Frequently Asked Questions

Who is BitForward Studio?

BitForward Studio is a boutique web design and development studio based in Calgary, focused on building high-performance websites for service-based businesses.

We work with home service companies and professional service firms that rely on their website to generate leads, establish credibility, and support long-term growth. Every project is strategic, custom-built, and performance-driven.

Can you redesign or improve my existing website?

We don’t modify or redesign websites built on existing platforms or setups created by other developers or agencies any longer. Instead, we rebuild websites from scratch on a modern foundation (Astro, Webflow, or Framer), using your existing content, structure, or brand assets where appropriate.

Improving or "fixing" an existing site often requires extensive reverse-engineering and compromises, with results that rarely justify the cost. By starting fresh, we can deliver a site that’s faster, more scalable, more secure, and aligned with your business goals, without inheriting technical limitations from previous builds.

What makes a website effective for service-based businesses?

An effective website for a service-based business builds trust quickly and makes it easy for visitors to take the next step.

In practice, that means clearly explaining what you do, guiding visitors toward contacting you or requesting service, and reinforcing credibility through reviews, credentials, and proof. Just as importantly, the site needs to be fast and mobile-first, since most service searches happen on phones and visitors won’t wait for slow pages to load.

What platforms and technologies do you build websites with?

We use modern, performance-first technologies chosen specifically around your business goals, not a one-size-fits-all platform. The focus is always on speed, reliability, and long-term flexibility.

Most projects are built either with custom-coded solutions using Astro for maximum performance and control, or with Webflow when a visual editor and simpler internal content updates are a priority. In both cases, we design clean architectures with strong SEO foundations and fast load times, so your website is easy to maintain and able to grow alongside your business. The platform choice is always strategic, never default.

Do you use WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or page builders?

No. We do not use WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or drag-and-drop page builders.

For service businesses that rely on speed, credibility, and search visibility, those platforms often create unnecessary tradeoffs in performance, security, and long-term scalability.

Instead, we build custom-coded websites or Webflow sites that are lean, purpose-built, and designed to perform, not just look good.

Why choose custom code over WordPress for a business website?

Custom-coded websites are built specifically around your business goals, not around themes or plugins designed for the masses. For service-based businesses, that usually translates into faster load times, better search performance, and a site that feels more trustworthy to potential clients.

Unlike WordPress, which often relies on multiple third-party plugins layered together, a custom-coded site is lean by design. There’s less unnecessary code, fewer security risks, and no dependency on plugins staying updated or compatible over time. The result is a simpler, more reliable website that performs better today and is easier to scale as your business grows.

Will my website be fast, secure, and mobile-friendly?

Yes, these are non-negotiables for us.

From the start, every site is built with performance, security, and mobile usability in mind. We optimize load speed at the code and layout level, follow modern security best practices, and design mobile-first so the experience works smoothly on phones before scaling up to larger screens. This approach ensures your website feels fast, professional, and trustworthy to visitors and performs well in search results.

Will my website work properly on phones, tablets, and all modern browsers?

Absolutely. Every website we build is designed and tested to work consistently across modern devices and browsers.

We take a mobile-first approach, then validate performance and usability on current versions of major browsers and screen sizes. This ensures your site looks professional, loads quickly, and functions reliably whether someone finds you on a phone, tablet, or desktop, so no potential client is lost due to technical friction.

How much does a professional website typically cost for a service business?

For most service-based businesses, a professionally designed and built website typically falls between $1,000 and $5,000 for a standard project. These sites are usually designed to clearly present your services, establish credibility, and generate leads.

More complex projects, such as multi-location businesses, advanced integrations, or conversion-focused builds, often range from $5,000 to $15,000+, depending on scope and requirements. We scope every project individually so pricing reflects what your business actually needs, rather than forcing you into generic packages or unnecessary feature.

What’s included in BitForward Studio’s web design and development services?

Every project is built around your business goals, but most website engagements include strategic planning, custom visual design, performance-focused development, and a mobile-first responsive layout. We also design conversion paths, establish strong SEO foundations, test across devices and browsers, and provide launch support and handoff.

We don’t just "build pages". We design your website to support growth, credibility, and lead generation.

What factors affect the price of a website project?

Website pricing depends on several factors, including the size of the site, the amount of content required, and the level of custom functionality involved. Design complexity, SEO requirements, and whether you need copywriting or photography can also affect scope and cost.

During our discovery phase, we walk through these factors together so you understand exactly what’s driving the investment and can make informed decisions.

Are there ongoing costs after the website is launched?

Yes. Like any professional digital asset, a website has ongoing costs to keep it secure, fast, and reliable over time.

In short, yes. Every website, whether it’s custom-built or created using a DIY platform like Wix, requires a domain name and hosting to function. Hosting typically ranges from $150 to $600 per month, depending on traffic, performance needs, and platform, while domain registration is usually $15–$50 per year. These are standard, unavoidable costs for running a website, regardless of who built it.

Ongoing maintenance or managed services are optional and can be added if you'd prefer hands-off support. We explain all costs clearly upfront so you can choose the level of involvement that works best for your business, at your pace.

What does your website design and development process look like?

Our process is structured and collaborative, designed to reduce risk and keep projects moving smoothly. We start with discovery and strategy to clarify goals and priorities, then move into design and development together to create a polished, intuitive experience.

Before launch, we test thoroughly and refine details to ensure everything works as intended. Ongoing support is always optional and available as your business grows.

How long does it take to design and build a custom website?

For most service businesses, projects take 4–8 weeks from kickoff to launch. Timelines can vary depending on project scope, feedback speed, and content readiness, but we set expectations clearly at the start so there are no surprises.

How involved will I be throughout the project?

You’ll be involved where your input matters most, without being overwhelmed. We collaborate closely during discovery, design review, and final approval, while we handle the technical details and guide the process from start to finish.

What do you need from me to get started and keep things moving?

To keep projects running smoothly, we mainly need timely feedback, any existing brand assets, and clarity around your services and goals. We provide clear guidance at each step so you always know what’s needed and when.

Will a new website actually help me get more clients or leads?

A well-designed website is one of the most powerful tools a service business can have, but it’s not a magic switch.

A professionally built website helps convert existing traffic into inquiries, builds trust when potential clients research you, and supports visibility in local search. It also works continuously in the background as a credibility and lead-generation asset. In our experience, results depend on factors like traffic quality, competition in your market, and how leads are followed up. We build websites that are designed to convert and scale, not just look good.

How do you design websites that convert visitors into inquiries?

Conversion is built into the strategy from the start, not added at the end. We focus on clear messaging, logical page flow, intentional calls-to-action, and strong trust signals so visitors understand your value and know what to do next.

Every design decision is tied back to real user behavior, especially on mobile devices where most service-based searches happen.

How do you approach SEO for service-based and local businesses?

We build every website with strong SEO fundamentals from the start, focusing on clean structure, fast performance, and clarity for both users and search engines.

This includes proper page hierarchy, internal linking, optimized metadata, and lightweight code designed for mobile performance. For local service businesses, we also account for local SEO considerations such as service-area structure, Google Business Profile alignment, and schema markup where appropriate. The goal isn’t short-term rankings, but a solid foundation your site can build on over time.

How long does it take for a website to rank on Google?

SEO is a long-term investment, not an overnight win. In practice, some improvements may appear within a few weeks, but meaningful progress typically takes 3–6 months, and competitive markets can take longer.

While we build your site correctly from day one, ongoing content, consistency, and SEO efforts are often required to compete and grow visibility over time.