Guides
Guides for owner-run service businesses
Straight answers to the questions owners ask before they spend money on software or a website.
These guides answer what owner-run service businesses ask us most: what custom software and custom websites cost, how long they take, and which one to do first. Each one opens with the short answer and uses our published prices, for businesses anywhere in the United States.
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Websites and software
Do I need a website or custom software?
A website fixes problems outside the business, custom software fixes problems inside it. The signs of each, what each costs, and which to do first.
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Custom software
How much does custom software cost for a small business?
Operational Map $1,500, Build and Install $4,000 to $12,000 at a fixed price, and optional Monthly Optimization. What moves the price and what it costs to own.
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Custom software
How long does a custom software build take?
A one to two week map, then a two to six week build. What makes a build faster or slower, and how to keep it short.
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Custom software
What does AI automation mean for a service business?
Follow-up on every quote and lead, booking reminders, review requests, and inbox triage, inside the tools you already use. What it is not, and what it costs.
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Custom software
How do you choose a custom software developer for a small business?
Six things to check, the questions to ask on the first call, and the warning signs to walk away from before anyone builds your software.
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Custom websites
Custom website vs template: which does a local business need?
When a template is the right call, when a custom site is worth it, and what one costs: Launch $2,500, Signature $6,000, care plans from $50 a month.
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Custom websites
What does a website care plan include?
Care at $50 a month keeps a site up and safe. Care Plus at $250 a month adds updates, small changes, seasonal refreshes, and a monthly report.
Looking for the services themselves? See custom software for owner-run businesses and custom websites.
Not sure where to start
Book a 15-minute call. A few questions about your operation, and an honest answer on whether a website, custom software, or neither is the right next move.
No pitch. No commitment. Just a conversation.
Contact
Tell us how the work flows today
A sentence or two about the business and where things slip is enough to start. We usually reply the same day.