Happy Webs
Menu

Common questions

Things we get asked every week.

Straight answers on websites, marketing, software, pricing and how we work. All prices exclude VAT. If your question isn't here, send us a message, we'll answer it in plain English.

Websites & digital marketing

Can you help with a website without an AI project?

Yes. We design and build websites, online shops and custom software, and help with SEO and digital marketing. AI is part of how we work efficiently; it does not have to be part of your project.

Do you build e-commerce websites?

Yes. We work on online shops, including Shopify, with attention to product information, the buying journey, checkout and measurement. We scope the platform and integrations around how you sell.

Can you improve the website we already have?

Often. We review the current site, the problems your customers encounter and the search traffic it receives before recommending changes. A focused improvement may be enough; a rebuild should have a clear reason.

Can you guarantee Google rankings or sales?

No. Search visibility and sales depend on competition, demand, the offer and many other factors. We agree what to measure, improve the parts we can influence and review the results with you.

AI & Automation

What kind of AI services do you offer?

We offer three core AI services: AI Agents & Automation (workflow automation, task routing, system integration), Document Processing & Data (invoice extraction, reading drawings and specs, data entry), and Custom AI Software (bespoke AI tools, Google Workspace AI, chatbots). All designed for real businesses, not tech companies.

Do we need to be technical to use AI?

Not at all. We set everything up and train your team. The tools we build are designed to be as simple as using email or a search engine. You don't need to understand how it works, you just need to see the results.

Will AI replace our staff?

We assess specific tasks, rather than promise to replace a role. Automation may free time for your team, but it still needs ownership, review and a route for exceptions. Time released is useful capacity, not automatically a cash saving.

How quickly can we see results from AI?

Simple automations can be live within 2-3 weeks. More complex integrations covering multiple workflows typically take 4-8 weeks. We agree a baseline and measure the result, including the time needed for checking and exceptions.

Is our data safe with AI?

Data handling depends on the workflow and providers involved. Before building, we agree what information is needed, who can access it, where it is processed, retention and approval rules. Sensitive or consequential work needs explicit boundaries and review.

Pricing

How much does a website cost?

Larger bespoke websites start from £5,950, with many landing between £5,950 and £12,000 depending on pages and integrations. Shops, portals and custom systems are scoped separately. You receive a fixed quote after discovery, with no surprise extras.

How much does AI automation cost?

Focused automations start from £2,000. Multi-workflow projects usually range from £5,000 to £15,000, depending on the systems involved, approval rules and level of support. If the opportunity is not yet clear, we can start with a workflow audit and build the business case from your own time and costs.

Do you charge monthly fees?

Website and fixed software solutions are one-off projects unless we agree ongoing work. After launch, ongoing support starts from £350/month for WhatsApp AI access and human review (support with improvements £650/month). Google and AI search marketing runs £1,250–£1,950/month. Monthly development for ongoing software improvements starts from £3,500/month. Extra project days are £1,000.

Can we pay in instalments?

Yes, deposit / midpoint / launch is standard. We are flexible on payment plans where it makes sense.

Are there any hidden costs?

No. The quote is the cost. If scope changes mid-project, we re-quote in writing before the work happens.

How do the free tools lead into paid work?

The Agent-Ready Check, Free Business Audit and Free Website Review are useful on their own, and many people use them without hiring us. When there is a clear fit, the next step is usually a focused audit or a written project scope. We never hard-sell or turn a free review into a vague retainer pitch.

Do you have special pricing for charities?

Yes. Registered UK charities (Charity Commission number required) can access our Charity Programme: Digital Essentials at £2,450 plus Care at £99/mo. This includes a full site rebuild, Workspace migration, and one automation (e.g. donor triage or membership system). Proof: The Bridge at Leigh food bank, "kitted out like a proper business" with a custom iPad till system. Limited slots. Enquire via the contact form with your charity number.

How do you work out the likely return?

We use your numbers: staff time, delays, missed enquiries, software costs, error rates and the value of getting the work done sooner. Named proof includes Kingsland Fabrications for custom operations software and UK Workbenches for e-commerce growth, but your business case is written from your workflow rather than borrowed from somebody else's result.

What exactly is an AI readiness audit and roadmap?

It is a focused review of where AI can help, where it cannot, and what should happen first. We assess your website, data, existing tools and repeated workflows, then return a prioritised 90-day plan with practical opportunities, risk notes, an estimate built from your own time and costs, and a fixed quote for any implementation worth pursuing.

Process

How long does a project take?

Business websites usually take four to six weeks once content and access are ready. E-commerce and bespoke software take 8-16 weeks.

What do you need from us?

Business goals, target audience, existing brand assets if any, and content for each page. We send a clear brief so you know exactly what to provide.

How many design revisions do we get?

Website projects usually include up to three rounds of design revisions. The revision allowance and approval stages are confirmed in your proposal.

Can we see progress during the build?

Yes, you get a live preview URL and a Friday demo video every week of the build. No mystery.

What happens after launch?

One month free aftercare on fixed website projects. Then optional ongoing support from £350/mo for WhatsApp AI help and human review, Google and AI search marketing if you want ongoing search, and additional project work at £1,000 a day if you need further build work. We do not sell hosting as the main care product.

The studio

Where are you based?

Tameside, Greater Manchester. 81 Penny Meadow, Ashton-under-Lyne. We work UK-wide, from Mossley to Rotherham to King's Lynn.

Do you only work with manufacturers?

No. We work across sectors, including blinds, salons, clearance businesses, e-commerce, manufacturing and fabrication. We look at your customers, commercial goals and the work you need done, rather than requiring you to fit one industry.

Can we meet in person?

Yes, we visit clients regularly across the UK. Or video call. Whatever works.

How do we get started?

Book a 15-minute intro call. No slides, no pitch, you tell us what's on your plate. We follow up by email with sharper questions and, if it's a fit, book a longer discovery session.

What could work
better for you?

A new website. More customers. Less admin.
Tell us where you want to get to. We will reply within one working day.

Discuss your project Or get a free website review