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#1 Freelance Web Designer Clutch 2026

Website Design for Small Business

Your website should be your best salesperson. Is it?

Most small business websites look fine but generate nothing. I build sites that load fast, rank on Google, and turn visitors into customers. First designs in 2 weeks. You own everything.

15+ Years Experience 300+ Businesses Helped 5 Stars (35+ Reviews)
Tycoon Games e-commerce website redesign with mobile-first design
This client needed an online store that could compete with Amazon. Here's what happened.
Excellent
Based on 35 reviews

Problems I solve every day

Sound familiar?

“My website is embarrassing and I know it's costing me customers”

If you cringe when someone asks for your website, that feeling is costing you real money. Here's how I'll fix it:

  • Build a site that looks as professional as the work you actually do
  • Design every page to guide visitors toward contacting you
  • Make it load fast on every device, especially phones
  • Include real proof (reviews, results, photos) that builds trust instantly

“I have a website but it doesn't bring me any business”

A website that doesn't generate leads is just an online brochure. Here's how I turn it into your best salesperson:

  • Study what your top competitors do right and build you something better
  • Write copy that speaks to what your customers actually care about
  • Add clear calls to action so visitors know exactly what to do next
  • Set up tracking so you can see exactly how many leads your site generates

“My last web designer disappeared and now I'm stuck”

This happens more than you'd think. Designers vanish, agencies close, and you're left with a site you can't update. Here's my approach:

  • You own everything: the code, the design, the domain, the hosting
  • I train you to make basic updates yourself
  • 90 days of post-launch support included, no extra charge
  • If you ever want to work with someone else, you take it all with you

Before you hire anyone

How to tell if a web designer will waste your money

Google scores every website on speed, mobile experience, and code quality. It's public. The tool is called PageSpeed Insights, and you can run it on any website in 10 seconds. Here's a free trick: run it on your web designer's own site. That site is their best work. They've had unlimited time and zero client constraints. If their own website scores poorly, yours will be worse. Also:

No results, just "pretty"

Ask them: "How many leads did your last client's website generate?" If they can't answer, they build decorations, not businesses.

They don't ask about your customers

A designer who jumps straight to colors and fonts without asking who your customers are is building a portfolio piece, not a business tool.

They own your website, not you

If you can't take your site and leave whenever you want, you're renting, not buying. Ask who owns the code, the domain, and the hosting account.

They don't mention SEO at all

A website nobody can find is an expensive business card. If your designer never brings up page titles, heading structure, or how people will actually find you on Google, you'll end up paying someone else to fix all of it six months from now.

Their own site loads slowly

Run their site through Google PageSpeed Insights. Takes 10 seconds. If their own site scores below 80, that's the best they can do. Your site will score the same or worse.

They charge per page

Per-page pricing means every new piece of content costs you more. Good designers price by project scope. You should be able to add a page when your business needs it, not when your budget allows it.

No timeline, no milestones

"It'll be done when it's done" is not a project plan. If they can't tell you what happens week by week, with clear checkpoints, your project will drag for months. Ask for the timeline before you sign anything.

They show you a template and call it custom

Ask them straight: "Is this a theme or built from scratch?" If they hesitate, it's a theme. You won't notice the difference until you need something the template wasn't built for. Then you're stuck.

Google search results for Everdell showing Tycoon Games ranking #2 above Amazon at #4
The ecommerce store I built ranks #2 for competitive board game keywords. Amazon is #4. That's what happens when design and SEO work together.
Kristian working on marketing strategy
Who you're hiring

Why should you trust me?

Google did.

I didn't learn SEO from a blog. I worked with Google directly. They featured me on their Google Activate program all over Europe. If Google trusted me to represent them, you can trust me to rank you on them.

Kristian featured on Google Activate billboard in Bilbao

Here's exactly what you get

Every website I build does these 7 things

I study what's working for your competitors, then build you something better.

Use what's working for others

A website better than your top competitor

I look at who's winning in your market and figure out why. Then I take what works and make yours better. No guessing.

Make it fast

Your site loads before they can blink

Slow websites lose customers. People won't wait. If your competitor's site loads faster, they get the sale.

Design to sell

Visitors know exactly what to do next

A pretty website that doesn't bring customers is just an expensive business card. Every button, every section guides people to contact you.

Phone-first

Looks great on every phone and tablet

Most people will find you on their phone. If your site is hard to use with a thumb, they'll call your competitor instead.

Built for Google

Shows up when people search

Your website should bring you customers, not just exist. I build sites that Google wants to show people.

Build trust fast

Reviews and proof where people need to see them

People buy from businesses they trust. I put your best reviews and credentials exactly where visitors are deciding whether to call you.

Triple guarantee

Performance, ownership, and timeline locked in

Your site loads in under 3 seconds or I keep optimizing until it does. Your website, your content, your domain: full admin access from day one, nothing locked away. First designs in 2 weeks, launched on schedule. Three guarantees, no excuses.

Your site, your rules

I build on whatever platform makes sense for your business

WordPress, Shopify, custom JavaScript, headless CMS, static sites: the right choice depends on what your business actually needs, not what your developer prefers to build.

Need an online store? Shopify or WooCommerce. Content-heavy site that needs to rank? WordPress or Astro. Complex web app? React or Next.js. I'll recommend the platform that fits your budget, your team's comfort level, and your growth plans.

You should never feel locked into a platform because your developer only knows one.

Real clients, real results

What my clients say

I worked with Kristian on my company's branding and website, and the experience was fantastic. He creatively guides you and offers multiple options until you find the perfect fit. He's always available and attentive to any changes or concerns you might have. He explains the entire process and functionality of your website every step of the way and is 100% available to answer any questions. I would definitely recommend him for his creativity, availability, and professionalism.

Laura FernΓ‘ndez

Laura FernΓ‘ndez

merairconsulting.com

Working together has been incredibly easy, and the result has left my website/portfolio exactly where I wanted it: clear, professional, and very much me. She understands your needs, contributes thoughtful ideas, and her experience is evident in every detail. Plus, she's always there to answer any questions or address any unexpected issues, which makes a huge difference.

Itsasne Acha Isasi

Itsasne Acha Isasi

itsasne.com

Why DMS?

DMS vs Agency vs DIY

An honest comparison so you can decide what's right for your business.

Recommended
DMS

Performance-built. SEO-ready.

From $4,700

  • 96-100 PageSpeed scores, every project
  • SEO foundation built in from day one
  • 30-Day Proof Period with full refund guarantee
30-Day Guarantee No Contracts
Typical Web Agency

Pretty but slow.

$10,000-$50,000

  • Design-focused, performance as an afterthought
  • Months-long timelines with scope creep
  • Ongoing maintenance contracts required
DIY (Wix/Squarespace)

Quick start. Low ceiling.

Wix $16/mo + 40-80 hrs

  • Drag-and-drop simplicity
  • Limited performance and SEO control
  • Locked into platform ecosystem

Business Terms

6 comparisons
DMS

Project investment

From $4,700 (one-time)

Contract length

Month-to-month

Who does the work

Kristian, directly

Communication

Direct access, same-day response

Hidden costs

None. Transparent pricing.

What you own when done

Everything: code, content, accounts

Agency

Project investment

$10,000-$50,000

Contract length

6-12 month lock-in

Who does the work

Junior staff / account manager

Communication

Through account manager

Hidden costs

Onboarding, setup fees, exit penalties

What you own when done

Often held hostage or locked in

DIY

Project investment

$16/mo + 40-80 hrs of your time

Contract length

N/A

Who does the work

You

Communication

Forums and documentation

Hidden costs

Your time (at your hourly rate)

What you own when done

Everything

"Our old agency site scored 52 on PageSpeed. Kristian's rebuild hit 98 on launch day."

52 to 98 PageSpeed score

E-commerce client

Trust & Risk

7 comparisons
DMS

Guarantee

30-Day Proof Period, full refund

Risk if it fails

Full refund, no hard feelings

Pricing transparency

Published on website

Data and asset ownership

100% yours, always

Reporting

Revenue-focused metrics

Accountability

Cancel anytime

Third-party ranking

#1 on Clutch (verified reviews)

Agency

Guarantee

None

Risk if it fails

Locked in 6-12 months, still paying

Pricing transparency

"Call for a quote"

Data and asset ownership

Often retained by agency

Reporting

Vanity metrics (impressions, clicks)

Accountability

Early termination fees

Third-party ranking

Varies

DIY

Guarantee

None

Risk if it fails

Lost months of your time

Pricing transparency

Clear tool pricing

Data and asset ownership

100% yours

Reporting

Self-interpreted analytics

Accountability

Only yourself

Third-party ranking

N/A

Results & Quality

5 comparisons
DMS

Delivery timeline

4-6 weeks

PageSpeed score

96-100 guaranteed

SEO foundation

Built in: schema, meta, sitemap, speed

Revision rounds

Unlimited until you're happy

Code ownership

Clean code, fully yours

Agency

Delivery timeline

3-6 months

PageSpeed score

60-85 typical

SEO foundation

Often an add-on package

Revision rounds

2-3 rounds, then extra charges

Code ownership

Proprietary CMS or WordPress

DIY

Delivery timeline

Depends on your availability

PageSpeed score

40-70 on template builders

SEO foundation

Basic at best

Revision rounds

Unlimited (you're doing it)

Code ownership

Locked in platform

Choose DMS if...

You want a fast, SEO-optimized site that you actually own. No bloated page builders, no ongoing platform fees, no "call us to make a text change."

Choose DIY if...

You need a simple site fast and have time to learn a builder. Works for basic brochure sites, but you'll hit walls on performance and SEO.

Consider an agency if...

You need a large, complex web application with multiple developers. Expect higher costs and longer timelines.

Based on published web design pricing from Colorado agencies (March 2026). 15 agencies researched Including Infront Webworks, Red Egg Marketing, Intero Digital, Thrive Agency, SpearPoint Marketing, and 2 others.

Start Your 30-Day Proof Period

Month-to-month. 30-day proof period with full refund.

How I build your website

From strategy to launch in 4-8 weeks.

Discovery & strategy

I research your competitors, understand your customers, and plan a site structure that converts visitors into leads.

Design & build

Custom design tailored to your brand. Mobile-first, fast-loading, built for both users and search engines.

Content & SEO

Every page is written to sell and optimized to rank. No filler content. Every word earns its place.

Launch & optimize

Thorough testing, performance tuning, and launch. Then we monitor, learn, and improve based on real data.

Web Design Process
The bad part The bad part The bad part The bad part The bad part The bad part The bad part The bad part
How much is it? How much is it? How much is it? How much is it? How much is it? How much is it? How much is it? How much is it?

How much do the best websites cost and what's included?

You can get a website for $500. You can also get a suit for $50. Both technically exist but the difference is noticeable. I build websites that load faster, rank higher, and convert better. And I can show you the proof. That's what you're paying for.

No hidden fees. No surprise charges. The quoted price is the final price.

Most small business websites land between $4,700 and $11,200. The price depends on how many cities and services you need pages for. My largest project was $27,700 for a multi-language e-commerce site with over 1,000 products. Your quote is based on your actual scope. Nothing more.

The design, the code, the content, the domain, the hosting account. If you ever want to leave, you take it all with you. No hostage situations.

Always Included in Every Website

Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support Designed to convert visitors into leads Professional copywriting included Under 3-second load times SEO-ready from day one GA4 + Search Console setup Mobile-optimized on every device Full admin access, nothing locked away Training so you're never stuck 90 days post-launch support

Web design packages: LOOK LEGIT at $4,700 for a 7-10 page site targeting one city (4 weeks) and START SELLING at $11,200 for 25+ pages covering multiple cities (6 weeks). Both include professional copywriting, under 3-second load time guarantee, mobile-first design, technical SEO, analytics, 3 revision rounds, 90 days support, and training. You own everything.

What it costs

Two packages based on how many cities you need to reach. Fixed pricing, no surprises.

LOOK LEGIT

Starting at

$4,700

Website that gets you leads in one city

Best When

Your website is costing you business

Visitors land, see an outdated design or slow pages, and leave. Your competitors get the call instead. This package stops the bleeding.

  • 7-10 custom pages with professional copy
  • Under 3-second load time (guaranteed)
  • Mobile-first design
  • Technical SEO foundation
  • Analytics setup (GA4 + Search Console)
  • Location page for your primary city
  • Contact forms + click-to-call
  • 3 revision rounds
  • 90 days post-launch support
  • Training session included
Best Value

START SELLING

Starting at

$11,200

Website that gets you leads in multiple cities

Best When

You're ready to dominate multiple cities

You've built a solid reputation in your city, but there are 5-10 surrounding cities where people need what you do. This package plants your flag in every city you serve.

  • Everything in the single-city package
  • 25+ custom pages (unlimited for geo coverage)
  • Dedicated page for each city you serve
  • Expanded deep-dive service pages
  • 5 strategic blog posts to start
  • AI chatbot (optional, 24/7 lead capture)
  • Comprehensive portfolio with case studies

Side-by-Side Comparison

Custom Pages

LOOK LEGIT

7-10

START SELLING

25+ (unlimited)

Geographic Reach

LOOK LEGIT

Your primary city

START SELLING

Multiple cities

Location Pages

LOOK LEGIT

1 city

START SELLING

Every city you serve

Service Pages

LOOK LEGIT

3-4 pages

START SELLING

Expanded deep-dive pages

Blog Posts

LOOK LEGIT

Blog setup only

START SELLING

5 strategic posts

AI Chatbot

LOOK LEGIT

Not included

START SELLING

Optional

Portfolio / Case Studies

LOOK LEGIT

Not included

START SELLING

Included

What the $6,500 Difference Gets You

15+ more pages (25+ vs 7-10)

Coverage across your entire service area, not just one city

Multiple location pages

Rank in each city you serve with dedicated, optimized content

Expanded service pages

Capture more specific, high-intent searches for each service

Blog foundation (5 posts)

Content that compounds over time and builds authority

Full transparency. No surprises.

I publish exactly what you get: every deliverable, every milestone, every step of the process. If you want to know precisely what your investment includes, it is all laid out.

See the complete web design & development pricing breakdown

Not sure which package fits your situation? One question determines the right tier.

Common questions

Web Design FAQs

Quick answers to help you decide.

Five phases. Discovery (1 week): learn your business, competitors, and goals. Wireframes (1 week): layout and content structure, reviewed together. Design (1 week): full visual mockups in your brand style. Development (1 to 2 weeks): mobile-first build with SEO baked in. Launch and training: go-live plus a recorded session so you can manage content yourself. Total: 4 to 6 weeks.

LOOK LEGIT launches in 4 weeks (first designs in 2 weeks). START SELLING launches in 6 weeks (first designs in 2 weeks). I hit deadlines because I respect your time.

Every website I build is mobile-first, meaning I design for phones and tablets first, then scale up to desktop. With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, this ensures the best experience for all visitors.

I build custom websites tailored to your business goals. While I use modern frameworks for performance and security, the design, content structure, and functionality are created specifically for you. Not pulled from a template library.

Yes. The design, the code, the content, the domain, the hosting account. Everything is yours. If you ever want to work with someone else, you take it all with you. No licensing fees, no dependencies, no hostage situations.

You get 90 days of post-launch support: bug fixes, small tweaks, questions answered. I also include a live training session (with recording) so you can make basic updates yourself. After 90 days, optional maintenance plans start at $150/mo.

Templates are designed to look decent for everyone, which means they are optimized for no one. A custom site is built around your customer journey: right messaging, right order, conversion paths for your audience, and 90+ page speed because there is no bloated code. Custom sites handle SEO from day one. Templates need workarounds that cost you in load times, conversions, and rankings.

FAQ illustration

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Web Design Insights & Guides

Latest articles on web design strategy and best practices.

More ways I can help

Explore Other Services

Search Google for what you offer. Someone is showing up and getting calls. Is it you? If not, you need:

SEO

SEO

Get found by customers actively searching for what you offer. I optimize your presence across Google Search and Maps.

  • Local SEO & Google Maps
  • Technical site audits
  • Content optimization
  • Keyword strategy
Explore SEO

People are asking ChatGPT who to hire. Are you the answer? If not, you need:

AIO

AIO

Appear when people ask ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity for recommendations. The new frontier of search.

  • AI search optimization
  • Structured data markup
  • Answer-ready content
  • Brand authority building
Explore AIO

People judge your business in 5 seconds based on how you look. Do you look pro? If not, you need:

Branding

Branding

Stand out from competitors with a memorable brand identity that resonates with your ideal customers.

  • Logo & visual identity
  • Brand voice & messaging
  • Style guide creation
  • Competitive positioning
Explore Branding
Kristian Kreaktive at Google Activate event

Your strategist

Kristian Kreaktive

Founder & Lead Strategist at Digital Marketing Services

Ranked #1 freelance web designer by Clutch. 17+ years building websites and SEO strategies that bring real results for small businesses.

#1 Freelance Web Designer Ranked #1 Top Freelance Web Designer by Clutch, 2026 #1 WordPress Designer Ranked #1 Top Freelancer WordPress Designer by Clutch, 2026 Featured by Google Google Activate Case Study (Google, 2016) 5 Google Rating 5 stars across 35 Google reviews
Learn more about my approach

Try it risk-free. If you don't see real progress in 30 days, I'll refund every cent.