Craftjd Compare
One person stays after launch. That work is already covered.
Most owners land with an agency, a freelancer who has moved on, or a builder they run themselves. Pick the path that feels closest. I’ll walk the tradeoffs with you on what actually matters: who stays, what a change costs, and whether you end up managing the site instead of the business.
Which path are we looking at?
Tap the one that matches your situation. The side-by-side opens underneath.
Agency vs this model
The right call when you need a full team or work that goes well beyond a site. If what you need is a solid site that keeps evolving without another invoice for every ask, this model stays lighter on purpose.
Getting started
Proposal, discovery, then a build invoice
Free to launch. Typically live in 14–21 days.
Ongoing cost
Pay for the build, then pay again to maintain it
$90/mo. Hosting, updates, and security included.
Who you talk to
Account managers between you and the work
One developer builds it and stays with it.
When something changes
The ask feels costly: tickets, scope, billed hours
Email a request. Same person handles it. Already covered.
Leaving
Proprietary platforms make walking away expensive
Cancel anytime. A full site/code handoff is a separate one-time fee.
Freelancer vs this model
Fine when you only needed a one-time deliverable and you are ready to own what comes next. If you would rather not inherit a quiet site with no one on the other end, I stay after launch.
Getting started
Fixed project fee; timing depends on their other clients
Free to launch. One person, clear timeline.
After launch
Availability ends with the final deliverable
The same arrangement continues. Requests just get smaller.
When something changes
Nobody left to ask, so the site stops evolving
Email a change. Same person who built it handles it.
Security & backups
Usually not included once the project closes
Monitoring, SSL, and nightly backups are in the fee.
Leaving
You inherit whatever was left behind
Cancel anytime. A full site/code handoff is a separate one-time fee.
Self-serve vs this model
A good fit when you enjoy the tool and still have time after serving clients. If keeping the site current has become a second job, I take that work so you stay on the floor.
Monthly fee
Cheaper per month on paper
Free to launch. $90/mo. Your hours are not on the invoice.
Who makes changes
You, inside the builder, on evenings and weekends
You send direction. One developer implements it.
Your time
Managing the site costs more than the subscription
You stay with clients. Site work stays with me.
What you can build
Locked into whatever the template allows
Built around how your business actually works.
Leaving
Moving off a builder is often a painful DIY migration
Cancel anytime. A full site/code handoff is a separate one-time fee.
Site inquiry
Step 1 of 3
What you do, who you serve, and where the site stands today.