FAQ

How long does a website take to make?

Each website I design is specifically for you and your needs and goals - no "we all look the same templates" here...

During your scheduled build time, I focus solely on your project, taking the time to understand your business, your goals, and what makes you different (even if that’s hard for you to put into words). Squeezing that all down and crystallising that into a website, so it's obvious in 6 seconds exactly what you do and what you offer, is a big part of what I do. 
 

Once your content is ready (logos, photos, etc), a small to medium website typically takes around two weeks.

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What do you provide as part of your service?

I work closely with just one client at a time and focus fully on your project. That includes taking the time to research and understand your business, your challenges and issues, your goals, your competitors, who your target market is and what they are looking for, what niche you sit in - or future niches you want to develop into.

I then help shape your messaging visually, and through the text used and user experience, to design a website that captures you and what makes you special. That's the "pretty" part people see, but I also do a lot behind the scenes that search engines see, so you can be seen and FOUND. I do Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to help you be found in Google. And with AI search now a huge thing, I also design with that in mind. If you're a local business operating in a local market, like Thames or Coromandel, I do local SEO to optimise your website for your specific location.

I'll look at your whole online prescence including social media, Google Maps, GoogleMyBusiness etc.

It's constantly evolving out there in the online marketing space, so I spend time and money keeping up to date with developments so you don't have to and so your website and online marketing are as effective as possible.
 

I am not the cheapest option. I do offer VALUE.

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How much does a website cost?

A one-page website starts from around $1,000 - $1,500, and my most common projects start from $3,000 - $3,500 for a thoughtfully designed 4–5 page website.

Can I work with you again in future on other aspects of my business?

Yes. I enjoy continuing to work with many of my clients who use my services regularly for things like website updates, new pages, SEO tweaks, social media posts, a bit of artwork if needed, second eyes on copy, help with Facebook, publishing a blog, GoogleMyBusiness posts etc. I become a kind of "marketing person" as needed for many of my clients who are focused on what they do well, but still need these things done for a reasonable hourly fee. 
 

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Will I be able to edit the website myself?

In most cases, no - and for many of my clients, that’s a relief. My clients usually prefer their website to be looked after properly, without worrying about breaking things, design consistency, or SEO. I’m very focused on the quality of work, I deliver to you and seeing that quality continue. Having said that, some clients absolutely do simple regular updates such as upload their latest newsletter, change seasonal pricing, add recipes etc.
 

If you want someone to guide, manage, and make larger changes for you, you’re in the right place.


 

Do you use templates?

No. Every website I design is created specifically for the business it represents. Your site should look and feel like you, not like a version of everyone else’s.

 

Do I need to know exactly what I want before contacting you?

Not at all. Many of my clients know their business inside out but struggle to say what makes them DIFFERENT and GOOD into words, let alone structure that into a website. Helping uncover what makes you special - and translating that into a website - is one of my superpowers :-)
 

So you don’t need the right language or a clear brief to start the conversation, just be open to talk about what's not working or what you want to work better, and I will help get to the bottom of it and come up with solutions.

Contact me to get started.

Is this confidential?

Yes. Absolutely confidential. I appreciate and am privileged that my clients share their trust with me and their sensitive business information. 

Everything you share with me is treated with care, professionalism, and complete confidentiality, so we can uncover those issues and fix them for you. 

 

What’s the first step?

We start with a short phone chat to see if we’re a good fit. We’ll talk about your business or organisation, what you need help with, and whether I’m the right person to help. If it feels right, we can then decide on the next steps. There's no pressure or obligation.

Start here

 

Who do you like working with?

Nice people. Life is too short, isn't it, to work with "not nice" people...
 

Most of my clients are service-based businesses or organisations that care about what they do, value quality, and are leaders in their field in some way (even if they don’t always see that themselves).
 

I work best with clients who trust my expertise and want a collaborative, helpful working relationship.

 

Are there businesses you won’t work with?

I won’t design or promote websites for businesses or organisations that don’t align with my values, including hate-related content, or anything I believe causes harm. I care about social justice and ethical business, and I put that into practice by choosing who I work with.

 

Do you only work in Thames?

I’m based in Thames and love working locally, but I work with clients throughout New Zealand.
 

Local clients get the bonus of face-to-face chats (and popping down the road), but distance has never been a barrier. For example, Mind Empowerment is a Wellington-based, New Zealand wide service that I designed the website for and still do regular ongoing work for, including editing, new pages and publishing blogs.
 

Do you do free websites for charities?

Yes, I have for Historic Kopu Bridge (I am a Trustee) and People Relying On People (PROP) (I am the Chairperson). Other charities are on my normal project rates. 

 

Do you do heritage or retro-style websites?

Yes - and I’d love to do more!
 

I have a decades-long passionate interest in all things heritage and vintage, including design. This has translated into me designing era-inspired websites that capture the essence of a time period - whether it's Victorian, Art Deco (see www.historickopubridge.co.nz), mid-century (see www.seaspraymotel.co.nz), or the 70s or 80s.
 

If your business has history, character, or a strong sense of place, that’s something I genuinely enjoy bringing to life online.