FAQs

Why do I even need a website?

Just because everyone is doing something doesn't mean that you should too but when it comes to running a business and having a website, you probably should!

Having a website brings a wealth of benefits. A website confers legitimacy to a small business, offering credence and reassurance and providing information background and context,.

Customers from all across the world will be able to find you and you'll be able to sell direct to your customer which means no middle men and no commission.

A website allows you a platform to show the world what you are doing.

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a web platform that allows users to create an online store to sell or promote their products or services.

It provides a range of features and tools to help users manage and track their orders, process payments, and handle shipping and tax options.

It is a popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses that are looking to set up an online presence to sell and promote their products and services.

What is Squarespace?

Like Shopify, Squarespace is a web platform that allows users to create an online store to sell or promote their products or services. 

It is a popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses that are looking to set up an online presence to sell and promote their products and services.

One of the things I like best about Squarespace is how, once it's set up, it is a user-friendly platform behind the scenes which makes it easier and less stressful to self-manage once I've handed over your website.

Why do you recommend Shopify & Squarespace?

The bulk of my experience is with Squarespace and Shopify and I feel that for many online businesses these are the best platforms to use.

Shopify works brilliantly if you're a shop - that's what it was designed to do.

If you are not a shop, the things that make Shopify great for shops also makes it super for businesses that aren't - service providers, hospitality companies, removal companies etc etc. Likewise, Squarespace is great for shops but especially for service based businesses. The websites will be beautiful, functional and most importantly, be you!

If you're looking for a website that looks great, functions well, is fast to load and straightforward to keep updated then Shopify or Squarespace is for you.

It’s called Shopify - do I need to be a shop?

No, you don't have to be a shop or sell physical products to use Shopify. While Shopify is primarily known as an e-commerce platform for online stores, its features and benefits extend far beyond that.

Shopify is an excellent choice for service-based businesses looking for a visually appealing website with robust functionality and easy management. Even if you don't have any products to sell, you can leverage Shopify's powerful tools and features, including:

  • Customizable website templates and themes
  • Secure hosting with fast page load times
  • Seamless content management system
  • Integrated blogging and marketing tools
  • Mobile-responsive design for optimal user experience

With Shopify, service-based businesses can create a professional online presence, showcase their offerings, accept online payments or bookings, and engage with their audience efficiently.

So, whether you're a consultant, freelancer, agency, or any other service provider, Shopify can be an excellent platform to elevate your online presence and streamline your operations.

What are the benefits of Squarespace?

I also offer professional website design and development services using the Squarespace platform.

Similar to Shopify, Squarespace is a user-friendly and intuitive platform that empowers small businesses to create visually appealing and functional websites. Some key benefits of choosing Squarespace include:

Stunning, responsive templates and design options

Easy-to-use content management system (CMS)

Integrated e-commerce capabilities

Built-in SEO and marketing tools

Reliable hosting and secure online store

Whether you're a startup, small business, or an established company looking for a website redesign, I can help you leverage the power of Squarespace to create a modern, professional online presence that aligns with your brand and business goals.

After the initial design and development process, you'll have the flexibility to easily manage and update your Squarespace website yourself, ensuring it remains current and engaging for your audience.

Will I be able to manage my site once you’ve made it for me?

Yes, Squarespace and Shopify are user-friendly and you will be provided with the essential training and information that you need to continue to manage your site without me.

If you would prefer that I continue to look after your site or you need on-going or one-off support with your new website, no problem - just let me know when we are discussing your package.

How much will it cost to build my website?

You can find all the packages and prices here.

What do your clients say about you?

Lots of good stuff! If you'd like to read my testimonials and check out my portfolio then head over here.

Will my website be optimised for mobiles and other devices?

I always set up a new website with mobile and other device optimisation in mind. Whenever I make a website for someone I make sure that it looks as fab on a device as it does on a desktop or laptop.

Given that nearly half of e-commerce purchases are made on a device this is really important.

How much does my Shopify or Squarespace subscription cost?

Shopify and Squarespace are subscription based e-commerce platforms.

In Shopify there are a number of themes that we can choose from when building your website - there are a number of fabulous free themes but there are also paid-for themes - so if you want one of these you will usually pay a one off fee for these (anything from £180 upwards). We will discuss these when doing the spec work for your website. Any paid-for theme costs will be added to your package cost.

Once I've done my job of creating you a gorgeous website you will start on one of Shopify's or Squarespace's hosting plans. Depending on your needs this is typically between £13 and £259 a month. Don't worry - nearly all my clients are at the lower end of this a month plan (typically around £25 a month) - for a small business this gives them everything they need. If you're selling products there is also a small fee per sale for the credit card management side of things.

This plan however includes your hosting for the website (which is brilliant) so it's a really good deal. Support, if something goes wrong, is outstanding.

I have more products to upload than are included in your packages - can you add more?

Yes. I have designed the packages to be applicable to most small businesses but I know all clients are different. Additional design outwith the package is charged at £50 an hour or £350 per day (8 hours).

I have extra requirements for my website - can you accommodate these?

Yes. I have designed the packages to be applicable to most small businesses but I know all clients are different and some will require extra work. Extra work outwith the package is charged at £50 an hour or £350 per day (8 hours).

Are there any additional costs?

The package costs include enough to get you a really beautiful website but sometimes clients need additional capacity or functionality.

This may require additional subscriptions to Shopify / Squarespace services. We can advise - just ask when we are discussing your website and we can provide an accurate cost for your needs.

I need a booking system - can you help with that?

Yes. We have worked with a range of clients who require booking systems (holiday let systems and class booking systems) so we know what works and how to set them up and integrate them with your website.

If you need one justly us know when we have the scoping call and this will be built into your quote for the website.

I already have a website but it needs a refresh - can you help?

Yes! A lot of clients come to me when they feel their old website needs a facelift. If it's Squarespace, Shopify or Wix I can help.

Just get in touch and I'll give you a quote for the work.

I already have an Etsy shop - should I get a website?

In short - yes. I wrote a blog post about it too if you'd like to have a read

Just get in touch to see how I can help. I have worked with many creatives so have lots of useful hints, tips and lessons learnt to bring to the table.

What type of websites have you built before?

I try to keep a note of everything in my portfolio page here

In a nutshell though I have worked with the following busineses:

  • Pilates and yoga
  • House removal
  • Construction
  • Counsellors & coaches
  • Artists
  • E-commerce
  • Copywriter
  • Food / Catering
  • Property
  • Holiday lets
  • Beauticians & wellness
  • and more!

Where are you based and where do you work?

I'm based in Scotland, near to Edinburgh and I work with clients all across Scotland and the rest of the UK. For those too far way to meet for a coffee I can do video calls.

I work from wherever my computer is and wherever the wifi signal is strongest!