A website,
built to work.
A new site for your business, a redesign of a tired one, or an online shop. Describe what you need and compare quotes from local web developers.
What to expect
from your pro.
A good website does a few things well. It loads quickly, works on a phone, tells people what you do and makes it easy to get in touch or buy. Website development covers everything from a simple one-page site to a full online shop with payments and stock.
On AYS you describe your project and local pros send you a quote. The more you tell them, the better the quote: how many pages, whether you need a shop or booking form, who will write the words and supply photos, and any sites you like the look of. If you already have a site, share the address.
Before work starts, agree in writing who owns what. Ask whose name the domain will be registered in, who will own the code and design files, and where the site will be hosted. Ask about running costs after launch, such as hosting, renewals, plugins and support. If the site collects names, emails or payments, it needs to handle that data properly under UK GDPR and ask for cookie consent where needed. Ask how the developer checks accessibility, so the site works for people using screen readers or a keyboard.
Common jobs
we cover.
Not on the list? Describe it and ask for free quotes.
New business website
A clear site with your services, contact details and a contact form, built to work well on phones and laptops.
Website redesign
Refreshing an old or slow site with a new layout and design, keeping the pages and links that already work.
Online shop
Setting up products, a basket and secure checkout, with delivery options and order emails your customers can rely on.
Booking and enquiry forms
Adding forms for bookings, quotes or appointments, with the data sent safely to you and stored only as needed.
Updates and fixes
Changing text and photos, fixing broken pages, updating plugins and sorting problems on an existing site.
Speed and mobile improvements
Making pages load faster and display properly on phones, which helps visitors and how search engines see your site.
Accessibility review
Checking colour contrast, headings, image descriptions and keyboard use, then fixing what stops people using the site.
Moving to a new host
Moving your site, domain or email to a new provider with a plan to keep downtime as short as possible.
Quotes first,
then you decide.
Describe the job
Add your postcode, a few lines about the job and photos if they help.
Get free quotes
Local pros who cover your area send a price. There is no obligation to accept.
Pick one and book
Choose the quote that suits you, pick a time and pay securely through AYS.
How the price
is worked out
Website projects are quoted, because no two are the same. You describe what you need and local developers send a price. What changes the price: the number of pages, whether you need a shop or bookings, custom design versus a ready-made theme, who writes the content, integrations with other tools, and any ongoing support. Ask each quote to list running costs such as hosting and renewals separately. Quotes are free and you are not obliged to accept one.
How to get
ready
- List the pages you need and what each should say or do.
- Gather your logo, photos and any text you already have.
- Note two or three websites you like, and what you like about them.
- Have login details ready for your domain, hosting or current site.
- Decide who will make small updates after launch, you or the developer.
Choosing the right pro
Every developer on AYS passes a photo ID check and a review by our team before they can take bookings. Pros can also upload qualifications and insurance for us to check, shown on their profile. Ask to see sites they have built, and ask whether they will give you full access to your domain, hosting and files once the work is done.
Who owns my website once it is built?
Do not assume it is you. Under UK copyright law, the person who creates a commissioned work is usually its first owner unless you agree otherwise in writing. If you want to own the code, design and content, ask for a written assignment of copyright signed by the developer, or at least a clear licence. Also check the domain is registered in your name.
What ongoing costs should I expect after launch?
Most websites have running costs. These can include hosting, domain renewal, paid themes or plugins, email accounts, security certificates and any support or maintenance plan. Some are yearly, some monthly. Ask your developer to list each one, who pays it, and whose account it sits in, so nothing lapses without you knowing.
Does my website need a cookie banner?
Advertising and tracking cookies need visitors' consent first, and continuing to browse does not count. Since the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, cookies used only for statistics, and those needed for things like a basket or security, can be used without consent, but visitors must be told and given an easy way to object. Ask your developer which cookies the site uses and how consent is collected.
What does UK GDPR mean for my website?
If your site collects personal data, such as names and emails from a contact form, you are responsible for handling it lawfully. That usually means a clear privacy notice, collecting only what you need, and keeping it secure. A developer can build the forms and notice, but you should check the details against guidance from the Information Commissioner's Office.
What is website accessibility?
An accessible website can be used by people with different needs, including those who use screen readers, zoom, or only a keyboard. Good practice includes clear headings, enough colour contrast, text descriptions for images and labelled forms. Many developers work to the WCAG guidelines. Ask how they test for it before launch.
How long does it take to build a website?
It depends on the size of the site and how quickly content is ready. A small business site can be quick, while an online shop with many products takes longer. Waiting for text, photos and feedback is often the biggest delay. Agree stages and dates in the quote so you both know what happens when.
Website development
near you.
AYS opens area by area. Pick your city for local tips, or check your postcode at the top of this page.
Read before
you book.
Often booked
together.
Do you offer website development?
Get booked for it.
Join AYS as a pro. Choose the postcodes you cover, set your prices and take bookings from local customers.