Services
I'm a versatile freelancer specializing in web design and development, creating visually stunning, high-performing websites tailored to your business needs.
Responsive Web Design
Designs that adapt beautifully to every screen.
Your site will look sharp, load fast, and function perfectly across phones, tablets, and desktops—wherever your audience is.2
WordPress1 Development & Maintenance
Custom WordPress solutions built to last.
From custom themes to regular updates, I build and maintain secure, high-performing WordPress sites that are easy to run and ready to grow.
Shopify1 Development
Flexible Shopify builds tailored to your brand.
Get a custom Shopify site that’s easy to manage, optimized for conversions, and built to scale with your business.
HubSpot1 Development
Custom Themes, Modules & Integrations for the HubSpot CMS
Custom HubSpot themes, modules, and integrations built for speed, flexibility, and seamless alignment with your marketing goals.
Technical SEO & On-Page Optimization
Search-friendly foundations, faster performance, better rankings.
Improve visibility and site health with technical SEO best practices, smart on-page strategies, and targeted fixes that enhance speed, structure, and search performance—baked right into your build.
Website Support & Migrations
Tech support for custom-coded, legacy, and non-CMS sites.
Whether it’s static HTML, PHP, or a hand-coded Frankenstein, I keep your site running smoothly—and handle migrations to modern platforms when it’s time to upgrade.
Portfolio
These are a few of my projects, each one fully built, launched, and live.
My Design Process
Here’s my streamlined process for designing new websites and revamping existing ones to ensure a seamless, high-quality outcome.
1. Discovery & Planning
We begin by understanding your goals, target audience, and what success looks like. This helps us create a clear roadmap for your website.
2. Wireframing & Content Strategy
We sketch out the layout and structure of your site to ensure an intuitive user experience. We also outline key content needs and calls-to-action.
3. Visual Design
Here, your brand comes to life. We create polished mockups that show exactly how the site will look across devices.
4. Development
We transform the design into a fully functional website using clean, scalable code—optimized for speed, security, and ease of use.
5. Testing & QA
We test everything—design, functionality, and performance—on multiple devices and browsers. You’ll get a chance to review before launch.
6. Launch & Post-Launch Support
Once you give the green light, we launch your site. We’re available afterward for training, support, or future enhancements.
Experience
28+ years of Web Design & Development experience
Freelance Web Design & Development specialist with extensive experience
Step into the world of digital possibilities with a development partner who’s committed to turning your vision into a high-performing website. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your online presence, boost user engagement, or drive measurable business results, I’m here to help you get there.
Let’s collaborate on a custom digital solution that reflects your brand, connects with your audience, and delivers real impact. Your website should do more than look good — it should work hard for your business.
Have Questions? Visit my FAQ section.
Ready to get started? Let’s bring your project to life!.
Get in touchWeb Design
28 years
UX/UI design
28 years
HTML/CSS/JavaScript
28 years
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor)
25 years
Technical SEO & On-Page Optimization
21 years
WordPress Development
18 years
WooCommerce
14 years
Hubspot Development
2 years
Shopify Development
1 year
About Me
I'm a Full-Stack Web Designer & Developer based in Norwalk, CT.
I'm Vernon Howard, your guide through the ever-changing landscape of the web. With a background in website design, custom WordPress development, and responsive front-end experiences, I help businesses find their footing and chart a course toward lasting success online.
I build fast, SEO-friendly websites designed to align with your business goals—improving usability, boosting engagement, and driving conversions. From the first concept to the final launch, I combine modern design principles with the latest web technologies to deliver scalable, high-performing sites that get results.
Think of me as your digital compass. From first idea to final launch, I blend thoughtful design with the latest development tools to create scalable, high-performing websites. Whether you're navigating a custom WordPress theme, launching a Shopify store, or need a HubSpot CMS solution, I'll help you find the right path—and walk it with confidence.
- Name:
Vernon S. Howard
- Phone:
- Email:
- Experience:
28+ years
- Service area:
Remotely Nationwide (U.S.A. Only)
My Rates
With more than 28+ years of experience, I bring a versatile blend of design and web development skills to every project. Based in the U.S., I offer services at $90/hour, helping you avoid the complexity of hiring multiple contractors. Most projects are priced on a flat-fee basis to provide clear expectations and simplify your budgeting process.
Hourly Rate
- Description
- Best option for projects with uncertain scope or ongoing work.
- Rate
- $90.00/hourBilled out in 15-minute increments
Daily Rate
- Description
- You can book me for the entire day. Contact me to check availability.
- Rate
- $720.00/day8 Hours
Flat Fee
- Description
- Fixed cost estimates based on the scope & requirements.
- Starting At
- from $3600.0050% Deposit Due Upfront
“True value lies not in the hourly rate, but in the quality, efficiency, and results delivered.”
I offer preferred pricing to digital agencies that retain me as a subcontractor for a minimum of 90 days. This retainer model ensures consistent support, streamlined collaboration, and reliable availability for ongoing digital projects. Get in touch to learn more.
| 90-Day Contract Hours | Allotted Hours Every 30 Days | % Discount | Hourly Rate | 90-Day Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 Hours | 40 Hours | 10% | $81.00 | $9,720.00 |
| 240 Hours | 80 Hours | 20% | $72.00 | $17,280.00 |
| 360 Hours | 120 Hours | 30% | $63.00 | $22,680.00 |
90-day minimum contract commitment required for these discounted rates.
Genuine client reviews
Real feedback from agencies, business owners, and teams I’ve partnered with. I focus on clean code, clear communication, and delivering what I promise—here’s what they have to say.
I had the pleasure of working with Vernon on a major project at AAUW, updating the theme on a 600+ site WordPress multisite. Left with an incomplete theme from a previous developer, we were in a tough spot—until Vernon stepped in. He was highly responsive, fixed coding issues, improved functionality, and even developed a custom plugin to track site updates, saving us countless hours. Vernon made a slow, painful project painless and efficient. He was easy to work with, communicated effectively, and delivered top-notch results. I highly recommend him for WordPress development and would gladly work with him again.
Vernon Howard is an outstanding web developer. He was contacted to repair a website theme that had a series of issues. The theme was broken in many ways. It was a huge project with an organization that has 700 sites. Vernon tackled every issue on the poorly constructed theme and repaired every break the theme caused on the sites.
Vernon Howard is the definition of a consummate professional. He has demonstrated himself to be an invaluable partner and asset to the agencies and businesses lucky enough to call themselves his clients. Exceptionally responsive and detail oriented, he is able to quickly join teams and provide immediate value & technical guidance, breaking down complex technical concepts in ways that even the most technologically challenged can understand. As a WordPress wizard, we’ve yet to find a task he can’t handle with his expertise and knowledge. It’s impossible to overstate the value he has brought to our team.
Working with Vernon has been a fantastic experience from start to finish. He worked with our organization to modernize and implement a new theme for hundreds of our websites. He is not only highly skilled in WordPress development but also incredibly responsive, professional, and easy to communicate with. Every detail we requested was handled quickly, and the final result exceeded our expectations. We truly appreciate Vernon's dedication and would recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable and talented WordPress Developer!
I have no reservations about recommending Vernon! He is an excellent programmer/coder—he really knows his stuff! There has not been one challenge Vernon could not meet. He is imaginative and an outside-the-box thinker. I will definitely be using him again in the future!
Vernon is wonderful to work with! He is an expert WordPress developer, incredible with troubleshooting and problem-solving, and very responsive. I highly recommend Vernon and his abilities.
Vernon has been our go-to developer for many years. His knowledge of WordPress, and web development in general, has been a major support for our agency. He is professional in dealing with our clients and always does the research to solve our problems.
Vernon works with us on a lot of our custom client projects, and honestly is the best Wordpress developer we've used. He's professional, efficient, and is very knowledgable on all aspects of the process from the platform, plugins, third party resources, and custom programming. We're a full service design/web studio, so having a developer like Vernon on our team that fits perfectly in our workflow is a bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve compiled a list of common questions I receive from clients. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Pricing depends on the size, features, and platform (Shopify, HubSpot, WordPress, or custom). After a discovery call, I’ll provide a detailed estimate based on your goals and requirements.
The cost does not include domain registration, web hosting, or any subscriptions (i.e., Shopify, Hubspot, Plugins, API usage costs, etc.).
Timelines vary based on the scope of work. When a project includes both web design and development, the process is typically split into two phases:
- Phase 1: Design – Includes discovery, planning, wireframes, mockups, and revisions.
- Phase 2: Development – This phase begins after design approval and includes building, testing, and launching the site.
Most projects take 6–12 weeks from kickoff to launch. If the project includes design, the timeline is contingent on timely feedback, approvals, and the delivery of assets such as logos, copy, and images. Larger or more complex builds — especially those with custom integrations — may take longer.
Yes. Every site I build is fully responsive and optimized for performance across all screen sizes — from mobile to desktop.
I typically build custom themes tailored to your brand and goals. If the budget or timeline calls for it, I can also customize a premium theme to fit your needs.
Yes. Whether your site is on Shopify, WordPress, or HubSpot, you’ll have a user-friendly admin interface for managing your content, products, or landing pages.
Yes. I can migrate your content, rebuild your design, or move you to a new platform with minimal disruption and improved performance.
I take a content-first approach — meaning we start with your messaging, structure, and goals before diving into design. This ensures the site is built around your content, not the other way around.
No, I don’t directly provide branding, logo, or print design services. However, I can refer you to trusted graphic designers and branding specialists if you need support with any of those, including logo design, brand guidelines, business cards, or other print collateral. If you already have branding, I’ll ensure your website reflects it accurately and consistently.
I use Google Meet for scheduled check-ins and project reviews. I’m also available via phone and email. For longer engagements, I can set up a shared board in Trello and/or Slack to keep everything organized.
Yes. I offer platform-specific training (Shopify, WordPress, HubSpot) and provide documentation or recorded walkthroughs. I also offer support retainers for ongoing maintenance or enhancements.
For most clients, I recommend WP Engine or GreenGeeks, depending on your specific needs.
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WP Engine is a top-tier managed WordPress host — fast, secure, and ideal for business-critical sites that need performance and support.
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GreenGeeks is a solid, eco-friendly option that offers great value and reliability for smaller sites or budget-conscious projects.
I’m happy to help you choose the best fit based on your platform, traffic, and goals.
No — when you work with me, you work directly with me. I don’t outsource or offshore projects because I believe your business deserves consistent quality, clear communication, and a developer who’s fully invested from start to finish. That said, if the scope or timeline calls for it — especially when I’m at capacity — I may bring in a trusted design partner. In those cases, I remain your main point of contact and personally oversee all work to ensure it aligns with your goals and my standards.
Both. I regularly work with agencies as a subcontracted developer and also take on direct client work for small businesses, startups, and nonprofits.
At VSHoward LLC, I believe in using my skills to make a difference. That’s why, each year, I will build one pro bono WordPress website for a deserving organization or business. This initiative is my way of giving back to the community and supporting causes that align with my values.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for the pro bono website project, applicants must be based in the United States and meet one of the following criteria:
✅ A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
✅ A U.S. veteran-owned business
Whether you’re a nonprofit working to create positive change or a veteran entrepreneur building something great, I want to help you establish a professional online presence.
Read more here: https://vshoward.me/giving-back-one-pro-bono-website-per-year/
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