Custom Web Design for Small Businesses and Local Organizations
Your website is often the first impression someone gets of your business. It should reflect who you actually are, not look like a template that could belong to anyone.
I build custom WordPress websites designed around your specific audience, goals, and budget. I have been doing this work for Bloomington-area businesses and nonprofits since 2004, and many of those early clients are still with me today. You can see examples of finished work in my portfolio, including before-and-after comparisons that show the difference a rebuild can make.
What a Project Looks Like
Every engagement starts with a conversation about what you are trying to accomplish and who you are trying to reach. From there, I handle the planning, design, content structure, development, and launch, and stay available after launch for questions and ongoing support.
Most projects include: domain setup and registration, WordPress installation and theme configuration, custom design aligned to your brand, on-page SEO and metadata, structured data markup for search engines and AI tools, Google Analytics and Search Console setup, and a walkthrough so you can manage content yourself going forward.
After launch, most clients move to my managed hosting plan for continued maintenance, security updates, and backups.
Who I Work With
My clients tend to be small businesses, healthcare practices, nonprofits, home service companies, and community organizations in Monroe County and surrounding areas. They want a website that represents them well, loads quickly, and does not require a developer call every time something needs to change.
If you are starting from scratch, migrating from an old site, or rebuilding something that has been neglected, I am a good fit. I have handled website migrations from platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WP Engine, and I can walk you through what that process looks like before you commit to anything.
How I Build Websites
There are a lot of ways to build a website. Here is what I prioritize and why it matters for your business.
WordPress and the block editor. I build on WordPress using the native block editor and the Twenty Twenty-Five theme framework. This means your site is not locked into a proprietary page builder that only a developer can maintain. You get a website you can actually update yourself, built on the platform that powers over 40% of the web.
Accessibility from the start. Every site I build follows accessibility best practices so that your website works for as many people as possible, including those using screen readers, keyboard navigation, or other assistive tools. This is not an afterthought or an add-on. It is part of how I work.
SEO and AI visibility built in. On-page SEO, structured data (Schema.org markup), and metadata are included in every project. I also set up your site with AI visibility in mind, so your business is findable not just through Google, but through AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity that more people are using every day. If you want to go further, I offer local SEO as a standalone service.
Long-term support, not a handoff. I do not launch a site and disappear. Most of my client relationships last years, not months. Eight years with Bloomington Window Tint. Eighteen years keeping a bookstore online. I am here when you need help, and I am not going anywhere.
Training so you are not dependent on me. After launch, I walk you through how to manage your own content: updating pages, adding blog posts, uploading images. You should feel confident making day-to-day changes without waiting on a developer.
What Clients Say
“David has been our web designer for years and continues to provide excellent service. He is responsive, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile. We highly recommend David Martin Design for any web design or digital marketing needs.”
Read more client reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a custom WordPress website cost?
Pricing depends on the scope of the project. I bill at an hourly rate, and most small business websites fall in a range that reflects the number of pages, content complexity, and any custom features you need. I wrote a detailed breakdown in this post: How Much Does a WordPress Website Actually Cost? I am always happy to provide a clear estimate after an initial conversation about your goals.
How long does it take to design and launch a website?
Most projects take four to six weeks from kickoff to launch, depending on the number of pages, how quickly content and feedback come together, and whether we are building from scratch or redesigning an existing site. I provide a realistic timeline during our first conversation so there are no surprises.
Will you still support my website after it launches?
Yes, and this is one of the things that sets my practice apart. Most of my clients stay with me for years after launch through my managed hosting plan, which includes security updates, daily backups, uptime monitoring, and ongoing support. I am not a build-it-and-leave-it shop. I am here for the long run.
Can I update my own website without calling a developer?
Yes. I build every site with the WordPress block editor, which gives you a straightforward way to update text, add images, create new pages, and publish blog posts on your own. After launch, I walk you through how everything works so you feel confident making changes. And if you ever get stuck, I am a phone call or email away.
Do I need a completely new website, or can my current one be improved?
It depends on what you are working with. Sometimes a site just needs a refresh: updated content, better structure, improved speed, or a security cleanup. Other times, especially if the site was built on an outdated platform or has not been maintained, starting fresh is the more sustainable path. I will give you an honest assessment during our initial conversation. You can see examples of both approaches in my portfolio.
Can you migrate my website from another platform or hosting provider?
Yes. I regularly handle migrations from platforms like Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, and other WordPress hosts. The process includes moving your content, setting up DNS, configuring SSL, verifying email delivery, and testing everything before the switch goes live. I have written about the migration process in detail if you want to understand what is involved.
What is the difference between web design and web development?
Web design is about how your site looks, feels, and communicates to visitors. Web development is the technical work that makes it function: code, databases, server configuration, performance, and security. In my practice, I handle both. You get a site that looks right and works right, without needing to coordinate between separate designers and developers.
Ready to Talk About Your Website?
Whether you need a new website, a redesign, or just want an honest opinion about what you have, I am happy to start with a conversation. No pitch, no pressure. You can explore my client reviews, browse the portfolio, or go ahead and schedule a time to talk.