How much does a custom WordPress website cost in South Africa?

Custom WordPress builds at Simplr typically start at R80,000 and scale up based on scope, integrations, and content volume. Template-based sites cost less, but you pay for it later in performance, flexibility, and rebuild costs.

How long does a custom WordPress build take?

Most WordPress projects at Simplr run 8 to 14 weeks from kickoff to launch, depending on scope, content readiness, and feedback turnaround.

Do you work with clients outside Cape Town?

Yes. Simplr is based in Cape Town and works with clients across South Africa, as well as in the UK, Europe, and the US. Our process is built for remote collaboration.

Do you use page builders like Elementor or Divi?

No. Simplr builds custom WordPress themes from scratch. Page builders add bloat, slow your site down, and make long-term maintenance harder.

Can I edit the site myself after launch?

Yes. Every Simplr site ships with a custom admin tailored to your content. We provide handover videos and documentation so your team can manage day-to-day updates confidently.

Do you offer hosting?

Simplr does not host directly, but recommends and helps set up hosting suited to your traffic and budget, typically Kinsta, WP Engine, or Cloudways.

Can you migrate our existing site to WordPress?

Yes. Simplr regularly migrates sites from Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, and older WordPress builds, including content, SEO structure, and redirects.

Custom WordPress Development in Cape Town

What we do

Simplr is a Cape Town based digital agency building custom WordPress websites for growing businesses across South Africa and internationally. We design and develop from scratch, so your site reflects your brand, fits how your team actually works, and performs where it counts: speed, search, and conversion.

What custom WordPress development actually means

Custom WordPress development means your website is designed and coded specifically for your business, rather than assembled from a pre-built theme. Every template, content block, and admin field is built around your brand, your content structure, and the way your customers move through the site.

The result is a website that is:

Faster, because it only loads the code it needs

Easier for your team to update, with a custom admin tailored to your content

Built to scale, so new pages, campaigns, and features slot in without a rebuild

Fully owned by you, with no licence fees or lock-in to a page builder

Our WordPress development services

We cover the full build, from strategy through to launch and ongoing support.

Brand-led website design. We start with your brand. Visual identity, tone, and positioning inform the design system before a single line of code is written.
Custom WordPress theme development. Hand-coded themes built on a modern stack. No Elementor, no Divi, no bloated page builders slowing your site down.
WooCommerce development. Custom online stores with tailored product, checkout, and account flows for South African and international retailers.
Headless WordPress builds. WordPress as a CMS with a decoupled front end, for teams that want the editing experience of WordPress with the performance of a modern framework.
Website care and retainers. Monthly plans covering hosting advice, security, updates, backups, and ongoing design and development work.
Migrations and rebuilds. Moving from Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, or an older WordPress build onto a properly structured custom site.

Why Cape Town and global businesses choose Simplr

We are a small, senior team. You work directly with the designers and developers building your site, not a layer of account managers.

Design-first studio. We are recognised on Awwwards, and design quality is the baseline, not an upsell.
Strategy before pixels. Every project starts with positioning, content structure, and user journeys.
Built to be managed. Your team should not need a developer to update a homepage banner or add a case study.
Local and remote. Based in Century City, Cape Town, working with clients across South Africa, the UK, Europe, and the US.

Our WordPress build process

1. Discovery and strategy
We map your goals, audience, content, and competitors. You leave this phase with a clear brief, sitemap, and scope.

2. UX and wireframes
Low-fidelity layouts focused on structure, hierarchy, and user flow before any visual design.

3. Visual design
Full design system and page designs in Figma, reviewed in rounds with clear feedback points.

4. Development
Custom theme build, CMS configuration, integrations, and performance optimisation.

5. QA and launch
Cross-browser, cross-device, and accessibility checks, followed by a managed launch and handover.

6. Support
Optional retainer for ongoing updates, new features, and performance monitoring.

Who we build for

We work with B2B companies, professional services firms, retailers, and funded startups, typically between R80k and R500k+ for a custom build. If you need a quick brochure site for under R30k, we are probably not the right fit, and we are happy to recommend someone who is.