This might seem like a weird article on a site like this. But I'm all about transparency and a geek regarding technology and cost accounting.
This will be insightful for those interested in what it costs to do what I do. Below is a breakdown of my all-in costs for creating this website/business.
Last Update: 2023.11.08
Remember that before this, I have incalculable costs of earning experience, knowledge, and learnings through my Job, Relationships, and Prior Education.
Technology Costs
| Item | Description | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrd | Hosting of my website | $19 | per year |
| Cloudflare | Domain & DNS for my website. | ~$10 | per year |
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(This is a referral link, if you sign up I get a kick back) |
I am a fan of lower intrusiveness into website visitors, and ownership of data. Therefore I don't use google Analytics. Instead I use Fathom, and it works perfectly for me. | per month | |
| DropInBlog | I don't want to mess with WordPress or ghost or anything; I wanted more control over the design of my site, and like Carrd. DropInBlog was a good fit here, and I can integrate it with my newsletter system easily. | $39 | per month |
| Grammarly | Grammar and spelling help for blogs and emails. Gen AI support for editing. It integrates well with iA Writer on desktop | $144 | per year |
| iA Writer | Pure writing program focused on a simple writing experience. | $49 | one time |
| Buttondown | Very simplistic and straightforward newsletter system. I can auto-send my DropInBlogs via RSS. I can email it, and it sends out, etc. Super responsive developer/owner that you can talk directly to if there are any issues. | $9 | per month |
| Google Workspace | I use Google Workspace to manage my email, documents, spreadsheets, etc. | $6 | per month |
| LinkedIn is my main social media, and I will use their newsletter system. It will be the same newsletter that is sent out via Buttondown. | $29.99 | per month | |
| MidJourney | I use MidJourney to generate blog post feature images in "urban sketch" style since that is my favorite art style | $10 | per month |
|
(This is a referral link, if you sign up I get a discounts) |
For scheduling and calendar management between work, this, and personal life I use Reclaim. Their founder is awesome and the support staff is great! | $144 | per year |
Business Expenses
| Item | Description | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Entity & Regiestered Agent | Setup and form my business entity. CPA allows me to use as registered agent. He provides answers year round for no additional charge. | < $500 (Not setting exact price as if you are interested in using him, I'll connect you) | one time |
| Franchise Tax | Arkansas requires franchise tax yearly for LLC | $150 | per year |
| Office Space & Address | I use a local co-working space as my main out-of-home office and address. To meet clients etc. | $25 | per month |
| Account Software | I use Wave Accounting for free. | $0 | per month |
| Taxes | I go through my accountant for tax and business-related questions. He provides answers year round for no additional charge. | < $500 (again not exact price so contact him for details) | per year |
| Mercury | Banking and such. Once we have EIN from IRS after LLC formation, we use it to open Bank account to separate business from personal expenses | However much money you want to put in. | Money goes and comes all the time. But for most of us in business, mostly goes out all the time. |
Soft Skills Costs
| Item | Description | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | I'm always purchasing and reading leading books around Coaching & Leadership. | ~$100 | per month |
| Executive Education | I invest heavily in education to ensure I build the right skills, learn the right strategies, and earn the right credentials. Through Saint Joseph's University and Center for Executive Coaching. | $9,800 | One time |
| Certifications | ICF / BCC / etc. cost to apply for certifications and exams | ~$500 | each |
| Marketing Coach | I'm really bad at setting up marketing funnels. So we as coaches should be willing to invest in our own coaching. This is focused on building a marketing funnel to my core products. | $10,000 | One Time (8 week course). |