By Chad Robinson, Owner of SDDS Web Design and Rhino Hosting
Originally published 15 November 2023. Substantially reviewed 15 September 2026.
The short answer is that there is no single responsible price for every website.
A three-page informational website, an editable WordPress website and a WooCommerce store require different amounts of planning, design and development. Page count, functionality, integrations and the services required after launch also affect the final quotation.
SDDS Web Design does not publish website build or design prices because a figure shown without its original scope and date can easily be mistaken for an automatic quotation. Instead, we establish what the website must do and prepare a current quotation around those requirements.
If you would like to discuss your project, you can book a free 30-minute online meeting.
The type of website affects the scope
The first step is to identify which type of website is appropriate for the business.
| Website type | Generally suitable when | Important scope considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Static HTML website | The business needs a straightforward informational website and does not need to edit it regularly | Number of pages, supplied content and images, forms and any special functionality |
| WordPress website | The client wants to edit existing page content and manage parts of the website | Page structure, required plugins, editing needs, training and special functionality |
| WordPress and WooCommerce store | The business needs to present and sell products online | Categories, products, variations, payments, shipping, tax, stock and integrations |
These are not rigid packages. The correct structure depends on what the client needs the website to achieve.
Static HTML websites
A typical three-page static website may contain Home, Services and Contact pages. The client supplies the written content and images. A static website is suited to a business that needs a professional online presence but does not need to update the website itself regularly.
When all content is supplied and feedback is prompt, a typical three-page static website can be completed in approximately two working days. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed deadline.
Static HTML is a recently introduced SDDS option, so we do not yet present a completed static project as a case study.
WordPress websites
SDDS normally recommends WordPress when the client wants to amend existing pages and manage website content.
A three-page WordPress website does not need to follow one fixed page structure. One business may need Home, Services and Contact pages. Another may prefer Home, Services and Gallery, with contact details placed in the footer.
General WordPress video tutorials are provided. If a website contains client-specific functionality or a particular plugin that requires individual guidance, SDDS records a tutorial covering that aspect of the website.
When the required material is ready and feedback is prompt, a typical three-page WordPress website takes approximately three to five working days.
InflataVision is an example of an SDDS WordPress business website. Its visible structure includes Home, About and Services, Gallery and Contact pages, supported by clear quotation calls to action.
Ecommerce websites
SDDS normally uses WordPress and WooCommerce for ecommerce websites.
A standard ecommerce project includes loading up to 10 categories and 10 products. The 10 products may be simple products or more involved variable products with options. Additional product loading is quoted separately according to the number and complexity of the products.
Payment-gateway and shipping setup are included when suitable WordPress-approved plugins are available. If custom API development is required, it is scoped and quoted separately according to its complexity.
When all product, payment, shipping and store information is ready and client feedback is prompt, a typical ecommerce website takes approximately 10 to 14 working days.
KZN Cater Solutions is an example of an SDDS ecommerce website. Its visible functionality includes product search, category browsing, customer accounts, a cart and checkout.
What affects a website quotation?
Before preparing a quotation, SDDS asks two fundamental questions:
- How many pages does the website require?
- Does it need any specific functionality?
Specific functionality may include an online booking system, a complex form, ecommerce, paid plugins, product variations, shipping rules or connections to third-party systems.
The following factors can therefore affect the quotation:
- Number and type of pages
- Static HTML, WordPress or ecommerce requirements
- Forms, bookings and other interactive features
- Paid plugins and licence arrangements
- Payment-gateway and shipping requirements
- Product and category loading beyond the included ecommerce allowance
- Custom API or third-party integrations
- Copywriting, advanced SEO and other additional services
- Major changes requested after a page has already been approved
The client is asked to supply the logo, page content and images after accepting the quotation. These items are required before the build can proceed efficiently, but they are not used as a reason to publish a standard build price.
What does SDDS include as standard?
Every SDDS website includes:
- Mobile-friendly delivery
- An enquiry form at no additional cost
- A floating WhatsApp button at no additional cost when required
- Basic SEO covering website structure and internal linking
- Website launch at no additional design cost
- 30 calendar days of defined post-launch support from the launch date
Basic SEO does not mean advanced SEO, keyword research, content optimisation or a promise of rankings. These require a separate scope where needed.
The 30-calendar-day post-launch support covers basic content changes and functionality glitches that were not identified during the launch process. It does not cover layout changes or changes affecting more than 20% of an already-built page.
How the SDDS design and approval process works
SDDS does not build the entire website in isolation and reveal it only at the end.
The homepage is built first on a staging server using the client's requirements and design inspiration. It is then sent to the client for review. Once the direction is agreed, SDDS proceeds through the remaining website page by page.
An average of three revision rounds is allowed per page. Once a page has been approved, its layout is considered final. Reasonable minor amendments, such as changing text or replacing an image, may still be accommodated depending on the circumstances. Material layout changes may require additional scope.
This page-by-page process helps keep the client involved and ensures that expectations are addressed throughout the project. It also means that client response time has a direct effect on the completion date. SDDS does not proceed with the next part of the build while approval or feedback on the current page is outstanding.
Payment, licences, ownership and hosting
The standard payment structure is:
- A 50% deposit before work begins
- The remaining balance before the website is launched
- Full upfront payment for any required paid plugin
Paid-plugin ownership and registration vary by plugin. The client may purchase a required plugin directly, or SDDS may purchase it where appropriate. The applicable licence, payment and renewal arrangement should be stated in the quotation.
After full payment, the client owns the completed website and its files. The client receives administrative access and can amend existing pages, change content, install plugins and add users. The client cannot create additional pages. If a new page is required after launch, SDDS will scope and quote for it separately.
Clients are not required to host with SDDS. A completed website may be launched on the client's existing hosting, provided that the hosting package is suitable. Clients may also move their website to another suitable hosting provider after full payment.
Which website costs continue after launch?
The website build and the services used after launch should be considered separately. The following SDDS prices were confirmed on 15 September 2026 and exclude VAT:
| Service | Current price excluding VAT | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB hosting | From R75.50 per month | Starting price for a 1 GB account |
.co.za domain registration |
R180 per year | One-year registration period |
.co.za domain renewal |
R180 per year | Annual renewal |
| Bronze maintenance | R350 per month | Minimum 12-month commitment |
| Silver maintenance | R500 per month | Minimum 12-month commitment |
| Gold maintenance | R1,500 per month | Minimum 12-month commitment |
| Ad hoc website changes | R150 per 15 minutes | Charged per request and separate from a retainer |
Prices and service terms can change. Always request the current details before making a decision.
Optional services such as conversion copywriting, advanced SEO, additional product loading and custom integrations are quoted according to the required scope.
What should you prepare for an accurate website quotation?
For the initial discussion, consider:
- How many pages you think the website needs
- What each page must help the visitor do
- Whether you need to edit the website yourself
- Whether the website needs bookings, complex forms or other functionality
- Whether you intend to sell products online
- Whether you need payment, shipping or third-party integrations
- Whether you already have suitable hosting
- Which ongoing services you may require after launch
After the quotation is accepted, SDDS will request the logo, written page content, images and the relevant store or integration information required for the build.
Frequently asked questions
Why does SDDS not publish website build prices?
A build price is only meaningful when it is tied to a defined scope and a current date. Publishing a figure without that context can cause it to be treated as an automatic quotation even when the number of pages, functionality or other requirements are different. SDDS therefore provides a tailored quotation after establishing what the website must include.
Is mobile-friendly design included?
Yes. Every SDDS website is built to be mobile-friendly as a standard inclusion.
Is a contact form included?
Yes. An enquiry form is included at no additional cost. A floating WhatsApp button can also be included free when required.
Can I edit my WordPress website?
Yes. After completion and payment, clients receive administrative access and may amend existing pages, change content, install plugins and add users. New pages are created by SDDS and quoted separately.
Do I have to host my website with SDDS?
No. SDDS can launch the website on suitable existing hosting, and clients may move the completed website to another suitable provider after full payment.
How quickly can my website be completed?
A typical three-page static website may take approximately two working days, a three-page WordPress website approximately three to five working days, and an ecommerce website approximately 10 to 14 working days. These estimates depend on the required information being ready and the client responding promptly during page approvals.
Request a website quotation based on your requirements
The most useful website quotation is not the quickest generic number. It is a clear scope based on the pages, functionality and support your business actually requires.
Book a free 30-minute online meeting with Chad Robinson to discuss your website requirements and the appropriate next step.
Free 30-minute online meeting. SDDS prepares each website quotation around the current requirements.
About the author
Chad Robinson is the owner of SDDS Web Design and Rhino Hosting. He has 12 years of professional website design experience. The SDDS portfolio reflects work completed for South African and international clients, and SDDS has built more than 1,000 websites over the past decade.