Guides
Straight answers about websites and getting found
Written for business owners, with real price ranges and the tradeoffs spelled out.
What should a restaurant website include? A phone-first list
A restaurant website should show four things on the first phone screen: today's hours, a phone number that dials when tapped, the address with a map link, and one clear button to order or reserve. Below that, add a text menu with prices and real photos. Leave off autoplay video, popups and PDF-only menus.
How much does a small business website cost in Michigan?
As of November 2026, Michigan web firms that publish prices list about $750 to $1,200 for a one-page site and about $2,500 to $4,000 for a small multi-page site. A do-it-yourself builder runs about $18 to $40 a month plus your own time.
How much should a website cost for a contractor?
Most small contractors should expect about $2,500 to $4,000 for a solid multi-page site, based on published Michigan prices as of November 2026. A one-trade, one-town contractor can often get by with a one-page site at about $750 to $1,200.
Rent or own your website: monthly website plans explained
Renting costs less upfront, but the site often stays with the provider when you leave. Owning costs more on day one, often costs less over several years, and you keep the site, as long as the ownership transfer is in writing.
12 questions to ask a web designer before you sign
Ask about the total price, the yearly cost after launch, who owns the site, how you can leave, and what results they'll promise. A good designer will answer all of these in writing without getting annoyed.
Website builder or web designer: which one fits your business?
Use a builder like Wix or Squarespace if your budget is tight, your needs are simple and you don't mind doing the work. Hire a web designer if your time is better spent on your business, or if the site needs to bring in calls and you want someone accountable for it.
Local SEO for Michigan small businesses: a plain checklist
Set up a complete and accurate Google Business Profile, give each main service a clear page on your website, keep your name and phone number consistent across the web, and earn real reviews. You can do most of it yourself for free, and no one can promise you a ranking.
What is AI search optimization, and does it work for local businesses?
AI search optimization, also called GEO or AEO, means working to get your business mentioned when people ask tools like ChatGPT or Google's AI who to hire. It overlaps with solid website and Google profile work, but as of November 2026 we found no independent controlled study showing it causes more leads for local businesses.
How long does it take to build a small business website?
With our process, we estimate about 1 week for a one-page site, about 2 weeks for 5 pages and about 3 weeks for 10 pages, counted from the day we have everything we need from you. These are planning estimates, not promises.