Frequently Asked Questions

I keep things simple with flat starting prices for single-page and multi-page sites. From there, you can add extras like a blog or portfolio, so you only ever pay for the features you actually need.

Yes. If you host your site with me, you can spread the cost of the build over 10 equal monthly payments. Once the 10 months are up, the website is all yours and your bill drops down to just your monthly maintenance.

Most projects are ready to launch within 2 to 4 weeks. This can vary depending on the complexity of the site and how quickly we can get the content sorted, but I’ll keep the momentum going so we can get you online as soon as possible.

I can certainly help you with a fresh start. We’ll look at what is and isn’t working with your current site and build a new, modern version that better reflects where your business is today.

I don’t handle domain registration or email accounts directly, as I believe those are best kept in your control. I can, however, provide plenty of advice and recommend a few trusted partners to help you get professional email sorted.

You’re covered by 30 days of support and maintenance to help with any tweaks or questions as you settle in. If you’d like that peace of mind to continue, you can extend this indefinitely by opting for one of my ongoing maintenance plans.

Once the final payment is made, the website is 100% yours. I don’t believe in “renting” sites to clients; you own the design and the content, and you’re free to take it wherever you like.

Not with me. The price we agree on at the start is what you’ll pay. The only other things you’ll need to budget for are your domain name, hosting and email, which I’ll explain clearly before we even begin.

It is industry standard for designers to include a small, discreet credit in the footer. It acts as a digital business card that helps me find new work. I always return the favour, by showcasing your website and business in my portfolio and social media. If you would prefer a white label site with no design credit, I can remove this for a one off fee of £250.

Think of hosting as the plot of land your website sits on and maintenance as the gardener who keeps it looking sharp and safe. Hosting keeps your site online while maintenance ensures your software is updated and protected from digital threats.

Nope. The hosting is included, but at no extra cost to you. If you’d prefer to use another host then I can still provide maintenance services for your website.

Yes. The servers I use are based in the UK and are powered by 100 percent renewable energy. They are provided by a certified B Corp business, which means they meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance. It is a simple way for your business to be a bit greener at no extra cost.

I do not offer email hosting because I believe your email is best kept with dedicated providers like Google Workspace or Outlook for better reliability. I can however provide advice and recommend trusted partners to help you get your business email set up.

The 10 or 45 minutes of work included in my plans is perfect for small tasks like updating a paragraph of text, swapping an image, or adding a new testimonial. It is designed to keep your site fresh and current without you having to touch the editor.

You are welcome to manage your own updates but if something breaks or you need a fix I charge my standard hourly rate of £50. Clients on a plan get priority support and a discounted rate of £40 for any larger tasks or improvements.

Generally no. My maintenance plans work on a rolling monthly basis so you can cancel at any time. The only exception is if you are currently paying for your website build through my ten month payment plan, as your maintenance needs to stay active until the site is fully paid off.

I want you to stay with Bear Sites because you are happy with the service and not because you feel trapped. If you ever decide to move your website to a different provider I will help you with the transition. I charge a one off fee equivalent to one hour of work at my standard rate to prepare your files and database backups and ensure you have everything you need for a smooth move.

Yes. Search engines like Google prioritise websites that are fast and secure. By keeping your software updated and your server optimised I am helping your site stay in the good books of search engines which can improve your visibility over time.

Of course. As your business grows or your needs change you can switch between plans easily. Just let me know before your next billing date and I will get your plan adjusted to make sure you have the right level of support.

Most small business websites fit comfortably within 1GB. However if your site is very large or you have a huge gallery of high resolution images you can easily add more room. An extra 1GB of storage is available for £5 per month which also covers the cost of the larger backups needed to keep your data safe.