FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions I hear most from local businesses. Don’t see yours? Contact me and I’ll get back to you within one business day.

Getting Started

What does RayLab Web Services do?

I help local businesses get found and chosen online. That includes designing and building WordPress websites, SEO and AI search optimization, Google Business Profile and listing management, and ongoing website maintenance. You can see everything I offer on my Services page.

What kinds of businesses do you work with?

Mostly small and local businesses. My recent projects include home builders and contractors, a criminal defense law firm, medical practices, a day spa, a crawl space repair company, and a real estate appraisal firm. You can see examples in my Portfolio.

Do you only work with businesses in Bloomington?

No. I’m based in Bloomington, Indiana, and I work with clients across the region and beyond. Consultations can happen by phone or Zoom, so distance is never a problem.

How do I get started?

Request a free consultation. I’ll learn about your goals, look at your current website or listings, and recommend the next steps. I respond within one business day.

What are your office hours?

Monday through Friday, 8am–6pm Eastern. You can send me a message through the contact form anytime, and I’ll respond within one business day.

Pricing & Process

How much does a website cost?

Every project is different, so pricing depends on what you need: the number of pages, features, content, and any integrations. After a free consultation, you’ll get a clear quote and timeline before any work begins.

How long does it take to build a website?

It depends on the size of the site and how quickly content and feedback come together. Your quote includes a timeline, and I’ll keep you updated at every stage. The most common delays are waiting on content, photos, or approvals, so having those ready helps keep things moving.

What will you need from me?

Usually your logo, photos, details about your services, and access to accounts like your domain registrar, current website, and Google Business Profile. If you don’t have something yet, such as professional photos or a logo, I can help you figure out the best way forward.

Will I be able to update my website myself?

Yes. I build on WordPress, so you can edit text and images yourself in the block editor. If you’d rather not, my Website Maintenance & Care Plans cover updates for you.

Websites & Hosting

What platform do you build websites on?

Most of my websites are built on WordPress, which is flexible, widely supported, and easy to update. I also build hand-coded HTML and CSS sites when that’s a better fit for a project.

Can you move my website from Squarespace or Wix?

Yes. I plan every step of the move, including hosting, DNS, business email, and redirects from your old pages, so your customers and search rankings come with you. Learn more about Website Migration & Launch.

Can you help with hosting, domains, and business email?

Yes. I can set up hosting, connect your domain, configure your SSL certificate, and make sure your business email keeps working when your website moves.

Will my website work on phones and tablets?

Yes. Every website I build is responsive, and I test it on desktop and mobile before launch.

Is my website accessible to people with disabilities?

I review websites against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and fix issues like low color contrast, missing image descriptions, and unlabeled form fields. Learn more about Website Accessibility.

SEO, AI Search & Google

How long does SEO take to work?

SEO builds over time. Some fixes, like correcting page titles or structured data, can help quickly, but stronger rankings usually take several months of consistent work. I’ll explain what I’m doing and why.

Can you guarantee first-page rankings on Google?

No, and you should be cautious of anyone who does. Search engines decide rankings, and they change often. What I can promise is work based on proven best practices: a fast, well-structured website, helpful content, accurate listings, and clear structured data.

What is AI search optimization?

More people are asking AI tools like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews for recommendations. AI search optimization, also called GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), makes your website easier for those tools to understand, trust, and cite. Learn more about AI Search Optimization.

Can you help with my Google Business Profile?

Yes. I can set up and verify your profile, choose the right categories, and keep it active with regular posts, current hours and services, and fresh photos. See Google Business Profile Management and Local Business Listings.

How can I get more Google reviews?

Make it easy for happy customers to leave one. I can set up a direct Google review link and a QR code, and give you simple scripts for asking. Learn more about Review Generation.

Maintenance & Support

What happens after my website launches?

Websites need ongoing care to stay secure and accurate. My care plans cover content updates, plugin and WordPress updates, backups, troubleshooting, and small improvements as your business grows.

What if something breaks on my website?

Contact me and I’ll diagnose the problem. I’ve fixed issues like server errors, websites going offline, broken contact forms, and redirect problems.

Can you work on a website someone else built?

Yes. Much of my work is improving and maintaining existing websites, whether they were built in WordPress or hand-coded.

Still Have Questions?

I’m happy to help. Tell me a little about your business and I’ll get back to you within one business day.