Website builds
Websites for local businesses: fast, clear and easy to find
A new website, or a replacement for one that's letting you down. I build websites that are fast, easy to use on a phone and set up so local customers find you on Google and in AI assistants like ChatGPT, so people can see what you do, where you are and how to reach you.
What you get
Every site is planned and built for the business it serves. No off-the-shelf templates.
- A website made to measure for your business, so people can see what you do, where you are and how to reach you
- Works on phones, tablets and computers, and I test it on real devices before launch
- Fast, secure hosting, and a contact form that sends enquiries straight to your inbox
- Set up so Google, other search engines and AI assistants understand what you do and where
- Help moving off WordPress, Wix or a platform you've outgrown
- Training at launch, so you're confident from day one
- Ongoing hosting and support: security updates, speed checks and changes when you need them
Your first single-page site can be free under the early-client offer. After launch you only pay a monthly hosting and support fee, from £10 a month and agreed upfront. Other work, such as extra pages, gets a clear written quote before anything starts.
Getting found on Google and AI assistants
A website only helps if people can find it. I help you show up when people search “near me” on Google, and when they ask AI assistants like ChatGPT for a recommendation.
- Every site I build is written so Google and AI assistants can read it: what you do, where you are and which areas you cover, set out the same way across the site, with the words written for people first
- I set up your free Google Business Profile, the listing that puts you on Google Maps and in the panel you see when you search for something like ‘plumber near me’
- I help you gather reviews, and organise your site and business details so AI assistants can understand and recommend you
The Oven Queen now comes up first when people search locally for oven cleaning, both on Google and in AI answers. At The White Swan, I helped the owner claim the pub's Google listing, so the pub now manages its own reviews, photos and hours.
Who it's for
- Businesses starting from scratch: cafés, salons, restaurants, trades and independent shops. If you can use email and a smartphone, you have all the skills you need.
- Businesses whose website is letting them down, or who've outgrown WordPress, Wix or another platform.
- Local businesses that want to show up when people nearby search on Google or ask ChatGPT for a recommendation.
- Anyone from sole traders to limited companies. I'm happy to meet if you're nearby, and just as happy to work remotely with businesses anywhere in the UK.
Selling products online? A Shopify store is usually the better fit, and I'll help you decide.
How it works
You always know what's happening, what's next and what it costs.
- Talk it through. A free, no-obligation conversation over coffee or a call about your business, customers and goals.
- A clear plan. You get a clear timeline and a written quote before any work starts.
- Design and build. I build the site and show you how it's coming along as I go, in plain English.
- Launch. Your site goes live fast and secure, set up on Google, with training so you're confident from day one.
- Keep improving. Updates, reviews and advice whenever you want them, from someone local.
A single-page website typically takes one to two weeks from our first conversation to launch, including your feedback and changes.
Websites I’ve built
Real websites for real local businesses.
-
Pub website and staff app
The White Swan
A new website for a village pub, plus a phone app the staff use to keep the beer boards and live music up to date.
-
Local service website
The Oven Queen
A fast, phone-first website for a local oven and carpet cleaner, now first when people search locally for oven cleaning.
-
Restaurant website
Thai Restaurant
A local Thai restaurant's website, with all four menus online and an admin panel the owner uses to change dishes and prices.
Questions about websites
Is this for me if I've never had a website?
Yes. Most of the businesses I speak to are starting from scratch: cafés, salons, restaurants, trades and independent shops. I take care of the technical side and explain each decision in everyday language. If you can use email and a smartphone, you have all the skills you need.
How long does a website take?
A single-page website typically takes one to two weeks from our first conversation to launch, including your feedback and changes. Sites with ordering or bookings usually take three to six weeks, depending on scope. You get a clear timeline before any work starts.
How much does a website cost?
Your first single-page site can be free under the early-client offer; after launch you only pay a monthly hosting and support fee, from £10 a month and agreed upfront. Other work, such as extra pages or booking systems, gets a clear written quote before anything starts.
Can I update the website myself?
My websites are hand-built in code rather than a drag-and-drop editor, so updates are normally handled for you under a support plan, and I reply to requests within 24 hours. Where it helps, I build in simple ways to make your own changes, like the menus at the Thai restaurant or the beer boards at The White Swan.
Will people find my website on Google and in AI assistants?
Every site I build is set up so Google and other search engines understand what you do and where, and I structure your content and business details so AI assistants like ChatGPT can understand and recommend you. For local businesses I also recommend a free Google Business Profile, and I can set it up for you.
Who owns my domain name?
You do. Your domain is registered in your name and belongs to you, and I'll help you set it up. Your own words, photos and logo stay yours too. If you'd like to own your site outright, handovers are quoted from £299, at go-live or later.
More answers about costs, timescales and how I work are on the FAQ page.
Want a website that brings in enquiries?
Tell me a little about your business and what you'd like your website to do. The first chat is free, with no jargon and no hard sell, and I reply to every enquiry within 24 hours.
Not sure whether to replace your current site? Start with the free website check. You can also read about the free first website offer, see more of my work or read the answers to common questions.