// FAQ
Straight answers to the questions I get most.
About working with me, web design, local SEO and what things cost. If yours isn’t here, ask me directly — you’ll get a real answer, not a sales pitch.
// Working with Drew
Who will I actually be working with?
Me. Vachal Design is a one-person studio in Eagle, Idaho. I design the site, write the code, set up the SEO and answer the phone. There are no account managers and nothing is handed off overseas.
Do you only work with businesses in the Treasure Valley?
Most of my clients are in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa and Caldwell, and I like meeting in person. But I have clients from San Diego to the East Coast, and everything works just as well over a video call.
How long does a website take?
A typical small-business site takes four to eight weeks from kickoff to launch, depending on how quickly content and feedback come back. Larger sites, migrations or e-commerce take longer, and I'll give you a realistic timeline before we start.
Will I be able to update the site myself?
Yes. Every site I build is set up so you can change text, images, hours, posts and projects without a developer, and I walk you through it at hand-off. If you'd rather not touch it, my maintenance plan covers updates for you.
Do I own my website?
Completely. You own the domain, the hosting account, the files and the content. If you ever leave, you take everything with you.
// Web design & WordPress
Why WordPress?
It's the platform that gives you the most control over design, SEO and functionality while still letting a business owner edit their own site. It runs about 40% of the web, so you'll never be locked into one developer. I do also work on Squarespace when a client already has it.
Will my site work on phones?
Every site I build is designed mobile-first, because most local visitors arrive from a phone. I test on real devices before launch, not just a browser preview.
Can you redesign my existing site instead of starting over?
Often, yes. If the foundation is sound I'll rebuild the design and structure and migrate your content, keeping the URLs and rankings you've earned. If the site is broken underneath, I'll tell you that too.
What about hosting, security and backups?
I recommend and set up managed WordPress hosting, and my maintenance plan handles updates, security monitoring, backups and speed checks so the site stays fast and safe without you thinking about it.
// SEO & local search
What's the difference between SEO and local SEO?
SEO is about ranking in the regular search results for what you do. Local SEO is about showing up in the map pack and "near me" searches for people close to you, and it leans heavily on your Google Business Profile, reviews, citations and city-specific pages. Most local businesses need both.
How long until I see results from SEO?
Technical fixes and Google Business Profile work usually show movement within 30–60 days. Competitive rankings take three to six months to build and keep compounding after that. I track positions monthly and report in plain numbers, so you'll always know where you stand.
Can you guarantee a #1 ranking?
No, and anyone who does is selling something. What I can guarantee is a site built properly, a Business Profile dialed in, a clear monthly report, and steady work on the things that actually move rankings.
Do you optimize for AI search too?
Yes. Google's AI Overviews and answer engines pull from pages with clear headings, direct answers and well-structured content. I write and structure your pages so they can be cited, not just ranked.
What is the free audit?
I look at your website, your Google Business Profile and your local rankings and send you a plain-English summary of what's holding you back and what I'd do about it. No pitch, no obligation.
// Pricing
How much does local SEO cost?
Two monthly packages: Basic at $900/month and Growth at $1,250/month, both per location and both including website maintenance and security. Every account starts with a one-time onboarding project of $1,600–$2,000 depending on where your site and Business Profile are today. Full details are on the local SEO pricing page.
How much does a website cost?
Most small-business sites land in the low-to-mid four figures depending on pages, features and content. You get a fixed quote after a short call, and there are no hourly surprises. I wrote a longer answer in How Much Does a Website Cost in Boise?
How does SEO pricing work?
Local SEO is a monthly engagement, priced by how competitive your market is and how much content and profile work it needs. You'll get a fixed monthly number and a clear list of what it covers before you commit.
Do you require long contracts?
No. Website projects are a fixed price with a deposit and balance at launch. SEO and maintenance are month to month, and you can stop any time.
Still have a question?
Get a free audit of your site and local rankings, or just send me the question. You’ll talk to Drew — not a sales team.