Website questions, answered simply.

Plain answers to the questions small business owners ask before they get a website. Each answer is short and honest, with prices in US dollars.

How much does a website cost?

It depends on the pages and features. A simple one-page site can cost a few hundred dollars and a custom multi-page site often costs a few thousand. Orbitly Studio starts at $150 (Starter), $350 (Business) and $900 (Top Spot), and we tell you the exact price before you pay. Read the full website cost guide.

How long does it take to build a website?

A simple site can be ready in days. A bigger one with many pages takes longer. The biggest delay is usually waiting for the business owner's photos and text, so send those early.

Who is the best web designer for a small business?

The best one for you shows a free draft before you pay, writes the price down, explains what the site will and will not do, and answers your messages clearly. Ask every designer the same questions and compare. Our scam checklist shows what to look for.

When should I get a website?

As soon as customers might look you up. Most people search on their phone before they call. If you have no website, or one that is hard to use on a phone, you may be losing enquiries today.

Do I really need a website for my small business?

Not every business does, but most benefit. A website tells customers who you are, what you do, where you are and how to reach you, at any hour. A social media page can do part of that, but you do not own it and many people do not find it through Google.

Is a website worth it for a small business?

It is worth it if it brings you calls, messages or bookings worth more than it cost. Track this: ask new customers how they found you. A clear site with a call button is one of the cheapest ways to be easy to find and trust.

Is a website better than a Facebook or Instagram page?

They do different jobs. Social pages are good for updates and chat. A website is yours, shows up when people search, and puts your services, prices, hours and contact in one place. Most small businesses do best with both, linked together.

Should I build my website myself or hire someone?

If you have the time and the job is simple, a DIY builder can work. If your time is worth more, or you want it to look professional and work well on phones, hiring someone is usually faster. Either way, make sure you control the domain name.

Which is better: a website builder or a custom website?

Builders are cheap and quick but limited, and you pay monthly forever. A custom site costs more upfront and can be tailored to your business. A template-based studio sits in the middle: a proven layout, set up for you.

What should I look for in website alternatives to Wix or Squarespace?

Compare total cost over a year, not just the first month. Check who owns the site and domain, whether you can leave and take it with you, and what support you get. A done-for-you studio saves your time. A builder gives you full control but you do the work.

Is a website safe for my customers and my business?

A well-built site is safe. Look for the padlock (HTTPS), no pop-ups asking for unnecessary personal data, and a host that updates security. Static sites with no logins and no plugins have far fewer things that can be hacked.

Why does my website keep breaking or going down?

Common causes are old plugins, cheap hosting, expired domains or hosting bills, and changes that were never tested. Simple sites with few moving parts break far less. If yours keeps failing, ask who hosts it and when the domain and hosting renew.

Should I fix my old website or replace it?

Fix it if it loads fast, looks right on phones and only needs small edits. Replace it if it is slow, hard to read on a phone, cannot be edited, or no longer looks like your business.

Can I get a website without any technical knowledge?

Yes. You only need your business name, what you do and how people reach you. Photos and a logo help. We handle the technical parts.

Is a website for beginners different from a normal website?

No. A good small business website is simple: what you do, proof you do it well, and a clear way to contact you. Complicated is not better.

What is the cheapest way to get a website?

A free or low-cost builder with a template. The trade-off is your time, limited design and monthly fees. A simple one-page site from a small studio can also be affordable. Watch for hidden costs like domain, hosting and changes.

What types of website are most popular for small businesses?

A simple brochure site with a home page, services, about and contact. Businesses that take bookings add a booking button. Shops add a store. Start with what customers ask you most.

What are the most common website mistakes to avoid?

Hard-to-read text on phones, no clear phone number or button, stock photos instead of real ones, no pricing or service details, slow pages, and not owning your own domain. Fixing these makes the biggest difference.

Can I pay for my website monthly?

Some studios offer payment plans or monthly maintenance. Ask what is included and whether you can cancel. At Orbitly Studio you see the draft first and we agree the price before you pay.

Can I get a free website quote?

Yes. Send your business name and what you do on our contact form and we will send a free draft and an exact price. There is no obligation.

What happens after my website goes live?

You will still need the domain and hosting to stay active, and you may want small updates such as new photos or hours. Ask your designer in advance how changes are handled and what they cost.

Will my website show up on Google?

It can, but it is not instant. Google needs to find and index your pages, and ranking depends on clear pages for each service, useful content and good local details. A one-page site is mainly for sharing your link.

Is Orbitly Studio a scam? Are there reviews?

Orbitly Studio is a new studio, so we do not have a pile of reviews yet, and we will not invent any. Instead, we show you a free draft before you pay, write the price down and give you no-obligation terms. Use our scam checklist on us or anyone else.

Do you build websites for businesses like mine?

We build for small local businesses of all kinds, including clinics, salons, gardeners, fencing contractors, painters, cleaners, cafes, trades and gyms.

What is the difference between a domain and hosting?

A domain is your web address, like yourbusiness.com. Hosting is the computer that stores your website and shows it to visitors. You need both. With Orbitly Studio, both are free for the first year.

Who owns my domain name?

It should be you. The domain is your business address. We can register it for you and move it to your own account whenever you ask once the website is paid for. Never work with anyone who will not tell you who owns your domain.

Do I own my website?

Once you have paid in full, the final website files made for you are yours to use. Ask any designer to confirm this in writing before you pay.

How much does website hosting cost?

Basic hosting for a small business site often costs from a few dollars to around $20 a month with traditional hosts. Some modern static hosts are free or very cheap for simple sites. At Orbitly Studio, hosting is free for the first year.

How much does a domain name cost per year?

A .com domain usually costs around $10 to $20 a year. Some extensions cost more, and watch for cheap first-year deals with a higher renewal price. Orbitly Studio includes your domain free for the first year.

How many pages does a small business website need?

Most small businesses do well with 3 to 5 pages: home, services, about and contact. A single page can work if you mainly share your link on social media. More pages help when you want to be found for several different services.

Can I update my website myself?

It depends on how it was built. Some site builders let you edit text and photos yourself. Otherwise you ask the designer to make changes. Ask how changes work and what they cost before you start.

What do I need to give my web designer?

Usually your business name, what you do, how people can reach you, and any photos or a logo you have. Photos and a logo help but are not required to get started.

What is a website draft?

A draft is a rough first version that shows what your website could look like: the design, colors and layout. It is not polished or finished. You look at it, ask for changes, and decide if you want it built properly. At Orbitly Studio the draft is free.

How do I know if my website is working?

Look at it on your phone. It should load in a few seconds, be easy to read, and have a clear way to call or message you. Then ask a few customers how they found you and what they thought.

Does my website need to work on mobile phones?

Yes. Most people look businesses up on a phone. A site that is hard to read or tap on a phone will lose customers. Every Orbitly Studio website is built for phones first.

What is SEO and do I need it?

SEO means setting up your website so Google understands what you do and can show it to people searching. A small local business benefits from clear pages for each service, correct contact details and a Google Business Profile. Nobody honest can promise a number one spot.

How do I get my business on Google Maps?

Create a free Google Business Profile, add your business name, category, hours and contact details, and verify it. Then keep the same details on your website and social pages. Business and Top Spot plans include help with this.

Is it safe to buy a website from a small studio?

It can be, if they show you something before you pay, write the price down, tell you who owns the domain, and give you clear terms. Our scam checklist covers the warning signs.

Want a real answer for your business? Get your free draft.

Questions