LocalForge

LocalForge is a web design business that creates custom websites for local businesses, offering services like custom sites, redesigns, e-commerce, and platform migrations. They are based in the UK, as indicated by their use of British spelling and currency. The company aims to provide quality websites at a cost local businesses can afford, avoiding templated designs.

A complete custom website build, including design, responsive layout, and launch, starts from $600 as a one-time fee. This price includes three visual directions before committing, copy shaped with the client, and search-engine basics like titles and descriptions.

The business operates on a fixed-price model where the number is agreed before any work begins, ensuring no surprise invoices. If the scope changes, they will re-quote rather than letting the invoice drift, and final pricing is always confirmed in writing.

The $50 per month plan includes hosting, SSL, uptime monitoring, plus three minor edits per month such as updating hours, changing prices, or rewriting paragraphs. This is distinct from the $25 plan which only covers hosting and SSL.

Clients start with a short conversation about their business needs, followed by the design of three genuinely different visual directions at no cost. The client can then pick one direction or mix and match parts from each concept before the full site is built.

Jacob is the founder of LocalForge and serves as the single point of contact from start to finish. He works with the team to ensure the person who speaks to the client first is the same person they speak to for questions, issues, and updates throughout the project.

LocalForge offers a one-time $100 service for registering or transferring a domain, configuring DNS, and setting records to keep email deliverable. This service is suitable for new businesses or anyone needing help connecting a domain to their site.

Once a visual direction is signed off, the team typically builds the full site with a first draft ready within a week. The build is responsive and tested at phone, tablet, and desktop widths before being launched on the client's own domain.

Extra costs can include photography or video if the client does not already have it, paid stock, fonts, or third-party services. E-commerce, migrations, and custom functionality are also quoted per project rather than included in the base price.

They offer monthly plans for hosting and support, with options for $25 for hosting only or $50 for hosting plus three minor edits per month. For businesses that need more, they provide website support starting from $100 a month.

LocalForge offers monthly SEO work to help businesses get found on Google and Google Maps, including research into customer search terms. They also manage Google Business Profiles as part of their local SEO services.

The migration service ensures content is moved carefully with minimal downtime and clear guidance through the process. It is designed for businesses that need to move from one platform to another or get off a system that no longer fits their needs.

Their e-commerce sites are designed to make it easy for people to browse, buy, and return, with secure payments that go straight into the client's account. Product pages are laid out to sell, and the checkout process is secure and streamlined.

The copy is shaped with the client rather than using filler text, ensuring the words reflect the actual business. They can write the copy themselves or work from the client's existing materials to match the brand's voice.

Clients can start a project by filling out a form with details like their business name, existing website, and approximate budget. A reply is usually sent within one business day, followed by a short conversation to understand the project needs.