guide you through a clear process with scheduled check-ins. I’m also always here for discussions or questions. Most Brighton projects include 4 to 6 formal meetings. I’m flexible based on your needs.

Do we have a dedicated project manager?

Yes, I’ll be your dedicated account manager throughout the project. You’ll have my direct contact details, so you won’t be passed around. I manage everything from the initial consultation to launch and support. This personal approach is valued by Brighton businesses – you’re working with a real person.

What are your payment terms?

I keep it simple: 50% upfront and 50% on completion. This protects both parties and keeps the project on track. If you need different payment options, I’m happy to discuss. I want to team up with you because I know cash flow matters for Brighton businesses.

We're not based in Brighton; does that matter?

Not at all! I love my Brighton base but work with clients across the UK and internationally. I manage everything remotely through video calls and project tools. If you’re nearby, I’m happy to meet in person. Distance won’t stop me from delivering excellent results – clear communication is key.

What happens if I need changes after the website has launched?

Small tweaks and minor updates are included for the first month after launch. For big changes or regular updates, I provide flexible support packages. I can also give quotes for individual updates. Many Brighton businesses find my monthly packages cost-effective for regular updates.

Do you help with domain name registration?

Sure! I can register and manage domain names for your web design project. I usually use Namecheap or 123 Reg for registration. Both are reliable, affordable, and make renewals easy. If you have a domain from another provider, I can work with that too. For .co.uk domains, the official registry is Nominet, and most registrars link to them. I’ll help you choose the best domain name for your business. Plus, I’ll handle all the technical setup, like connecting it to your hosting and email.

How much does a website cost for a small business?

Website costs vary depending on complexity, features, and who builds it. As a freelancer, my prices are typically 20-30% lower than agencies while maintaining high quality. Here’s a general guide:

By website type:

  • Basic WordPress site (5-7 pages): £800–£1,500
  • Professional business website: £1,500–£3,500
  • E-commerce / WooCommerce store: £2,500–£7,000+

What affects the price:

  • Number of pages
  • Custom design vs template-based
  • Features like booking systems or payment gateways
  • Content creation (copywriting, photography)
  • SEO requirements

Freelancer vs agency: Freelancers typically charge £800–£4,000 for most small business websites. Agencies often start at £5,000–£10,000+ for similar work due to higher overheads. I offer agency-quality work at freelancer prices because I work independently with low overheads.

Ongoing costs: Budget £35–£100/month for hosting and maintenance. This covers updates, security, backups, and small content changes.

Do you offer SEO as part of web design?

Yes, I build SEO into every website I create. I don’t see it as an afterthought. Proper page structure, clean URLs, fast loading speeds, meta data, and mobile optimisation are standard.

What’s included with every website:

  • Technical SEO setup (site structure, URLs, schema markup)

  • On-page optimisation (titles, meta descriptions, headings)

  • Mobile-friendly responsive design

  • Fast loading speeds

  • Google Search Console and Analytics setup

Ongoing SEO services: For businesses that want to improve their rankings over time, I offer monthly SEO packages. This includes keyword research, content optimisation, backlink building, and regular reporting. Many of my Sussex clients have seen big increases in traffic and leads from ongoing SEO work.

SEO vs London agencies: Large London agencies often charge £1,000 to £3,000+ per month for SEO. I provide more affordable, transparent packages for small businesses, usually £200 to £500 a month, depending on your goals. You’ll work directly with me, not a junior account manager.

Can you help rebrand my business as well as build a website?

Yes, I offer branding and web design together — in fact, many of my projects involve both. If your current brand doesn’t reflect the quality of your work, a new website alone won’t fix that. Getting both done at the same time ensures everything is consistent from day one.

Branding services I offer:

  • Logo design and variations
  • Colour palette and typography
  • Brand guidelines document
  • Business card and stationery design
  • Social media assets

How it works: We go through multiple design revisions until you’re happy with the direction. I then apply the new brand across your website and any other materials you need. You’ll receive all logo files in various formats, plus guidelines so you can use them consistently across everything — proposals, social media, signage, whatever you need.

Combined projects: Branding + website projects typically take 6-8 weeks and work out more cost-effective than doing them separately. Recent examples include Bower Interior Design in Worthing, where I delivered a complete rebrand alongside their new WordPress website.

Personal branding: I also help individuals build their professional image online — particularly coaches, consultants, and therapists who need a website that positions them as experts in their field.

What's the best web design option for small businesses?

It depends on your budget, technical skills, and goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:

DIY website builders:

  • Wix — Easy drag-and-drop, good for beginners, all-in-one solution
  • Squarespace — Beautiful templates, great for creatives and portfolios
  • Shopify — Best for dedicated e-commerce stores

Professional platform:

  • WordPress — Most flexible and scalable, powers 43% of all websites. Steeper learning curve but you own everything with no monthly platform fees.

When to go DIY: If you have more time than budget and need something basic quickly, a builder like Wix or Squarespace can work. But you’ll hit limitations as your business grows — restricted design options, weaker SEO, and platform lock-in.

When to hire a web designer: If your website needs to generate leads, rank on Google, or reflect a professional brand, investing in custom WordPress design pays off. You get a unique design (not a template thousands of others use), proper SEO setup, and a site you fully own. Many of my clients come to me after outgrowing Wix or Squarespace — I handle the migration and build something that actually works for their business.

My recommendation: For most small businesses serious about growth, a professionally designed WordPress website offers the best long-term value. DIY builders are fine for testing an idea, but they’re rarely the right choice for an established business.

WordPress web design

Why do Brighton businesses choose WordPress?

WordPress powers 43% of all websites globally. It’s reliable, flexible, and easy to manage. For Brighton businesses, it’s great. You can update content, add pages anytime, and connect with nearly any system. Unlike proprietary platforms, you truly own your website without monthly fees.

WordPress vs Squarespace - which is better for Brighton businesses?

WordPress offers more flexibility and growth potential. While Squarespace looks good at first, you will quickly face limits as your business grows. WordPress allows custom features, better SEO control, and local integrations. The learning curve is steeper, but I provide full training.

Can WordPress integrate with my existing systems?

WordPress integrates with almost everything. I’ve connected Brighton businesses to:

  • Accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage)

  • CRM systems (HubSpot, Salesforce)

  • Booking platforms (Calendly, Acuity)

  • Email marketing (Mailchimp, ConvertKit)

  • Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)

If you use specific software, let me know – I’ll check compatibility before starting.

Is WordPress secure for professional services?

Yes, when maintenance is performed correctly. I set up strong security measures. These include SSL certificates, regular updates, malware scanning, and secure hosting. I can add extra layers, like two-factor authentication, for professional services that handle sensitive data. Many law firms and medical practices trust WordPress for their sites.

Professional Services Web Design

Do you design websites for law firms in Brighton?

Yes, I’ve designed websites for several Brighton law firms. Legal sites need specific features like secure contact forms and clear service explanations. We understand compliance requirements and can integrate with practice management software. My focus is on converting visitors into consultations.

What do medical practice websites need?

Medical websites need a patient-friendly design. They should have easy appointment booking and clear information about services. I ensure accessibility compliance, mobile optimisation, and integration with management systems. Patient testimonials and clear location info are crucial for local practices.

How do accounting firms benefit from professional web design?

Accounting firms need websites that build trust and showcase expertise. I make clear service pages for various business sizes. I also integrate booking systems and design secure areas for sharing documents. Many Brighton accounting firms get 40-50% more enquiries after launching professional websites at peak times.

Do you understand professional compliance requirements?

I work with regulated industries and understand compliance needs. This includes GDPR for data handling and accessibility regulations. I can create compliant content that maintains a professional and user-friendly site.

Website support and hosting

What ongoing support do you provide?

I offer comprehensive support packages that include:

  • Regular WordPress and plugin updates.

  • Security monitoring and malware removal.

  • Weekly backups with quick restore options.

  • Content updates and technical help.

  • Performance optimisation.

  • Phone and email support during business hours.

My clients in Brighton value local support – no waiting for overseas call centres.

Do you provide website hosting?

Yes, I offer managed WordPress hosting optimised for performance and security. My hosting offers daily backups, SSL certificates, and servers located in the UK. This ensures faster loading times for visitors in Brighton. I handle all technical aspects so you can focus on your business.

How quickly can you fix website problems?

I aim to respond to support clients within four hours on business days. Most issues are resolved within twenty-four hours. Emergency situations (like a site being down) get immediate attention. Having a Brighton-based team means quicker response times compared to overseas support.

What's included in your maintenance packages?

My maintenance packages include:

  • Monthly WordPress core and plugin updates

  • Security scans and malware removal

  • Performance optimisation

  • Backup management

  • Small content changes (up to one hour monthly)

  • Technical support via phone or email.

  • Monthly performance reports

Packages start from £30/month and scale based on your website’s needs.

Do you provide training on how to use my new website?

Yes, I include comprehensive training with every project. I’ll show you how to add pages, update content, manage images, and use special features. I also provide written guides and video tutorials for later reference. My goal is to help you gain confidence in managing your website independently.