FAQs — Web Design & Hosting Questions

Everything You Need to Know

We've grouped the most common questions by topic. If you can't find what you're looking for, get in touch — Charlie's always happy to help.

What is HowdyPixel?

HowdyPixel is a web design and digital solutions company run by Charlie, a web designer and full-stack developer based in the UK. He builds professional websites for tradespeople, bespoke websites, and ecommerce stores — handling everything from domain registration to ongoing hosting and support.

Who actually builds my website?

Charlie — the founder and sole developer at HowdyPixel. There's no outsourcing, no junior developers, no middlemen. The person you speak to is the person who designs, builds, and launches your site. You can learn more about Charlie here.

Do you only work with tradespeople?

No — while trade websites are a core part of the business, HowdyPixel also builds bespoke websites and ecommerce stores for businesses of all kinds. Trades are a specialism, not a limitation.

I'm not based near you — can you still help?

Absolutely. Charlie works remotely with clients across England and internationally — from London and Brighton to Exeter and beyond. Everything is managed over WhatsApp, email, and phone. Location is never a barrier.

How do I get in touch?

The quickest way is WhatsApp — Charlie usually responds within a couple of hours. You can also send an enquiry through the contact page or email info@howdypixel.com. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm.

What's included in a trade website?

A professional, mobile-responsive website designed for your trade — plus domain setup, hosting, professional email on your domain, logo design, Google Business Profile optimisation, SEO, and ongoing support. It's a complete package to get you online properly. More details on the websites for trades page.

What's the difference between a trade site and a bespoke site?

Trade websites use optimised structures refined specifically for service-based businesses — they're fast to deliver and built to convert. Bespoke websites are designed entirely from scratch with custom layouts and functionality, suited to businesses with more specific or complex requirements.

Can you build an online shop?

Yes. HowdyPixel builds ecommerce websites using WordPress and WooCommerce, or custom Stripe-based payment systems. Whether you need a full product catalogue or a simple way to take payments online, Charlie can set it up.

Do you offer SEO services?

Every website comes search-optimised as standard — fast loading, mobile-first, structured headings, meta tags, and Google submission. For businesses wanting to rank higher over time, additional ongoing SEO packages are available. Just ask Charlie for details.

Can you set up my Google Business Profile?

Yes — it's included with every website project. Charlie will claim and optimise your profile, help you start gathering reviews, and make sure your business shows up properly in local search results and Google Maps.

What about email and domain — do I need to sort that myself?

No — Charlie handles all of it. Domain registration or transfer, DNS setup, and professional email addresses on your domain using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. It's all configured and working before your site goes live.

How much does a website cost?

Every project is different, so pricing is quoted individually based on what you need. Charlie keeps things transparent and fair — you'll always know exactly what you're paying for before any work starts. Visit the pricing page for a general overview, or get in touch for a proper quote.

How do payments work?

A 50% deposit is taken to begin work, with the remaining balance due on completion before the site goes live. Hosting is billed monthly by direct debit or card — no lump sums, no annual commitments.

Are there any hidden fees?

None. What Charlie quotes is what you pay. There are no setup fees, no exit fees, and no surprise charges. Hosting is rolling monthly — cancel any time with 30 days' notice.

Is hosting included in the website price?

Hosting is a separate monthly cost — it covers UK-based servers, SSL certificates, daily backups, security updates, uptime monitoring, and minor content changes. The website build itself is a one-off payment.

How long does it take to build a website?

Trade websites are typically live within five to seven working days. Bespoke projects take two to four weeks depending on complexity. Timelines depend partly on how quickly you can provide content and feedback.

Do I need to provide my own photos and text?

Your own photos of your work are always best — they look genuine and help build trust with local customers. But if you don't have any, Charlie can source professional stock imagery. Copywriting is generated using AI-assisted tools with careful keyword research, so the text on your site is tailored to what your customers are actually searching for.

Will I see the site before it goes live?

Yes — always. You'll get a full preview of the site and can request changes before anything goes public. Nothing launches until you're completely happy with it.

Can I make changes after launch?

Small text and image updates are included in your hosting plan — just send a WhatsApp or email and it's usually sorted the same day. Larger structural changes or new pages are quoted separately, but always at a fair rate.

Will I own my website?

Yes. The website design and content are yours. If you ever decide to move on, Charlie will help transfer everything. No lock-in, no difficult conversations.

What if I don't have a domain or anything yet?

That's completely normal — most clients start from scratch. Charlie handles domain registration, hosting setup, professional email, logo design, and everything else. You just need a business name and a conversation.