What a small business automation consultant costs
Plain numbers for what workflow automation really costs: single workflows from $500, pipelines from $1,500, rebuilds quoted. No per-task surprises.
Nikolas Gannon · · 1 min read · Automation
Most small businesses ask one question before anything else: what does this cost? Here is the plain answer.
The three shapes of work
Single workflow, from $500. One end-to-end automation, built in your tools, live in 5 to 7 business days. This is the entry point: one repeated step, one loop, one clear price.
AI pipeline and lead routing, from $1,500. Lead routing, AI sorting and follow-up cadences across your CRM, inbox and calendar. For businesses where enquiries are the machine.
Systems rebuilds and migrations, quoted. Full migrations off unstable, expensive stacks, including PHP sites to static builds. Retainers from about $500 a month if you want me to keep it running.
For a deeper look, see Automation ROI: how to calculate it.
What is always included
Fixed price before any work starts. Built in your accounts, under your ownership. Edge-case testing before anything goes live. Documentation and training so your team can run it without me.
What is never included
Per-task consumption taxes, hidden retainers or surprise overages. If you own it, you own it.
All prices are in Australian dollars and quoted ex GST. The price on a single workflow is fixed, not an hourly estimate.
If you want your exact numbers, that is what the free systems audit is for. Fifteen minutes, and you walk away with the two or three simplifications that fit your business, and what they would cost.
Free resource: Workflow automation audit workbook
Free resource: Software bill review checklist
Read next: What is workflow automation for small business? · Which automation build fits your business? · What automating your admin actually saves per year
Questions
How much does a simple workflow cost?
From about $500 fixed, live in 5 to 7 business days. The scope and price are agreed before any tool is touched.
Are there ongoing fees?
Nothing compulsory. Retainers from about $500 a month are optional, for keeping systems running, updated and documented.
Why not per-task pricing?
Per-task billing rises with every step you add. Fixed pricing keeps the bill predictable and simple.