FAQ

Website & pricing questions (explained simply)

This page is written for people who don’t come from a tech background. The goal is to explain what’s required, what’s optional, and why things like databases, scheduling systems, and monthly maintenance cost more.

Basics

What do I actually need to launch a website?

Required
1. Domain name
This is your website’s address, like yourstudio.com. It’s rented yearly and usually costs about $10–$20 per year. Without a domain, people don’t have an easy link to find you.
Required
2. Hosting
Hosting is where your website “lives” on the internet. Think of it as renting space on a computer that’s always on, so your site is available 24/7 for your clients.
Required
3. Website files
These are the pages, images, styles, and code I create in Visual Studio. They control how your website looks, what it says, and what buttons do.
Optional (but common)
4. Database
A database is like a spreadsheet that lives behind your site. It stores things like appointments, logins, customers, or orders. Simple “info only” sites don’t need it — scheduling systems and stores do.
Publishing

What does “publishing” a website mean?

When your website is “published,” it’s moved from my computer to your hosting account and connected to your domain so anyone with the link can see it.

  • Step 1: I build and test your site locally in Visual Studio.
  • Step 2: We connect your domain to the hosting provider.
  • Step 3: I upload (deploy) the files and set up any databases.
  • Step 4: We test the live site on your domain (forms, buttons, pages).

After publishing, your site is live. Ongoing costs are usually just your domain, hosting, and any monthly plan you choose for care or updates.

Pricing

Why do database and scheduling projects cost more?

Simple websites
  • Mostly text, images, and a contact form
  • No stored data – messages just go to your email
  • Faster to build and easier to maintain
  • Lower one-time price and simple setup
Websites with databases
  • Store info like appointments, logins, or orders
  • Require extra setup (tables, security, permissions)
  • Need more testing to protect data and privacy
  • Need ongoing care: backups, updates, and optimization
Scheduling systems
  • More logic: time slots, blocked days, services, prices
  • Must be easy to use for you and your clients
  • Often tied to email or SMS reminders
  • That extra work is why they cost more than a simple info site
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

“Can I start simple and upgrade later?”
Yes. Many clients start with a Starter or Business website and upgrade later to add scheduling, a store, or a custom dashboard when they’re ready and the budget allows it.
“Do I have to pay monthly?”
No. The main cost is the one-time build, plus your domain and hosting. Monthly plans are optional and are for people who want ongoing help, updates, and not having to worry about the technical side.
“What does the $30/month option mean?”
For some scheduling systems, you can choose a monthly plan instead of a larger one-time payment. The $30/month option usually includes hosting, updates, small fixes, and basic support so your system stays working without you having to manage it.
“Can you move my existing site?”
In many cases, yes. We can rebuild your existing site with a cleaner design, or move your content into a new layout that fits your current brand.
“Will my site work on phones?”
Yes. Every site is built to be responsive, which means it adapts to phones, tablets, and desktop screens. I always test on mobile.
“Do I own my website?”
Once your final payment is made, you own the website design and files. I may show the project in my portfolio, but the site itself belongs to you.