Frequently Asked
Questions

Who will I actually be working with?

YourStuff is led by founder Carl Formigoni, and Carl is your single point of contact from first phone call to final delivery. No account managers, no handoffs, no juniors learning on your project - the person who understands your business is the person responsible for the work. And we only list services we're genuinely strong in: if something doesn't meet our own standard, you won't find it on this site.

Is the work done in-house or outsourced?

The work is done in-house, with Carl across every project. When workload demands extra hands, we bring in trusted specialists - and we tell you upfront when that happens. Every piece of outside work is reviewed line by line, tested, and usually reworked to our standard before it reaches you. If it carries the YourStuff name, it's been through a fine-tooth comb.

Who owns the domain, hosting, and accounts after the project?

You do - all of it. Domain registrations, hosting accounts, Google Analytics, Search Console, ad accounts - everything is set up in your name with your billing details. We get access to do the work; you own the asset. If you ever leave, you walk away with everything intact. Agencies that hold your accounts hostage are a red flag, and we don't operate that way.

Do you work with businesses outside Brisbane?

Yes - we work with businesses across Australia. The majority of our work is done remotely and most clients find it runs just as smoothly as in-person. We're based in Brisbane but our clients are nationwide.

My industry isn't listed on the Who We Help page. Can you still help?

Yes. The industries listed are the ones where we have the deepest experience - we know the sector's compliance environment, seasonal patterns, and what a good client acquisition funnel looks like. If yours isn't there, reach out anyway. We'll tell you honestly whether we're the right fit, and if we're not, we'll point you somewhere that is rather than take the work on anyway.

Do you work with startups or only established businesses?

Both - but the engagement looks different. Established businesses usually come with a specific problem to fix: a website that isn't converting, Google rankings that have slipped, or an admin process eating too much time. Startups come to us to build the foundation right from the start so they're not rebuilding it in two years. The first conversation shapes which approach makes sense.

What does industry experience actually change about the work?

It means less time explaining your context and more time on the actual problem. If you're a tradie, we already know what your busy season looks like and why a phone call converts better than a contact form. If you're a financial planner, we know the AFSL compliance constraints before you bring them up. That background is built in - you're not paying for us to get up to speed on your world.

How does working with YourStuff actually work?

Start with a conversation - call Carl directly on 0408 890 606. No intake forms, no account managers, no automated responses. You describe what's not working, we diagnose what needs to happen, and we give you a plain-language plan with a fixed price. Most projects start within a week of that first call.

Where do I start if I'm not sure what I need?

Start with a free digital audit. We'll review your website, Google presence, and competitive position, then give you a plain-language breakdown of what's working, what isn't, and what we'd focus on first - with no obligation to proceed. Most business owners walk away with a much clearer picture even if they decide not to work with us.

Do I need to sign a long-term contract?

No. Project work is quoted and paid by milestone. Ongoing services like hosting, SEO, and maintenance retainers are month-to-month. We don't lock clients into contracts because we'd rather earn your business every month.

Is there a minimum project size or budget?

No hard minimum. We work with sole traders through to businesses with 50+ staff. What matters is that there's a real problem to solve and a reasonable expectation of results - not the size of the business. If your budget doesn't match what a problem actually costs to fix, we'll tell you upfront rather than take it on with corners cut.

Can you handle multiple services at once, or should I start with one thing?

We handle multiple services simultaneously - that's part of the value of working with a single agency rather than coordinating multiple providers. That said, for businesses just starting out digitally, we usually recommend sequencing: get the foundation right first (usually a website), then layer on marketing. We'll tell you what order makes sense for your situation.

Can I see examples of your work first?

Yes - the portfolio has recent examples across different service areas and industries. If you want to see something specific to your industry or service type that isn't in the portfolio, just ask. We'd rather show you relevant work than generic examples.

Do your prices include GST?

The figures on this page are a general guide to help you budget - not formal quotes. Every written quote clearly states whether amounts are inclusive or exclusive of GST, along with a full cost breakdown, before any work begins. No surprises on the invoice.

How much does a website cost for a small business?

Most small business websites run between $2,500 and $7,000 depending on page count, functionality, and content complexity. eCommerce, membership areas, and custom integrations sit higher. We quote a fixed price after understanding what you actually need - no ranges that drift mid-project.

How long does a website build take?

A typical small business website takes 4-8 weeks from kick-off to launch. The biggest variable is content readiness - having copy, images, and brand assets ready to go speeds things up significantly.

How involved do I need to be during the build?

More at the start, less in the middle, focused review at the end. We need your input on goals and content upfront, then we work independently and present designs at agreed checkpoints. Most clients find it takes less of their time than expected.

Will my website show up on Google?

Every site includes solid on-page SEO foundations - clean code, heading hierarchy, meta titles and descriptions, fast load times, mobile responsiveness, and Google Search Console setup. Ranking for competitive keywords requires ongoing SEO work beyond the initial build, but you won't be starting from zero.

Do I need to be able to update my own website?

Not necessarily - and if you don't, your site will be cheaper to build. For businesses with stable content (tradies, professional services), a CMS adds cost without much benefit. If you do choose to build with a CMS, we include documentation and basic training as part of the build. If you'd prefer we handle it, maintenance plans cover that too.

Should I use WordPress, Squarespace, or something else?

For most small businesses in 2026, neither. WordPress in particular carries real ongoing costs - plugin conflicts, security patches, update failures, and a maintenance overhead that adds up. Squarespace and similar builders trade flexibility for convenience but leave you locked into their ecosystem. We build on modern static-site frameworks that are faster, more secure, and cheaper to run long-term. We've written in detail about why static sites are the better choice for small businesses in 2026 if you want the full case.

What's the difference between a cheap $500 website and a proper one?

Speed, structure, longevity, and whether it actually converts. A cheap website usually means a template with your logo dropped in - it'll look generic, load slowly, have poor SEO foundations, and cost you more to fix later than it did to build. A properly built site has clean code, fast load times, a structure that search engines can read, and copy written to convert visitors into enquiries. The upfront cost is higher; the ongoing cost and opportunity cost are much lower.

How many revisions are included in a website project?

Projects are structured around milestones with defined review points - typically a design approval stage and a content review stage before launch. Each milestone includes a round of revisions so changes are consolidated rather than rolling in piece by piece. Scope creep gets managed through the brief upfront; surprises mid-project are rare when the spec is clear.

How much does an ecommerce website cost?

Most small business ecommerce projects sit between $4,000 and $12,000 depending on product range, integrations, and content readiness. Trade and B2B stores with complex pricing logic cost more. Fixed quote provided after scoping - no surprises.

What's the best eCommerce platform for a small business?

For most small businesses, Shopify is the first recommendation - reliable, manageable, and the best ecosystem of apps and payment integrations. WooCommerce is a strong alternative for businesses already on WordPress or needing deeper customisation. We recommend based on your products, budget, and growth plans.

How long does an ecommerce build take from start to launch?

A typical store takes 6 to 10 weeks from kick-off. Stores where product photography, copy, and brand assets arrive ready to go move fastest. Larger catalogues or custom functionality extend the timeline.

Can you migrate my existing online store to a new platform?

Yes - full migrations including product data, customer records, and order history. SEO is preserved through proper URL redirects and metadata so you don't lose rankings you've already built.

Will my online store rank on Google for product searches?

Every project includes on-page SEO for all product and collection pages as a core deliverable - titles, meta descriptions, structured data, URL structure, and page speed. Ranking for competitive product keywords takes ongoing SEO beyond the build, but you won't be starting from scratch.

What does online marketing actually cost for a small business?

Google Ads media spend: a practical starting point is $1,500-$3,000 per month; management is charged separately at 15% of spend. Local SEO retainers vary based on competition and keyword scope. We quote based on what your goals require, not a tiered package.

What's the difference between local SEO and general SEO?

Local SEO targets location-based searches - "electrician near me," "accountant [suburb]" - and includes Google Business Profile optimisation, local citations, and location keyword targeting. For most small service businesses, local SEO delivers the fastest return.

How long before I see SEO results?

Meaningful movement in rankings typically takes 3-6 months. Significant, compounding results arrive from month six onwards. Google Ads can run alongside SEO to generate leads while organic rankings build - we'll often recommend both in parallel.

Is LinkedIn advertising worth it for B2B businesses?

For the right category, yes. Professional services targeting large organisations, consultants reaching corporate decision-makers, and industry suppliers all have genuine LinkedIn audiences. CPCs are higher than Google but targeting precision is unmatched for B2B. We'll tell you honestly if it fits your offer.

We already get leads from word-of-mouth - why invest in online marketing?

Referrals don't scale predictably and stop when you stop networking. Online marketing builds a second lead source that runs independently and creates compounding assets - SEO rankings and an email list improve over time. Most businesses treat referrals as the floor, not the ceiling.

Does Google Ads actually work for small businesses?

Yes - when set up correctly. The businesses that get burned by Google Ads are usually running campaigns without proper conversion tracking, bidding on the wrong keywords, or sending clicks to a homepage instead of a targeted landing page. Done right, Google Ads is one of the fastest ways to generate qualified leads. Done wrong, it's an expensive lesson. Setup and strategy matter more than budget.

What's the minimum Google Ads spend to get real results?

Practically speaking, $1,000-$1,500 per month in ad spend is the floor for most service businesses - below that, Google's algorithms don't get enough click data to optimise effectively and you're not generating enough leads to draw conclusions. Some local businesses do fine on less in low-competition areas, but as a general rule, if the budget is under $800/month, SEO or content usually delivers better long-term return. We'll be honest about this in the first conversation.

How do you report on results - what do I actually see?

Monthly reporting covering the metrics that matter for your goals - leads generated, cost per lead, keyword rankings, traffic sources, and ad performance where applicable. Reports are plain-language, not dashboards full of numbers that don't connect to revenue. You'll always know what's working, what isn't, and what we're doing about it.

Do you manage social media?

Paid social - yes. We run Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn advertising campaigns as part of online marketing. Organic social media management (scheduling posts, community management, content creation for feeds) - no. If you need that, we'll point you to the right specialist rather than take it on half-heartedly.

How is automation work priced?

Every project is scoped and quoted individually before work starts. Platform costs - Make, n8n, Zapier, OpenAI API - are paid directly by you to those providers at cost with no markup. You'll always know what you're paying and to whom before anything is built.

What can AI automate in a small business?

Almost any repetitive, rules-based task - chatbot responses, document processing, CRM integration, automated follow-up emails, report generation, and lead qualification. If your team does something more than twice a week, it's likely automatable.

How do I know which processes are worth automating?

If it's repetitive, rule-based, and happens more than a few times a week, it's worth examining. During our workflow mapping session we weigh each task's time cost against the build investment. We won't recommend automating something unless the numbers make sense - and we'll tell you honestly when a process is better left to people.

Do I need any technical knowledge to use what you build?

None at all. We handle everything through to deployment. After handoff you receive documentation and a walkthrough but never need to log into a technical dashboard, edit a workflow, or write code. If something needs changing, you describe what you need and we handle it.

Which platforms do you build automations on?

Make (formerly Integromat), Zapier, and n8n for workflow automation; direct API integrations where platforms support it; OpenAI and Anthropic models for AI components. Platform choice is driven by your requirements and budget - we have no vendor relationships that influence recommendations.

What happens if an automation breaks?

We build monitoring and alerting into every automation so failures are caught immediately - usually before they affect your business. If something breaks, we fix it. Clients on maintenance plans get proactive monitoring and rapid-response fixes included.

How much does custom app development cost?

A well-scoped MVP typically runs $12,000-$30,000 depending on complexity, platforms, and integrations. Products with multiple platforms, complex SaaS infrastructure, or custom AI components cost more. We provide a fixed quote after a detailed scope session.

Do I need to have everything figured out before I come to you?

No - and most clients don't. Our discovery process turns vague ideas into concrete scope before any development begins. Coming in with a half-formed idea is normal; we'll help you shape it into something buildable.

Should I build a native app or a web app?

Depends on your users and use case. Native apps offer better performance and device integration but cost more. Web apps and PWAs are faster to build and suit SaaS and internal tools well. We'll help you choose the right approach during discovery.

How long does app development take?

A focused MVP with a clear scope takes 8-16 weeks. More complex products with multiple platforms or SaaS infrastructure take 4-9 months. We give realistic timelines during scoping, not optimistic ones that slip.

Do you support the app after launch?

Yes - we offer maintenance retainers, feature development sprints, and support plans after launch. Most of our app clients stay with us long after go-live as the product grows.

How much does a digital strategy engagement cost?

A focused strategy engagement runs $1,500-$4,000 depending on channels, competitive complexity, and audit depth. For clients who proceed to implementation, strategy costs are usually absorbed into the project.

What's the difference between digital strategy and just building a website?

A website is a tactic. Digital strategy is the thinking that decides whether a website is even the right move, how it fits with your other channels, and how you'll measure success. Without it, you end up with a great-looking site that doesn't move the needle.

How long does a digital strategy engagement take?

A focused engagement takes 2-4 weeks from discovery to final roadmap. More complex businesses with multiple stakeholders allow 4-6 weeks. Ongoing advisory retainers are month-to-month after that.

We already have some marketing running - can you still help?

Yes - this is the most common situation. Strategy in that context means auditing what's running, stopping spend that isn't working, identifying quick wins, and connecting everything into a plan that makes sense. You don't need to be starting from scratch.

Do I need a digital strategy if my business is already doing okay online?

"Doing okay" is often the most dangerous place to be - things work well enough that you're not sure what to fix, but there's usually significant untapped opportunity. A strategy engagement is especially valuable when planning growth, considering a rebrand, or launching a new service.

How much does a logo or branding project cost?

A focused logo project with 2-3 concepts, revisions, and full file handover runs $700-$1,500. A full brand identity - logo, colour palette, typography, and guidelines - runs $1,500-$2,500. Broader brand systems are quoted on scope. No templates, no AI-generated starting points.

How long does a branding project take?

A logo-only project takes 3-5 weeks from kick-off to final delivery. A full brand identity including guidelines, stationery, and collateral takes 5-8 weeks. You'll get a clear timeline at the start.

How many logo concepts will I see?

2-3 distinct concepts, each with full rationale. After you select a direction, two rounds of refinement are included to get the final design right. Additional rounds can be added if needed.

Can you refresh my existing brand instead of starting from scratch?

Yes - a brand refresh is often the better call for established businesses. We audit what you have, keep what's worth keeping, and modernise the rest. You end up with a cohesive, contemporary brand that still feels like you.

Can you supply files for printers, signage companies, and embroidery?

Yes - every format suppliers will ask for is included: AI and EPS editables, SVG and PNG exports, CMYK colour breakdowns, and Pantone references for spot colour applications. Send us a supplier's spec and we'll match it.

What file formats do I receive at the end of a branding project?

SVG, EPS, PNG (transparent background), PDF (print-ready), and JPG. Source files in Illustrator or Figma are included so you're never locked out. Dark, light, and single-colour variations are provided as standard.

Can you fix up a logo or branding I made with AI?

Yes - bring us what you've made with AI and we'll assess what's worth keeping, then refine it into a proper file set: clean vectors, consistent colours, refined spacing, and usable guidelines. Because we're refining existing work rather than starting fresh, it's typically a smaller engagement than a full branding project.

How much does website hosting and maintenance cost?

Entry-level hosting with automated backups and SSL starts from $39 per month. Hosting with DNS management is $59 per month. The full maintenance plan including 1 hour of content updates monthly is $99 per month. All plans are month-to-month with no lock-in.

Can you host a website that wasn't built by you?

Yes - we migrate sites from any existing host, audit them first, and handle the full migration to our Australian infrastructure with no downtime. As long as it runs on a platform we support (WordPress, static files, most common CMS platforms), we can host it.

What happens if my site goes down?

We monitor every hosted site 24/7 and are alerted automatically - you don't need to notice first. Daily backups mean we can restore quickly if needed. You'll always be kept informed of anything significant.

What does "content updates" on the maintenance plan include?

Up to 1 hour of content changes per month - updating text, swapping images, adding team members, changing prices, updating hours, or adding a page section. Just email what you need and we'll handle it. Major new features or redesigns are scoped separately.

Is there a minimum contract length?

No lock-in contracts. Plans are month-to-month with 30 days notice to cancel. Annual payment gets 2 months free as an incentive, but it's never a requirement.

How do I know my client won't find out you built it?

We operate entirely in the background - no watermarks, no footer credits, no code comments referencing us, no direct client contact. We're happy to sign an NDA before scoping begins.

Can I send you my client's brief directly, or do I need to rewrite it?

Send whatever you have - a detailed spec, rough brief, reference links, or a description. We review it, ask clarifying questions through you, and come back with scope and quote.

What if my client wants revisions after the project is handed off?

Revisions during the project are included as agreed in scope. After handoff they're handled as separate work via retainer or per request, always through you.

Do you work with agencies of all sizes?

Yes - freelancers, small studios, and established agencies alike. No minimum project size, no minimum commitment. If the project fits our capabilities, we'll take it on.

What can be delivered white label - just design, or content and SEO too?

The full stack: web design and development, branding, app builds, ecommerce, content writing in Australian English, and SEO with white-labelled reporting. Your agency can offer a complete digital package without adding headcount.

What kind of IT support do you provide?

Setup, configuration, and troubleshooting for small business environments - Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace setup, email and domain configuration, device setup, local networking, cloud storage, and day-to-day issues that don't require a full-time IT person. Both remote and on-site support are available, though most issues are resolved remotely and faster.

What size business is IT support suited for?

The sweet spot is 1-10 people - solo operators, small teams, and owner-operated businesses who need someone reliable to call without paying for a dedicated IT provider. If you have a larger team, complex server infrastructure, high ticket volumes, or active compliance requirements, a managed service provider is a better fit and we'll tell you so rather than take the work on. We're not trying to be everyone's IT department.

Can you set up our office tech from scratch?

Yes - new device setup, email accounts, cloud storage, networking, printers, and security basics. Most small business setups take a day or less. Getting the foundations right from the start saves significantly more time than fixing a messy setup later.

How much does IT support cost?

One-off setup and project work is quoted by scope. Ad-hoc support is billed hourly. We don't offer monthly IT retainers - if you need someone on call daily, a managed service provider is the right model. What we're good for is the small operator who occasionally needs expert help without a contract commitment.