You've got a tech stack that mostly works but always has a list of "small things." A landing page that needs an update. A workflow that should be automated but never is. A plugin conflict you've been ignoring for a month. Essentials is the retainer for businesses that don't need a full-time developer but are tired of watching the list grow.

Reserve 10 hours of execution capacity per month, focused on a single platform. Calls and async communication are included and never billed against your hour bank.

Small businesses with an existing site (Shopify, WordPress, Framer) that need consistent care, not constant overhauls

Solo operators who occasionally need a senior developer on retainer but can't justify a bigger engagement

Anyone who's been saying "I'll get to it" for six months and would rather just have someone else get to it

This is the wrong tier if: you anticipate multi-platform work, urgent after-hours issues, or more than ~10 hours of execution in a typical month. Look at Growth or Scale.

10 Execution Hours Per Month — Development, design, and implementation time dedicated to your project.

1x 30-Minute Strategy Call Per Month — Alignment on priorities and progress review (not billed against hours).

1 Platform Focus — Deep expertise applied to your primary platform of choice.

72-Hour Response SLA — Questions and requests answered within 3 business days.

Weekly Async Check-In — Regular status updates and alignment on priorities.

Flexible Monthly Scope — Deliverables defined collaboratively each month based on your current needs.

Overage hours: $150/hr (billed at end of month)

Emergency access: Not available at this tier. Upgrade to Growth or Scale for after-hours escalation.

Core hours: Monday through Friday, 10:30am–4:30pm ET.

Primary channel: Contra messages / Email

Non-urgent messages received outside core hours are addressed first thing the next business day. Your work doesn't lose its place in the queue.

After-hours emergency escalation is not included at the Essentials tier. If you anticipate needing urgent after-hours support, Growth or Scale may be a better fit.