Frequently asked questions

You'll work directly with me, Tim. I've been building websites and working in SEO since 2004, so you'll have a consistent point of contact who understands both the technical side and the commercial reasons behind a project.

I'm based in Staffordshire and work with businesses locally and further afield. Much of website design, SEO and website support can be handled remotely, so location doesn't need to be a barrier to working together.

It depends on what you need. A straightforward business website is a very different project from a bespoke website with more complex functionality. I'll discuss your requirements, explain the options and provide a clear quote before any work begins.

Absolutely. Thunderhat works with businesses that need a practical, well-built website and sensible advice on getting found online. You don't need a big marketing budget or an in-house team to benefit from a better website.

Yes. If your current website is doing some things well, there's no reason to replace everything automatically. I can help with improvements, redesigns, performance issues, SEO and ongoing support, depending on how your site is built.

That depends on the size of the website, its functionality and how quickly content and feedback are provided. A straightforward business website will usually take less time than a larger or more complex project. I'll give you a realistic timescale before work starts.

Yes. Websites are designed to work across mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers. I'll consider how the layout, navigation and content work on smaller screens, not just how the website looks on a desktop.

Where appropriate, I'll build in ways for you to manage content yourself, such as editing text, updating images or adding new pages. The options depend on the type of website and how much control you need. I'll explain what's editable before the project begins.

A redesign can be carried out with SEO in mind, but no one can guarantee that rankings will remain exactly the same. I'll consider existing URLs, useful content, redirects and other important SEO factors to help protect the visibility you've already built.

I'll consider the foundations of SEO during the build, including site structure, page titles, headings, mobile usability and performance. More competitive search terms and ongoing growth may need a separate SEO strategy, but a new website should give you a sound starting point.

SEO is a longer-term investment rather than an overnight fix. Some improvements can have an effect relatively quickly, while building visibility for competitive searches can take several months or longer. The timescale depends on your website, your competition and the work involved.

No, and I'd be wary of anyone who guarantees specific Google rankings. Search results depend on many factors, including competition and changes to Google's systems. My focus is on improving your website's visibility and giving your business a better chance of attracting relevant visitors.

Yes. Local SEO helps businesses appear when people search for relevant services in a particular area. Depending on your business, this can include improving your website's location and service pages, strengthening your Google Business Profile and making sure your online information is consistent.

No. Monthly rolling with 30 days notice across care and SEO plans.

That depends on your goals and how competitive your market is. A one-off project can address technical issues and establish a good foundation. If you want to grow visibility over time, compete in a busy market or target additional services and locations, ongoing work may be worthwhile.

Rankings are one part of the picture, but they aren't the whole story. I'll look at relevant measures such as search visibility, organic traffic and, where tracking allows, enquiries or sales. The aim is to attract the right people, not simply to increase visitor numbers.

Website care can include keeping software up to date, checking that important features continue to work, monitoring performance and helping with routine website changes. The exact service depends on your website and the level of support you need, so I'll make clear what's included.

A website can keep working for months without obvious problems, but software becomes outdated, security issues emerge and external services change. Regular checks and appropriate updates help reduce the risk of problems and keep your website in good working order.

Yes. I can help with content updates, new pages, improvements and other changes to your existing website. Small routine changes may fit within an agreed care package, while larger additions or new functionality may need to be quoted separately.

Often, yes. I'll need to establish how the website is built, where it's hosted and whether I can access the systems needed to maintain it. Once I've assessed it, I can explain what support is practical and whether any initial work is needed before ongoing care begins.