First 48Hours
The starter stack checklist and toolkit for launching a small business in about 48 hours.
From an idea and a name to a live domain, a site, professional email, and a way to get paid.
By Mike Spacek · CALLIE BRAND
CALLIE BRAND
Starter kit · Small business launch
First 48
Hours
- Why This Over That
- The Starter Stack
- The First 48 Hours Checklist
Mike Spacek
CALLIE BRAND
calliebrand.com
@calliebrandhtx
The answer I'd give you over coffee, written down.
Every time a friend starts a business, I get the same text: what should I use for the website, the email, the payments? It's never one question. It's the whole starter stack.
First 48 Hours is that answer. No course. No 40-tool mega-stack. Just the stuff I'd actually set up for you, in about two working days.
Mike Spacek · CALLIE BRAND
What's Inside
Three files. Read the decisions, keep the toolkit open, and check off the list.
/001
Why This Over That
5 min read
The three decisions people get stuck on: Framer vs Carrd vs Shopify, Google Workspace vs iCloud+, and Stripe vs PayPal. Read this first, then decide.
/002
The Starter Stack
The toolkit
One primary pick and one alternative for domain, site, email, business banking, payments, invoicing, design, analytics, scheduling, and policies. Each one includes why, starting cost, a signup link, and when to skip it.
/003
The First 48 Hours Checklist
Two working days
120+ single-action steps in 14 short blocks, timeboxed across two days. Check them off top to bottom. Don't skip ahead to logos.
- Domain
- Site
- Banking
- Payments
- Invoicing
- Design
- Analytics
- Scheduling
- Policies
How to Use It
/001
Make the three decisions
Read Why This Over That. About five minutes. Pick a direction before you open a dozen tabs.
/002
Block two days
Open the checklist and put two working days on your calendar. The steps are already in order.
/003
Keep the toolkit open
Use The Starter Stack in another tab for links, starting costs, and when to skip a tool.
/004
Work top to bottom
Don't jump ahead to the logo. Domain, email, site, and a way to get paid come first.
Who It's For
For you if
- You're launching a small business or side hustle: service, freelance, local shop, product, or creative studio.
- You're not technical and don't want to become technical.
- You want to look legit on day one without spending a lot of money or time.
- You'd rather follow a clear list than research 15 “best website builder” articles.
Not for you if
- You're building a funded tech startup.
- You need custom software.
- You already have your stack running.
The tools, not the kit
What It Costs to Follow
$15–$60/ month
Plus a domain, about $10–$20 a year. Most people land in that range. An online store is what moves you toward $60. The toolkit lists the free and paid starting cost for every pick, so there aren't surprises later. This is separate from the price of the kit.
The kit
First 48 Hours
$27
One time. Why This Over That, The Starter Stack, and The First 48 Hours Checklist.
Usually a $97/hr consultation
I charge $97 an hour to walk someone through this stack. The kit is that same playbook, written down, for $27.
First 48 Hours FAQs
What do I actually get?+
Three short files, not a course. Why This Over That covers Framer vs Carrd vs Shopify, Google Workspace vs iCloud+, and Stripe vs PayPal. The Starter Stack gives one primary pick and one alternative for each part of the stack, with why, starting cost, a signup link, and when to skip it. The First 48 Hours Checklist is 120+ single-action steps in 14 short blocks, timeboxed across two days.
How much is the kit?+
The kit is $27, one time. I charge $97 an hour to walk someone through this in a consultation. The kit is that same playbook, written down.
How much does it cost to follow?+
Most people can get fully set up for about $15–$60 a month, plus a domain around $10–$20 a year. Needing an online store is what pushes the monthly cost up. The toolkit lists the free and paid starting cost for every pick. That running cost is separate from the $27 kit.
Who is this for?+
Small businesses and side hustles: service, freelance, local shop, product, or creative studio. It's for people who aren't technical, don't want to become technical, and would rather follow a list than compare website builders all week. It is not for funded startups, custom software, or anyone who already has a stack running.
Is this legal or tax advice?+
No. I'm a web designer, not a lawyer or CPA. Anything in the kit that touches taxes, business registration, or legal policies is a practical starting point. Check with a pro for your situation.
Want us to build
your website?
CALLIE can design and build the site. Tell us about the business and we'll reply within one business day.
Heads up: I'm a web designer, not a lawyer or CPA. Anything here touching taxes, business registration, or legal policies is a practical starting point. Check with a pro for your situation.
calliebrand.com · @calliebrandhtx