Notes from Orbit

Notes on shipping
good websites.

Honest takes on web development, SEO, design systems, and running a small business online. Written for operators, not marketers.

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Business · 7 min read

Templates vs. custom builds: how to actually decide

Custom isn't automatically better. Templates aren't automatically cheap. Here's the real decision framework we use with clients.

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Business · 8 min

The real cost of platform lock-in

The cheapest website decision in year 1 often becomes the most expensive in year 3. A framework for thinking about switching costs before they become unavoidable.

Web Development · 6 min

Lighthouse scores that actually matter (and the ones that don't)

Lighthouse grades four categories. Two of them affect Google rankings directly. One affects conversion. One is mostly for developers. Here's how to prioritize.

Business · 10 min

How much does a website actually cost in 2026?

Real numbers for real small and mid-size businesses. DIY, freelancer, agency, and template-hybrid — with ongoing costs included.

Marketing · 8 min

Local SEO in 2026: what changed, what didn't

Google's SERP got messier in 2026 — AI overviews, map packs, and knowledge panels all compete for attention. Here's what still works for local service businesses.

Web Development · 6 min

Why we ship in weeks, not months

Longer timelines don't mean higher quality — they usually mean unclear scope. Here's how we keep projects tight without cutting corners.

Business · 7 min

Monthly retainer vs. hourly billing: which is actually cheaper?

Hourly billing feels like you're only paying for what you use. In practice, it's usually the more expensive option for ongoing work. Here's the real math.

Web Development · 9 min

Next.js vs. WordPress: when to pick which in 2026

Both are valid. Neither is always right. Here's the honest tradeoff for small business websites.

Marketing · 8 min

SEO for service businesses: the honest checklist

Most SEO advice is written for content sites. Here's what actually moves the needle for plumbers, restaurants, and agencies.

Business · 6 min

Why we say no to roughly 40% of prospects

A bad-fit client is expensive for both of us. Here's how we screen inbound inquiries — and why saying no is often the most honest thing we can do.