About This Guide

The Small-Site Handbook is about getting real value from a website and from the people who build it.

A good small web partner works directly with you to understand your needs. Expect solid numbers and clear communication at every stage of the process, with a shared understanding of when the work is complete.

Look for transparency: no hidden costs, no jargon designed to confuse you, and timely replies. When a project is finished you own your files and content outright, and you are free to take them anywhere.

How a Good Engagement Works

A good engagement starts with a conversation about what you actually need. Agree on the scope and a firm price, and expect plain-language updates and real numbers. Ask how fixes will be handled when something breaks, and look for honest referrals for needs outside the agreed scope.

Who Does the Work

With a compact, senior team, the people who plan your project should be the same people who build and support it.

The Project Lead

The project lead helps a small business or non-profit define its goals and coordinate website, marketing, branding and print work. The role includes keeping the scope, budget and decisions clear throughout the project.

The Marketing Lead

The marketing lead identifies the audience a small organization needs to reach and plans targeted content for its channels. The role includes writing clear content and checking whether it reaches the intended people.

The Lead Developer

The lead developer chooses and works with tools such as content management systems, utility-first CSS and static-site generators, with an eye toward performance, accessibility and ease of maintenance. You can read more about these choices in the articles.

Compare these roles with the examples in the project gallery and the guide overview.