Your questions, answered plainly.
Prices, timelines, ownership and how we work. If your question is not here, ask us.
Everything, in one place.
What does Innovation by Design do?
We help South African businesses and schools get found and chosen. We build websites and online stores, run search and ads, and provide senior marketing leadership. We group this as Build, Grow and Lead, and you can use one or all three.
Who do you work with?
South African businesses and schools. Schools are a big part of our work, and we started out working inside them before founding Innovation by Design.
Where are you based?
Johannesburg. We work with clients across South Africa by video call, WhatsApp and email, and can arrange to meet in person.
How much does a website cost?
Business websites start from R6,000 and online stores from R15,000. Bespoke projects such as booking systems, portals or large catalogues generally start from R20,000. Every project is quoted after a short conversation, because what you need decides the price.
Do I own my website?
Yes. Your domain is registered in your name, and you have full access to your website and content. There is no lock-in and no hostage logins.
What happens after my website launches?
We train you to edit it yourself. If you want it looked after, our care plans start from about R1,000 a month and cover updates, security and backups. The price depends on whether your site is static, an online store or connected to a CRM.
How much does SEO cost?
Entry level packages start at around R6,500 a month. From there the price follows how deep you want to go and how competitive your market is, so most packages are custom.
How long does SEO take?
Most sites see movement in three to six months, and the gains build from there. Competitive terms take longer. We will tell you what is realistic for your market.
Can you guarantee first place on Google?
No, and be wary of anyone who does. Nobody controls Google. We can show you what we do each month and what it has done to your enquiries.
How much does Google Ads management cost?
We run Google Ads for monthly ad budgets from R8,000. Our fee is a percentage of your ad budget, quoted to fit your situation because every budget is different. Ad spend is paid directly to Google and never passes through us.
What is a fractional CMO, and what does it cost?
A fractional CMO is an experienced marketing leader who works with your business for an agreed number of days each month. They set the strategy, own the plan and the numbers, and manage the people doing the work. Advisor level starts from R12,000 a month, and hands-on leadership from R20,000 a month.
What is the marketing diagnostic?
A written review of your website, search, ads, brand and numbers, with a 90-day plan in order of priority. It starts from R10,000, and the fee is credited if you continue with us within 30 days. The report is yours to use with us or anyone else.
Do you work with schools?
Yes. Our school digital marketing work covers strategy, website, admissions, search, ads, social, photography and parent systems.
What if I only need one thing?
That is fine. Many clients come for only a website, only Google Ads or only a store. We will tell you honestly if something else would help more.
What is the difference between SEO and Google Ads?
Google Ads is paid: you bid for a spot at the top of the results and the enquiries stop when the budget stops. SEO builds your site up so it earns a place in the results over time. Ads are usually faster, SEO is usually cheaper per enquiry in the long run, and many businesses use both.
What do you build websites on?
Mostly WordPress, with WooCommerce for online stores. We also build on Shopify when it is the better fit for the products and the business. Either way, you own the site and the content.
What do you need from me to start a website?
Your logo and brand colours if you have them, a list of what you sell or do, the prices or ranges you are happy to show, and a few real photos. If you do not have photos yet, we can arrange them. The sooner the content arrives, the sooner the site goes live.
Who answers my messages?
A person on our side answers on WhatsApp, usually the same working day. For ongoing clients we agree in advance who to contact for what.
How do we get started?
A short call is enough. You can also ask for a free review of your website, and we will tell you what to fix first.