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App builders versus real builds: what actually works
Every month a client asks us about app builders versus real builds. The short answer is: start smaller than you think.
Jul 21, 2026 · 3 min read
The journal
Notes on building, selling and shipping
A curated archive on websites, apps, marketing, competitors — plus food, travel and the rest of life. 500 articles, all published and ready to read.
500 articles published
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A month of Shopify versus a custom store: what changed
Shopify versus a custom store sounds like a big project until you break it into the three decisions that actually matter.
Jul 16, 2026 · 3 min read
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Fixing quote comparisons, line by line when it goes wrong
Quote comparisons, line by line sounds like a big project until you break it into the three decisions that actually matter.
Jun 29, 2026 · 3 min read
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Freelance marketplaces, honestly: our field notes
Freelance marketplaces, honestly sounds like a big project until you break it into the three decisions that actually matter.
Jun 24, 2026 · 3 min read
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How to compare options for web studios versus DIY builders
Web studios versus DIY builders sounds like a big project until you break it into the three decisions that actually matter.
Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read
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No-code tools and their ceilings: the beginner's roadmap
We keep answering the same questions about no-code tools and their ceilings, so we wrote the long version down once.
Jun 2, 2026 · 3 min read
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A better workflow for WordPress maintenance costs
Every month a client asks us about WordPress maintenance costs. The short answer is: start smaller than you think.
May 28, 2026 · 3 min read
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Cheap hosting resellers: myths and reality
Every month a client asks us about cheap hosting resellers. The short answer is: start smaller than you think.
May 11, 2026 · 3 min read
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Hiring an agency versus a studio in one weekend
There is a cheap way, a fast way and a good way to handle hiring an agency versus a studio. Here is how we pick.
May 6, 2026 · 3 min read
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The honest cost of what 'all-inclusive' should mean
We keep answering the same questions about what 'all-inclusive' should mean, so we wrote the long version down once.
Apr 19, 2026 · 3 min read
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Common mistakes with template packs versus custom design
Template packs versus custom design sounds like a big project until you break it into the three decisions that actually matter.
Apr 14, 2026 · 3 min read
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Wix, Squarespace and the trade-offs in real life, not in theory
We keep answering the same questions about Wix, Squarespace and the trade-offs, so we wrote the long version down once.
Apr 9, 2026 · 3 min read
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The complete guide to app builders versus real builds
We keep answering the same questions about app builders versus real builds, so we wrote the long version down once.
Mar 23, 2026 · 3 min read
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Shopify versus a custom store and the customer's point of view
There is a cheap way, a fast way and a good way to handle Shopify versus a custom store. Here is how we pick.
Mar 18, 2026 · 3 min read
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A month of quote comparisons, line by line: what changed
Most of the advice on quote comparisons, line by line is written for companies with a marketing department. This one is written for the rest of us.
Mar 1, 2026 · 3 min read
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The quiet details behind freelance marketplaces, honestly
Every month a client asks us about freelance marketplaces, honestly. The short answer is: start smaller than you think.
Feb 24, 2026 · 3 min read
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Web studios versus DIY builders and why timing matters
Every month a client asks us about web studios versus DIY builders. The short answer is: start smaller than you think.
Feb 19, 2026 · 3 min read
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How to compare options for no-code tools and their ceilings
We keep answering the same questions about no-code tools and their ceilings, so we wrote the long version down once.
Feb 2, 2026 · 3 min read
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What nobody tells you about WordPress maintenance costs
Most of the advice on WordPress maintenance costs is written for companies with a marketing department. This one is written for the rest of us.
Jan 28, 2026 · 3 min read
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A better workflow for cheap hosting resellers
Every month a client asks us about cheap hosting resellers. The short answer is: start smaller than you think.
Jan 11, 2026 · 3 min read
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Before and after: hiring an agency versus a studio
Hiring an agency versus a studio sounds like a big project until you break it into the three decisions that actually matter.
Jan 6, 2026 · 3 min read
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What 'all-inclusive' should mean in one weekend
Every month a client asks us about what 'all-inclusive' should mean. The short answer is: start smaller than you think.
Dec 20, 2025 · 3 min read
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Template packs versus custom design on a small budget
Template packs versus custom design sounds like a big project until you break it into the three decisions that actually matter.
Dec 15, 2025 · 3 min read
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Where Wix, Squarespace and the trade-offs is heading next
Every month a client asks us about Wix, Squarespace and the trade-offs. The short answer is: start smaller than you think.
Dec 10, 2025 · 3 min read
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