FAQ
GENERAL PROJECT QUESTIONS
Planning, pricing, ownership, launch, and what it takes to get started.
What areas do you serve?
I’m based in the Wilmington, North Carolina area, but it doesn’t matter where you are because everything can be done remotely. In fact, I enjoy working with people from all kinds of places!
How much does a website cost?
Websites start at $975. Final pricing depends on the package you choose and any optional add-ons.
How long does the process take?
Websites normally take 2-5 weeks from start to finish. Smaller Basic sites are usually faster, while more complex sites can take longer depending on pages, features, revisions, and how quickly feedback comes in.
Do I have to pay everything upfront?
No. A deposit is used to reserve the project and begin work, with the remaining balance due before launch. If a project needs a different payment structure, I can talk it through with you before anything starts.
Will I own my website?
Yes. Once your project is paid for, your website belongs to you. If you choose to host it yourself, I’ll transfer the GitHub repository and Netlify project to your own accounts, giving you full ownership and control. If you host through CS Interactive, I manage the hosting and deployment for you while you retain ownership of your website and its content.
Can I edit it myself?
Yes, if your package includes a CMS or you add one to your site. Premium websites include easy website updates with a CMS, and CMS editing can be added to a Basic website. If you would rather not manage updates yourself, I can handle maintenance for you through one of my hosting plans.
What’s included in SEO?
SEO setup includes the essentials that help search engines understand the site: page titles and descriptions, clean page structure, mobile-friendly design, image alt text where appropriate, sitemap and robots files, and launch-ready indexing basics. Higher packages include enhanced or advanced SEO setup for more pages and a deeper content structure.
Do you use templates?
The site is designed around your business, your content, and the features you need. I may use proven layouts, components, and CMS patterns to keep the build efficient, but the final website is not a generic template dropped in with your name on it.
Do you offer maintenance?
Yes. Maintenance can include content updates, small design changes, CMS help, technical upkeep, and general support after launch. The amount of maintenance depends on how often the site needs attention.
Can you redesign my current website?
Yes. Existing websites can be redesigned, rebuilt, or refreshed depending on what is working and what needs to change. A redesign can keep useful content while improving the look, structure, mobile experience, SEO foundation, and update workflow.
How do I get started?
Start by reaching out through the contact page with a little context about your business, the kind of website you need, and any features you already know you want. From there, I’ll talk through the right package, scope, timeline, and next steps with you.
HOSTING & CARE QUESTIONS
Optional support, full ownership, and what happens when a plan changes.
Do I need a hosting plan?
Not at all. It’s completely optional. If you’re comfortable managing your own website, you will receive full ownership of the site and can host it however you want.
Who owns my website?
You do. Whether you host with CS Interactive or manage hosting yourself, you own your website, branding, and content. When hosting with me, I simply manage the technical side on your behalf to keep everything running smoothly.
What happens if I cancel hosting?
If you decide to cancel your hosting plan, no problem. I’ll transfer the GitHub repository and Netlify deployment to accounts you own, so you can continue hosting your website independently. If your website includes Decap CMS, I’ll help transition the CMS to your own account as part of the transfer.
What’s not included?
Hosting and Website Care plans do not include:
- New pages or major redesigns
- Custom features or functionality
- E-commerce setup or expansion
- Logo design or branding work
- Search engine optimization (SEO) campaigns
- Copywriting for new website sections
- Third-party software subscriptions or licensing fees
- Extensive revisions beyond the included monthly update time