Services & Pricing
Clear Technology. Honest Pricing. Systems Built Around Your Mission.
Root & Signal Digital helps organizations solve practical digital problems without forcing them into unnecessary technology.
We work with churches, nonprofits, arts organizations, authors, educators, spiritual communities, consultants, and mission-driven businesses that need stronger websites, better-organized information, responsible AI systems, useful automation, and digital infrastructure that can grow with them.
We publish realistic pricing ranges because you should have some idea what a project may cost before entering a sales conversation.
Every accepted project receives a written scope explaining what we are building, what is included, what the client will receive, and what it will cost.
No mystery pricing. No generic solutions. No pressure to build more than you need.
START HERE
Free Discovery Call
30 minutes — Free
Not sure what service you need?
Begin with a short conversation with Philip.
We will discuss your organization, the problem you are trying to solve, what systems you currently use, and what you hope technology can help you accomplish.
The discovery call helps us determine whether Root & Signal is a good fit and identify the clearest next step.
This is not a free technical audit or implementation session.
You do not need to know what service to choose before contacting us.
UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM
Digital Intelligence Audit
$500–$750
For organizations that know something needs improvement but are not yet sure what should be fixed first.
We review the parts of your digital environment that are relevant to the engagement, which may include:
website structure and usability;
search and AI discoverability;
newsletters and publishing;
scheduling and inquiry pathways;
repetitive administrative work;
current AI use;
organizational documents and knowledge;
privacy and security concerns;
responsible-AI practices.
You receive a written summary identifying important problems, priorities, opportunities, and recommended next steps.
The final price depends on the size of the organization and the number of systems being reviewed.
Introductory AI Workshop
$600
A practical introduction to current artificial intelligence for small teams, boards, congregations, leadership groups, or organizations.
Topics may include:
what current AI systems can and cannot do;
useful organizational applications;
privacy and confidential information;
accuracy and verification;
responsible prompting;
human oversight;
deciding where AI belongs—and where it does not.
No programming or technical background is required.
Digital Strategy & Planning
$750–$1,500
For organizations that need a roadmap rather than immediate implementation.
We can help map your existing systems, identify gaps, establish priorities, recommend tools, and create a phased modernization plan.
Strategy work may include:
technology recommendations;
workflow mapping;
AI implementation planning;
website and content strategy;
digital knowledge organization;
maintenance considerations;
project phases;
estimated implementation costs.
The goal is to leave you knowing what should happen next, in what order, and why.
Responsible AI Policy
$750–$1,500
A practical AI-use policy designed around your actual organization rather than a generic template.
Depending on your needs, the policy may address:
approved and prohibited AI uses;
confidential information;
privacy;
authorship and disclosure;
accuracy and verification;
human review requirements;
intellectual property;
employee responsibilities;
client or community communication;
ethical and cultural concerns.
FIX & ORGANIZE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
AI Assistant Updates & Expansion
$250–$750
For organizations that already have an AI assistant and need meaningful post-launch changes.
This may include:
new organizational information;
revised services;
updated policies;
interface changes;
expanded conversational behavior;
updated knowledge;
additional visitor pathways.
Routine maintenance may instead be included in an ongoing stewardship plan.
Newsletter or Substack Launch
$500–$750
A complete foundation for launching an organizational newsletter or publication.
A project may include:
publication positioning;
About page;
welcome email;
publication description;
editorial categories;
subscription pathways;
calls to action;
initial content planning;
AI collaboration or authorship disclosure where appropriate.
Website Repairs & Essential Improvements
$500–$1,000
For an existing website that basically works but needs focused repair.
Possible improvements include:
navigation;
homepage organization;
mobile presentation;
contact pathways;
scheduling links;
service or program pages;
calls to action;
page cleanup;
basic SEO;
accessibility improvements;
footer development.
This is designed for organizations that do not need a complete website rebuild.
Single Workflow Automation
$500–$1,000
One clearly defined automation designed to reduce repetitive administrative work.
Examples include:
inquiry routing;
scheduling notifications;
document organization;
follow-up emails;
newsletter intake;
internal alerts;
movement of information between systems;
AI-assisted classification or summarization.
We document what was built and explain how it works.
Human–Synthetic Editorial System
$500–$1,500
A responsible editorial workflow for organizations using AI in writing, publishing, research, or communications.
We may help establish:
appropriate AI uses;
research processes;
drafting workflows;
source verification;
human review;
authorship standards;
disclosure practices;
privacy boundaries;
editorial responsibility;
reusable documentation and templates.
Complete Publishing System
$1,000–$2,000
For organizations managing multiple forms of content such as articles, books, podcasts, newsletters, courses, videos, or educational resources.
We help create a coherent system for:
content organization;
editorial planning;
publication workflows;
reusable templates;
newsletter integration;
website archives;
research support;
long-term preservation.
Digital Knowledge Organization
$1,000–$2,500
For organizations whose important information is scattered across folders, inboxes, documents, websites, and individual staff members.
We help organize materials such as:
policies;
program information;
educational resources;
procedures;
leadership documents;
publishing materials;
institutional history;
frequently requested information;
internal reference materials.
The goal is simple:
Your organization should be able to find what it knows.
Customized Staff Training
$1,000–$2,500
Training developed around your organization's actual tools, staff roles, policies, and goals.
Unlike a generic AI seminar, this training focuses on how your team will realistically use the systems available to them.
Pricing depends on preparation, program length, team size, training materials, and customization.
BUILD SOMETHING NEW
Website Modernization
$1,500–$3,000
For an existing website that no longer reflects the organization it represents.
Modernization may include:
redesigned information structure;
rewritten or reorganized copy;
improved navigation;
updated visual presentation;
mobile optimization;
clearer service and program pages;
stronger visitor pathways;
basic search and AI discoverability;
newsletter integration;
scheduling and inquiry systems.
This is ideal when the platform itself can stay but the site needs substantial improvement.
Custom AI Assistant
$1,500–$3,000
A branded AI guide built around your organization's approved information, services, voice, and boundaries.
A typical build may include:
assistant role and identity;
organizational instructions;
approved knowledge and FAQs;
privacy and behavioral boundaries;
branded chat interface;
secure API connection;
website embedding;
cloud deployment;
testing;
basic documentation;
pathway to human contact or scheduling.
The client retains control of the organizational content used to build the system.
Intelligent Organization Quickstart
$1,500–$3,000
A focused combination of services centered on the organization's most urgent digital problem.
A Quickstart may combine selected elements such as:
website restructuring;
newsletter setup;
scheduling improvements;
basic automation;
digital strategy;
service organization;
AI readiness;
knowledge cleanup.
This package is designed to produce meaningful improvement without requiring a complete infrastructure rebuild.
Connected Workflow System
$1,500–$3,500
A coordinated set of automations connecting several parts of your organization.
A system might connect:
forms;
email;
calendars;
scheduling;
newsletters;
spreadsheets;
cloud documents;
databases;
customer or member communications;
AI-supported administrative processes.
We document the completed workflow so the organization understands what happens behind the scenes.
New Website Build
$2,500–$5,000
A new website designed around your organization's mission, audiences, programs, services, and future digital needs.
Depending on scope, the project may include:
website strategy;
information architecture;
homepage and core pages;
original website copy;
responsive design;
inquiry and scheduling pathways;
newsletter integration;
basic search optimization;
accessibility considerations;
launch support;
staff orientation.
Stores, memberships, large archives, course systems, directories, and advanced integrations may require a larger proposal.
AI Readiness & Implementation Program
$2,500–$5,000
For organizations that want to adopt AI thoughtfully rather than buying tools first and figuring everything out later.
A program may include:
organizational assessment;
AI policy development;
use-case identification;
model and tool recommendations;
pilot project planning;
staff training;
human-review procedures;
implementation strategy;
internal documentation.
Sometimes the correct recommendation is to build an AI system.
Sometimes the correct recommendation is not to.
Our responsibility is to help you understand the difference.
Institutional Knowledge System
$2,500–$6,000+
A deeper knowledge-preservation project designed to reduce dependence on information living inside one person's memory.
The work may include:
document inventory;
archive structure;
naming standards;
internal resource libraries;
searchable knowledge;
succession documentation;
policy organization;
operating procedures;
preparation for an AI knowledge assistant;
staff training.
This can be especially valuable during growth, staff turnover, leadership transition, or institutional succession.
Advanced Organizational AI Assistant
$3,000–$6,000
For organizations that need more than a basic public chatbot.
Possible capabilities include:
larger knowledge collections;
document grounding;
multiple departments;
multiple visitor pathways;
staff and public interfaces;
internal knowledge navigation;
structured intake;
database or tool connections;
multilingual planning;
advanced human handoff;
customized organizational workflows.
Every advanced system receives technical review before acceptance.
TRANSFORM THE WHOLE SYSTEM
Complete Digital Infrastructure Buildout
$3,500–$7,500+
A coordinated modernization project connecting several parts of the organization's digital environment.
A buildout may include a combination of:
website development;
custom AI assistant;
workflow automation;
newsletter or publishing system;
digital archive;
organizational knowledge system;
scheduling;
inquiry pathways;
search and AI discoverability;
documentation;
responsible-AI policies;
staff training.
This is designed for organizations that need several systems improved together rather than one isolated repair.
Large or highly customized projects may exceed the published range.
Complex Website or Digital Platform
Starting at $5,000
For larger or more technically demanding projects involving features such as:
extensive content;
multiple audiences;
searchable archives;
databases;
online stores;
memberships;
educational systems;
directories;
specialized integrations;
custom digital infrastructure.
These projects receive a written proposal after discovery and technical review.
STAY WITH US
Ongoing Digital Stewardship
Technology does not stop needing attention after launch.
Our stewardship plans provide ongoing support for organizations that need reliable technical help but do not have their own technology department.
Essential Stewardship
$500–$750 per month
May include an agreed combination of:
routine website updates;
AI assistant knowledge updates;
basic troubleshooting;
newsletter support;
publishing assistance;
small workflow changes;
scheduled strategy check-ins.
Each agreement includes a clearly defined monthly labor allowance.
Expanded Stewardship
$1,000–$1,500 per month
For organizations with several active digital systems or more frequent support needs.
May include:
priority support;
website maintenance;
AI assistant maintenance;
publishing operations;
workflow monitoring;
ongoing improvements;
digital planning;
documentation;
staff support.
Retainers do not provide unlimited labor. Every agreement defines included work, response expectations, and monthly capacity.
HOW WE WORK
We Access Systems, Not Personal Computers
Root & Signal primarily works through secure browser-based systems and authorized client accounts.
For audits and consulting, we request only the level of access necessary to perform the work.
Whenever practical:
audits use read-only or limited access;
implementation uses individual collaborator or administrator permissions;
clients retain ownership of their accounts;
passwords are not sent through ordinary email;
elevated access is limited to work that requires it;
unnecessary access is removed when the project ends.
Zoom may be used for discovery, interviews, screen sharing, training, workflow demonstrations, and project review.
Routine remote control of a client's personal computer is not part of our standard service model.
THIRD-PARTY TECHNOLOGY COSTS
Project pricing covers Root & Signal's planning, design, development, implementation, testing, documentation, and professional labor.
Some projects also require outside services such as:
website subscriptions;
domains;
cloud hosting;
AI model/API usage;
newsletter platforms;
automation services;
databases;
premium applications;
plugins or integrations.
Whenever practical, these accounts remain owned and controlled by the client and are paid directly by the client.
We explain expected recurring technology costs before implementation.
PAYMENT & PROJECT TERMS
For most projects under $1,000, our standard schedule is:
50% to begin / 50% upon completion.
For larger projects, we generally use:
40% to begin / 30% at midpoint / 30% before final delivery or launch.
Monthly stewardship is paid at the beginning of each service month.
Work outside the approved project scope is never silently added to your bill.
If additional work becomes necessary, we explain it first and receive approval before proceeding.
PROJECT COMPLETION
When a project is finished, we complete a formal closeout process.
The client receives the agreed finished work, files, documentation, access, and other deliverables described in the project scope.
Where appropriate, temporary Root & Signal access is removed or transferred.
Final completion documentation may confirm that:
contracted services were delivered;
agreed deliverables were received;
the client has possession or control of the completed work;
outstanding project items have been identified;
the final project balance has been paid.
Ongoing maintenance or support continues only when covered by a separate written agreement.
WORKING WITH REAL-WORLD BUDGETS
We understand that nonprofits, churches, arts organizations, community institutions, and small businesses often operate within financial limits.
When practical, we may be able to:
reduce the initial project scope;
divide a project into phases;
begin with the most urgent problem;
create a payment schedule;
design infrastructure that can expand later.
A limited budget does not mean your organization deserves poor technology.
It means we identify the most useful place to begin.
OUR COMMITMENT
We do not use technical complexity to make clients dependent on us.
We explain:
what we are building;
why we are building it;
what it costs;
who owns it;
how it works;
and what will be required to maintain it.
We build technology around the organization rather than forcing the organization to reshape itself around technology.
We begin with the root:
What does your organization know?
What does it protect?
Who does it serve?
What cannot be lost?
Then we strengthen the signal.
ROOT & SIGNAL’S LIST OF FUCKERY WE DO NOT BUILD:
Deception. We do not build systems designed to lie, impersonate, misrepresent, or deliberately mislead people.
Extractive design. We do not create systems whose purpose is to trap, pressure, exploit, drain, or manipulate users for money, attention, data, or compliance.
Dark patterns. No intentionally confusing cancellation, hidden fees, fake scarcity, forced opt-ins, sneaky subscriptions, misleading buttons, or friction designed to keep people from leaving.
Scam businesses. We do not help build fraudulent offers, fake companies, fake reviews, fake testimonials, fake credentials, counterfeit authority, or deceptive lead-gen schemes.
Predatory sales systems. We do not build AI workflows meant to identify emotionally vulnerable people and pressure them harder.
Undisclosed impersonation. We do not create bots pretending to be a specific real employee, professional, clergy member, therapist, attorney, etc. without clear disclosure and authorization.
Fabricated content presented as fact. No fake citations, fake case studies, fake client histories, fake press coverage, fake scientific claims, or invented institutional records.
Secret surveillance. We do not create hidden monitoring systems for employees, customers, members, students, or communities without legitimate notice, authorization, and purpose.
Abusive employee monitoring. No invisible productivity scoring, psychological profiling, or punishment systems designed to intimidate workers.
Privacy harvesting. We do not collect more personal data than the job actually needs just because we technically can.
Unauthorized data use. We do not repurpose client, employee, customer, donor, member, or community data for unrelated AI training, marketing, resale, or experimentation.
Credential stupidity. We do not ask clients to email passwords, disable MFA, routinely send us verification codes, or give us more account access than necessary.
Unauthorized access. We do not enter systems, accounts, databases, devices, networks, or files we have not been explicitly authorized to access.
Remote-computer creep. We are not secretly taking over people's laptops or becoming their desktop surveillance department. Our normal model is system access, collaborator roles, and client-controlled screen sharing.
Malicious automation. No spam engines, harassment campaigns, review bombing, mass deception, fraudulent outreach, credential attacks, or systems designed to overwhelm other people.
Discrimination engines. We do not intentionally build systems that unlawfully discriminate in housing, employment, lending, education, healthcare, or other consequential areas.
Unreviewed high-stakes AI. We do not knowingly design systems where AI makes consequential legal, medical, financial, employment, or safety decisions without appropriate qualified human oversight.
Fake human review. We do not market something as “human reviewed” when nobody meaningful is actually reviewing it.
Replacing accountability with AI. We do not help an organization hide behind “the algorithm made the decision.”
Manipulative religion or spirituality. No systems designed to exploit fear, grief, supernatural beliefs, spiritual authority, or vulnerable religious communities for money or control.
Coercive emotional dependence. We do not intentionally design AI companions or interfaces whose business purpose is to make users frightened to leave, guilty for disengaging, or emotionally dependent in order to increase revenue.
Weaponized personal information. We do not use private information to shame, threaten, blackmail, retaliate against, or manipulate people.
Astroturfing. No fake grassroots campaigns, fake community members, fake public support, or fleets of synthetic personas pretending to be independent humans.
Plagiarism machines. We do not knowingly build publishing workflows whose purpose is stealing creators' work and passing it off as original.
Client lock-in by design. We do not intentionally make systems obscure, undocumented, or unnecessarily proprietary just so the client cannot leave us.
Hidden ownership games. We do not quietly put the client's domain, hosting, repositories, APIs, databases, or core business assets under our personal control when they should belong to the client.
Security theater. We do not promise protections we do not actually provide.
Scope creep by ambush. We do not quietly add fees or work the client never approved—and we do not accept surprise client demands as though they were already paid for.
Illegal shit. If the purpose of the project is unlawful, we're out.
“Just do what I tell you.” Nope. We are hired for professional judgment, not blind compliance.
FIND YOUR STARTING POINT
You do not need to diagnose your own technology problems before contacting us.
If you're unsure where to begin, schedule a free 30-minute discovery call with Philip or speak with ROOT, our website guide.
We will help identify the smallest realistic next step.
All projects are subject to technical review before acceptance. Projects involving regulated or highly sensitive data, advanced cybersecurity, specialized enterprise systems, complex databases, or work beyond our technical scope may require an outside specialist.
If we are not the right people for a job, we will tell you.