Frequently Asked Questions

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About Our Services

What kinds of projects does Link Software take on?

We offer services across three areas: custom web applications (including ERP systems and order management tools), custom client portals and customer dashboards, and custom WordPress development (plugins, themes, and full sites). We also offer WordPress maintenance packages. If you have a software problem that doesn’t fit neatly into those categories, reach out anyway. We’re happy to discuss it.

Do you build mobile apps?

Our specialty is web-based applications that run in a browser on any device, including phones and tablets. We do not currently develop native iOS or Android applications. For most business use cases, a well-built web application works just as well as a native app and is significantly easier and less expensive to maintain.

Do you work with clients on an ongoing basis or only on one-time projects?

Both. Some clients hire us for a single defined project. Others have been working with us long-term, continuously improving and expanding their systems as their business grows. These long-term relationships are common in our work. Software built for a growing business tends to need updates, additions, and refinements over time. Several of our clients have been with us for over 15 years.

Do you offer WordPress maintenance without a custom development project?

Yes. We offer WordPress maintenance packages for existing sites regardless of whether we built them. This includes regular updates to WordPress core, plugins, and themes, plus backups, uptime monitoring, and security checks.

Cost & Pricing

How much does a custom web application cost?

It depends heavily on the scope of the project. A focused single-feature tool, like a customer order tracker embedded on your website, might start in the $3,000 to $6,000 range. A full multi-module ERP system with employee access levels, custom reporting, and third-party integrations is a significantly larger investment, often $30,000 to $60,000 or more.

We give honest, detailed estimates before any work begins. There are no surprise invoices mid-project.

Do you charge hourly or by project?

We typically work on a fixed-price project basis rather than hourly billing when building your project’s initial version. This means you know the total cost before we start, and our incentive is to build the right thing efficiently. For ongoing maintenance or incremental changes after an initial project, we frequently use an hourly or retainer arrangement.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes. We require a deposit before work begins, with the remainder due at defined project milestones or upon completion, depending on project size. Full payment terms are outlined in the project proposal.

Timeline

How long does a project take to build?

Timelines vary by scope. A focused tool or single-feature application can often be delivered in weeks. A more complex system with multiple user roles, integrations, and reporting features typically takes months. We include a realistic timeline in every proposal before work begins.

What causes projects to run over schedule?

The most common cause of delays is scope changes mid-project. Adding features or changing requirements after development has started can cause delays. We work hard to define scope clearly upfront to avoid this, but changes do happen. When they do, we discuss the time and cost impact before proceeding. Delays can also occur if we’re waiting on feedback, access to existing systems, or content from the client’s side.

Working Together

Will I work directly with the developer?

Yes. At Link Software, you communicate directly with the person building your software. There are no account managers, project coordinators, or intermediary layers. This speeds up communication, reduces misunderstandings, and means decisions can be made and acted on immediately.

What information do you need to get started?

The more you can tell us about your current situation, the better. That includes how you’re managing things today, who uses the system, what problems you’re trying to solve, and what you’ve already tried. You don’t need a formal requirements document or technical specifications. A plain-language description of your problem is a perfectly fine place to start.

Who owns the software you build?

You do. All custom code developed for your project is your intellectual property upon final payment. We do not retain rights to resell or reuse your custom-built software.

Technology & Technical Questions

Can you work with my existing systems?

In most cases, yes. As long as your existing software has an API or allows data export. Before proposing an integration, we’ll verify what’s technically possible with your current setup.

Will I be able to make changes to the software myself after launch?

It depends on what the system is built on. WordPress-based projects can often be managed by non-technical users after launch. For custom web applications, basic content updates may be manageable, but core functionality changes will typically require developer involvement. We build admin panels and management interfaces wherever it makes sense to give you control over your own data.

Where will the software be hosted?

Link Software provides hosting for all client projects. Our hosting is comparable to major providers in terms of reliability and performance. We can also deploy to your existing hosting environment or a cloud provider of your choice.

Geographic & Remote Work

Do you work with clients outside of Toledo, Ohio?

Yes. We work with clients across the United States and Canada. All project communication is handled via email, phone, and video calls. Location has not been a barrier for any of our client relationships.

Do you ever meet with clients in person?

For local clients, in-person meetings are available when helpful. For remote clients, video calls serve the same purpose effectively. Most of our project work is conducted remotely.

Still have questions? Reach out and we’ll get back to you within 1 business day.