Katherine's Websites in Baltimore: Custom Sites for Local Businesses

Katherine's Websites is a one-person web design firm operating in Baltimore that builds custom sites for small and mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and professional practices. Rather than using templates, Katherine designs and codes each site from scratch, focusing on functionality and conversion over aesthetic trends. The business serves clients across the Baltimore region and beyond, working remotely but grounded in understanding local market needs.

What Katherine's Websites Actually Does

Katherine's Websites handles full-cycle web design: discovery conversations with clients, wireframing, visual design, front-end and back-end development, and post-launch support. The work spans new sites built from zero, redesigns of outdated or poorly functioning existing sites, and targeted additions like e-commerce systems, appointment booking, or membership portals. Katherine also manages hosting and domain setup, reducing the number of vendors clients must juggle. The firm does not offer marketing services like SEO consulting or paid advertising management; it focuses on the website itself as a tool.

Service Scope and Pricing

Custom site projects start at $3,000 for a basic brochure site (5 to 8 pages, contact forms, basic mobile optimization) and typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 for mid-complexity projects involving multiple content types, user accounts, or integration with existing business systems. Larger projects with specialized functionality or extensive custom development can exceed $20,000; pricing is determined during an initial consultation. Katherine offers a tiered maintenance package ($150, $300, or $500 monthly depending on update frequency and support level) separate from the build fee. Most projects operate on a fixed-price model rather than hourly billing, which gives clients cost certainty and aligns Katherine's incentive toward efficiency.

No retainer is required upfront; clients pay a deposit to begin work and the balance upon launch. Katherine does not charge for initial discovery calls or design revisions during the active build phase.

How Katherine's Websites Compares to Other Baltimore Web Design Options

Baltimore has a range of web design services at different price points and service models. Larger digital agencies (often 10+ staff) in Harbor East or Canton typically charge $15,000 to $50,000+ for custom builds and require ongoing monthly retainers for hosting and updates; they excel when clients need integrated marketing strategy or large-scale branding work. Mid-sized boutique firms (3 to 5 people) often charge $8,000 to $20,000 and offer a balance of personal attention and team depth. Katherine's Websites occupies the high-touch solo practitioner tier, competing primarily on direct communication, lower overhead costs, and availability for small business budgets. Choose Katherine for a project under $15,000 where you want one decision-maker and clear accountability; choose a larger firm if you need simultaneous creative, strategy, and development expertise or monthly managed support as part of a broader growth plan.

Who This Service Suits and Who It Does Not

Katherine's Websites works best for Baltimore-area nonprofits, medical and dental practices, home service businesses, law firms, and e-commerce sellers who need a functional, professional online presence but lack the budget for a large agency. Clients should be comfortable with a 4 to 8-week timeline and be willing to provide content (copy, images, business details) upfront; Katherine does not write marketing copy or source photography. The service is not ideal for companies requiring ongoing design iteration, rapid pivots, or integrated brand strategy work, nor for clients who need 24-hour support or a dedicated account manager.

The First Project Process

Initial contact typically begins with an email or phone call. Katherine asks about your business type, goals for the site, existing problems with your current web presence (if any), and rough budget range. A paid discovery session ($200 to $400, credited toward the project fee) clarifies requirements and produces a written scope and fixed quote. Once approved, Katherine builds a clickable prototype, gathers your feedback, refines the design, develops the back-end functionality, and handles testing and launch. The client receives login access to manage content, and Katherine provides a brief training session on updates.

Hours, Location, and Getting Started

Katherine works remotely and is typically available for calls and email Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. No physical office visit is necessary. To inquire, email or visit the website directly. Response time is typically 24 hours on weekdays. Since Katherine operates solo, project availability can fill 4 to 6 weeks ahead during busy seasons; confirm expected start dates during your initial consultation.

Katherine's Websites earns a place in this guide because it represents a practical, accountable alternative for Baltimore small businesses seeking custom web work without agency overhead or long-term retainers.