Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ward Digital?

Ward Digital is a sole trader digital business founded by Michael Ward in 2020. I work with small and medium businesses and community organisations across Sydney and Australia, helping them get online, improve their digital presence, and make the most of the tools available to them including new website builds through to ad-hoc updates and ongoing support. Unlike a traditional agency, when you work with Ward Digital you're working directly with me. You can find out more about the services I offer on the services page.

What services can Ward Digital provide?

I can help with a range of web and digital projects including new website builds, existing website rebuilds and optimisation, SEO, branding and brand refresh, ecommerce and online payment setup, email and communication setup, and ad-hoc digital work as needed. I aim to meet with you first and create solutions that work for your business, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. You can see the full list of services on the services page, or get in touch to arrange a free 30-minute, no-obligation chat.

What does it cost to work with Ward Digital?

I prefer to meet and review your business needs before assuming what your project requires. Website costs can vary greatly based on factors including size, features, and complexity — but there is often a cost-effective solution available that can scale as your business grows. After an initial conversation, I can suggest and implement something that works for you, and I'll always be upfront about costs before any work begins. Book a free 30-minute meeting to get started.

Why hire a web developer?

A web developer is the online equivalent of an experienced builder. While there are plenty of DIY website tools available, a web developer helps you navigate the right solution for your specific needs based on experience and expertise and can build something that's set up properly from day one, including things like site speed, mobile responsiveness, and basic SEO. Hiring a web developer also frees you up to focus on what you do best, while I research, build, and test solutions for you. Take a look at what I offer to see how I might be able to help.

How do I get started with a new website for my small business?

The easiest way to get started is to book a free, no-obligation 30-minute meeting via the contact page. It's a chance for us to talk about your business, your goals, and what you actually need before I recommend anything. There's no sales pitch and no commitment required. From there, I'll put together a plan and a quote tailored to your specific needs.

Do you work with businesses outside of Sydney?

Absolutely. While Ward Digital is based in Sydney, I work with small businesses right across Australia. Most of the process can be handled remotely via video calls and email, so location shouldn’t be a barrier to getting your project underway.

How long does it take to build a small business website?

Timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of your project, but a typical small business website takes between two and six weeks from kick-off to launch. A big factor in keeping things on track is the availability of your content things like copy, images, and logo files. I'll walk you through exactly what I need and when during the planning stage. For a more accurate estimate based on your specific project, book a free 30-minute chat.

Can you help fix or update my existing website?

Yes, this is something I do regularly. Many small business websites are built once and then left alone, and over time they stop reflecting where the business actually is. Whether you need a refresh of your current design, new pages added, or some technical issues sorted out, I'm happy to take a look. Existing website rebuilds and optimisation is one of the core services I offer. Find out more on the Services page. Get in touch and let me know what platform your site is on and what you're trying to achieve, and we can take it from there.

What website platforms do you build on?

I work across a range of platforms including Squarespace, WordPress, and Shopify, and many others and I'll recommend the one that best fits your business rather than defaulting to a one-size-fits-all solution. The right platform depends on your goals, budget, and how hands-on you want to be with managing your site day to day. Not sure which is right for you? That's exactly the kind of thing we can work through in a free 30-minute, no-obligation chat.

Can you help set up online payments or an online store for my business?

Yes, ecommerce and online payment setup is one of the services I offer at Ward Digital. Whether you're looking to sell physical products, digital downloads, or services online, I can help you choose the right solution and get it set up properly. I've worked with platforms including Shopify and Squarespace Commerce and a large number of payment providers such as PayPal and Stripe to help small businesses start selling online. I can also help provode a solution to integrates with an existing POS or CMS, this is important if your business has a bricks and mortar location. Find out more on the Services page, or get in touch to discuss your needs.

Do you offer SEO services for small businesses?

Yes, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is one of the core services I offer. As the web and search environment continues to evolve — including the growing influence of AI on search results it's more important than ever to stay visible where your customers are looking. I can help with foundational SEO as part of a new website build, or work on improving the search visibility of an existing site. Find out more on the Services page.

What kinds of businesses do you work with?

I work primarily with small and medium businesses and community organisations across a range of industries. Past clients include health coaches, physiotherapy studios, and grassroots community organisations. If you're a small business owner who needs help getting online or making the most of your digital presence, I'm likely a good fit. Get in touch to arrange a free 30-minute, no-obligation chat and we can talk through whether Ward Digital is right for you.

Do you offer ongoing website support after the site is launched?

Yes. Launching your website is just the beginning, and I'm happy to provide ongoing support and ad-hoc work as needed as your business grows and changes. Whether that's making updates, troubleshooting issues, or helping you add new features down the track, you don't need to figure it out on your own after handover.

Are you a sole trader or an agency?

Ward Digital is a sole trader business run by me, Michael. That means when you work with Ward Digital, you're working directly with me so you are not being handed off to a junior team member or account manager. For small businesses, that direct relationship often makes for a smoother, more personalised experience. If you'd like to get a feel for whether we'd be a good fit, book a free 30-minute, no-obligation chat via the contact page.

How much does a small business website cost in Australia?

Website costs in Australia vary widely depending on what you need — a simple brochure site will cost considerably less than a full ecommerce store with SEO and integrations included. Rather than publishing set prices that may not reflect your actual needs, I prefer to have a conversation first and provide a tailored quote. I'm focused on cost-effective solutions for small businesses, and I'll always be upfront about what things cost before any work begins. Get in touch to arrange a free 30-minute meeting.

What's the difference between a cheap website template and a custom-built site?

Template websites can be a reasonable starting point, but they often come with limitations around design flexibility, functionality, and how well they represent your brand. A custom-built site — even one using a platform like Squarespace or WordPress — is tailored to your specific business, built with your customers in mind, and set up properly from a technical standpoint. I make sure things like site speed, mobile responsiveness, and basic SEO are right from day one, which saves headaches down the track. You can see more about the types of work I do on the Services page.