Spreadsheet Automation & Custom Solutions

Spreadsheet automation specialists help businesses automate Excel or Google Sheets workflows, build custom dashboards, connect spreadsheets to external data sources, or create sophisticated spreadsheet applications using formulas, scripts, and integrations.

You solve problems businesses have with manual data entry, reporting, calculations, or data consolidation using spreadsheet tools.

Success requires advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills, scripting abilities (Apps Script, VBA), understanding business workflows and data, and communication translating technical to business value.

Pricing includes project fees for custom spreadsheet solutions ($500-5,000), hourly consulting ($75-200), monthly retainers for ongoing support and updates ($300-2,000), or training and workshops.

Projects involve understanding current manual workflows, designing automated solution using formulas and scripts, building custom sheets and dashboards, connecting external data sources via APIs or integrations, documenting solution and training users, and potentially providing ongoing support.

Startup costs are minimal—Excel and Google Sheets skills, potentially Sheets API access, courses and learning resources, and marketing totaling $500-2,000.

Building client base involves cold outreach to businesses doing manual spreadsheet work, content marketing showing automation examples, LinkedIn targeting financial and operations roles, partnerships with accountants and consultants, and showcasing portfolio of solutions.

Revenue comes from consulting projects, retainer for ongoing spreadsheet support, template and solution licensing, training sessions and courses, or potentially productizing common solutions as add-ons.

Operating costs include software subscriptions (if any), continued learning, potentially data services if connecting external sources, and modest marketing.

Challenges include spreadsheets have limitations (often should be proper software), solutions can be fragile if not built properly, users may break automated sheets, businesses eventually outgrow spreadsheets, and perceived value lower than custom software.

Success requires understanding when spreadsheets appropriate vs needing database/software, building robust solutions handling edge cases and user errors, excellent documentation and training, focusing on high-value business problems (finance, operations, reporting), and potentially helping clients transition to proper software when they outgrow spreadsheets.

Spreadsheet automation is accessible entry point to automation consulting.