web design in ramsbottom
hand-coded websites for small businesses
You probably already know you need a website. Or you've got one that isn't doing the job. Something built on a template, or put together by someone who's since gone quiet. It doesn't load properly on a phone, it doesn't show up on Google, and you wouldn't send a customer to it if you had a choice.
Every week it stays like that, someone searches for exactly what you do, finds your competitor instead, and you never know it happened.
I'm a web designer based in Ramsbottom, building websites for small businesses in Bury and across Greater Manchester. Every line of code written by hand, designed specifically for your business. Fast, clean, built to be found on Google and to turn visitors into people who actually pick up the phone.
what you get
- A professional website built specifically for your business
- Hand-coded HTML and CSS, no WordPress, no Wix, no page builders
- Mobile-responsive design that works on every device
- Fast loading times with no bloated plugins or unnecessary code
- SSL certificate included as standard
- UK-hosted on fast, reliable servers
- Contact form with spam protection
- Google Analytics so you can see who's visiting
- SEO foundations built in from the start
- Security headers and Cloudflare CDN for speed and protection
- Ongoing support from someone who actually answers the phone
how it's built
No WordPress. No Wix. No Squarespace. No page builders.
Most websites are built on platforms designed to make the process quick and easy. That sounds good until you see the result: slow load times, bloated code, security vulnerabilities, plugins that break after updates, and a site that looks like dozens of others because it started from the same template.
I write every line of code myself. Your website does exactly what it needs to do and nothing it doesn't. It loads fast because there's nothing unnecessary slowing it down. It's secure because there are no plugins with backdoors. It looks like yours because it was built from a blank page, not a catalogue.
The difference shows up in Google too. Search engines reward fast, clean, well-structured websites. Hand-coded sites consistently outperform template-built ones because they don't carry the dead weight.
the process
we talk
You tell me about your business, your customers and what you want the website to do. I ask the questions that matter. No jargon, no pressure.
i quote you honestly
One clear number. No hidden extras, no vague estimates, no "it depends" followed by a much larger invoice later. You know exactly what you're paying before anything starts.
i build it
I'll send you a draft to review on a private link. You tell me what you like and what you'd change. We go back and forth until you're happy with it.
we go live
Domain, SSL, hosting, email, Google Analytics, search engine submissions. All sorted. Your website is live and working.
i keep it running
Updates, changes, the occasional "can you just swap that photo out" or "my phone number's changed." That's all part of it. You're not on your own after launch.
what's included
Every website I build comes with:
- UK hosting on fast, reliable servers
- SSL certificate (the padlock that tells Google and your customers you're safe)
- Mobile-responsive design as standard
- Contact form with honeypot spam protection
- Google Analytics setup
- XML sitemap and search engine submission
- Security headers configured properly
- Cloudflare CDN for speed and DDoS protection
- Business email forwarder ([email protected] forwarded to your inbox)
Managed packages add ongoing content changes, monthly support and proper email through Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft 365 if you need it.
pricing
Not ready to pay upfront? Spread your setup costs over 12 or 24 months with nothing to pay on day one. No credit checks, no finance agreements. First payment on launch.
recent work
Every site in my portfolio was hand-coded from scratch. No two look the same because no two businesses are the same.
- DRINC Coffee Bar - website design and SEO for a Ramsbottom cafe
- Ramsbottom Upholstery - full build with copywriting
- MPF Energy - copywriting and AI chatbot
- Qualco Kennels - website design and local SEO
- RavenRoute UK - same day courier service
See the full portfolio on the homepage.
frequently asked questions
what's wrong with WordPress?
Nothing, if you need a blog with 47 plugins and a security update every Tuesday. For a small business website that needs to load fast, look professional and not get hacked, hand-coded is better. Fewer moving parts, fewer things to break, faster for your visitors and better for Google.
how long does a website take?
Most sites are ready within 1 to 3 weeks from the point where I have everything I need from you. The biggest variable is content. If you can provide photos, text and feedback quickly, I can work quickly. If you need me to write the copy as well, add a few days.
what do you need from me?
An idea of what you want, your logo if you have one, photos of your business or products, and anything you want the website to say. If you don't have any of that yet, that's fine too. I can write the copy and source images. The main thing I need is your time for a conversation and your feedback on drafts.
can I update the website myself?
Yes, if you're comfortable editing HTML. The files are clean and well-structured, so if you know your way around a code editor like Visual Studio Code, you can make changes directly. If that sounds like a foreign language, don't worry. Managed packages include monthly changes as standard, so most people just send me a message and I sort it.
do I keep the website if I stop paying?
If you paid for a build-only website, it's yours from day one. For managed packages, the website is built and maintained as part of the ongoing service. If you leave, I'll hand over everything you need to take it elsewhere.
can I have my own domain?
Yes. I'll help you choose one and get it registered. If you already own a domain, I'll point it to your new site. Additional domains are £10/month if you want more than one.
what about email?
Every managed website includes a free email forwarder ([email protected] forwarded to your personal email). If you want a proper inbox with calendar, contacts and the Microsoft apps, you can add Microsoft Exchange from £8/month or Microsoft 365 from £15/month per user.
do you work outside Ramsbottom?
Yes. I'm based in Ramsbottom but I work with businesses across Bury, Bolton, Rochdale and the whole of Greater Manchester. Everything is done remotely so location doesn't really matter, but I'm always happy to meet locally if you prefer a conversation in person.
what if I already have a website?
I can rebuild it properly, or in some cases improve what you've already got. I'll be honest about which approach makes sense. No point starting from scratch if a few targeted fixes will do the job.
can I spread the cost?
Yes. You can spread setup costs over 12 or 24 months with nothing upfront. No credit checks, no finance agreements. Your first payment is due on launch day. After the spread period ends, your monthly drops to just the ongoing fee.