welcome to

THE
WEBSMITH

MEET HEXLEYOnce a tech-focused robot, now retired to slower ways. He swapped code and silicon circuits for human-led websites and porch chat. And he's part of the team now.

THIS IS NOT A WEBSITE ABOUT WEBSITES

It is the door to your story.
Shaped carefully.
With your voice guiding my hands.

I don’t specialise in industries. I specialise in humans.

Websites are not just digital brochures. They’re invitations—to see who you are, what you stand for, and how you connect with the people you want your work to reach.

Who builds that space—and how—is an important decision.This is why every site I build begins with exactly the same question:What story are we trying to tell?That story starts with you — and unfolds for those who’ll feel it.The heart of it never changes:
Spark. Soul. Substance.

SUMMARY
Websites are deeply personal.
So is my process.
That's why it works.

Now that you've seen the heart of what I do, here's a clear map to the rest:

• THE WHO & THE WHAT
• THE WORK
• THE WAY I WORK
• THE PRICE & THE PACE
• THE INVITATION
• THE FAQs
• THE CREW

HI! I'M ALEX - AKA THE WEBSMITH.I’ve always been a maker of some kind - photographer, writer, storyteller. But long before websites came into it, I was a psychiatric nurse. People have been my first love for as long as I can remember. Listening, noticing, caring deeply - that’s always been the throughline.I was diagnosed with ADHD at 57, and suddenly, so many things made sense, including why traditional work structures never quite fit. My brain doesn’t run on neat rows and fixed systems. It runs on curiosity, connection, and creative leaps. That’s what makes me a good listener and a slightly unconventional website builder.I never set out to do this work. I just couldn’t find anyone who understood me well enough to build a website that felt like home. So I learned how to do it myself and fell in love with the process. Now I build sites for others. Not flashy. Not formulaic. But real.I live with Billy, a traumatised rescue dog who can’t be left alone, so I rebuilt my life around staying close. He taught me how to slow down. These days, I build from a slightly wonky metaphorical shed - sometimes from my desk, sometimes from the sofa with Billy beside me.WHAT I BUILDStory-led spaces that don’t just say what you do - they show who you are.
Clear, grounded, quietly confident.
Each one shaped with:
– your voice
– your values
– your visionAnd if you’re selling something, I use Payhip - a reliable, elegant system that plays well with creative brains of all kinds.WHAT I BELIEVE:- Your website should sound like you and you are not a template.
- Story comes first. Always. Whoever you are and whatever you do.
- Trust is everything. I take the greatest care of what you’ve entrusted me with - your voice, your ideas, your space.
- Professional doesn’t mean cold. A little humour opens doors, builds trust and keeps overwhelm at bay.WHO I BUILD FOR:- Makers. Thinkers. Overthinkers.
- Neurodivergent creatives.
- Practical problem solvers.
- People who just want someone to sort the website so they can get on with what they do best.WHAT I DON'T DO:- WordPress
- Coding
- Giant e-commerce sites with seventeen dropdowns and three shipping zones per item
- Anything that makes either of us cry by lunchtime!WHAT YOU'LL GET:- a Prep Pack that helps you gather what you already know
- a relaxed Zoom chat
- a site that holds your voice, not just your linksAnd you’re not alone once we launch. If you want, I’ll keep your site “Under my Wing” for easy updates. More about that in the FAQs.WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO WORK WITH METhis isn’t a tech sprint or a big agency process. We talk. I shape. You exhale.One thing you should know:
I get emotionally invested in the sites I build. This is never 'just another job' for me. I pour care, thought and heart into your project and that's why I only take on work that feels like a good fit.Working with me also means your project might evolve a little - in the best way. I might discover new ideas or small adjustments that make it even better. But don't worry: it will always stay true to what we agreed, and true to you.So if you’re looking for authenticity, genuine connection and a corner of the internet that finally gets you, then this might just be your shed too.The door’s open, I've got the kettle on. Let’s build something that breathes.

SUMMARY:
- I’m Alex, The Websmith.
- I craft sites with soul.
- Your voice, your vision.
- Heart over hustle.
- Tailored, not templated.
- Trust is everything.
- Let's make magic real.

• the work

• home

FEATURED PROJECT - JUST BARNABY

This is the first site I built as The Websmith — not just using the name, but fully living the approach.I’ve built websites before. Perfectly fine ones. Solid, serviceable, simple.But this one was different.This one was story-led from the start.
This one built trust before it built pages.
This one was handcrafted in the way I now know I always want to work.Barnaby is nine. He has a workshop, a spark, and a beautiful sense of self.
My job was to build him a safe online space that honoured all three.And in doing that, I also built something else:
The Websmith — for real.

When Barnaby’s mum first got in touch, she introduced me to a nine-year-old with a love of making things from wood — a spark lit in his dad’s factory and fuelled by an enthusiastic teacher who set creative lockdown challenges when Barnaby was just four. She was clear from the start: this wasn’t just about selling pen pots. This was about giving her son’s ideas a place in the world.THE BRIEF
My job was to create a site that felt like him: playful, characterful, and real — with a shop for his products, space for videos, and the sense that this was a little world you could step into. Oh, and it absolutely had to be Barnaby’s favourite shade of green!THE BUILD
We had a family Zoom call (with a prep pack of questions sent ahead of time) and agreed price, scope, and timeframe. Once I had the brief - and had made absolutely sure I understood it - I retired to the shed and got to work. No check-ins. No tinkering. Just trust, creative freedom, and a clear path forward.I built the shop, wrote the stories, added videos and photos, composed a rap about a rogue hex code, and shaped a site full of colour and warmth. One that felt just like Barnaby.THE REACTION
The site was handed over via live Zoom. Barnaby beamed. His mum, despite her earlier doubts about doing the site at all, was blown away. His dad said, simply: “It’s really great” - all of which felt, in that moment, like getting the golden buzzer from Simon Cowell.What followed was a flurry of absolute joy:"Bloody awesome”
“Barnaby is high as a kite”
“I’m still smiling at it - I’ve got nothing done, I keep looking at it.”
“It makes me laugh so much.”
“Love love love it.”
"You just 'got' him. Thank you so much!"Like everything else I do, I was emotionally invested in this project and their delight made it so much easier to kiss the site on its forehead and send it home.And the next morning, from Barnaby’s dad - a successful business owner who didn’t get there by saying yes to work that was anything less than stellar:“I’ve looked over it several times today and it really does look great. I cannot see anything that needs changing for launch.”Not long after, he added something else:“I may have some other work for you...”And just like that, the shed door opened a little wider.THE WEBSMITH AS PROBLEM SOLVER
When things went spectacularly wrong trying to upload it to SiteGround so his dad could host it, I stayed. There was a problem, and I stayed with it, hour by hour, until it was solved.THE BEGINNING
A few days later, Barnaby got his first order. He sent me a video to tell me, glowing with pride. I cried.I will keep that video forever.

You may be wondering why there are no screenshots of the site. The reason is very simple:Just Barnaby is a whole experience, not just a layout.It’s the rhythm of the words, Barnaby’s voice, the humour of the FAQs, the rogue hex code that birthed its own rap song and the joy in the handmade. A screenshot can’t show tone. It can’t scroll and it definitely can’t rap.And so, I invite you to stroll through the site yourself. You’ll see what I mean. Maybe you’ll even buy a pen pot. Like I did.Click below to step inside Barnaby’s world ⬇️ Tell him Alex sent you.

• THE WAY

• HOME

HOW IT ALL WORKS

1. THE LISTENING PHASEYou send me a message. I reply, with curiosity and a genuine interest in your story. If we both feel it could be a good fit, we book a Zoom chat. It’s just a conversation - no pressure, no hard sell.
You talk. I listen. You tell me what this space might need to hold - your work, your voice, your dreams, your shop, and yes - even your quirks.
I ask thoughtful questions, take notes, and (with your permission) record the call so I can capture what matters and revisit it later.Are We a Good Fit?
Let’s find out, because I don’t take on every project, and you shouldn’t settle for a builder who doesn't feel right either.I work with deep focus and intention. If you’re after fast, flashy or coporate slick, you might feel out of place here, and that's ok.But if this sounds like you…
- You want a site that feels like you, not a trend-chasing template
- You’re open to a bit of creative shaping and collaboration
- You’ll send me what I need and trust the process
- You value clarity and calm
- You’d rather hand me the reins than micromanage me into oblivion
...then yes, this is your shed too.

Is the Prep Pack ready?

2. THE INFORMATION GATHERING PHASEIf we decide to work together,
I'll send you:- A clear summary of what we’re building
- A quote based on your actual needs (no package traps)
- The Websmith Prep Pack - your calm, client-friendly guide for sending me what I needWhat I’ll Need From You
To keep things flowing (and avoid inbox chaos), I ask that you send your materials all in one go, or in two parts at most. Don’t worry about polishing every word - scribbles, bullet points, and rambling notes are all welcome as long as the meaning’s clear.If you’re sending photos, videos or audio files, WeTransfer is the easiest way to go.Here’s your checklist:
✍️ Text for each section – drafty is fine, it just has to make sense.
📸 Photos or illustrations – headshots, product shots, process pics, anything that helps us tell your story.
🎨 Logo, colours, fonts – if you’ve chosen them already. If not, we’ll explore together or you can leave it to me.
🛍️ Shop details – if relevant: what you sell, how you’d like people to buy, shipping info, etc.
🧭 Social media links – if you want them on the site.
🌍 Domain name – if you've got one, I'll need it. If not, I'll help you find one that fits.Once everything’s sent, just drop me a message and I’ll confirm it’s all arrived safely.

3. THE CRAFTING PHASEYou’ve sent me what I need. I’ve listened, scribbled, brewed tea, and taken it all in and we've clarified it together. Now it’s my turn. This is where I start quietly shaping your story into a digital space - one that feels like you, works for your people, and flows with your rhythm.My job during this phase?
- I re-read everything - your story notes, your visuals, your voice
- I sketch out the structure and map the feel
- I build gently, deliberately, and often with Billy curled up beside me
- You won’t be flooded with update emails, but you might occasionally hear from me if I need to clarify or confirm anythingThis part of the process often looks quiet from the outside but inside the shed, things are humming.Your job during this phase?
- Go make something beautiful
- Pet your dog (or cat, or kettle)
- Rest your brain
- Trust me to do what I do best

We shape and we sip

4. THE FINISHING PHASE

We’re nearly there, but we don’t hit publish just yet.First, we pause.
We take a breath.
We step back and look at what we’ve made.I’ll send you a private link so you can wander through your new site - on desktop, on mobile, in your own time. Sit with it. Sleep on it. See what lands.Then we check in and ask the big questions:- Does it feel like you?
- Is anything missing — in story, in tone, in flow?
- Do you feel ready to open the digital door?
Only when we both feel it’s right, do we move to launch.Aftercare OptionsIf you’d like me to handle updates after launch, I offer simple, flexible support — no jargon, no stress.Prefer to manage your own hosting and updates? That’s absolutely welcome too.We’ll go through your options and I’ll guide you to the one that fits best.
click here to see the details in the FAQsA Word from Billy:
“This is when she gets emotional and shows me the website, like I know what a website is. I don’t. But I wag anyway.”And finally…
When the site goes live, it’s not the end. It’s the beginning of something true - a space that feels like you, online.

SUMMARY:
- We talk
- You gather
- We clarify
- I build
- We review
- We launch 🥳

• THE PACE & PRICE

• HOME

WHAT DOES A WEBSMITH SITE COST?I price with intention, not instinct. These aren’t churned-out templates — they’re crafted, story-led spaces that hold you.Landing Page / Digital Business Card – from €250
A simple, beautiful scroll. Ideal if you just want to say “hello” with clarity and quiet confidence.Story-Led One-Pager – from €650
Like Just Barnaby — multiple sections, storytelling flow, a shop or gallery, domain setup, and hands-on editing support. Each one is built from scratch and shaped with care.Multi-Page Site – from €900+
More space, more story. Think multiple services, deeper structure, even multilingual builds. We’ll define what’s needed and I’ll quote clearly before we begin.⚠️ I don’t race to the bottom. These aren’t copy-paste jobs — they’re digital homes with heartbeat. I also won’t upsell you glitter you don’t need.How Payment Works
👉 To reserve your spot and begin the prep work, there’s a €150 non-refundable commitment fee once we’ve agreed to work together. This covers the time I spend shaping ideas, planning your build, and holding space in my schedule while you gather your materials.👉When we're ready to begin, your total upfront payment will be 50% of the total build and the €150 commitment fee counts towards that (unless you’ve chosen the €250 plan).👉When I've built the site and we've reviewed it and are ready to go live, you pay the final 50%.HOW LONG DOES IT ALL TAKE?Once we’ve agreed to build your online world and I know what’s needed, I’ll give you an estimated timeframe and we’ll agree a start date.That might be:2 days for a simple one-page landing site
1–2+ weeks for multi-page builds or sites with extra elementsI build with buffers - not to dawdle, but to stay grounded. That way, neither of us gets swept into stress. It keeps things calm, considered and human.👉 Important: I won’t start building until I have everything I need from you. That gives us time to review it together, spot any gaps, and be sure we’re good to go.

• THE INVITATION

• HOME

So Who’s in the Shed?

This isn’t just a one-human operation. It’s a curious little crew, each playing their part in the forge of ideas.ME- THE WEBSMITH HERSELF
Story-led, ADHD-fuelled, and curious as a crow, as my Nana used to say.
I didn’t come from tech. I came from art, emotion, and a deep desire to get it right for people. My compass isn’t code - it’s curiosity.
I ask unusual questions, build without ego, and shape websites that feel like their people, one kettle-boil at a time.BILLY
My shadow and steadfast companion. A rescue with a suitcase full of ghosts he’s still unpacking, Billy needs me close, which is why I work from home, and why every site I build is shaped with loyalty, empathy, and care. He’s the heartbeat of the shed.CERZAI
The kettle. Passive-aggressive, judgemental, and devastatingly ignored. Thanks to my ADHD, I boil her and forget her umpteen times a day. She sighs. Loudly. She’s also harbouring a secret crush on Hexley, though she insists it’s purely intellectual.HEXLEY
Retired from the world of wires and widgets, Hexley is a rusty old robot who decided story > circuitry. He reads prep packs, pours the tea, and reminds me that digital doesn’t have to mean distant. These days, he handles all things hex — especially colour codes. Ask him about #919f70 and he’ll hex-plain how it almost broke the site, the timeline, and possibly the space-time continuum. (There was a rap. There were feelings.)He's living proof that tech can have a soul — and a grudge.GÜNTHER
The spider in the corner. Opinionated. Uninvited. Still here. Offers unsolicited feedback and refuses to move out.

Thank you so much for stopping by.Whether you read every page or just popped in to peek, I’m glad you’re here and I'd love to hear from you.

• HOME

LET'S TALK

So... if this shed feels like yours too — come on in.Whether you're ready to build, figuring things out, or just wondering if we’d get along, send me a message. No pressure, no pitch. Just a quiet hello.You can write in full sentences, bullet points, or something that looks like a shopping list. If it makes sense, it works.A few things to know:
- I don’t check emails at night - but I will reply.
- If I’m mid-build or walking with Billy, replies may take a little time.
- I will respond. Promise!Not sure what to say?
That's ok. The first step is usually a conversation. I'll bring the kettle.And if you’re still deciding…
That’s okay. Take your time. The best work begins with trust.
I’ve had clients who were cautious at first — but by the end, were already asking what else we could build together.

Or use the contact form below if you prefer the magic of invisible pigeons.

Hexley is waiting by our inbox

CONTACT ME

Ready when you are 🤖

• FAQs

• HOME

LEGAL INFORMATION🔐 Privacy Policy
We take the protection of your personal data seriously. Any information you share with us is handled in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and relevant Austrian data protection laws (DSGVO).This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and what your rights are.a. What data do we collect?
If you contact us via email or a contact form, we may collect:
• Your name
• Your email address
• Any other personal information you choose to share in your messageb. How is your data used?
We use your information only to:
• Respond to your enquiries
• Prepare and deliver any agreed services (e.g. website builds, consultations)We never sell your data. We don’t share it with third parties unless it’s essential to delivering our services — for example, domain providers or secure payment processors, and only with your knowledge.c. Your rights
You have the right to:
• Ask what data we hold about you
• Request corrections
• Ask us to delete your personal informationTo do any of the above, just contact us at the email listed in our Impressum.d. Cookies
This site uses cookies to help it run smoothly and to understand how visitors interact with it. For more information, see our Cookie Policy below.e. Data Security
We treat your information with care. Any personal data is stored securely, and we take appropriate steps to prevent unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.⚖️ Dispute Resolution
In the event of a dispute, you can use the European Commission’s Online Dispute Resolution platform:
👉 https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odrWe are not obliged — and not currently willing — to participate in consumer arbitration via a dispute resolution body.

🍪 COOKIE POLICYThis website uses cookies to give you the best possible experience. By continuing to browse, you’re agreeing to the use of cookies — small text files stored on your device to remember useful things for your next visit.What Cookies Do We Use?
• Functional cookies – Help the site run smoothly and remember your preferences
• Analytical cookies – Help us understand how the site is used so we can keep making it betterManaging Cookies
You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. The site will still work, but a few features might sulk or stop behaving properly.

FAQs - ANSWERS FROM THE SHED

BUILDING & PLATFORMSDo I choose fonts, colours, layout?
Yes, but only if you want to. You can be as specific as you like (I’ll reflect your wishes back to make sure I’ve understood), or you can just tell me your favourite colours and let me choose the rest — layout, fonts, the works. You can even leave it all entirely to me.However you’d like to play it, the most important bit is this: once we’ve agreed the direction, I need full creative freedom to build. This isn’t a pixel-by-pixel back-and-forth — it’s a trust-based process.Ask Barnaby how far I went to match his perfect green!What platforms do you use?
Most of my sites are built on my trusted go-to platform — it’s lightweight, flexible, and suits 95% of projects beautifully. For more advanced needs, I use a second professional-grade tool that allows custom builds or export to your own hosting like SiteGround. I do not build in Wix or Squarespace.Can I ask you to build in a specific platform?
Not usually. I build using the tools that allow me to work freely, away from client dashboards. My process doesn’t involve you watching me design — you brief me, I build. For tech-savvy clients who need very specific platforms, we can talk — but my best work happens when I’m trusted to choose the tools.Can you export to SiteGround or similar hosts?
Sure — if your site requires that, I’ll build it using my advanced platform and export the files for upload to SiteGround. I’ll also guide you through the setup.What about domains? Can you help with that?
Yes — and most clients do want help. The easiest and safest route is this:
- You buy the domain in your name, using a registrar like Namecheap.
- You share access or send me the login temporarily so I can point it where it needs to go
- This way you own it and get the renewal emails — no nasty surprises
- If you already have a domain pointing somewhere like SiteGround, I’ll just guide it to your new site (and yes, I’ve danced this DNS dance before)If tech makes you queasy, don’t worry, I’ll talk you through it one calm, clear step at a time.Do you build shops, forms, blogs, galleries?
Yes — I can add simple forms, blogs, galleries, and shop options like Payhip (great for small makers or digital products). I don’t build full e-commerce systems with endless dropdowns, shipping zones, or inventory tracking. If you’re looking at Shopify or similar, let’s talk.➡️ Important: Please send fully edited media — images, video, and audio should be cropped, colour-corrected, and ready to go. I’m very happy to shape words, but I don’t edit videos or fix fuzzy photos.CONTENT & COPY
Can you help me with my content?
Absolutely — send drafts, bullet lists, scribbles, or something that looks suspiciously like a diary entry. I’ll help shape and smooth them into clear, human, search-friendly copy. I’ll also rewatch our Zoom if I need to fill in the gaps.
➡️ But the core message needs to come from you. I can polish, not invent. If I don’t understand what you’re trying to say, your visitors won’t either — so clarity matters more than grammar.What if I don’t know what to say?
Don't worry, that’s what the Prep Pack and our Zoom are for. We’ll uncover what matters together, even if it feels a bit fuzzy at first.LANGUAGE & ACCESSIBILITY
Will you work with clients outside Austria?
Yes! I build for people globally and work in CET time zones online.Can my site be in another language or multilingual?
Yes — your site can absolutely be bilingual or multilingual. I speak fluent German and build in English or German, but for all other languages, I use an excellent and trusted translation tool.➡️ Important note: I prefer to hold all meetings and main communication in my native English — it helps my ADHD brain focus on understanding your story without the extra load of switching languages mid-thought.We’ll either build all versions into one site or link between them — whichever fits best for your visitors.UPDATES & HOSTING
What happens to my site when it's live?
Most clients choose to keep their site with me for simplicity — there's no need to export it unless you want to host it yourself. And if you do, I’m familiar with exporting to standard hosts like SiteGround, and I keep a working copy of your site so I can update it if you wish and re-export when needed.If you want me to handle updates, I offer three “Under My Wing” plans:➡️ These begin once your site is live and can be cancelled after the first year. All tiers are designed for clarity, calm, and continuity. No hourly surprises, no need to learn the tech. Just send your updates and I’ll do the rest.Tier 1 — €120/year For sites hosted on my go-to platform (I manage it for you). Includes up to 12 small updates per year Ideal for low-maintenance sites that stay on my system.Tier 2 — €160/year For sites exported to your own hosting (e.g. SiteGround). I keep a working copy and update it behind the scenes. When you're ready, I re-export and help upload the update.Tier 3 — €180+/year For more advanced builds hosted on a premium platform or exported to SiteGround. This is a custom plan depending on your site and update needs.➡️ Note: Sites not built by me are not covered — but if you need help updating a pre-existing site, get in touch and we'll take a look together.SEO & VISIBILITY
Do you offer SEO?
I don’t sell SEO separately, but I build clear, story-led sites that are human-first and search-engine friendly. We can discuss keywords in the Prep phase.PRICING; REFUNDS & SCOPE
What are your prices?
See Pricing section on the main page — starts at €250, one-pagers from €650, multi-page €900+.Do you offer discounts?
Yes — for non-profits, passion projects, or community-focused builds. Feel free to reach out.What happens if I change my mind or cancel?
When you book a build, I ask for 50% upfront. That deposit is non-refundable — because even if I haven’t begun shaping the site, I’ve likely already started planning, researching, sketching ideas, and thinking in your colours.If you cancel after more than half the work is done, I’ll need to be paid in full. At that point, I’ve poured time and creative energy into shaping something just for you — and that part is real, even if you can’t see it yet.➡️ This is a commissioned process: we clarify your wishes together — through the Prep Pack, the Zoom, and a confirmed brief. Once we’ve agreed, I need creative freedom to do what you’ve asked for. If something doesn’t feel quite right, we talk. I’ll always do my utmost to make it land. But if the issue comes from unclear direction or late-stage second thoughts, that’s on the client, not the build.Will I see drafts? What if I want to tweak the design as we go?
This isn’t a pixel-by-pixel approval process — it’s more like commissioning a portrait. You give clear direction up front (with help from my Prep Pack and our Zoom), then I go away and build it. You’ll get a private preview link in the Finishing Phase to review before launch — and that’s when we tweak. Until then? Trust the process. The shed is sacred.OTHER QUESTIONS
Will you tell me if my ideas are terrible?
Yes — affectionately, and with options for improvement.What kinds of projects won’t you take?
If it contradicts my values — hate speech, discrimination — I’ll pass. Life’s too short for ugly corners online.Are you registered?
Yes. Working under an Austrian trade license; client invoices come in euros.

• THE CREW

• HOME