3 min read
A Better Way to Work Together
If you’ve ever hired a developer for a fixed-scope project, you probably know the drill: the brief locks in, the deadline looms, and any tweaks feel like pulling teeth—or pulling out your wallet again. That model can work, but it’s often too rigid for the real world.
That’s why many of my long-term clients choose a consulting relationship instead. It’s less about ticking boxes, more about ongoing progress. You get flexibility, input, and a partner who sticks around to help your website grow with your business.
What’s the Difference? Fixed vs. Consulting
Let’s keep it simple.
Fixed Project:
- You get a defined scope and price upfront
- It suits well-contained, one-off jobs
- But once you’re underway, changes mean re-scoping and re-quoting
Consulting Model:
- You get me on call for ongoing development and strategic input
- We can adjust direction as your needs evolve
- You get a collaborator, not just a contractor
One model is transactional; the other is transformational.
The Benefits of Consulting with Me
This isn’t just about hours—it’s about outcomes. Here’s what you really get when we work this way:
- Clarity on what’s actually worth building: I’ll help you avoid wasted effort and dead-end features
- No endless quoting: Need a tweak? We just get on with it
- Faster, sharper delivery: Work flows better when we’re aligned and focused
- Ongoing improvement: I don’t disappear once we go live
- Direct access: No project managers or ticket queues—just a call or message away
It’s a smarter way to work, especially if your website is core to how you operate.
When It Makes Sense
This approach is ideal if:
- You’ve got an evolving roadmap
- You want your site to keep improving, not just sit there
- You care about things like SEO, performance, UX, and functionality
- You’re not after “a website”—you’re after results
If your business is growing, your digital presence should grow too. That’s where this model shines.
Why Clients Stick With Me
Some of my clients have worked with me for over a decade. Why? Because I don’t treat a site launch as the finish line. I’m here to build long-term value.
From ecommerce heavyweights like Stairparts Direct to established online retailers like Oakworld, we’ve tackled everything from app development to speed optimisation and beyond. This isn’t just about websites—it’s about relationships that last and deliver.
More Than Code: Strategic Input That Moves the Needle
Consulting isn’t just about tweaks and tasks. It’s about looking at your site as part of a wider business strategy.
Whether that’s identifying conversion blockers, tightening site speed, or aligning your ecommerce flow with how customers actually buy—it’s all part of the service.
Want proof? My audit work has helped sites increase leads by up to 160% (source).
Limited Hours, Unlimited Value
I only take on a handful of consulting clients—typically no more than 90 hours per month. That means you get dedicated attention without being lost in a queue.
Right now, I’m working closely with two companies. I’ve handled four in the past, but I keep it lean to maintain quality.
So if we’re a good fit, you’ll have my focus—and my full experience, not just snippets.
What It Costs (and Why It’s Worth It)
Pricing is straightforward: you pay for time, not fluff. We track hours clearly, and you only pay for what you need.
Think of it like having a part-time in-house developer and strategist—without the overhead. You get someone who understands your site inside out and helps it evolve without stopping to fill out a quote request every time you want to move a button.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re ready to stop firefighting and start improving, let’s have a quick chat. No pressure—just a chance to see if this model is right for where you’re at now.
Get in touch here or learn more about how I work. Want to see if your site’s even worth salvaging? We can start with an audit and go from there.
