Frequently Asked
Questions

Archo is an Ottawa-based web design studio specializing in premium, custom-coded websites for local service businesses across Ontario. We work with tradespeople, contractors, home service providers, and other independent businesses that have a strong reputation but limited or no online presence.

We're not a big agency with layers of account managers and inflated overhead — you work directly with the designer from day one. That means faster turnaround, clearer communication, and a final product that actually reflects your business.

Absolutely. Archo is a registered Canadian business operating in Ottawa, Ontario. You can reach us directly by email at hello@archo.ca and we'll respond within 24 hours — no automated replies, no offshore handoffs.

We also encourage you to explore our live portfolio demos — every example you see is real, production-quality work you can interact with right in your browser. We think that speaks for itself.

We primarily serve local service businesses in Ontario — roofers, HVAC companies, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, cleaners, painters, and other home service trades. We also work with retail shops, professional service firms, and any independent business that wants a serious online presence without paying bloated agency rates.

Our sweet spot is businesses that have a solid reputation locally but aren't capturing online leads yet. If customers find you through word-of-mouth but can't find you on Google, we're the right fit.

Every project is scoped individually based on complexity, number of pages, and what you need. We don't publish fixed pricing online because a one-page landing page and a multi-service site with SEO optimization are very different scopes.

What we can say: we are significantly more affordable than traditional agencies (which often charge $5,000–$25,000+ for similar work) while delivering the same quality. Request a free quote and we'll get back to you with a clear, transparent number — no pressure, no obligation.

We typically structure payments in two milestones: a deposit before we begin design work, and the final balance upon delivery before we hand over all files and launch the site. This protects both parties and keeps things straightforward.

We accept e-Transfer, major credit cards, and other payment methods. Full payment terms are outlined in the project agreement we send before any work begins.

No surprises. Our project quote is a flat fee for the agreed-upon scope. There are no hidden charges for revisions within the scope, and no monthly retainer unless you specifically engage us for ongoing work.

You will of course have your own third-party costs: domain registration (~$15–25/year) and web hosting ($5–20/month depending on provider). We'll point you in the right direction on both, and can handle setup on your behalf at no additional charge.

Most projects are completed and launched within 5 to 10 business days from when we receive your content and deposit. More complex, multi-page builds may take 2–3 weeks.

We pride ourselves on fast turnaround without cutting corners. From initial brief to live site, we keep you updated at every stage.

To get going, it helps to have:

• Your business name, services offered, and service area
• Any photos of your work (even smartphone photos are fine)
• Your logo, if you have one (we can create one if not)
• Contact information you want displayed publicly
• Any references or examples of sites you like the look of

Don't worry if you're missing some of these — we'll guide you through the intake process and fill any gaps.

We include a round of revisions in every project. We want you genuinely happy with the result. Because we work directly with you — not through a project manager — feedback is faster and changes happen quickly.

We don't nickel-and-dime minor adjustments. If you want the headline changed or a colour tweaked, that's just part of the process.

Every site we build is optimized for local search from day one. That includes proper meta tags, fast load times, mobile-first structure, schema markup, and Google Business Profile setup guidance — all the technical fundamentals that Google rewards.

That said, no one can guarantee a specific ranking position — anyone who does is misleading you. SEO is earned over time through quality content and a strong technical foundation. We give you the foundation. With a fast, clean, properly structured site, you'll be ahead of the majority of your local competitors who rely on slow page-builder templates.

DIY builders are designed for ease of use, not performance. They load slowly (often 4–8 seconds), they serve bloated JavaScript to every visitor, and they look generic because thousands of businesses use the same templates.

Our custom-coded sites typically load in under 1 second, score 90+ on Google's Core Web Vitals, and are built to a standard that communicates that your business is serious and professional. First impressions matter — especially when someone is deciding whether to call you or your competitor.

Yes — 100%. Once the project is complete and paid in full, you receive all source files and full ownership of the site. Your domain and hosting accounts are registered in your name. We don't hold anything hostage or charge you recurring fees to "keep your site live."

Unlike some agencies that lock you into proprietary platforms, everything we build can be hosted anywhere, managed by anyone, and transferred at any time.

Yes. For simple updates (new phone number, updated service list, seasonal offers), we can make those changes quickly and cost-effectively. We can also set up a basic content management system if you want to handle routine updates yourself.

We're here as an ongoing resource, not just a one-time vendor. Many of our clients stay in touch for maintenance, additions, and new projects as their business grows.

Absolutely — mobile-first is not optional for us, it's the default. Over 70% of local search traffic happens on mobile devices. If your site isn't flawless on a phone, you're losing leads every single day.

We design and test on multiple screen sizes (iPhone, Android, tablet) before every launch to ensure a seamless experience regardless of device.