FAQ

Straight answers to common questions. No jargon, no runaround.

Websites

How much does a website cost for a small business?

It depends on what you need. A simple site for a tradie or local service might be a few hundred bucks. Something with bookings, eCommerce, or custom features will cost more. I quote per job with no hidden fees. Tell me what you need and I'll give you a straight number.

How long does it take to build a website?

Most simple sites take a couple of weeks. More complex projects take longer. The biggest factor is usually how quickly you can get me the content and photos. I'll give you a realistic timeline upfront — no promises I can't keep.

Do you work with businesses outside Mallacoota?

Absolutely. I'm based in Mallacoota but I work with businesses across Gippsland, East Gippsland, and regional Victoria. I've done work for clients in Bairnsdale, Sale, Lakes Entrance, and beyond. Everything can be done remotely — phone calls, video chats, emails. Whatever works for you.

What's included in a website build?

Everything you need to go live. Design, development, mobile responsiveness, basic SEO setup, contact forms, and hosting configuration. I hand over a finished site, not a half-done template you need to finish yourself. You get something that's ready to work for your business from day one.

Will I be able to update the website myself?

If you want to, yes. I can build it so you can make simple updates yourself, or I can handle all the updates for you. Whatever works for your situation. Most of my clients prefer to just send me what they need changed — it's usually quicker and less hassle for them.

SEO & Google

Do I need SEO for my local business?

If you want people to find you when they search for what you do in your area, then yes. When someone searches "electrician Bairnsdale" or "cafe Lakes Entrance", you want to show up. Local SEO makes that happen. It's not magic — it's just making sure Google knows what you do and where you do it.

What's Google Business Profile and why does it matter?

It's the box that shows up on the right side of Google when people search for your business, and how you appear on Google Maps. For local businesses, it's often more important than your actual website. It shows your hours, photos, reviews, and contact info right there in the search results. I can set it up properly and keep it optimised so you show up when it counts.

How do I get my business to show up on Google Maps?

You need a Google Business Profile set up and verified, then optimised with the right categories, photos, and information. Having consistent details (name, address, phone) across the web helps too. Good reviews don't hurt either. I can handle all of this for you — it's one of those things that's easy when you know how, frustrating when you don't.

AI & Automation

What is AI consultancy?

It's helping you figure out where AI can actually save you time or money in your business. Not the hype and buzzwords — practical things like chatbots that answer customer questions, systems that handle bookings, or tools that help with content. I cut through the noise and show you what's actually useful for your specific situation.

How can AI help my small business?

Depends on your business. Common wins: chatbots that capture leads and answer questions 24/7, automated booking systems that stop double-bookings, help writing content for your website or socials, or handling repetitive admin tasks. The key is finding what actually saves you time without overcomplicating things or costing a fortune.

Is AI going to replace my website?

No. AI changes how people find and interact with businesses, but you still need a home base online. Your website is where people go to learn about you, see your work, check your credentials, and get in touch. What AI does is make your website work harder — helping visitors find what they need and turning them into customers. They work together, not instead of each other.

Working With Me

Why should I choose a local developer over a big city agency?

Big agencies charge more because they have more overheads — fancy offices, account managers, project managers, sales teams. You end up paying for all that. With me, you talk directly to the person building your site. No middlemen, no game of telephone. I grew up in Gippsland, I understand regional business, and I'm not going to sell you stuff you don't need just to hit a sales target.

What happens after my website launches?

I stick around. If something breaks, you can call me. If you need changes down the track, I'm here. I've seen too many businesses get burned by developers who build something and then vanish. That's not how I work. I live in Mallacoota — I'm not going anywhere. Your success is good for my reputation, so I've got skin in the game.

Got a question that's not here?

Have a chat with me