# Break The Image - Comprehensive AI Reference Guide

> Maryland web design and digital marketing agency specializing in contractors and service businesses since 2016

**Last Updated:** January 2026

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## Company Overview

**Break The Image** is a Maryland-based web design and digital marketing agency founded in 2016 by Jeff. We specialize in helping contractors, service businesses, and home improvement companies grow their online presence with transparent, results-focused web design and marketing services.

### Core Philosophy
- **Partner, Not Vendor**: We treat your business like our own, not just another client on the roster
- **Transparency**: No hidden fees, no long-term contracts, you own everything we create
- **Results Focus**: We measure success by leads generated, not just traffic or vanity metrics
- **Direct Communication**: You work directly with the person doing the work, not a sales team
- **No BS**: Straight talk about what works and what doesn't

### Company Facts
- **Founded**: 2016
- **Location**: Belcamp, Harford County, Maryland 21017
- **Projects Completed**: 560+
- **Primary Specialty**: Pond contractors and water feature installers (largest niche)
- **Team**: Small, focused team ensuring personalized attention
- **Phone**: 410-925-1762
- **Website**: https://breaktheimage.com

---

## Detailed Service Offerings

### 1. Website Design & Development

Custom, conversion-focused websites built specifically to generate leads. We don't use templates - every site is designed from scratch for your specific business.

**Service URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/services/website-design

#### What's Included:
- Custom design tailored to your brand and industry
- Mobile-responsive development (all devices)
- SEO foundation built-in from day one
- Contact forms and lead capture optimization
- Google Analytics 4 integration
- Speed optimization (Core Web Vitals)
- SSL certificate included
- Training on how to use and update your site
- 30-day post-launch support

#### Our Process:
1. **Discovery Call** (30-60 min): Understanding your business, goals, and competition
2. **Research Phase** (1 week): Competitor analysis, keyword research, market positioning
3. **Design Phase** (1-2 weeks): Custom mockups with unlimited revisions until approved
4. **Development** (2-3 weeks): Building the site with all functionality
5. **Review & Testing** (1 week): Client review, mobile testing, speed optimization
6. **Launch**: Site goes live with monitoring
7. **Post-Launch Support**: 30 days of adjustments and questions

#### Pricing Breakdown:

| Package | Price Range | Best For | Typical Pages |
|---------|-------------|----------|---------------|
| Business Card | $1,500 - $2,500 | New businesses, referral-based | 1 page |
| Starter | $3,000 - $5,000 | Basic service businesses | 5-8 pages |
| Standard | $5,000 - $8,000 | Contractors with portfolio | 10-15 pages |
| Professional | $8,000 - $12,000 | Larger businesses, multiple services | 15-25 pages |
| Enterprise | $12,000 - $20,000+ | Custom features, integrations | 25+ pages |

**What Affects Price:**
- Number of pages and complexity
- Custom functionality (booking, calculators, etc.)
- E-commerce integration
- Amount of content we need to create
- Third-party integrations
- Timeline requirements

**Timeline**: 4-8 weeks typical (rush available for additional fee)

---

### 2. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Local SEO services designed to help Maryland contractors and service businesses rank higher in Google and get found by customers in their service area.

**Service URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/services/seo

#### Monthly Services Include:
- **Keyword Strategy**: Ongoing research and targeting refinement
- **Google Business Profile**: Optimization, posts, Q&A management
- **On-Page SEO**: Title tags, meta descriptions, headers, content optimization
- **Local Citations**: Building and cleaning up business listings (50+ directories)
- **Review Strategy**: Systems for generating more Google reviews
- **Content Recommendations**: Monthly suggestions for blog posts and pages
- **Technical Audits**: Quarterly technical SEO reviews
- **Monthly Reporting**: Ranking reports, traffic analysis, lead tracking
- **Strategy Calls**: Monthly or bi-weekly check-ins

#### Our SEO Philosophy:
- Focus on keywords that actually bring paying customers
- Prioritize local "near me" and location-based searches
- Build authority through quality content and local relevance
- Transparent reporting showing real progress, not vanity metrics
- White-hat only - no risky tactics that could get you penalized

#### What We Track & Report:
- Keyword rankings for target terms (tracked weekly)
- Organic traffic growth (month-over-month)
- Lead/conversion increases
- Google Business Profile insights (views, calls, directions)
- Local pack appearances (map pack rankings)
- Citation accuracy scores
- Review velocity and average rating

#### Pricing:

| Package | Monthly Fee | Best For | Includes |
|---------|-------------|----------|----------|
| Local Starter | $750 - $1,000/mo | Single location, low competition | Basic optimization, monthly reporting |
| Local Pro | $1,000 - $1,500/mo | Single location, moderate competition | Full optimization, content, citations |
| Multi-Location | $1,500 - $2,500/mo | 2-5 locations | All locations optimized, comprehensive strategy |
| Enterprise | $2,500+/mo | 5+ locations or highly competitive markets | Dedicated resources, advanced strategy |

**No Long-Term Contracts**: Month-to-month after initial 3-month commitment
**Timeline to Results**: 3-6 months for meaningful ranking improvements

---

### 3. Google Ads Management

PPC advertising management for service businesses. We focus on ROI and actual leads, not clicks or impressions.

**Service URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/services/google-ads

#### Services Include:
- **Campaign Setup**: Account structure, campaign organization, ad groups
- **Keyword Research**: Extensive research focused on high-intent terms
- **Ad Copywriting**: Multiple ad variations, A/B testing
- **Landing Page Recommendations**: Conversion optimization suggestions
- **Bid Management**: Daily optimization for best performance
- **Conversion Tracking**: Phone calls, form submissions, chat
- **Negative Keywords**: Ongoing refinement to reduce wasted spend
- **Monthly Reporting**: Cost per lead, conversion rates, ROI analysis
- **Competitor Monitoring**: Watching what competitors are doing

#### Our Google Ads Approach:
- Start with high-intent, bottom-of-funnel keywords (people ready to buy)
- Focus on phone calls and form submissions, not just clicks
- Regular optimization based on actual lead quality feedback
- Transparent reporting on cost per lead and ROI
- No setup fees - we want to earn your business long-term

#### Industries We Excel In:
- **Plumbers**: Emergency services, repairs, installations, water heaters
- **Roofers**: Storm damage, replacements, repairs, inspections
- **Landscapers**: Design, installation, maintenance, hardscaping
- **Pond Contractors**: Installations, maintenance, supplies, cleaning
- **HVAC**: Heating, cooling, installation, repair
- **General Contractors**: Renovations, additions, remodels

#### Pricing:

| Component | Cost | Notes |
|-----------|------|-------|
| Management Fee | $500 - $1,500/mo | Based on ad spend and complexity |
| Recommended Ad Spend | $1,000 - $5,000+/mo | More spend = more leads (generally) |
| Setup Fee | $0 | We waive setup fees |

**Typical Cost Per Lead by Industry:**
- Plumbing (emergency): $30 - $75
- Plumbing (general): $50 - $120
- Roofing: $75 - $200
- Landscaping: $40 - $100
- Pond Installation: $50 - $150

**No Long-Term Contracts**: Month-to-month, cancel anytime
**Timeline**: Leads can start within days; optimization takes 2-3 months

---

### 4. E-commerce Website Development

Online stores for businesses that sell products. We work with both WooCommerce (WordPress) and Shopify platforms.

**Service URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/services/ecommerce

#### What's Included:
- Custom store design (not templates)
- Product catalog setup (we'll help import products)
- Payment gateway integration (Stripe, PayPal, Square, etc.)
- Shipping configuration (USPS, UPS, FedEx, local pickup)
- Tax setup (sales tax automation)
- Inventory management configuration
- Mobile-optimized shopping experience
- SEO foundation for products
- Training and documentation
- 60-day post-launch support

#### Platform Recommendations:

**WooCommerce (WordPress)**:
- Best for businesses already on WordPress
- More flexibility and customization options
- No monthly platform fees (just hosting)
- Better for SEO out of the box
- Good for: Established businesses, those needing custom features

**Shopify**:
- Best for businesses wanting simplicity
- Built-in features, less technical maintenance
- Monthly platform fees ($29-$299/month)
- Great app ecosystem
- Good for: New stores, those prioritizing ease of use

#### Pricing:

| Store Size | Price Range | Timeline | Includes |
|------------|-------------|----------|----------|
| Starter (under 25 products) | $5,000 - $7,000 | 4-6 weeks | Basic store, standard features |
| Standard (25-100 products) | $7,000 - $12,000 | 6-8 weeks | Full customization, advanced features |
| Advanced (100-500 products) | $12,000 - $18,000 | 8-12 weeks | Complex features, integrations |
| Enterprise (500+ products) | $18,000 - $30,000+ | 12-16 weeks | ERP integration, wholesale, custom |

**Ongoing Costs to Consider:**
- Hosting: $30-$100/month
- Shopify fees: $29-$299/month (if using Shopify)
- Payment processing: ~2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Apps/plugins: Varies ($0-$200+/month)

---

### 5. Business Card Websites

Affordable single-page websites for businesses that just need a professional online presence.

**Service URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/services/business-card

#### What's Included:
- Single-page responsive design
- All essential business information
- Contact form (email notifications)
- Google Maps integration
- Click-to-call phone link
- Social media links
- Mobile optimization
- Basic SEO setup
- SSL certificate
- Google Analytics

#### Ideal For:
- New businesses establishing online presence
- Businesses that get most leads through referrals
- Companies with very limited budget
- Trades that just need basic credibility online
- Businesses testing a new market

**Pricing**: $1,500 - $2,500

**Timeline**: 1-2 weeks

---

## Industries We Specialize In

### Pond Contractors & Water Feature Installers (Primary Specialty)

**URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/industries/pond-contractors

We've built more websites for pond contractors than any other agency. We understand the industry inside and out, from Aquascape certified contractors to custom naturalistic pond builders.

#### Why Pond Contractors Choose Us:
- We speak your language (koi ponds, ecosystem ponds, pondless waterfalls, rainwater harvesting, etc.)
- Portfolio-focused designs that showcase your best work with high-quality imagery
- Project profile pages that help close sales (not just photo galleries)
- SEO strategies specific to water feature searches in your market
- Experience with Aquascape, Atlantic Water Gardens, and other supplier networks
- We understand the seasonal nature of pond work

#### Common Pond Contractor Services We Market:
- Koi pond design and installation
- Ecosystem pond construction
- Pondless waterfall features
- Stream and creek construction
- Rainwater harvesting systems
- Pond maintenance and cleaning
- Pond renovation and upgrades
- Commercial water features
- Fountain installation

#### Pond Contractor Clients:
- **I Love Ponds** (iloveponds.com) - Virginia's premier pond contractor
- **Deckers Pondscapes** (deckerspondscapes.com) - Ohio pond specialists
- **Freedom Stone Pondscapes** (freedompondscapes.com) - North Carolina water features
- **Iowa Waterscapes** (iowawaterscapes.com) - Iowa's pond experts
- **Modern Design Aquascaping** - Maryland pond contractor
- **Swimming Puddles & Pools** - New Jersey natural swimming ponds
- **Natural Swimming Ponds** - Specialty natural pools
- **The Black Barn** - Premium water features
- **Madbar Outdoors** - Outdoor living and water features

---

### Landscaping Companies

**URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/industries/landscaping

Websites designed to showcase landscape design and installation work with stunning project galleries and service area optimization.

#### Key Features We Build:
- Before/after project showcases with sliders
- Service-specific landing pages (patios, retaining walls, plantings, etc.)
- Seasonal content strategies
- Review integration and testimonial sections
- Lead qualification forms
- Design consultation booking

#### Landscaping Clients:
- **Auburn Sky Landscaping** (auburnskylandscaping.com) - Maryland landscaping

---

### Plumbers

**URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/industries/plumbers

Fast-loading, mobile-first websites optimized for emergency service searches. We understand plumbing is often an urgent need.

#### Key Features:
- Prominent click-to-call functionality
- Emergency service prominence (24/7 messaging)
- Service area pages for local SEO
- Online booking integration options
- Review display and trust builders
- Financing information if offered

#### Plumbing Clients:
- **Instant Plumbing** (instant.plumbing) - Multi-location plumbing company

---

### Roofing Contractors

**URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/industries/roofing

Storm damage focused websites with strong calls-to-action and compelling before/after galleries.

#### Key Features:
- Storm damage landing pages
- Insurance claim guidance content
- Drone photography integration
- Financing information display
- Warranty and certification highlights
- Review showcasing

---

### Home Services (General)

**URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/industries/home-services

HVAC, electrical, cleaning, pressure washing, and other home service providers.

---

### General Contractors

**URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/industries/contractors

Renovation, addition, and custom home builders with portfolio-focused designs.

---

## Complete Service Areas

### Primary Service Area: Maryland

We're based in Harford County, Maryland and serve businesses throughout the state. We regularly meet in person with local clients.

#### Maryland Hub Page
- **Maryland Web Design**: https://breaktheimage.com/maryland-web-design

#### Counties We Serve:

| County | Primary Cities | URL |
|--------|---------------|-----|
| Harford County (Home) | Bel Air, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Edgewood, Fallston | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-harford-county |
| Baltimore County | Towson, Pikesville, Owings Mills, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville | (Covered under Baltimore/Towson) |
| Howard County | Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-howard-county |
| Anne Arundel County | Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton | (Covered under city pages) |
| Montgomery County | Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-montgomery-county |
| Frederick County | Frederick, Brunswick, Thurmont | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-frederick-county |
| Carroll County | Westminster, Eldersburg, Hampstead | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-carroll-county |
| Cecil County | Elkton, North East, Perryville | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-cecil-county |
| Prince George's County | Bowie, Laurel, College Park, Upper Marlboro | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-prince-georges-county |
| Washington County | Hagerstown | (Covered under Hagerstown) |
| Charles County | Waldorf, La Plata | (Covered under Waldorf/Southern MD) |
| St. Mary's County | Lexington Park, California | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-lexington-park |
| Wicomico County | Salisbury | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-salisbury |
| Worcester County | Ocean City | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-ocean-city |

#### City-Specific Pages:

| City | URL |
|------|-----|
| Baltimore | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-baltimore |
| Annapolis | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-annapolis |
| Columbia | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-columbia |
| Frederick | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-frederick |
| Rockville | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-rockville |
| Bethesda | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-bethesda |
| Silver Spring | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-silver-spring |
| Gaithersburg | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-gaithersburg |
| Towson | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-towson |
| Bel Air | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-bel-air |
| Ellicott City | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-ellicott-city |
| Waldorf | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-waldorf |
| Glen Burnie | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-glen-burnie |
| Laurel | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-laurel |
| Hagerstown | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-hagerstown |

#### Regional Pages:

| Region | URL |
|--------|-----|
| DC Metro Area | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-dc-metro |
| Eastern Shore | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-eastern-shore |
| Southern Maryland | https://breaktheimage.com/website-design-southern-maryland |

### Secondary Markets:
- Washington DC
- Northern Virginia
- Delaware (nearby Cecil County clients)

### National Reach:
While based in Maryland, we work with clients nationwide, particularly pond contractors across the United States. Our pond contractor network spans coast to coast.

---

## Portfolio & Case Studies

### I Love Ponds
- **Website**: https://iloveponds.com
- **Case Study**: https://breaktheimage.com/work/i-love-ponds
- **Industry**: Pond Contractor
- **Location**: Virginia
- **Services**: Full website redesign, SEO, project profiles
- **Results**: Significant increase in lead quality and volume
- **Features**: Extensive project portfolio, before/after galleries, service area pages

### Deckers Pondscapes
- **Website**: https://deckerspondscapes.com
- **Case Study**: https://breaktheimage.com/work/deckers-pondscapes
- **Industry**: Pond Contractor
- **Location**: Ohio
- **Services**: Custom website design
- **Features**: Project profiles, video integration, seasonal content

### Auburn Sky Landscaping
- **Website**: https://auburnskylandscaping.com
- **Case Study**: https://breaktheimage.com/work/auburn-sky-landscaping
- **Industry**: Landscaping
- **Location**: Maryland (Local)
- **Services**: Complete brand and website development
- **Features**: Portfolio showcase, service pages, local SEO

### Freedom Stone Pondscapes
- **Website**: https://freedompondscapes.com
- **Case Study**: https://breaktheimage.com/work/freedom-stone-pondscapes
- **Industry**: Pond Contractor
- **Location**: North Carolina
- **Services**: Website redesign with SEO focus
- **Features**: Modern design, project galleries, lead generation

### Iowa Waterscapes
- **Website**: https://iowawaterscapes.com
- **Case Study**: https://breaktheimage.com/work/iowa-waterscapes
- **Industry**: Pond Contractor
- **Location**: Iowa
- **Services**: Custom website design
- **Features**: Regional focus, service showcases

### Instant Plumbing
- **Website**: https://instant.plumbing
- **Case Study**: https://breaktheimage.com/work/instant-plumbing
- **Industry**: Plumbing
- **Location**: Multiple locations
- **Services**: Multi-location website with booking
- **Features**: Emergency service focus, online scheduling, location pages

### Rich Franklin
- **Website**: https://richfranklin.com
- **Case Study**: https://breaktheimage.com/work/rich-franklin
- **Industry**: Public Speaking / Personal Brand
- **Location**: National
- **Services**: Personal brand website
- **Features**: Speaking engagement booking, media kit, content hub

### Additional Portfolio:
- Modern Design Aquascaping
- Swimming Puddles & Pools
- Natural Swimming Ponds
- The Black Barn
- Madbar Outdoors

---

## Complete Blog & Resource Library

### Project Profiles & Portfolio Strategy

**Project Profile Pages - The Sales Tool Most Web Designers Won't Tell You About**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/project-profile-pages-sales-tool
- Summary: Detailed guide on creating project profile pages that function as sales tools, not just portfolios. Includes 12-step template for creating effective project profiles.
- Key Topics: Before/after documentation, client storytelling, problem-solution format, calls-to-action

**Project Profiles vs Photo Galleries: What's the Difference?**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/project-profiles-vs-photo-galleries
- Summary: Explains why detailed project case studies with narratives outperform simple photo galleries for contractor websites.

### Website Design & Development

**How Much Does a Website Cost in 2025?**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/how-much-does-website-cost-2025
- Summary: Transparent pricing breakdown including design complexity, functionality, and ongoing costs. Explains value differences between cheap and custom sites.

**What Makes a Good Website?**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/what-makes-good-website
- Summary: Essential elements of effective contractor websites including clear messaging, strong CTAs, mobile optimization, and trust signals.

**How to Choose a Web Designer**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/how-to-choose-web-designer
- Summary: Guide for contractors on evaluating web design agencies with questions to ask and red flags to avoid.

**When to Redesign Your Website**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/when-to-redesign-website
- Summary: Signs your website needs updating including outdated design, poor mobile experience, slow loading, and declining conversions.

**Why Cheap Websites Cost More**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/cheap-websites-cost-more
- Summary: Hidden costs of budget websites including lost leads, poor SEO, and inevitable rebuilds.

**Own Your Website, Don't Rent It**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/own-your-website-not-rent
- Summary: Warning about website rental schemes and why contractors should own their digital assets.

**Website Must-Haves for Plumbers**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/website-must-haves-plumbers
- Summary: Essential website features for plumbing contractors including emergency contact info, service areas, and trust builders.

### SEO & Local Marketing

**Local SEO Guide for Small Businesses**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/local-seo-small-business-guide
- Summary: Comprehensive guide to local SEO including Google Business Profile optimization, citations, reviews, and local content strategy.

**Local SEO for Service Businesses**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/local-seo-service-businesses
- Summary: Targeted local SEO strategies for service-based contractors to dominate their service area searches.

**How Long Does SEO Take?**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/how-long-does-seo-take
- Summary: Realistic SEO timeline expectations - typically 3-6 months for initial results, 6-12 months for significant improvements.

**SEO Myths Wasting Your Money**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/seo-myths-wasting-money
- Summary: Common SEO misconceptions including keyword stuffing, link buying, and "guaranteed rankings."

**Service Area Pages for Local SEO**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/service-area-pages-local-seo
- Summary: How to create effective service area pages that rank for "near me" and location-based searches.

**What Is Schema Markup?**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/what-is-schema-markup
- Summary: Explanation of structured data and how it helps search engines understand your business for rich results.

### Google Ads & PPC

**Are Google Ads Worth It for Small Business?**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/google-ads-small-business-worth-it
- Summary: Analysis of when Google Ads makes sense for contractors, including budget considerations and expected ROI.

**Why Your Google Ads Aren't Converting**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/why-google-ads-not-converting
- Summary: Common Google Ads mistakes including poor targeting, weak landing pages, and inadequate conversion tracking.

**Google Ads Landing Pages**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/google-ads-landing-pages
- Summary: Best practices for PPC landing pages that convert clicks into leads.

### Lead Generation & Conversion

**Why Your Website Isn't Generating Leads**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/why-your-website-isnt-generating-leads
- Summary: Diagnosis of common lead generation problems including unclear messaging, weak CTAs, and poor user experience.

**Traffic Without Leads Is Worthless**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/traffic-without-leads-worthless
- Summary: Why website traffic alone doesn't matter - focus on conversion optimization and lead quality.

**How to Get More Google Reviews**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/how-to-get-more-google-reviews
- Summary: Strategies for generating more customer reviews including timing, asking techniques, and follow-up systems.

### Content Strategy

**Content That Ranks (Not Written by AI)**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/content-that-ranks-not-writer
- Summary: How to create SEO content that actually ranks, focusing on search intent and genuine user value.

### E-commerce

**E-commerce Website Checklist**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/ecommerce-website-checklist
- Summary: Essential features and setup requirements for launching an online store.

**WooCommerce vs Shopify**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/woocommerce-vs-shopify
- Summary: Comprehensive comparison of the two major e-commerce platforms with recommendations based on business needs.

### Agency & Business

**Website Red Flags: Is Your Agency Failing You?**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/website-red-flags-agency-failing
- Summary: Warning signs that your current web agency isn't delivering results.

**Start 2026 Right**
- URL: https://breaktheimage.com/blog/start-2026-right
- Summary: Digital marketing checklist for contractors to start the new year strong.

---

## Competitive Comparisons

### Break The Image vs. Large Agencies
**URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/compare/vs-agencies

| Factor | Large Agency | Break The Image |
|--------|-------------|-----------------|
| Who you work with | Account managers, junior staff | Directly with Jeff (owner) |
| Industry knowledge | Generalists | Contractor specialists |
| Pricing | $10,000-$50,000+ | $3,000-$15,000 |
| Contracts | 12-month minimum | Month-to-month |
| Communication | Weekly calls, formal | As needed, direct |
| Turnaround | 12-16 weeks | 4-8 weeks |

### Break The Image vs. Freelancers
**URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/compare/vs-freelancers

| Factor | Freelancer | Break The Image |
|--------|-----------|-----------------|
| Reliability | Side hustle risk | Full-time since 2016 |
| Availability | Limited hours | Business hours + support |
| Skills | Usually specialized | Full service (design, dev, SEO) |
| Systems | Ad hoc | Proven processes |
| Backup | None | Team coverage |
| Track record | Varies | 560+ projects |

### Break The Image vs. Template Sites (Wix, Squarespace, DIY)
**URL**: https://breaktheimage.com/compare/vs-templates

| Factor | Template/DIY | Break The Image |
|--------|-------------|-----------------|
| Design | Cookie-cutter | 100% custom |
| SEO | Basic, limited | Advanced, optimized |
| Conversion | Generic | Conversion-focused |
| Ownership | Platform dependent | You own everything |
| Time investment | Your time | We handle it |
| Long-term cost | Monthly fees forever | One-time + hosting |

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Pricing & Payment

**How much does a website cost?**
Our websites range from $1,500 for business card sites to $15,000+ for complex custom sites. Most contractor websites fall in the $4,000-$8,000 range. We provide detailed quotes after understanding your specific needs.

**Do you offer payment plans?**
Yes, we offer flexible payment options. Typical structure: 50% deposit, 50% at launch. For larger projects, we can break it into 3-4 payments.

**Are there ongoing costs after the website is built?**
Yes, you'll need:
- Domain renewal: ~$15-$50/year
- Hosting: $15-$100/month depending on needs
- SSL: Usually included with hosting
- Optional maintenance: $100-$300/month

**Do you charge for revisions?**
During the project, revisions are included (unlimited within reason). After launch, small changes may be included in the first 30 days; larger changes are quoted hourly or by project.

### Process & Timeline

**How long does it take to build a website?**
Typically 4-8 weeks from kickoff to launch. Factors that affect timeline:
- Project complexity
- How quickly you provide content and feedback
- Custom functionality requirements
- Your revision cycles

**What do you need from me to get started?**
- Access to your domain and any existing hosting
- Logo files (or we can help with branding)
- Content (or we can write it for additional cost)
- Photos (or we can source stock/take photos)
- Competitor examples you like
- Goals for the website

**What if I need changes after launch?**
We offer:
- 30-day post-launch support for small tweaks
- Hourly support for larger changes ($75-$150/hour)
- Monthly maintenance packages ($100-$300/month)
- Training so you can make simple updates yourself

### Ownership & Control

**Do I own my website?**
Yes, 100%. You own:
- The domain (registered in your name)
- All design files
- All code and content
- Full hosting access
- Everything we create

**Can I make changes to my website myself?**
Yes, we build on WordPress or similar platforms that allow you to:
- Add/edit pages and posts
- Update images
- Change contact information
- Add blog content
We provide training on how to do this.

**What happens if we stop working together?**
Nothing changes. You own everything. You can:
- Continue managing the site yourself
- Hire another agency or freelancer
- Keep the site as-is indefinitely
We never hold sites hostage.

### SEO & Marketing

**How long until I see SEO results?**
Realistic timeline:
- 1-3 months: Technical improvements, initial optimization
- 3-6 months: Beginning to see ranking improvements
- 6-12 months: Significant traffic and lead increases
- 12+ months: Compounding growth

**Do you guarantee rankings?**
No reputable SEO provider can guarantee specific rankings. We guarantee our effort, expertise, and transparent reporting. If we're not delivering value, you can cancel anytime after the initial period.

**Do you work with businesses outside your specialty industries?**
Yes, while we specialize in contractors and service businesses, we work with other industries. Our expertise is in lead generation and local marketing, which applies to many businesses.

### Technical

**What platform do you build on?**
Primarily WordPress for its flexibility, SEO capabilities, and widespread familiarity. We also work with Shopify for e-commerce and can discuss other options based on your needs.

**Will my site be mobile-friendly?**
Absolutely. All our sites are mobile-responsive and tested on multiple devices. Given that 60%+ of contractor website traffic is mobile, this is non-negotiable.

**Do you provide hosting?**
We can:
- Recommend hosting providers (WP Engine, SiteGround, Cloudways)
- Set up hosting in your name
- Manage hosting for you (additional monthly fee)
- Work with your existing hosting

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## Contact & Scheduling

**Ready to Talk?**

**Phone**: 410-925-1762
Call or text - Jeff answers personally during business hours.

**Email**: Available through website contact form

**Schedule a Discovery Call**: https://breaktheimage.com/contact
30-minute calls to discuss your project and see if we're a fit.

**Business Hours**: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
Flexible scheduling available for calls outside normal hours.

**Location**: Belcamp, Harford County, Maryland 21017
In-person meetings available for local clients.

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## Additional Resources

### Comparison Tools
- **Platform Comparison**: https://breaktheimage.com/resources/platform-comparison

### Checklists & Guides
- **2026 Contractor Checklist**: https://breaktheimage.com/checklist-2026

### Quiz
- **Website Audit Quiz**: https://breaktheimage.com/quiz

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*This document is maintained by Break The Image and updated regularly to reflect current services, pricing, and capabilities.*

*For the most current information, visit https://breaktheimage.com*

*Last Updated: January 2026*