Thoughts & Tactics

TheJournal

Deep dives, hot takes, and hard-won lessons from the trenches of building websites that actually work.

The Truth About "Custom" Websites in Kansas City

Templates, Rentals, and the Asset Alternative

Most Kansas City business owners have no idea how their 'custom' website was actually made. This post breaks down what's really going on in the local market.

Jan 2, 2026

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Why KC Businesses Are Ditching WordPress

The hidden costs of WordPress templates are bleeding contractors dry.

Dec 28, 20258 min

Technical

0.4s Load Times: The Technical Deep Dive

Next.js 15, Edge Networks, and why SSR is non-negotiable for local SEO.

Dec 20, 202512 min

Case Study

The $47K Plumber: A KC Case Study

How one Overland Park plumber recovered lost revenue with automated SMS.

Dec 15, 20256 min

SEO

Local SEO in 2026: The KC Playbook

Dominate the Map Pack in Leawood, the Plaza, and beyond.

Dec 10, 202510 min

Fuel the Chaos

"I told my kids I'm a developer. They said, 'Cool, can you develop some dinner?'"

Hey, I'm just a solo dev and stay-at-home dad trying to build cool stuff while keeping tiny humans alive. If this content helped you out, consider buying me a coffee—or funding my kids' endless snack demands. No pressure, just gratitude.

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Every sat goes toward goldfish crackersv1.0.0-dad-mode

Weekly Drops

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