FAQ: Web Design, Branding & SEO for Small Businesses in Southern California
Real answers for small business owners who want to be seen.
Building a business online can feel overwhelming; between logos, websites, SEO, and photography, it’s hard to know where to start or what’s worth investing in. That’s why I created this FAQ: to give you clear, honest answers to the questions I hear most from therapists, wellness professionals, and creative entrepreneurs. From “how much does a website cost?” to “how do I get found on Google?”, you’ll find straightforward insights and real numbers, without the jargon. Because your story deserves to be seen, not buried under tech talk.
Skip ahead! Click a link below to be taken to that section.
Web Design Questions
How much does it cost to build a website for a small business?
Most small business websites fall between $3,000–$6,000 in Southern California. At AFOTIK, complete Squarespace sites start at $1,890, and that includes on-page SEO and strategy, not just design. Think of it as your digital front door: beautiful, optimized, and open for clients.
How can I get my website to show up on Google?
You’ll need solid on-page SEO (titles, descriptions, headings), consistent blog updates, and a little patience. Every AFOTIK site is built with SEO best practices baked in, so Google already knows what you do and who you help by the time you launch.
Do I really need a professional web designer?
You could DIY with a template, but good design is strategy wearing lipstick. A designer helps you connect the dots between visuals, words, and psychology, so your site doesn’t just look good, it converts.
How long does it take to design a website?
Most AFOTIK sites take 4–6 weeks from strategy session to launch, depending on how prepared your content is. Add a few weeks for copywriting or branding integration.
Branding & Logo Design Questions
How much does it cost for a logo or brand design for a small business?
Simple logos can run $300–$800, while full brand identities in Southern California average $2,000–$5,000. AFOTIK’s branding package starts at $1,290, including logos, color palette, typography, and a mini brand guide to keep your visuals consistent.
What’s the difference between a logo and a full brand identity?
A logo is your face. A brand identity is your whole personality, color, type, tone, and vibe. I build brands that look beautiful, but more importantly, feel like you.
Do I need branding before I build my website?
Ideally, yes. Branding is your foundation, and your website is the home built on it. If you’re starting fresh, AFOTIK’s brand + web package ($3,690) gives you both, strategically aligned from the start.
How long does branding take?
Typically 3–4 weeks, including discovery sessions, logo design, color exploration, and style guide delivery.
SEO + Strategy Questions
How can I make my website rank higher on Google?
SEO is equal parts patience and purpose. I focus on strong site structure, keyword-aligned copy, and human readability, so you attract the right audience instead of just traffic. You can also boost rankings with monthly SEO updates and blog posts (available as an add-on).
What’s included in AFOTIK’s SEO setup?
Every site gets on-page optimization: meta titles, descriptions, alt text, internal linking, and keyword alignment. I also submit your site to Google Search Console so you start off visible from day one.
Do I need ongoing SEO after launch?
Yes, if you want to grow. SEO is like watering a plant: the launch gives it roots, but ongoing updates help it bloom. AFOTIK offers monthly SEO maintenance with content updates and keyword monitoring.
Photography + other Questions
Do I really need professional photography for my small business website?
Technically? No. But if you want people to pause, feel something, and remember you: absolutely. Professional photography tells your story faster than any headline ever could. For therapists, creatives, and small business owners, authentic imagery builds trust and connection before a single word is read. At AFOTIK, I use photography to capture your atmosphere: the calm, the confidence, the humanness, so your website feels less like a brochure and more like a conversation.
Can I use my own photos on my website?
Absolutely. I’ll help curate and edit your photos to maintain a cohesive look. We can also blend your personal images with stock photography to balance storytelling and polish.
Will using stock photos make my website look fake?
Stock photography gets a bad reputation for being stiff or staged, but that’s usually because it’s used without context or curation. When chosen thoughtfully, stock images can *enhance* your brand by filling visual gaps, adding texture, and supporting your story. I often combine authentic brand photos with curated stock imagery to create a cohesive and polished look, especially for small business owners and therapists who are still building their own photo libraries. The key is to select images that feel natural, inclusive, and emotionally aligned with your brand. Done right, no one will ever know they’re stock; they’ll just feel your vibe.
Do you offer brand photography?
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away (or, you know, right here in Orange County), I ran a professional portrait studio. And honestly, who would I even be if I didn’t still bring that experience into my work today? While I no longer have a permanent studio space, I rent local studios or use your own business as the backdrop to create stunning brand photography that tells your story and aligns seamlessly with your brand. Every image is designed to feel authentic, intentional, and uniquely you.
*All brand photography clients also receive images prepped for web and print, so your visuals flow effortlessly across your site and social media.
Check out these great product/brand photos we did for VAEL
I want a video for my website-can you do that?
Yes, and not the corporate kind that makes you cringe. Think of brand video as moving storytelling: light, texture, and emotion in motion. Whether it’s a short brand reel for your homepage, a behind-the-scenes glimpse of your process, or a quiet, cinematic portrait that captures the heart of your work, video has a way of drawing people in like nothing else. I will ensure your video feels cohesive with your brand photography, website, and overall aesthetic. Each project is designed to evoke connection; the kind that makes people pause, listen, and feel something real.
Ready to start your project?
Whether you’re building a brand-new practice or reimagining your business, I’d love to help.
Want to read some cool articles?
Check out the blog, The Art of Being Seen, to discover some tips, tricks, and other cool stuff.