Custom digital tools
Purpose-built apps, calculators and browser tools that solve a specific problem and are straightforward to use.
Digital tools & software · Dubbo NSW
Useful software.
Less bullshit.
I build digital tools, software and websites that make life and work easier. For people, businesses and organisations that need to get organised, support their communities and share what they do.
20+ years building on the web · HTML, CSS, JavaScript, WordPress and AI-assisted development · Based in Dubbo
DUBBO, NSW
What I do
Make the everyday easier.
A better way to manage enquiries. A tool that saves hours of repetitive work. A place to share resources or promote a project. Tell me what needs to work better, and we can build something useful around it.
Organise your work
Simple systems for enquiries, bookings, records and shared information, so less falls through the cracks.
Support your community
Resource libraries, directories and online services that help people find information, connect and get the help they need.
Cut the repetitive work
Connect forms, data and everyday tasks to reduce copying, chasing and manual admin. Keep people in control of the decisions that matter.
Share what you do
Clear websites, project pages and publishing tools that explain your work, reach the right people and make it easy to get involved.
From idea to working software
Design, code and clear writing brought together, from a first prototype to a practical tool you can put to work.
I've been making websites since the early web. AI did not replace that experience. It gave me a bigger hammer.
Selected work
I build my own stuff too.
I build tools I want to use myself, from writing software to browser apps. These projects show how I turn an idea into something people can use.
Writing software
Freewriter
A family of writing tools I designed and built to help people get words out of their heads and onto the page.
Tools & experiments7B.AU Digital Tools Lab
My workshop for browser tools, Windows apps and small practical experiments.
Community & philosophy#Log.
My emails about what I am building, what I am working through and what I am learning. Build. Overcome. Become.
Creations, experiments & initiativesThe Workshop
Creations, experiments and initiatives from Ricky Browne.
Website advice
Useful answers. Plain English.
Practical guidance for small businesses making decisions about websites, developers, costs and domains.
DIY or professional?
Should I hire someone or build it myself?
How to decide whether the savings of DIY outweigh the time, knowledge and opportunities involved.
Read article → Website costsHow much does a small business website cost?
A straightforward Australian pricing guide covering DIY tools, freelancers and agencies.
Read article → Hiring wellQuestions to ask a web developer.
What to establish before handing over your money, domain and business reputation.
Read article → Domain namesChoosing a domain for your business.
How to choose, register, protect and keep control of an Australian business domain.
Read article →Clients
Client reviews
What people say.
Independent feedback from people I have helped with websites, email and IT.
★ Trustpilot
Read every review on my public Trustpilot profile.
★★★★★
Ricky knows his stuff
“Very good service, easy to work with, always gives detailed advice and suggestions if there is ever any troubleshooting required.”Luke Seve · Trustpilot ★★★★★
Trustworthy and reliable
“We trust Ricky with all our web and email platform needs. He is always available and willing to help and explain the things we don't understand.”Deirdre · Trustpilot ★★★★★
Friendly and high quality
“Ricky was super friendly, efficient, prompt, responded well to feedback and produced quality materials for us to use.”Allan Blanch · Trustpilot
About Ricky
Local bloke. Long time on the web.
I'm Ricky Browne, a software maker and IT professional based in Dubbo, NSW. I learned web design and digital media through TAFE and have spent more than two decades building websites, experimenting with software and figuring things out on the internet.
These days I use AI heavily, but I still bring the old-fashioned part that matters: understanding the fundamentals, knowing when something is overcomplicated, and caring whether the finished thing is actually useful.
I work best with small businesses, community organisations and people who want to deal directly with the person doing the work.
Got something that could work better?
Send it my way.
Tell me what you have, what is annoying you, and what you want the finished thing to do. I can tell you whether I am a good fit.