Phil Kurth
/ Services / Web Design Geelong

Web design in Geelong

I'm Phil Kurth, a Geelong-based web designer and developer with nearly 20 years of experience. I build custom websites for local businesses, professional services, and growing brands. Whether you need a simple business site or a full e-commerce platform, you'll work directly with me from start to finish.

I've been based in Geelong for over a decade, building websites for local businesses and organisations.

When you work with me, you get a real person who understands your market, not an offshore team or a faceless agency.

Why work with a local developer

There are plenty of web design agencies and freelancers to choose from. Here's why working with a Geelong-based developer makes a difference.

Same city, same timezone

I'm in Geelong. If you want to meet in person to talk through your project, that's easy to arrange. If you prefer to work remotely, that works just as well. Either way, we're on the same clock and communication is straightforward.

One person, full accountability

You deal directly with me. Not a salesperson, not a project manager handing your work to a junior. I design it, I build it, I host it, and I support it. One point of contact who knows your project inside out.

Nearly 20 years of experience

I've been building websites professionally since 2007. That includes everything from brochure sites for local tradespeople through to complex platforms for enterprise organisations. I've seen what works, what doesn't, and I bring that experience to every project.

Custom code, not template installs

I don't buy themes and tweak colours. Every website I build is coded from scratch. That means better performance, easier maintenance, and a site that does exactly what your business needs without the bloat of features you'll never use.

Geelong businesses I work with

I've built websites for a wide range of industries and business types. Here are some of the Geelong businesses and organisations that typically benefit most from working with me.

Trades & home services

Electricians, plumbers, builders, landscapers, and other tradespeople who need a professional online presence that generates enquiries. Fast-loading sites with clear calls to action and local SEO built in.

Professional services

Accountants, lawyers, financial planners, consultants, and other professionals who need a site that establishes credibility and makes it easy for potential clients to get in touch.

Health & allied health

Physiotherapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and other health practitioners. I understand the compliance requirements, booking integrations, and trust signals that matter in this space.

Retail & e-commerce

Local retailers and product-based businesses that want to sell online. WooCommerce stores with payment processing, shipping logic, and inventory management tailored to your products and customers.

Not-for-profits & community

Community organisations, sporting clubs, and NFPs that need a website that communicates their mission, handles events or memberships, and is easy for non-technical staff to update.

Growing businesses

Businesses that have outgrown their existing website or are scaling from a solo operation to a small team. I build sites that grow with you, with clear upgrade paths as your needs evolve.

How it works

Every project follows a clear, structured process. No guesswork, no disappearing for weeks. You'll know exactly where things stand at each stage.

1

Initial conversation

We discuss your goals, your audience, and what you need from your website. I'll give you an honest assessment of the best approach and a clear quote.

2

Design & build

I design the visual layout, get your approval, then build it. You see progress along the way and provide feedback before anything goes live.

3

Testing & launch

I test across devices and browsers, verify performance and SEO settings, then handle the deployment. DNS, SSL, redirects, everything.

4

Ongoing support

After launch, I offer managed hosting, maintenance, and ongoing development. Your site stays secure, up to date, and continues to improve over time.

Frequently asked questions

For a fast, secure static website with professional design, pricing starts at $1,500 setup plus $99 per month for hosting and maintenance. Custom WordPress websites with a content management system start from around $5,000 and scale depending on complexity. I provide detailed, upfront quotes after understanding your requirements. No hidden fees.

No. While I'm based in Geelong and many of my clients are local, I work with businesses across Australia and internationally. All my projects are managed remotely with video calls, screen sharing, and clear written communication. That said, if you're local and prefer to meet face-to-face, that's always an option.

Template websites use pre-made designs that are adjusted to fit your brand. They're quicker and cheaper but often come with performance overhead, unnecessary features, and limitations when you need something specific. A custom build is designed and coded specifically for your business. It loads faster, is easier to maintain, and does exactly what you need without the bloat. I offer both approaches depending on your budget and goals.

Every website I build includes technical SEO foundations: clean URL structures, proper heading hierarchy, meta tags, fast page load speeds, mobile responsiveness, structured data markup, and XML sitemaps. These give you a solid base for search visibility. For businesses that want to actively grow their organic traffic, I also offer ongoing SEO strategy and content work.

Yes. I offer managed WordPress hosting on high-performance servers in Sydney with automated backups, security monitoring, SSL, and performance optimisation. You deal directly with me, not a helpdesk. Most of my clients choose to host with me so their developer and hosting provider are the same person.

Need a website?
Let's talk.

From website design and SEO through to custom WordPress plugins and web applications. Nearly twenty years of building for the web, and every project still starts the same way: a conversation about what you actually need.

Phil Kurth, web designer and developer in Geelong