Common Questions

CreativeBuilds is a Wisconsin-based software workshop focused on websites, custom software, mobile apps, and business automation. I build websites and digital tools for small businesses, creators, and teams that need something more useful than another off-the-shelf solution. Most projects are built and supported directly by me, with additional help brought in when a project calls for it. Explore Services.

Yes. Most of my work is remote, and I work with clients nationwide from Wisconsin's Central Time Zone. You get a direct line to the person building your project, regardless of where you're located.

A rough description of what you're trying to build, any existing links or materials, and a little context about where you're at now. If you already have a domain, website, software, or existing tools, send those along too. Messy notes are completely fine. We can sort through the details together. Scope a Project.

You don't have to figure that out before contacting me. If you're not sure whether you need a website, web app, custom software, mobile app, or automation, a Discovery Call is a good place to start. We'll talk through what you're trying to accomplish and figure out what makes sense from there. Book a Discovery Call.

A focused business website often takes around 3–6 weeks, depending on the scope and how quickly content and feedback come together. Custom software, mobile apps, and larger automation projects get a written timeline after we've worked through the scope. Smaller one-time jobs and audits can move faster.

Yes. Start with Free Services if you want an outside look at your current website or online presence. Automated website reports are available now, with deeper analysis and other service audits available as they roll out.

It depends on what you're building. Website design, custom software, mobile apps, and automation projects all have different starting points and scopes. You can find starting prices and package information on the Pricing page. For anything custom, I'll give you a written quote after we understand the project. I won't invent a fixed price before I know what I'm actually building.

Most projects use a 25% deposit before work begins and 75% when you approve the completed deliverable, before launch. Smaller one-time projects may use a 50% deposit because they move quickly. Hosting and Compass support plans are billed monthly or yearly and don't require a project deposit. Read the Terms.

The deposit gets the project moving. Depending on the project, that includes discovery, planning, questionnaires, and an initial sketch or mockup review before the heavy build begins. The goal is to make sure we're building the right thing before spending time building all of it.

Deposits are refundable within 48 hours of payment. Work typically begins within 24 hours of the deposit clearing. Once work has started, the terms of the project agreement apply. Read the Terms.

Yes. Website design and hosting are both handled through CreativeBuilds. I can build your site, deploy it, keep it hosted, and provide ongoing support after launch. That means you don't have to coordinate between a designer, developer, and separate hosting company when something needs attention. Explore Website Services.

Hosting covers the infrastructure and ongoing services that keep your website running. Depending on your plan, that can include hosting, SSL, backups, platform features, maintenance, and support. It's not just a server bill - it's the ongoing cost of keeping your site online and cared for. Compare Hosting Plans.

Upkeep is website hosting and maintenance. It covers the infrastructure and support tied to your website hosting plan. Compass is ongoing engineering support. It's for businesses with live software that need help with bugs, migrations, updates, performance, and small feature work. They're separate services because maintaining a website and maintaining custom software are two very different jobs. Explore Compass.

Yes. You own the work created for your project. CreativeBuilds hosts and maintains websites by default unless your package or agreement says otherwise. If you want your source code or need to move your project elsewhere, you can request it. Any third-party assets, licenses, or services used in your project are documented as part of delivery. Read the Terms.

You own your domain. Before a project starts, we'll decide whether you want to keep your current domain, transfer it, or register something new. If CreativeBuilds hosts your site, I'll help configure the DNS and get everything connected. We'll sort out those details during the project scope so there are no surprises at launch.

You'll work directly with Ryan Baldwin, the developer behind CreativeBuilds. For larger projects, I may bring in additional specialists when a project benefits from extra expertise. The project, communication, and overall direction stay with the same shop. Meet the Team.

Yes. You can start with a free website report to get a quick look at your site's technical and search fundamentals. For a deeper review, DeepSite Analysis looks across more pages and produces a more detailed list of issues and opportunities. If you don't have a website yet, a Presence Audit can help evaluate your current online footprint. Explore Free Services.

Yes. I can work with an existing site when the foundation is worth keeping, or help you figure out when starting fresh makes more sense. That can include redesigns, performance improvements, SEO foundations, hosting changes, and ongoing maintenance. The right answer depends on what's already there. Scope a Project.

First comes the quote and deposit. Then we move into kickoff, questionnaires, and planning. From there, I build the project with checkpoints along the way so you're not waiting until the very end to see what you've paid for. Once everything is approved, we handle the final launch and handoff. You always know what the next step is. See How It Works.

The Early Bird promotion gives the first five website clients 50% off the website build fee. Choose yearly hosting and you'll also receive three months of hosting free. The offer is limited to website projects and does not apply to custom software, mobile apps, or automations. See Early Bird.

The promotion closes and new website projects return to regular rate-card pricing. No fake countdowns and no extended "last chance" offers. Five spots means five. Check Early Bird Availability.

Yes. The 50% website build discount still applies if you choose monthly hosting. The three-month hosting credit is available with yearly hosting plans only.

Bring me the messy version. You don't need a finished plan before you reach out. Bring the spreadsheet that isn't working, the website you don't like, the process your team keeps doing by hand, or just the idea you've been sitting on. We'll figure out where to start. Book a 30-Minute Discovery Call.