FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions about websites, Google Business Profile, pricing, hosting and working with Barking Brand Studio.

Do I really need a website if I get customers through word of mouth?

Word of mouth is powerful. But think about what happens after someone recommends you. The next thing most people do is search your name, or search for what you do near them. Your website and Google profile are what that recommendation lands on. Without one, you are relying on the recommendation alone to close the sale.

Is social media enough?

Social media is great for staying visible with people who already know you. It is not built to answer the practical questions, are you open right now, what do you charge, where exactly are you, the moment someone is deciding who to call. A website and Google Business Profile handle that job. If you would like, we can also manage your social channels alongside your site.

Can I just build it myself?

You can. But many business owners underestimate how much time it takes to build, write, organise and maintain a website properly. If you want it handled for you, that is what we help with.

I don’t have time to sort out photos, content, all of that.

That is the point of “done for you.” We will tell you exactly what we need, in plain terms, and do the rest. If you do not have professional photos, we can use what you have got to start, and introduce you to a photographer from our network if you would like that arranged properly.

How long does it actually take?

The build timelines on each package (5 to 7 working days for Be Found, for example) cover the build itself, once everything is in place. Before that, there is a short discovery stage where we agree your pages, content and the one main action you want visitors to take. Nothing gets built until that is settled and your deposit, content and any brand assets have been received.

That discovery stage usually only takes a few days once you reply to our onboarding questions. The one thing that genuinely extends a timeline is content or feedback arriving late, so we will always tell you clearly what is still outstanding.

What if I already have a website?

We can review it as part of the Google Visibility Check. If it is working well, we will tell you. If it needs updating, improving or replacing, we will explain why.

Do you help with Google Business Profile?

Yes. Every website package includes Google Business Profile setup or optimisation, because Google visibility is one of the most important parts of being found locally.

Do I own the website?

Yes. Your website is built for your business and you will have access. You are not locked out or forced to come back for every small change.

Do you offer hosting?

Yes. Hosting is included in the monthly care plans. If you do not continue with a care plan after launch, we can help you arrange your own hosting.

Can you do our logo, brand identity or video content too?

Colour, typography and brand guidelines, yes, that is part of what we do as we build your site. What we do not do ourselves is design a logo or a brand identity from scratch, or handle photography or video. For those, we work with a small network of trusted specialists and can coordinate it for you as a separate, clearly quoted piece of work, so you are not left juggling suppliers. It is never bundled into the website price.

What if I’m not happy with the design?

Be Found includes one round of revisions, Be Trusted and Be Chosen include two. We will also check in with you during the build, not just at the end, so there are no surprises at the review stage.

I’ve heard the council or the Mayor’s office offers free help with this kind of thing.

They do, and it is worth using, free advice is free advice. What we offer that is different is a bespoke, properly designed site built specifically around your business, ongoing hands on support from someone local you can actually reach, and a level of design and brand quality that general advisory support is not set up to deliver. Plenty of businesses use both.

What if I’m not sure which package I need?

Start with the free Google Visibility Check. We will review where your business currently stands and recommend the option that makes the most sense.

Still weighing it up?

No pressure. No obligation. Book a free Google Visibility Check and see where your business stands.

Book Your Free Google Visibility Check