In this guide, we’ll explore different website design packages and prices in South Africa to understand typical costs cost, payment options, and other important issues to expect when investing in a website.
It’s no secret that having a well-designed website is essential for businesses. 57% of users won’t recommend a company with a poorly designed website. Additionally, more than half of all users say that website design influences their opinion of a business. Businesses need to invest in a professional website that fits their budget and needs.
Typical Range for Website Design Packages and Prices
Website design packages are generally split into three tiers: basic, mid and advanced. These packages vary in complexity, and with price. Here is a summary of these three tiers.
Basic website design packages and prices
Basic websites typically have 1 to 5 pages. They have simple designs and don’t require any complex functionality. We find that their prices typically vary between R3 500 and R10 000.
Website developers normally offer standard features like mobile-friendly design, basic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), and a content management system (CMS) like WordPress.
These types of packages are developed using pre-made templates and themes to reduce development costs.
Mid-tier website design packages and prices
Mid-tier packages are more suited to slightly larger businesses with more complex requirements and higher budgets. They typically have up to 10 pages, with moderate functionality.
Custom design is often a requirement for these packages as well. Prices for mid-tier websites range between R10 000 to R30 000. These packages will often include improved SEO and custom branding.
Customers may also need lead generation tools and other integrations. E-commerce functionality or booking systems are typical integrations for online stores, restaurants and other service providers.
Advanced website design packages and prices
Advanced websites are less common and more customisable. The number of pages will generally be more than 20, with complicated functionality and databases.
Prices for advanced website packages will generally range between R30 000 and R80 000 or more. The higher prices include fully custom designs.
Advanced e-commerce functionality and third-party tools like payment providers are some typical integrations. These websites often need regular maintenance to run efficiently.
Factors That Affect Website Design Packages and Prices
There are a number of factors that affect the prices of website design packages. Here are the seven most common considerations.
Number of Pages
Generally, the cost will increase with more pages. The cost per page will be lower for stores with product pages, and higher for businesses that require more text and images per page. The more customised each page, the higher the cost per page.
Customisation Level
Simple websites can be easily developed using existing templates. As websites become more complex, developers need to spend more time and need more experience. Therefore, customised websites are generally significantly more expensive.
Features
Each feature that is added to a website will generally increase the overall cost. A common added feature is e-commerce functionality. This typically requires product pages and a checkout and payment system.
API integrations (used to connect two or more applications) and customer portals are some other common features. Some customer portal examples include dashboards, user profiles, service requests, invoices/billing, and reviews.
Support and Maintenance
You may need support and maintenance for your website after it has been built. Support and maintenance are essential to keep your website secure, updated, and running smoothly. The following are typical support and maintenance requirements:
- Security Updates: Regular patches, malware scans, SSL certificate management.
- Software Updates: CMS, plugin, and custom code updates.
- Backups: Automated backups with secure offsite storage.
- Performance Optimization: Speed, database, and uptime monitoring.
- Bug Fixes and Troubleshooting: Fixing errors, compatibility issues, and troubleshooting.
- Content Updates: Managing content, SEO, and design adjustments.
- Hosting Support: Server monitoring, domain, and email management.
- User Support: Help desk and live support for technical issues.
- Analytics and Reporting: Monthly reports on traffic, performance, and security.
- Website Enhancements: Feature additions and custom development.
- Data Recovery: Backup restoration and disaster recovery.
- Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring POPIA and accessibility compliance.
Type of Developer
The size and experience of the website design company will likely influence the cost. Small businesses or freelancers may offer cheaper packages compared to larger companies that typically have larger overheads to cover.
Developer Experience
Developers with more experience and training will often charge higher prices. Make sure that you match your requirements to the experience of your potential developer.
We often say that there is no point in developing an overly sophisticated website if you are only a small business. Likewise, larger businesses will require more expertise to meet their requirements.
Developer Location
Companies in larger cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town often charge higher prices due to demand. Developers in smaller cities often have lower prices.
Payment Options for Different Website Design Packages
There are various types of payment options you can consider. Each option has its own pros and cons.
Once-off
Once-off packages typically range between R4 000 and R25 000 for a basic business website. This normally covers the design and development of the website, but additional services like hosting and maintenance are often charged separately, especially after the first year of development.
This is often a problem that customers aren’t aware of. A year after buying your website, you may be left to deal with hosting and SSL renewal, which can be a difficult task if you don’t have the experience.
Additionally, website maintenance can be extremely difficult and time-consuming without the proper training and skills. Imagine having to service your own car each year. Some people can, but most don’t!
Another issue with upfront payments is the risk that the website doesn’t meet your expectations. You may be left with a large bill and an unsatisfactory website, and no budget left to find another developer.
Monthly
Some web design firms offer monthly payment options, where you pay for both the website design and ongoing services like hosting and support. For example, packages like those offered by Simple Solutions provide full maintenance and support with their monthly payment plans.
Annual
Annual payments normally combine the cost of the initial design with services like hosting, SEO, and maintenance for the entire year. This offers savings for businesses that prefer a longer-term commitment. Typically, you can only cancel or downgrade these services at your annual renewal date.
Hourly rates
Web designers often change hourly rates for custom or specialised features once your first website development is complete. This will normally be for adding new features or services. These can range from R500 to R1 500 per hour depending on the complexity of the work.
E-commerce Website Packages and Prices
E-commerce websites come with a higher price tag due to the extra effort and complexity of setting up online stores. Once-off packages can typically range between R7 000 and R60 000. Typical include features can include:
- Unlimited product pages
- Online payment gateways
- Shopping cart integration
- Automated invoicing
- Automatic review follow-ups
- Integration to supplier websites
Rather than a once-off development, Simple Solutions offers an e-commerce package starting at R500 per month, which includes a custom number of product pages, payment gateways, and category pages.
Keep in mind that if you don’t have experience in website development and maintenance, you’ll need ongoing assistance to keep your product pages up to date.
Custom Website Design Packages and Prices
Custom websites are typically designed to meet the needs of a specific business. These websites are not generally developed from templates and are used for larger companies that have bigger budgets.
They can include advanced functionality like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, multi-vendor marketplaces, and client portals. Prices for fully customized websites start from R25 000 and can reach up to R250 000, depending on the requirements!
Additional costs
Over and above the basic design costs, there are added costs that can affect your website’s overall price. Here are some other costs to consider:
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- Domain registration: This is what you pay to keep your website’s custom address (e.g. john-doe@ your-business-name.com). This can vary between R100 and R500 annually and depends on what domain type you have chosen (e.g.
“.co.za” (cheaper) or “.com” (more expensive). - Hosting fees: This is where your website’s data is stored and managed (i.e. it is the cloud storage that your website runs on). Depending on the provider and the complexity of your site, this can range from R50 to R500 per month.
- Ongoing maintenance: Monthly costs can vary from R500 to R2,000 based on the level of service.
- SEO services: Effective SEO (to improve your website’s visibility, ranking and traffic) may cost between R1 000 to R10 000 per month depending on the complexity and goals. This typically takes at least three months to start seeing results.
- Website performance upgrades: R10 000 or more (once-off or recurring, based on services).
- Mobile optimization: R5 000 to R10 000 to ensure mobile-friendly design.
- Load speed optimization: R10 000+ to improve website speed and reduce customer experience.
- Video integration: R4 000 to R15 000 to add and manage videos on your site.
- Website redesign or updates: R19 000 to R95 000 depending on the complexity.
- Domain registration: This is what you pay to keep your website’s custom address (e.g. john-doe@ your-business-name.com). This can vary between R100 and R500 annually and depends on what domain type you have chosen (e.g.
Website Design Packages and Prices: Guide to Getting a Quote
Getting a quote for a website design package typically involves the following steps. If you are unsure or need help, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to give you advice (regardless of who your potential developer is, even if it’s not us!).
- Initial consultation: Discuss your requirements and goals with the web developer.
- Define the scope: The web designer outlines the project’s scope, including the number of pages, features, and any custom functionalities.
- Quote delivery: A quote is provided based on the discussed scope, with options for different payment structures.
- Approval and deposit: A deposit (usually 50%) is required to start the project unless you will be using a monthly package.
Website design packages and prices: examples
Here are some examples of website design packages:
- Basic Package: 4-page website, mobile responsive, WhatsApp chat integration, R4 000 (once-off) or R350 (per month)
- Advanced Package: 8 pages, custom booking forms, social media integration, R8 000 (once-off) or R550 (per month)
- E-commerce Package: 10 pages, payment gateway integration, cart abandonment emails, R7 500 (once-off) or R550+ (per month).
FAQs About Website Design Packages and Prices
How much do website design packages cost in South Africa?
Website design packages typically range from R3 000 for basic websites to R60 000 or more for advanced e-commerce and custom sites.
What is included in website design packages?
Most packages include basic design, mobile responsiveness, hosting for a year, contact forms, and integration with social media. More advanced packages may include custom functionalities and SEO services.
Can I pay monthly for a website design package?
Yes, some companies offer monthly payment options that cover ongoing maintenance, support, and hosting. These packages are best because you don’t have to worry about your website staying in good condition.
How long does it take to build a website?
The time varies based on complexity, but most websites take between 2 to 8 weeks from first consultation to launch.
Summary and Conclusion
This guide to website design packages and prices breaks down the three main website packages available in South Africa: basic (R3 500–R10 000), mid-tier (R10 000–R30 000), and advanced (R30 000+).
Whether you need simple functionality or a robust e-commerce setup, you’ll find an option that fits your budget and business goals.
Consider key factors like the number of pages, custom features, and developer experience, while exploring flexible payment options—monthly, once-off, or annually.
Make informed decisions that give your business the online presence it deserves.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to discuss our website design packages and prices.