This document is a reference guide for you. The companion file — ClaudeHowToInstructions.md — is a command prompt for Claude. Loading that file in a Cowork session tells Claude the full context of what to build, but it does not trigger any automatic action. Claude will read it, confirm its understanding, and describe what it would build — then wait for your explicit permission before doing anything.
You are in control at every step. Claude will ask before building. You approve or ask questions. Nothing happens without a clear "yes" from you.
One file is for you to read (this one). One file is a prompt for Claude/Cowork.
In January 2026 I decided to build a real website. Not a landing page. Not a template. A full-featured site with a database, community features, email newsletter, analytics, location maps, and a merchandise channel.
I had zero web development experience. I couldn't register a domain without help. I didn't know what DNS meant.
I used Claude/Cowork — Anthropic's desktop AI tool — as the builder. I made every decision. I provided all the content. I set up every third-party account. Claude wrote every line of code, built every feature, and generated every deployment zip. I dragged zips into Netlify.
SprintingForLife.com went live April 11, 2026. The total active build time was roughly 15–25 hours of Claude/Cowork sessions over 4–6 weeks. My personal time — decisions, content, account setup — was another 10–15 hours.
This guide is what I wish I'd had at the start.
One note: I built this using Claude/Cowork — an Anthropic product. I have no affiliation with Anthropic. Other AI tools may work as well; this reflects my personal experience only.
Four steps to begin your own build.
1. Download the Claude desktop app. This is critical — Cowork mode requires the desktop app. The web version at claude.ai does not have the file access and workspace features you need. Get it at claude.ai/download. Minimum plan: $20/month.
2. Connect a workspace folder. In the desktop app, connect a folder on your computer. This is where Claude reads and writes all your files — your site source, documentation, deployments.
3. Load ClaudeHowToInstructions.md. Place this file in your connected folder. At the start of a session, tell Claude: "I want to build a site like SprintingForLife.com." Claude will read the instruction file, confirm its understanding, and walk you through the build. It will not start building until you give explicit permission.
4. Start with what your project needs. Not every project requires every tool in this guide. The minimum to get a site live is a domain (Namecheap, ~$12/yr) and a web host (Netlify, $9/mo). From there, add only what your project actually calls for — database, email, maps, analytics, merch. Claude will walk through the full tool menu with you and help you decide what applies to your specific build.
5. Ask Claude everything. This is the biggest lesson from the entire build: no matter what comes up — a tool problem, a decision, a technical question, an unexpected error — the first and best move is to just ask Claude. Ask why. Ask how. Ask how much. Ask whether there's a better way. Don't accept every recommendation without questioning it. Tell Claude the direction you want to go, and make Claude work with you, not for you. Claude writes the code — you make the decisions.
Two cost categories: the site infrastructure (ongoing) and the build tool (Claude/Cowork, ongoing while building).
| Tool | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Claude / Cowork | The AI builder — writes all code, manages files, builds zips. Desktop app required (not the web version). | $20/mo minimum |
| Namecheap | Domain registrar | ~$12/yr per domain |
| Netlify | Hosting, DNS, SSL — drag-and-drop deployment | $9/mo ($108/yr) (free tier available — viable for low-traffic launches) |
| Google Workspace | Professional email at your domain | $14/mo ($168/yr) |
| Supabase | Backend database + file storage | Free tier |
| Beehiiv | Email newsletter platform | Free (up to 2,500 subs) |
| Google Maps API | Location finder maps + geocoding | Free tier |
| Google Analytics 4 | Site analytics | Free |
| Printful QuickStore | Merch fulfillment (Printful is seller of record) | Free (margin per sale) |
| Site infrastructure — fixed annual cost | ~$290/yr | |
The $290/yr covers the live site operating costs. Claude/Cowork ($20/mo+) is the build tool — you use it actively during the build and for ongoing changes, then the site runs on its own.
On tier upgrades: Depending on your usage and traffic, you may need to upgrade to paid tiers on some tools. Claude/Anthropic and Netlify were the two that required upgrades during this build.