- Specializing In Local Business + Remodeling
About Ground Up Websites
Ground Up Websites is a web design and SEO agency based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in custom websites for local businesses. We serve clients nationwide.
Websites Built
Our team has built 650+ custom websites combined, bringing deep experience and proven results to every project.
Annual Visitors
Our hosting infrastructure currently supports 129,000+ website visits annually, ensuring reliable performance at scale.
Faster Loading
Our websites load faster than ~97% of other local sites, delivering a noticeably quicker and smoother experience for your visitors.
Ryan Russo
I started Ground Up Websites because I kept seeing the same problem with local businesses. They were using templates or DIY builders that looked like everyone else's site, broke on mobile, and were missing the technical foundation that actually helps you show up on Google and AI search.
I wanted to give business owners who are serious about their online presence something better: a custom-built site that looks the part, works flawlessly, and is set up right from day one so it can actually be found.
I also knew early on that delivering the best product meant bringing in the best people. So I built a team of designers, developers, copywriters, and SEO specialists who are all experts at what they do. That's how we're able to deliver sites that don't just look great, but perform.
Our Team
Why Clients Choose Us
Every site is designed from scratch for your business. Not a theme with your logo swapped in.
We don't just make it look good. Every page is designed to turn visitors into phone calls and form submissions.
A beautiful site that nobody finds is useless. We build SEO into the foundation so you actually show up on Google.
You'll know exactly what you're paying before we start. Clear pricing, honest timelines, and no long-term contracts tying you down.
Who We Work With
We work with local businesses across the USA.
We have a specialized focus on remodeling contractors.
Why? Well after working closely with contractors, we saw the same problem over and over.
Great builders with outdated & incomplete websites were losing jobs that they deserved.
Even if they weren't the cheapest.
That’s what led us to focus on this niche.
Custom websites are not for everyone.
Think about if your refrigerator breaks. Are you looking for a beautiful website? No.
You're looking for whoever can show up first.
This is not the case for remodeling or custom home builders.
Their customers are researching.
Comparing.
Taking notes.
Comparing to Instagram and Pinterest.
Because we understand how remodeling businesses actually operate.
From estimates.
To project timelines.
To how homeowners actually choose who to trust.
We don’t just design websites that look good.
We design websites that make you the obvious choice.
Based in Sarasota, Florida.
Working with contractors nationwide.
Bringing a proven, refined process to every project we take on.
How We Do Things
We start with a free 30-minute call to understand your business, your customers, and what's not working with your current site.
No templates. We design your site from scratch around your brand, your services, and what actually converts visitors into leads.
We handle hosting, speed optimization, and ongoing support. You focus on running your business.
FAQ
While website builders exist, professional web developers provide key advantages:
- Search engine optimization from the start, helping your site rank higher
- Custom designs that make your business stand out from template-based sites
- Faster loading speeds and mobile-friendly layouts that keep visitors engaged
- Built-in security features to protect your site and customer data
- Professional guidance on design choices that drive sales
- Clean code that’s easier to maintain and update
- Time savings – focus on running your business while experts handle the technical work
Most DIY sites look generic and miss crucial features that help convert visitors to customers. Professional web design is an investment that typically pays for itself through better business results.
The cost of a professional website design and website development typically ranges from $3,300 to $12,000+, depending on:
- Website size: Small business websites start around $3,300-5,000, while larger custom websites can reach $8,000-12,000+
- Web design complexity: Custom website designs cost more than template-based web solutions
- Website content requirements: Professional web content, SEO copywriting, and website photos add to the total web design investment
- Website maintenance: Regular website updates and web hosting may incur additional monthly fees
These web design prices reflect the expertise and development time needed to create an effective business website that drives results.
Local SEO is all about helping your business show up in search results when people nearby are looking for the services you offer. Here’s what it includes:
Google Business Profile Optimization: We make sure your business is listed correctly on Google, with accurate contact info, hours, and a clear description of what you do. This helps you show up on Google Maps and in local searches.
Keyword Research: We figure out what words and phrases people in your area are searching for and use them to help your website rank higher.
On-Page SEO: This means updating your website’s content, titles, and headings to match what people are searching for in your local area.
Local Citations: We list your business in local directories (like Yelp and Yellow Pages) to improve your online presence.
Building Backlinks: These are links from other websites to yours, which helps boost your site’s credibility in the eyes of search engines.
Tracking and Adjusting: We use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor how you’re doing and make adjustments to improve your rankings over time.
Local SEO ensures your business stands out when local customers search for the services you provide. It’s all about getting you more calls, leads, and visits!
Yes, absolutely! I use Elementor, a user-friendly website builder, to make it easy for you to update your site whenever you need. You can edit text, images, and other content without any technical skills.
If you’d rather not handle updates yourself, no problem—I offer ongoing support so you don’t have to log in at all if you don’t want to. I’ll take care of everything for you, ensuring your website stays updated and running smoothly. It’s all about what works best for you!
SEO is a long-term strategy, and the time it takes to see results depends on factors like your industry, competition, and the current state of your website. In most cases, you can start seeing some improvements within 3 to 6 months, but bigger results, like ranking on the first page of Google for competitive keywords, can take 6 to 12 months or longer.
It’s important to remember that SEO builds momentum over time, and the results are lasting. My goal is to create steady, sustainable growth for your business so you’re not just ranking well today, but for years to come!
No, I don’t offer social media or online ad services. My focus is on web design, development, and SEO. However, I’d be happy to point you in the right direction and recommend trusted professionals who can help with your social media or online advertising needs. This way, you can get the best results for every part of your marketing strategy.
