FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Can't find what you're looking for? Email hello@kerningstudios.com and a human will reply.
Ownership
Who owns my domain?
You do. Domains are registered in your business's name. If we register one for you, it's yours, and we'll transfer it whenever you ask.
Who owns my content and design?
Your words, photos, products and customer data are yours, always. Once the build fee is paid, the design and code of your site are yours too.
What happens if I leave?
We export your site with its code, content, images and form submissions, help you move your domain and email, and leave everything working. There are no exit fees and no hostage-taking.
Hosting & email
Where is my site hosted?
On a dedicated cloud server for your business, not a crowded shared host. We size it to your site, monitor it around the clock, apply security updates and take daily backups.
Is it fast and secure?
Yes. Every site is served over HTTPS with automatic certificates, built with modern tooling for fast loads on phones, and kept patched. We watch uptime and get alerted before you notice anything.
Can I get email at my own domain?
Yes. Every plan includes forwarding (hello@yourbusiness.com to your existing inbox). Business and Commerce include two real mailboxes with webmail and phone setup, and you can add more.
I already have a website or domain. Can you work with it?
Absolutely. We'll move your domain's DNS to us (or work with your registrar), migrate any email carefully so nothing gets lost, and redirect old pages so you keep your search rankings.
Changes & content
Can I update my own site?
Yes. Your dashboard lets you edit the things that change: hours, menus, services, photos, products, events and announcements. Changes go live in seconds with no technical skills needed.
What if I need a change I can't make myself?
Send us a request. Small changes (a new section, a tweak to a page) are included in your plan. Bigger additions, like new pages or features, get a clear quote first.
Do you write the content and take photos?
We'll shape and edit your copy so it reads well and works for search. If you need words written from scratch or new photography, we can arrange it as an add-on.
Process & timelines
How long does a site take?
Starter sites typically launch in 1–2 weeks, Business in 2–4 weeks and Commerce in 3–6 weeks, depending mostly on how quickly we get content and feedback.
What do you need from me?
A conversation about your business, your logo and any photos you have, and a little time to review designs. We'll send a simple checklist and handle the rest.
Will my site show up on Google?
We build every site for search: fast pages, clean structure, proper metadata, a sitemap and local business markup. On Business and above we also manage your Google Business Profile, which matters most for local searches.
Do you manage my Google Business Profile?
On Business, Commerce and Custom, yes: hours, holiday closures, services, photos and posts kept accurate and consistent with your site.
Payments & contracts
How does pricing work?
A one-time build fee for the design and development, then a monthly plan that covers hosting, email, your dashboard, security, backups and support. Pay annually and get two months free.
When do I pay?
Half the build fee to start, half at launch. The monthly plan begins when your site goes live. We accept cards and bank transfers.
Is there a long contract?
No. Monthly plans can be cancelled with 30 days' notice. Annual plans are paid upfront for the year.
Do you take a cut of my online sales?
No. Store payments go straight to your own Stripe account. You pay Stripe's standard processing fee and nothing to us.
Let's build the site your business deserves.
Tell us about your business. We'll reply within one business day with ideas, a timeline and a fixed quote.