Custom website design
Do you use WordPress, templates, or page builders?
All of my standard websites are custom designed and custom coded for each client, with a focus on small businesses in Wilmington, Delaware, and nearby communities. I do not use store-bought templates or third-party page building software.
I do have more than 10 years of firsthand experience building and maintaining WordPress websites, but I generally do not build new WordPress sites for clients unless there is a specific reason to do so. The reason is simple: a well-built custom website will usually load faster and be easier to maintain than many WordPress websites.
Interested in a CMS? If there is part of your website you would like to update regularly — such as special offers, a blog, or service pages — let me know, and we can talk about the best way to support that.
Can you help write the website copy?
Yes. Custom website content is included in my website projects. I can help write or refine the words on your site so the content sounds natural, explains your services clearly, and supports the way local customers search today.
Good website copy matters for people and search engines: it helps visitors understand what you do, and it gives Google and other modern search tools better context about your business.
Can I expand my website in the future?
Yes. First State Design builds websites so they can grow with your business. You might start with a single-page website or a five-page website and decide later that you need more service pages, local landing pages, location pages, case studies, or other content. When that time comes, send me a note and we’ll talk through the best way to expand the site.
Pricing and project scope
How much does a small business website cost?
My web design packages start at $1,500 for a single-page website and $3,000 for a five-page website. Those starting prices are listed on my web design page, along with what each package includes. If your website needs more pages, special features, or additional design work, I’ll explain the options clearly before any work begins.
How long does a website project take?
Project timelines vary based on the size of the website, my current schedule, and how quickly feedback and approvals happen. In many cases, a small business website can be completed within a few weeks. A single-page website is usually faster, while a larger site with more content, pages, or special features may take longer. Before we begin, I’ll give you a realistic sense of the timeline for your specific project.
SEO and launch
What is included in your starter SEO and local SEO setup?
Every First State Design website includes the basic content and technical setup needed to help search engines understand, crawl, and index your site. For local businesses in Delaware, that includes:
- Clear website content written in the natural language your customers use when they search
- Search-friendly page titles and meta descriptions
- Headings and page structure organized around your services
- Internal links between important pages
- Local business details added through structured data where appropriate
- Image alt text for important website images
- XML sitemap creation
- Google Search Console setup
- Sitemap submission and indexing request after launch
- Mobile-friendly, fast-loading pages built with clean code
This starter SEO setup gives your website a strong foundation, but it is not the same as an ongoing SEO campaign. Larger content plans, blog posts, location pages, backlink outreach, and long-term SEO strategy can be discussed separately.
Hosting, updates, and ownership
What is web hosting?
Web hosting is the service that gives your website a place to live on the internet. First State Design provides hosting and support for client websites, starting at $25/month for single-page websites and $50/month for larger websites. This includes hosting setup, routine maintenance, backups, uptime monitoring, and small monthly content or photo updates up to 30 minutes.
You are also welcome to use your own hosting account. Every website includes launch support, so I can help get your site live on the host you choose. If you host the site yourself, future updates can be quoted as needed.
How will my website get updated?
Just send me a note with what needs to change. If I host your website, small content or design updates are included each month, up to 30 minutes. That might mean swapping a photo, updating text, changing a phone number, or making a small adjustment to a page. Larger updates, new pages, new features, or ongoing marketing work can be quoted separately before any work begins.
Will I own my website?
Yes. Once your website is paid for, you own it. First State Design offers hosting as a convenience, but you are not locked into my hosting. If you ever want to move your website elsewhere, I can provide a copy of the site files and help point you in the right direction. My goal is to make the website process easier, not to trap you in a system you cannot leave.
