Frequently Asked Questions

True North Data Strategies is a veteran-owned technology consulting company specializing in Google Workspace automation, Apps Script development, and SEO services. We help small and medium businesses automate workflows, optimize their online presence, and leverage data-driven solutions. Founded by a 16-year military veteran, we deliver enterprise-grade solutions at SMB prices.

VOSB stands for Veteran-Owned Small Business, and SDVOSB stands for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. These are federal certifications that verify a business is owned and controlled by veterans. True North Data Strategies is both VOSB and SDVOSB certified (UEI: WKJXXACV8U43), which means we meet strict federal requirements and can participate in government contracting opportunities.

True North Data Strategies is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We serve clients locally in the Colorado Springs and Denver metro areas, as well as remotely across the United States. Our digital-first approach means we can work with businesses anywhere.

Unlike traditional agencies that take 30-45 days for deliverables, we complete most projects in 48 hours. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, direct access to the founder (not account managers), and enterprise-grade solutions at SMB prices. We focus on practical automation that delivers immediate ROI, not theoretical strategies.

Google Workspace automation uses tools like Google Apps Script to connect and automate tasks across Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and other Google applications. This can include automatic email responses, data synchronization between sheets, document generation, approval workflows, and reporting dashboards. Automation eliminates manual data entry and repetitive tasks.

Google Apps Script is a JavaScript-based programming language for extending Google Workspace applications. Apps Script development involves writing custom code to automate workflows, create custom functions in Sheets, build add-ons, connect to external APIs, and create web applications that integrate with Google services. It runs on Google's servers, so there's no infrastructure to manage.

Nearly any repetitive task can be automated: email sorting and responses, data entry and transfer between sheets, document generation from templates, calendar scheduling, form response processing, invoice creation, client onboarding workflows, reporting and dashboards, file organization, and notifications/alerts. The possibilities are extensive.

Simple automations can be deployed within 24-48 hours. Medium-complexity projects (like client onboarding systems or reporting dashboards) typically take 1-2 weeks. Enterprise-level solutions may take 3-4 weeks. We provide specific timelines after understanding your requirements. Compare this to agencies that often take 6-8 weeks for similar work.

Our SEO audits include technical SEO analysis (site speed, mobile-friendliness, indexing issues), on-page SEO review (titles, meta descriptions, headers), keyword research (50+ targeted terms), competitor analysis (top 5 competitors), content gap identification, backlink profile audit, local SEO check, and a prioritized implementation roadmap. You receive a 12-15 page actionable report.

Our Quick Audit is delivered in 48-72 hours. Our Complete Audit takes 5-7 days and includes a 60-minute implementation strategy call. Premium audits with implementation support take 10-14 days. This compares to 30-45 days typical of traditional agencies.

AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimizing content to appear in AI-powered search results and answer engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. This involves structured data markup, clear question-answer formatting, and content designed to be cited by AI systems. As AI search grows, AEO becomes increasingly important for visibility.

Yes, we offer ongoing SEO implementation support through our Premium packages. This includes weekly check-in calls, progress tracking, content optimization guidance, and troubleshooting. However, we focus on teaching you to fish rather than creating dependency - our goal is to make you self-sufficient.

Our pricing varies by service type and complexity. SEO audits are included with service purchases. Automation projects start based on scope and complexity. We provide transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Visit our pricing page for detailed information, or contact us for a custom quote based on your specific needs.

Yes, we offer free 15-minute discovery calls to understand your needs and determine if we're a good fit. For SEO, we also offer sample audits so you can see the quality of our work before committing. There's no pressure and no obligation.

Our process is simple: 1) Discovery call to understand your needs (15 minutes), 2) We analyze requirements and provide a quote, 3) You approve and we begin work immediately, 4) We deliver within the agreed timeline (often 48 hours), 5) We provide support and answer questions. No lengthy onboarding, no committee meetings, no delays.

Yes. We offer a money-back guarantee if we miss our delivery deadline (when it's our fault). We also provide revision cycles to ensure satisfaction. For SEO audits, if you're not satisfied with the quality, we'll revise based on your feedback. Our goal is your success, not just completing a transaction.

We specialize in real estate, mortgage/finance, professional services, office management, fuel distribution, and restaurants. However, our automation and SEO expertise applies to any industry. We've worked with diverse clients from legal firms to construction companies. If you use Google Workspace, we can help.

Absolutely. We've built CMA automation systems, lead tracking dashboards, client communication workflows, transaction management systems, and marketing automation for real estate professionals. Our solutions integrate with Google Workspace to streamline your operations without expensive third-party software.

Yes. As an SDVOSB-certified company, we're positioned for government contracting. We're registered in SAM.gov (UEI: WKJXXACV8U43) and understand federal compliance requirements. Our solutions are designed with security and accessibility in mind.

All projects include email support for questions. Complete and Premium packages include strategy calls. We also provide documentation for any custom solutions we build, so you or your team can maintain and modify them. We're available for additional support engagements if needed.

Yes. Apps Script can connect to external APIs, databases, and third-party services. We regularly integrate Google Workspace with CRMs, accounting software, project management tools, and custom applications. We'll assess integration requirements during our discovery call.

Absolutely. We follow security best practices, including minimal OAuth scopes, no external data transmission, and compliance with Google's security guidelines. For federal clients, we're aware of NIST and FedRAMP considerations. Your data stays in your Google account - we just build the tools to work with it.