Software reviews from people who run small websites.
We build and operate a handful of niche sites on a tight budget. These are our notes on the tools that keep them running, and honest research on the ones people ask us about.
Every article is labelled: either the tool is in our stack, or we researched it and say so.
Our actual stack 11 tools
- ElestioManaged servers for our WordPress site and admin toolsPaid
- WordPress + GeneratePressCMS and theme for our closet-design siteFree
- CaddyWeb server with automatic HTTPS for our static sitesFree
- NamecheapDomain registration and DNSPaid per domain
- ResendSending and receiving email on our domainsFree plan
- ClickUpContent calendar and scheduled tasksIn use
- Google Analytics 4Traffic and conversion trackingFree
- Google Search ConsoleSearch performance and indexingFree
- BeMobClick tracking for paid traffic testsFree plan
- fal.aiAI-generated illustrations for articlesPay as you go
- Keywords EverywhereKeyword volume researchPrepaid credits
Latest reviews
New research guides and hands-on notes every week.
- Research guide: not used by us
Brevo review: who the free plan fits, and what paid plans really cost
A research guide to Brevo for small businesses: what the free plan includes, how pricing scales by emails sent, common complaints from users, and when to pick something else.
- Hands-on: in our stack
Resend review: sending and receiving email for a small site on the free plan
We moved a small site's email to Resend for both sending and receiving. Here's what the free plan covers, what the setup really involves, and where it falls short.
