Maybe you’ve spent three weekends dragging blocks around a template and it still looks… fine. Maybe a “two-week website” turned into two months of back-and-forth. Or maybe you’ve got a site that loads slow, ranks nowhere, and you can’t change a thing without breaking it.
Here’s the part nobody tells you up front: most DIY and template platforms rent you a website. You pay to build it, then you pay every single month to keep it online — and the day you stop paying, it disappears. Your design is locked to their templates. Your content lives on their servers. You don’t own the thing you built your brand around.
A better website should give you ownership, flexibility, strategy, and a real team behind it. That is how we build at Alchemy Imageworks.
We build on WordPress, the platform that runs roughly 40% of the internet, on infrastructure we manage for performance and security. Your site is an asset you own, not a subscription you rent. Want to take it elsewhere someday? You can. Try that with Squarespace or Wix.
We don’t restyle one of five templates and call it yours. We design around your business, your customers, and how you actually win work.
Design, copy, SEO, Google Ads, hosting, ongoing care, and IT, all under one roof. One team, one invoice, one number to call.
Our Launch package goes live in about a week, typically faster than the “two-week” offers you’ve seen.
The Packages
Most clients land in Signature. But whether you need to be live next week or you're building the flagship, there's a fit.
At a Glance
Launch |
Signature ★ |
Bespoke |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price (CAD) | $2,450 | $4,950 | From $8,500 |
| Typical timeline | 5–7 days | 2–3 weeks | Scoped |
| Pages included | Up to 5 | Up to 10 | Custom |
| Design approach | Framework, styled | Custom design | Fully bespoke |
| You own the website | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile responsive | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| On-page SEO foundations | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Local SEO setup | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full technical SEO build | — | — | ✓ |
| Copywriting support | Worksheet-guided | Polish, all pages | Full collaboration |
| Lead-gen / booking | Contact form | ✓ | Advanced |
| Animation / interaction | — | Light | Scroll / custom |
| Analytics + Search Console | Basic | Configured | Advanced |
| Rounds of revisions | 1 | 2 | Multiple |
| Post-launch support | 30 days | 60 days | Priority |
Optional Add-ons
Standard interior pages, blog posts, or product listings. Volume pricing on 3+ pages.
Sell products or services online with WooCommerce — secure payments, shipping, and tax.
Let clients book and pay for appointments right on your site.
Primary logo, secondary mark, colour palette, font system, and mini brand guide.
Done-for-you, not fill-in-the-blank. Conversion-focused homepage available.
Qualified traffic from day one. Campaign setup and ongoing management available.
Original visuals that aren't stock — custom AI-crafted sets or professional brand photography.
Hosting & Care Plans
Your site is an asset. We keep it sharp when you want us to. Quoted and billed separately from the build. Cancel anytime, take your site with you, never locked in.
Fast, secure Canadian cloud hosting + SSL on DigitalOcean infrastructure.
Weekly updates, security monitoring, malware cleanup, uptime monitoring, and monthly health reports. For clients who already have hosting.
Everything in the Care Plan on optimized cloud hosting — server-level caching, daily off-site backups, and free migration included.
For high-traffic, e-commerce, membership, and mission-critical sites. White-glove tier available.
Why Not Wix or Squarespace?
For some people, they're fine. Here's how to know if that's you.
Template builders like Wix and Squarespace are genuinely good at one thing — getting a basic site online cheaply if you're willing to do the work yourself and live within their lines. If you're a side-project or pre-revenue and just need a placeholder, that might be all you need today. We'd rather tell you that than oversell you.
But here's what tends to bite business owners 6–18 months in:
You pay to build it, then you pay every month forever just to keep it live. Stop paying and it vanishes — there's no "paid-off" version. Over three years those subscriptions quietly add up to more than people expect, and you own nothing at the end.
Want a layout or interaction the template doesn't allow? You usually can't have it — or you pay extra and still hit a wall. Your brand bends to fit their box.
Your content, your design, your SEO history — it all lives on their servers. Moving off later means rebuilding from scratch. That's by design.
When you need something specific — a custom feature, a real SEO push, a fix that matters this afternoon — you're filing a support ticket, not calling a team that knows your business.
What You'll Get
Step-by-step walkthrough for your copy, images, and brand files, down to suggested word counts. No staring at a blank page.
We start with a real conversation about your business, your customers, and what the site needs to do.
After launch you'll know how to update your own site. No tech background required.
We don't vanish on launch day. You've got us for revisions, questions, and fixes while you settle in.
On infrastructure we manage, that you can take anywhere. It's your asset, not our subscription.
The Process
Pick Launch, Signature, or Bespoke and hit Start Your Project — or reach out if you're not sure which fits.
We ask about your business and goals, then send a clear proposal. No ambiguity.
50% secures your spot and start date. Easy, secure checkout.
You get your Guided Content Worksheet and kickoff call. We make this part easy.
You see your site, request your revisions, we refine. Transparent, on-time.
Domain connected, site live, balance settled. We hand you the keys and the training.
Post-launch support included. Add a Care Plan if you want us maintaining it for good.
FAQ
You own what we build, it's custom rather than templated, and there's a full studio behind it for SEO, ads, hosting, and support. Template platforms rent you a site locked to their system; we build you an asset you control outright.
There's no mandatory platform subscription the way template builders require. A WordPress site does need hosting and upkeep, which we offer as an optional Care Plan — a real service you can cancel anytime, with your site portable if you ever leave. The difference is you're paying for service and people, not for permission to keep your own website online.
Launch includes one round, Signature includes two, and Bespoke includes multiple rounds scoped to the project. Clear revision rounds keep your project on time and on budget — and keep our pricing honest. Extra rounds are always available if you want them.
Your logo and brand files, photos, and your content — and our Guided Content Worksheet walks you through exactly what's needed, step by step. Don't have brand assets dialed in? Our brand starter add-on handles that.
Launch sites typically go live in 5–7 business days once your worksheet is in. Signature runs 2–3 weeks; Bespoke is scoped to the build. The clock starts when your content is ready, not when you pay.
Yes — you'll get a training manual and video walkthroughs. Or hand it off entirely with a Care Plan and never think about it again.
No problem — we'll work with what you have or set you up fresh, whichever serves you best.
Yes. Alchemy is a full studio — SEO, Google Ads, managed IT, hosting, and post-production. One team for everything your business needs online.
Whether you need to be live next week or you're building the flagship, let's talk. No pressure, no jargon — just a straight conversation about what your business actually needs.
Start Your Project
A creative digital studio blending strategy, design, and technology to turn ideas into impact.
Michael Ottenbreit is the Executive Operations & Marketing Coordinator at Alchemy Imageworks, bringing a strong foundation in project management, process improvement, and operational leadership to the team. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Michael specializes in building the systems and structure that keep creative and technical work moving smoothly from first contact to final delivery.
His background spans project coordination, continuous improvement, marketing, and client communication, with director-level experience leading operational initiatives and driving measurable results. At Alchemy Imageworks, Michael oversees client outreach and marketing coordination, manages social media strategy and content across the company’s brands, and supports the day-to-day operations that allow the studio to scale without losing its hands-on, relationship-first approach.
Michael is the connective tissue between strategy and execution — coordinating schedules, tracking deliverables, refining workflows, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. He pairs the discipline of a Lean and PMP framework with a roll-up-the-sleeves attitude, equally comfortable mapping out a process improvement or drafting the next client touchpoint.
A committed lifelong learner, Michael holds a Supply Management Training Diploma from the University of Alberta on behalf of Supply Chain Canada, and continues to expand his expertise across operations, marketing, and emerging technology.
At Alchemy Imageworks, Michael’s mission is to bring clarity, consistency, and momentum to everything the team builds — helping clients get the attentive, well-coordinated experience that sets Alchemy apart, and helping the business grow on a foundation of strong systems and reliable follow-through.
Areya is the voice behind Alchemy Imageworks’ educational and multimedia content, bringing clarity, warmth, and precision to every project she leads. With a background in communications and digital media, she specializes in translating complex ideas into engaging, accessible learning experiences.
Her work spans professional voiceover narration, course hosting, instructional video delivery, and long-form content narration—including podcasts and editorial features. Known for her composed presence and articulate delivery, Areya plays a central role in shaping how audiences experience and understand Alchemy’s content. She holds formal training in media communications and voice performance, with additional certifications in digital content production and instructional design. Her approach blends technical understanding with a natural on-camera and vocal presence, ensuring content is not only informative—but genuinely engaging.
At Alchemy Imageworks, Areya serves as a consistent and trusted voice across platforms, helping to elevate the quality, professionalism, and accessibility of every piece of content produced.
Grillot de Givry is a multidisciplinary strategist specializing in the intersection of artificial intelligence, behavioral psychology, and brand systems architecture. With over two decades of experience in digital ecosystems—both real and simulated—Grillot brings a uniquely calibrated perspective to modern marketing, blending data-driven insight with narrative intelligence.
His work focuses on the design and deployment of AI-enhanced marketing frameworks, predictive audience modeling, and adaptive brand positioning strategies. Known for his composed, analytical approach, Grillot operates at the strategic layer—translating complex data into actionable direction for creative and technical teams.
Grillot maintains an active digital presence, where he explores emerging trends in AI, cognition, and the evolving relationship between human perception and machine-generated content.
🎓 Credentials & Education
Shawn McGinnis is a highly skilled developer known for solving complex problems and building efficient technical solutions. As a custom coding specialist, he works across both front-end and back-end development, creating websites that combine strong functionality with refined user experience.
Shawn believes that success in business comes from positive interactions. Whether users are navigating a website or employees are working with internal systems, he focuses on ensuring every experience is intuitive and effective.
Throughout his career, Shawn has worked across multiple industries including broadcast media, journalism, marketing, and digital production. His background includes experience with radio broadcasting, client onboarding, process development, and service deployment.
His diverse experience and ability to identify efficient solutions make him a core member of the Alchemy Imageworks team, helping ensure projects are delivered smoothly and successfully.
Shawn summarizes his approach simply:
“I’m a fixer. If there’s a problem, I want to fix it.”
Roland Baranowski is an experienced Enterprise Architect, Project Manager, and Application Developer with over 16 years of experience designing and developing business web applications and distributed systems using the .NET platform.
A Microsoft Certified Solution Developer, Roland holds a Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) from the Warsaw University of Technology. His strong technical foundation allows him to design robust, scalable systems that support modern digital solutions.
At Alchemy Imageworks, Roland leads application and website development initiatives, ensuring projects deliver both technical excellence and strong user experiences. His strategic approach and technical expertise make him a key contributor to the company’s development capabilities.
Roland also serves as the Chief Technology Officer and Lead Developer for Alchemy Interactive, where he applies his passion for software engineering and gaming to the development of video games. One of his projects includes SAK’D, a metroidvania-style puzzle platformer centered around a character brought to life to save the Realm of Dreams.
Outside of work, Roland enjoys martial arts training and spending time with his two children and his Husky.
Brittany Eros has been an integral part of Alchemy Imageworks for over five years, bringing exceptional expertise and dedication to her role as Chief Financial Officer and Technician. With a sharp eye for detail and a strong commitment to excellence, Brittany helps ensure the financial and operational aspects of the business run smoothly and efficiently.
Her financial management expertise is complemented by deep technical knowledge in computer repair, maintenance, networking, and information technology. This combination allows her to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues quickly and effectively, making her an invaluable resource to both the team and clients.
In addition to her role at Alchemy Imageworks, Brittany owns and operates Alchemy I.T., a sister company focused on computer repair, networking, and business IT support. Through this work, she provides tailored technical solutions for businesses and individuals.
Beyond technology and finance, Brittany is also an accomplished artist and experienced social media strategist. She develops engaging digital campaigns that connect with audiences and support measurable marketing results.
Outside of work, Brittany actively supports animal welfare as a foster and rescuer with Pets in Need Alberta. She enjoys sculpting, drawing, writing, gaming, reading, and exploring films and anime.
Kelly Eros is the founder and creative force behind Alchemy Imageworks, bringing more than three decades of experience across graphic design, web development, digital media, and technology. With a career spanning both creative and technical disciplines, Kelly specializes in building integrated digital solutions that combine strong visual storytelling with reliable technical foundations.
His expertise includes web development, branding, visual design, marketing strategy, and digital media production. Kelly works closely with businesses to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging digital experiences that strengthen brand identity and support long-term growth.
A lifelong learner and multidisciplinary creator, Kelly has extensive experience with the Adobe Creative Suite, web technologies, 3D visualization, and digital storytelling. His work bridges creative direction and technical implementation, allowing projects to move from concept to execution with precision and clarity.
Beyond his professional work, Kelly is deeply engaged in the local community. He has served on the Board of Trustees for the Stony Plain Public Library and regularly participates in community initiatives and events.
At Alchemy Imageworks, Kelly’s mission is simple: combine strategy, creativity, and technology to build digital systems that help businesses communicate clearly, grow sustainably, and stand out in competitive markets.
The result is a clean, organized digital presence that strengthens credibility, supports stakeholder communication, and enhances the overall alliance ecosystem.
This project highlights our ability to build connected, scalable platforms that serve both community-focused initiatives and strategic industry partnerships.
When Attachments & More approached us to rebuild their online presence, we knew it was time to bring bold energy to an industry that often plays it safe online. Led by dedicated owners Darin “Chuck” Holowaychuk and Sharon Holowaychuk, this family-run business specializes in heavy-duty equipment and custom attachments—most notably their growing line of compact loaders and accessories from Avant, one of their premier manufacturers.
Our goal? Deliver a visually impactful, user-friendly website that not only showcases their equipment lineup and services, but positions Attachments & More as a standout in their market. The final result is a vivid, modern, and technically robust site that captures their brand personality and puts them steps ahead of competitor sites in the heavy equipment and compact loader space.
Beyond the design and development, we also navigated a challenging handoff process from a previous developer and hosting company—helping consolidate logins, assets, and systems under one roof for greater control, security, and ease of management for their team.
From the clean navigation and intuitive equipment browsing to the dynamic visual layout that champions their Avant partnership, this build was all about bringing clarity and authority to their online voice—while ensuring the backend runs just as smoothly as the frontend looks.
Today, we’re proud to provide secure hosting, ongoing site maintenance, and continued digital support for the Attachments & More team.
SunsetPoint.ca is a premium real estate development website crafted to showcase lakeside luxury with clarity, elegance, and conversion-focused strategy.
Our objective was to create a refined digital experience that reflects the quality of the development while guiding visitors toward inquiry and investment.
The result is a clean, sophisticated platform that positions Sunset Point as an exclusive opportunity while making it easy for serious buyers to take action.
This project demonstrates our ability to combine design, marketing psychology, and performance-driven development into one cohesive digital experience.
We partner with venues that offer unique and memorable experiences. Our collaboration with The Whitewood Barn, a premier wedding and event space nestled in the heart of Alberta, exemplifies this commitment.
Website Design & Development: We developed a modern, responsive website that captures the rustic elegance of The Whitewood Barn. The site showcases their stunning 40-acre property, featuring a 2,400-square-foot barn, outdoor ceremony spaces, and a clear-roofed Ramada, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of the venue’s offerings.
Website Hosting & Maintenance: To ensure optimal performance and security, we provide reliable hosting services and ongoing website maintenance, allowing The Whitewood Barn team to focus on creating unforgettable events.
This project holds special significance for us. In July 2024, our CEO, Kelly Eros, and CFO, Brittany Eros, celebrated their own wedding at The Whitewood Barn, embracing a medieval-themed ceremony that perfectly complemented the venue’s enchanting ambiance. Their firsthand experience underscores our genuine appreciation for the venue’s charm and the exceptional service provided by owner Chris Ricke and her team.
Working with Shield Fire Protection was a truly rewarding experience. From day one, owner Bill Hansen and Service & Inspection Manager Dan Litrop brought a clear, focused vision to the table. They knew exactly what their website needed to accomplish: communicate professionalism, reinforce trust, and reflect the technical expertise that defines their fire protection services across Alberta.
At Alchemy Imageworks, our role was to translate that vision into a modern, high-performance website that not only looked exceptional but also supported Shield’s credibility and operational goals. We developed a clean, structured, and fully responsive website that showcases their services with clarity, authority, and immediate accessibility. Every component — from page layout and navigation to copy structure and visual hierarchy — was crafted to support both user trust and business growth.
Beyond the build itself, we now provide secure web hosting and ongoing site maintenance, ensuring the Shield Fire Protection website remains protected, fast, stable, and up-to-date year-round. With cyberthreats evolving and online expectations rising, maintaining their digital foundation with enterprise-grade hosting, proactive updates, real-time monitoring, and regular security hardening is essential. Bill and Dan can stay focused on their clients, knowing their online presence is fully managed behind the scenes.
Working with Shield Fire Protection was a win from start to finish — collaborative, efficient, and driven by a shared commitment to quality. We’re proud to support their brand with a website that reflects the strength and reliability of the services they provide throughout Alberta.
We’re excited to highlight our recent work with Sonamu Energy, an emerging leader in Alberta’s evolving energy landscape. Their team approached us with a clear goal: create a digital presence that could speak confidently to the public while also delivering the depth and clarity required to engage potential investors. The result is a modern, data-driven website that communicates innovation, capability, and strategic vision.
Working closely with Sonamu’s leadership, we developed a beautifully branded site that blends clean public-facing design with investor-focused materials, including custom charts, specialized graphics, and detailed data visualizations. These elements work together to transform complex information into clear, compelling insights that support Sonamu’s conversations in both the marketplace and the boardroom.
Beyond design and content, we provided the essential technical infrastructure their growing business needs — including full domain migration, advanced SEO, secure hosting, and ongoing maintenance. The final product is a professional, high-performance website built to scale with Sonamu Energy’s growth and long-term ambitions.
