Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Ottawa businesses ask before working with us.
Answers about web design timelines, SEO results, pricing, payment plans, and process. If you don't see your question, just call — we actually pick up.
Web Design
Custom Ottawa
web design questions.
Timelines, revisions, layouts, and how we approach every Ottawa small business build.
01How long does it take to build a website with Ottawa Web Genius?
Starter Websites launch in 2–3 weeks. Small Business projects take 3–4 weeks. Pro builds take 4–6 weeks depending on scope and how quickly content can be supplied.
02How many revisions can I make to the design?
Starter includes one revision round, Small Business includes two, and Pro includes unlimited revisions within scope. We don't move to development until you sign off on the design.
03Will you provide a website layout before I commit?
Yes. After the discovery call we share a one-page strategy brief and a quick wireframe so you can see the direction before approving the package.
04What are the three main types of web design?
Most modern sites fall into one of three approaches: fixed (legacy), fluid (older responsive), and mobile-first responsive — which is what we build. Mobile-first is what Google indexes first.
05How do I get a website for my business?
Two paths: hire a web designer (best for leads, trust, SEO) or use a DIY builder like Wix or Squarespace (fine for a personal page). For Ottawa businesses competing for local search, hiring is the better investment.
06Is it possible to set up a free website?
Yes — free tiers exist on Wix, Carrd, and similar tools. They're fine for a personal page but rarely rank for competitive Ottawa search terms, and most don't allow custom domains or full SEO control.
07Can Ottawa Web Genius redesign my existing website?
Yes. Redesigns are a common starting point — we audit your current site, identify what's working, and rebuild around real conversion and SEO goals.
08What services does Ottawa Web Genius offer?
Custom web design, web development, e-commerce, local SEO, and comprehensive web management. We focus exclusively on Ottawa and the National Capital Region.
SEO
SEO questions Ottawa
business owners ask.
Rankings, traffic, timelines, and why most small business sites need help.
01Why is my website not showing on Google?
Usually one of three things: technical SEO issues, weak on-page signals, or no local SEO setup. Start with a free audit — we'll pinpoint the cause.
02How long does SEO take to work?
60–90 days for noticeable movement on local Ottawa searches; 4–6 months for consistent gains. SEO compounds — the first quarter feels slow, the second feels fast.
03Why is SEO important for my Ottawa business website?
SEO is how Ottawa customers find you when they search Google. Without it, your site exists but nobody sees it. We bake on-page SEO and local schema into every build.
04How much does SEO cost in Ottawa?
Our SEO Growth retainer starts at $449/month. One-time audits run $400. Most small businesses get the best ROI from a monthly retainer.
05Is SEO worth it for small businesses?
For local Ottawa businesses, often yes. A top-3 ranking compounds — it pays you every month, indefinitely. Google Ads stops the moment you stop paying.
06What's the difference between SEO and Google Ads?
SEO earns rankings over time; Ads buy placement instantly. SEO compounds; Ads stop with budget. Most Ottawa small businesses do SEO first and use Ads strategically.
07Do I need ongoing SEO or just a one-time setup?
Setup matters, but SEO is a moving target. Competitors update, Google updates, your business changes. Most Ottawa businesses that rank consistently work on SEO monthly.
Pricing
Pricing & payment
questions.
What's included, hidden fees (none), payment splits, and what a website actually costs.
01How much does professional web design cost in Ottawa?
Packages start at $999.99 for Starter, $1,499.99 for Small Business, and $2,999.99 for fully custom Pro. Every quote is fixed before kickoff. See full breakdown on the pricing page.
02Are there hidden fees?
No. Fixed quote before any work starts. The only ongoing costs are hosting and domain ($15–25/mo total) and an optional Partner Retainer.
03Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. 50/50 split on kickoff and launch is standard. 3-month splits available on Small Business and Pro packages.
04How much money do I need to start a website?
A professional Ottawa small business website starts around $999.99 one-time, plus $15–25/month for hosting and domain.
05Is there a long-term contract for the Partner Growth Package?
No. Monthly billing with 30-day notice to pause or cancel. Average tenure is 12+ months because the work compounds.
General
About working with us.
How we work, who we serve, and what makes us different from a national agency.
01How does the web design process work?
Four steps: Discovery (week 1) → Design in Figma (week 1–2) → Build (week 2–4) → Launch (week 4–6). You see and approve at every stage.
02Are you really based in Ottawa?
Yes — we've been based in Ottawa since 2022. We meet clients in person whenever they want, usually downtown or in Kanata.
03Do you work with businesses outside Ottawa?
Our focus is Ottawa and the National Capital Region. We occasionally take on remote clients referred by current customers.
04How big is the team?
Three specialists — design, development, SEO. Small on purpose. Every project has the founder's eye on it from kickoff through launch.
05Do you do logo and branding too?
Light branding work — colour, type, refined logo — comes free with every Small Business and Pro project. Full identity systems are a separate engagement.
Still have a question?
One short call. We'll learn about your business, answer everything specific to you, and tell you honestly whether we're the right fit.