Metro Detroit Comparison

AppWT vs Friendly Design

Compare two Metro Detroit web agencies: AppWT with 29 years of full-stack experience in Livonia versus Friendly Design, a WordPress and graphic design boutique in Farmington Hills since 2009. See which approach fits your business needs.

Company Overview

Key facts about each agency.

AppWT Web & AI Solutions

  • Founded1997 (29 years)
  • LocationLivonia, MI
  • Team Size10+ specialists
  • BBB RatingA+ Accredited
  • Google Rating5.0 on Google
  • Tech StackPHP, React, WordPress, Custom
  • PricingPublished (from $2,997)

Friendly Design

  • Founded~2009 (~16 years)
  • LocationFarmington Hills, MI
  • Team Size2-10 employees
  • BBB RatingNot listed
  • Trustpilot4.0/5 (4 reviews)
  • Tech StackWordPress (WPBakery)
  • Pricing~$100/hr (custom quote)

Services Comparison

See what each agency offers across different service categories.

Service AppWT Friendly Design
WordPress Design Yes Yes (WPBakery)
Custom PHP/React Development Yes Not offered
Logo Design Yes (from $297) Yes
Graphic Design / Branding Yes Yes
SEO Yes Yes
AI Search Visibility (GEO/AIVO) Yes (specialty) Not offered
E-Commerce Yes Yes (PayPal/WorldPay)
Custom Software / SaaS Yes (4 products) Not offered
Mobile App Development Yes Not offered
HIPAA/GDPR Compliance Yes Not mentioned
Video Production Yes Yes
Print Design / Stationery Yes Yes

Technical Approach

How each agency builds websites.

AppWT Approach

  • Multi-platform: WordPress, custom PHP, React, and hybrid solutions
  • Hosting: In-house managed servers with 300% renewable energy
  • Delivery: Starter sites in as little as 6 hours, same-day for most projects
  • Pricing: Published starting at $2,997 (starter) to $14,997+ (enterprise)
  • AI Optimization: GEO, AIVO, and LLMO for AI search visibility

Friendly Design Approach

  • WordPress-based: Custom themes using WPBakery page builder
  • Hosting: Includes 2 years free hosting with web design projects
  • Analytics: Google Analytics (GA4) with MonsterInsights
  • Pricing: ~$100/hr, custom quotes ($1,000-$10,000 range per DesignRush)
  • CDN: BunnyCDN for content delivery

Honest Assessment

When each agency might be the better choice.

Friendly Design May Work If...

  • You are in the Farmington Hills / West Metro Detroit area
  • You need a WordPress site with graphic design and branding
  • You want logo design and print collateral together
  • You prefer WhatsApp or live chat communication
  • You want free hosting included for 2 years

Choose AppWT If...

  • You value 29 years of proven experience
  • You want to appear in AI search results (GEO/AIVO)
  • You need more than WordPress (custom apps, React, SaaS)
  • You need HIPAA or GDPR compliance
  • You want BBB-accredited with transparent pricing
  • You need fast turnaround (sites delivered same-day)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does AppWT compare to Friendly Design?

Both are Metro Detroit web agencies. AppWT has 29 years of experience with BBB A+ accreditation and full-stack development. Friendly Design was founded around 2009 in Farmington Hills and focuses on WordPress sites with WPBakery, graphic design, and logo work. AppWT additionally offers AI optimization, custom software, and mobile apps.

Which agency is more affordable?

AppWT publishes transparent pricing starting at $2,997 for a starter website. Friendly Design charges approximately $100/hour with project budgets ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 (per DesignRush). Both agencies are competitively priced for Metro Detroit.

Where are these agencies located?

AppWT is headquartered in Livonia, Michigan. Friendly Design is located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Both are in the western Metro Detroit suburbs, approximately 10 minutes apart, and serve the greater Detroit area.

Ready for Proven Experience?

Get a free quote from AppWT and see why 29 years of experience matters.

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Awards & Recognition

Tech Wizards an AppWT Anthem

Accessibility

by AppWT Web & AI Solutions
🛡️ Accessibility Profiles
📝 Content Adjustments
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🎨 Color Adjustments
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🎛️ Orientation & Controls

Accessibility Statement

Our commitment to digital accessibility and inclusive design

Our Commitment to Accessibility

AppWT Web & AI Solutions is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We continually improve the user experience for everyone and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals.

Conformance Status

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA.

AppWT Web & AI Solutions is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard.

Accessibility Features

  • Built-in accessibility toolbar with multiple customization options
  • Keyboard navigation support throughout the website
  • Screen reader compatibility and proper ARIA labels
  • High contrast mode and color customization options
  • Text size adjustment and font modification capabilities
  • Reading guide and focus indicators for improved navigation
  • Alternative text for all images and media
  • Semantic HTML structure for better screen reader interpretation

Technical Specifications

Accessibility of AppWT Web & AI Solutions relies on the following technologies to work with the particular combination of web browser and any assistive technologies or plugins installed on your computer:

  • HTML
  • WAI-ARIA
  • CSS
  • JavaScript

These technologies are relied upon for conformance with the accessibility standards used.

Feedback

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of AppWT Web & AI Solutions. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers:

Phone: (888) 565-0171

Email: sales@appwt.com

Address: 33300 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154 (by Appointment Only)

Assessment Approach

AppWT Web & AI Solutions assessed the accessibility of our website by the following approaches:

  • Self-evaluation
  • External evaluation
  • Automated testing tools
  • Manual testing with assistive technologies

Date

This statement was created on January 15, 2025 using the W3C Accessibility Statement Generator Tool.

Last updated: