Websites for independent shops in York and North Yorkshire
Customers check a shop on their phone before they walk in: is it open, do you stock what I need, where is it? I build simple websites for independent shops in York and North Yorkshire that answer those questions and bring people through the door.
Be the shop that says it is open
Picture a gift shop on a market square. Someone is in town for the afternoon and searches "gift shop open now". Google shows a handful, and the ones with clear, current hours get the visit. My sites show an "open now / closed" sign that follows your timetable, including Sundays, late nights and bank holidays, and you change a time or add "Closed Tuesday for stocktake" from your phone in a minute.
Show what is on the shelves
Most small shops do not need a full online store, and I will say so honestly. A page of your best photos, a few categories and a short "just in" list does more for walk-in trade than a catalogue of everything. You update it from your phone when something new arrives.
For a customer who wants something specific, I add an enquiry form: "Do you have this in stock?" It arrives in your email and you reply or set it aside for them. That "reserve and collect" habit suits a lot of independents.
Selling online: be realistic
A full online shop with payments, stock levels and postage is a bigger job and has ongoing costs. It is not included in my £350 price. If you need one, I will quote it separately, or tell you honestly that a platform you pay for monthly may suit better. For many shops, linking to a marketplace page or taking orders by message is enough to start.
Christmas, sales and closures
The busiest weeks are when hours change most. A notice bar for "Open late Thursdays in December" or "Sale starts Saturday" goes up and comes down without calling me. Add a clear map and parking note, and tap-to-call for the person who cannot find the door.
Prices
A new site is £350, half up front and half when you are happy and it is live. A refresh is £250, and fixes start at £60. There is no monthly hosting fee, and the domain is about £10 a year in your name. A care plan at £45 a month covers backups, security updates, monitoring and help with the editor. Read more in my guide to website costs.
Questions people ask
Do I need an online shop?
Not necessarily. Many independents do better with a clear page, current hours and an enquiry form. If you do need to sell online, I quote that separately.
Can customers reserve an item?
Yes. An enquiry form lets them ask about an item, and you reply. You decide whether to hold it.
Can I update what is in stock myself?
Yes. You change text and photos from your phone, such as a "just in" list or a notice.
Do you work with shops outside York?
Yes. I cover York and North Yorkshire, including Harrogate, Ripon, Thirsk, Malton and Selby.
Good shops have a reason people come in. The website only has to show them the way. I cover York and North Yorkshire, from York and Easingwold to Harrogate, Thirsk and Malton. Send me your address, or your Facebook page if you have no site, and I will reply with what I would fix and what it would cost.
Prefer to talk? Ring or WhatsApp 07356 082474, or email [email protected].