Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build a typical site?

For a semi-static site (5-10 pages), I can usually have a working draft ready for your review within 3-5 business days after you submit the onboarding form. That includes getting your content, building the site, and setting it up for you to review.

WordPress sites take a bit longer, typically 1-2 weeks, because they require more setup and configuration for themes, plugins, and any special features like e-commerce or booking systems.

Keep in mind these are working estimates. If you need custom features or have a lot of content, it might take longer. I'll give you a clear timeline once I know the scope of your project.

What does "semi-static" mean?

A semi-static site is built with clean PHP and HTML instead of a content management system like WordPress. The pages are served fast because they're not being generated from a database on every visit.

The "semi" part means I use a central configuration file for things like your phone number, business name, and service areas. Update it once, and it updates everywhere on your site. You get the speed and simplicity of a static site with the convenience of easy updates.

For most small businesses like contractors, farms, and local shops, this is the sweet spot. Fast, secure, low-maintenance, and affordable.

Can you update my existing WordPress site?

Yes. If you have an existing WordPress site that needs updates, fixes, or improvements, I can help. I've been working with WordPress for over a decade.

That said, if your WordPress site is severely outdated (years without updates, broken plugins, security issues), it might make more sense to rebuild it, either as a new WordPress site or as a semi-static site, depending on your needs.

I'll be honest about what makes the most sense for your situation. Sometimes a rebuild is cheaper and faster than trying to fix a mess.

What's included in hosting & maintenance?

Starting at $40/month, hosting and maintenance includes:

Hosting on a fast, reliable server with full cPanel access
Security updates for software, themes, and plugins (WordPress sites)
Backups and uptime monitoring so your site stays online
Small fixes and tweaks (broken buttons, layout shifts, quick content updates)
DNS and email support when you have issues
Direct access to me when something goes wrong

Not included: Full redesigns, large expansions, marketing/SEO packages, or major new development. Those are quoted separately.

Do you work with small rural businesses and farms?

Absolutely. That's my main focus. I work with farms, ag operations, contractors, tradespeople, and small businesses throughout the Red River Valley including Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Grafton, Crookston, and rural communities across northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.

I understand rural business needs. You don't need flashy animations or complicated features. You need a site that loads fast (even on slower rural internet), shows your services clearly, and makes it easy for customers to contact you.

That's what I build.

How do we get started and what does it cost?

Getting started is simple:

Step 1: Call, text, or fill out my contact form. Tell me what you need.
Step 2: I'll give you a ballpark price and ask any clarifying questions.
Step 3: If you want to move forward with a free test site (semi-static only), fill out the onboarding form.
Step 4: I build a working draft for you to review. You only pay if you want to launch it.

Pricing:

Semi-static sites: Starting at $600
WordPress sites: Starting at $1,500
Hosting & maintenance: $40/month (semi-static) or $75/month (WordPress)

Every project is different, so I'll give you a firm quote once I know the details. No hidden fees, no surprises.

What if I already have a domain name?

No problem. If you already own a domain name (like yourbusiness.com), I can work with it. I'll help you point it to your new site, set up email if needed, and handle all the DNS configuration.

If you don't have a domain yet, I can help you register one. I'll make sure it's set up correctly from the start.

Can I update my own content after the site is built?

For semi-static sites: Small text updates (like changing a phone number or address) are easy. I show you how to update the config file, or you can just email me and I'll do it. For larger content changes, I handle those as part of maintenance or quote them separately.

For WordPress sites: Yes. WordPress has a built-in editor that lets you update pages, add blog posts, and manage content yourself. I'll show you how to use it.

Either way, you're never stuck waiting on a designer just to fix a typo.

Do you do SEO or online marketing?

Every site I build is SEO-friendly from the ground up with clean code, fast loading, mobile-responsive design, proper meta tags, and structured data. That's standard, not an upsell.

I don't offer ongoing SEO or marketing packages. If you need help with Google Ads, social media campaigns, or advanced SEO strategy, I can refer you to someone who specializes in that.

My focus is building sites that work well and rank well organically. The rest is up to you or a marketing specialist.

What if I need help after my site launches?

That's what the hosting & maintenance plan is for. You call or text me, and I handle it. No support tickets, no waiting in a queue.

If something breaks, I fix it. If you need a small update, I do it. If you have a question, you get a straight answer from the person who built your site.

Simple as that.