Silver Ivy Media – No Nonsense Web Design & Managed Hosting
Silver Ivy Media is a boutique web design and managed hosting service that helps South African businesses get online with zero hassle. We specialize in creating professional, mobile-friendly WordPress websites for established businesses that don’t have the time or desire to deal with tech. Our approach is simple: we build and fully manage your website so you can focus on running your business. No long contracts, no hidden fees – just a straightforward path to getting your business online. In fact, over 70% of South Africans research businesses online before engaging with them[1], so having a great website is essential. Silver Ivy makes it easy, affordable, and risk-free to establish your online presence.
Get online with just R500 – that’s our minimal setup deposit to kickstart your project. After that, a flat monthly fee covers everything: design, hosting, maintenance, updates – truly a no bull approach to web design. You can cancel anytime if you’re not happy (no penalties, ever). We even handle the techy stuff like security, backups, and updates in the background. It’s all about simplicity, transparency, and peace of mind for you as a business owner.
Why Choose Silver Ivy Media?
Simplicity & Peace of Mind: From start to finish, we make getting a website simple. Tell us what you need and we take care of everything – domain, design, hosting, maintenance. You won’t need to lift a finger or learn any technical jargon. We handle the nerdy stuff so you can focus on your business.
Fully Managed Service: Enjoy the benefits of an in-house web team at a fraction of the cost. Every site we build is fully managed on our secure WordPress hosting – we handle software updates, security monitoring, daily backups, and performance optimization. If something needs fixing, we’ve got it covered quickly. Your website stays fast, safe, and up-to-date without you ever worrying.
Transparent Pricing: No surprise bills or sneaky upsells. Our pricing is honest and straightforward – a one-time R500 setup deposit and a flat monthly fee depending on the package you choose. No hidden costs. All standard maintenance and small updates are included in that monthly price. We’ll even set up convenient monthly payments via PayFast (South Africa’s trusted online payment system) or simple invoices – whatever works for you.
No Lock-In Contracts: We earn your business each month with quality service, not binding contracts. All plans are month-to-month – cancel anytime with zero cancellation fees or penalties. If at any point you feel the service isn’t for you, you are free to walk away. We’ll even help you transition your site if needed, because we’re confident in the value we provide and we don’t believe in trapping clients.
No DIY Headaches: Unlike do-it-yourself website builders or “one-size-fits-all” cheap resellers, we do the heavy lifting for you professionally. No more wrestling with templates, plugins, or confusing settings. Your site will be tailor-made for your business by an experienced professional. Plus, you get personalized support whenever you need changes or have questions – something DIY platforms can’t match.
Small Changes Included: Need to update a price, change a photo, or add a new blurb about a product? Just send us an email – small changes and content updates are included in your monthly plan. We understand your website is a living tool for your business, so we handle those routine tweaks at no extra charge. For bigger changes (like adding a major new feature or a full redesign down the line), we’ll give you a clear, upfront quote. No surprise charges, and you’re always in control.
Honest & Trustworthy: We pride ourselves on a no-bullshit promise. That means no overselling you on stuff you don’t need, and no technical double-speak. We’ll give you clear explanations and honest advice. If a simple 5-page site is all you need, we won’t push you into a pricey package “just because.” Our goal is long-term client relationships built on trust. We succeed when you succeed online.
Built on WordPress (Open & Flexible): We build all sites on WordPress, the world’s most popular website platform. Why does this matter for you? It means your site isn’t locked into some proprietary system. WordPress is widely supported and very flexible. Down the road, if you ever want to take over or extend your site, any competent developer (or even you, with a bit of learning) can do so. You’re never stuck with us – you stay because you love the service, not because you have no choice.
Ownership & Freedom: It’s your website. You retain ownership of your domain name, content, and design. If you ever decide to leave our service, we won’t hold your site hostage. We can seamlessly migrate your site to our sister platform IvyHost (a standard hosting environment where you get full admin control) or hand it over for hosting elsewhere – whatever you prefer. Our mission is to help your business thrive online, not lock you in.
How It Works
Consultation & Planning: It starts with a friendly chat. Contact us and we’ll discuss your business needs, goals for the website, and which package fits best. We’ll offer honest guidance (no obligation). Once you’re ready to proceed, you choose a package and provide a few basics (like your logo, any text or images you have, etc.). Don’t worry if you’re not sure about content – we’ll guide you on what’s needed.
R500 Deposit & Kickoff: To get things rolling, we charge a one-time R500 setup deposit. This small deposit secures your slot in our development queue and covers the initial work to design and set up your site. We’ll send you a simple invoice (EFT or card via PayFast). No large upfront fees – just this deposit and we begin work. We also register your domain or help point your existing domain to our servers at this stage.
Design & Development: Now you can relax while we design and build your website. We craft a professional, clean design aligned with your brand. Our team takes care of all the technical setup: installing WordPress, customizing a theme, adding your content, images, contact forms, and any features you need. Because we specialize in WordPress, we work efficiently without cutting corners. You’ll get to review the site as it’s being built. We encourage feedback and will make tweaks until you’re happy with the result.
Review & Launch: Once the site looks great and you give the thumbs-up, we’ll launch it live on our managed hosting servers. Your new website will be live for the world to see – on your own domain (e.g. yourbusiness.co.za). We’ll do final tests (mobile responsiveness, contact form working, etc.) to ensure everything is perfect. At this point, your monthly plan kicks in, covering hosting and ongoing service. We’ll set up your monthly payment via a PayFast subscription or send easy monthly invoices (whichever you prefer for now).
Ongoing Management & Support: With your site live, our job continues. We monitor and maintain your website behind the scenes – keeping WordPress and plugins updated, running security scans, backups, and ensuring uptime. Whenever you have an update or question, just reach out. Need to add a new service page or change business hours on the site? It’s done – usually within a day or two. We include a fair amount of content changes as part of your plan, so you’re not nickel-and-dimed for every edit. Your website stays fresh and effective. And remember: you’re never locked in. If your business evolves or you eventually want to manage the site yourself, we can hand over the reins (see Managed vs Unmanaged in our FAQ). We’ll adapt to your needs over time.
(No fine print surprises – our process is transparent every step of the way. We want you to feel in control and informed throughout.)
Packages & Pricing
We offer straightforward packages to fit different needs and budgets. Whether you just need a simple informational website or a full-fledged online store, we have you covered with clear features and flat monthly pricing. All packages include managed hosting, ongoing maintenance, and support. Every package also requires a one-time R500 setup deposit to begin, then the following monthly fee covers everything else. There are no other upfront costs – design, launch, and management are all wrapped into the monthly service.
You can upgrade or downgrade packages as your business needs change. And of course, every plan is month-to-month with no lock-in.
Website Packages (Standard Brochure Websites)
These packages are ideal for business websites that showcase your services, portfolio, or information (non-eCommerce). All website packages include a modern WordPress website, responsive design for mobile and desktop, basic SEO setup (so you can be found on Google), and a contact form to generate inquiries. We handle all the hosting and maintenance – you just enjoy having a professional site.
Basic Website – R300/month (R500 deposit to start)
A simple, professional web presence for small businesses. Ideal if you need a straightforward website to “get online” and provide essential information to customers.
– Up to 5 pages (for example: Home, About, Services, Gallery, Contact) – we’ll create all the essential pages your business needs.
– Custom design based on your brand – we’ll customize a clean WordPress theme with your logo, colors, and style, so it looks professional and uniquely yours.
– Mobile-Friendly & SEO Ready – your site will look great on smartphones and be optimized for search engines (we’ll set up basic SEO tags and submission to Google).
– Contact Form & Map – includes a contact form that sends inquiries to your email, and a Google Maps embed for your location (if applicable).
– Hosting & Maintenance Included – fast South African-based hosting, SSL security certificate for a secure site, and ongoing updates are all part of the package. We also do small content updates anytime you need.
Business Website – R600/month (R500 deposit to start)
For growing businesses that want a bit more from their site. This package suits companies that have more content or need extra features beyond the basics.
– Up to 10 pages of content – great for adding pages like Testimonials, Team, Case Studies, or multiple product/service pages. We’ll organize and build a site that scales with your content.
– Blog or News section (optional) – if you’d like to publish updates or articles, we can set up a blog section for you to engage your audience and boost SEO.
– Advanced Features – we can integrate additional elements such as photo galleries, an events calendar, or booking forms as needed. (For example, if you run a guesthouse, we can embed a booking calendar, etc.) These standard integrations are included at this tier.
– Enhanced Design Customization – more tailoring of the design to match your branding and desired style. We spend extra time on visual elements, layouts, and user experience to ensure your site stands out.
– Hosting & Maintenance Included – same fully managed service: we host the site, keep everything updated, and handle security. Small updates and changes are included anytime.
Premium Website – R900/month (R500 deposit to start)
Our top-tier web package for businesses that demand the best. Ideal if you need a larger or more complex site with custom touches.
– Unlimited pages – no hard limit on pages. Whether you have 20 pages of content or more, this package can accommodate a content-rich website (for example, detailed product catalogs, multiple landing pages for services, etc.).
– Custom Functionality – we’ll include more advanced functionality or integrations as needed. This could be things like a membership portal, advanced forms with databases, integration with a third-party booking system, or other specialized plugins. If it’s something within the realm of WordPress, we’ll make it happen (or advise on the best approach).
– Premium Design – we pull out all the stops on design. Expect a polished, bespoke look and feel. We can create custom page layouts, use premium visuals, and ensure your site truly reflects a top-quality brand image.
– Priority Support – need updates or help in a hurry? Premium tier clients receive priority in our support queue. We’ll turn around requests faster and provide more hands-on consulting to continually improve your site.
– All-Inclusive Management – as with all packages, hosting, security, and maintenance are included. For premium clients, we often also include periodic website performance reviews, extended SEO optimizations, and other proactive enhancements over time to keep your site at peak performance.
(All prices above are month-to-month. They include VAT if applicable. Cancel anytime – if you cancel, you simply stop paying from the next month, no exit fees.)
E Commerce Packages (Online Store Websites)
If you need to sell products or services online, our e-commerce packages are designed for you. These plans include everything in the standard website packages plus full online store functionality. We build your store using WooCommerce (the leading e-commerce platform for WordPress), and we take care of the complex setup like payment processing and product listings. As always, we manage the technical side so you can focus on your business. Start selling online without the stress.
Every e-commerce package includes: product catalog setup, a shopping cart and checkout system, integration with a payment gateway (like PayFast for credit card payments or EFT), basic shipping configuration, and training on how to manage your store (if you want to add new products yourself). We’ll advise you on the best solutions for your specific store needs.
Basic Online Store – R600/month (R500 deposit to start)
Perfect for dipping your toes into online sales. Ideal for a small retail business or home entrepreneur launching a simple online store.
– Up to 20 products set up for you – we’ll add your initial product listings (with images, descriptions, prices). This is great for a small catalog of items or services. You can continue to add more products yourself later (we’ll show you how), or we can handle it as a small change if it’s occasional.
– Standard eCommerce Features – a clean product gallery, shopping cart, and secure checkout are all included. Customers can browse products, add to cart, and pay easily.
– Payment Gateway Integration – we’ll integrate PayFast (or your preferred payment gateway) so you can accept credit cards, instant EFT, or other methods from your customers. All payments go directly to you; we just handle the setup to make sure it’s seamless.
– Basic Shipping Setup – configure simple shipping options (for example, flat rate or local pickup). If you only sell digital products or services, we’ll configure the store accordingly.
– SSL Security – e-commerce sites include an SSL certificate (https://) for secure transactions, protecting your customers’ data.
– Managed Hosting & Support – as with all our plans, we host your store on our secure servers and keep everything updated. We’ll ensure your WooCommerce platform is maintained and help with small tweaks (like adding a new product or putting up a promotion banner).
Business Online Store – R1,200/month (R500 deposit to start)
For established businesses expanding into online sales or upgrading an existing small store. This plan supports a larger product range and more advanced needs.
– Up to 100 products set up – we’ll populate a larger catalog for you, organizing products into categories as needed. This is ideal for boutiques, restaurants with menu ordering, or businesses with multiple product lines. (And of course, you can continue to add more items over time – there’s no fixed limit, 100 is just a starting point we handle for you.)
– Advanced eCommerce Features – we can implement features like product categories and filters, sale pricing, coupon codes for promotions, and basic inventory management. Your store will be equipped to handle a moderate volume of products and customers.
– Shipping & Tax Options – configuration of multiple shipping methods (e.g., local delivery, courier integration, varying rates by region) and basic tax settings if required (like VAT on your products). We tailor this to your business model.
– Multiple Payment Options – integrate additional payment gateways or methods if needed (for example, credit card + Masterpass, or even manual EFT instructions). We make sure your customers have a smooth payment experience.
– Design Customization for Store – we’ll ensure your online store’s look and feel matches your brand, with a user-friendly layout. We pay extra attention to product page design, cart and checkout user experience, so that shopping with you is a pleasure.
– Managed Hosting & Support – full ongoing support as usual. We will also provide training or documentation for you on how to manage orders, stock, and product additions. And if you prefer us to handle content management, just ask – we’re here to help keep your store running smoothly.
Premium Online Store – R1,800/month (R500 deposit to start)
For high-volume stores or businesses needing advanced e-commerce capabilities. If you have a large inventory or special requirements, this top-tier e-commerce package has you covered.
– Unlimited products (no hard cap) – whether you have 200 or 2000 products, this plan can handle it. We will import or set up a very extensive catalog and ensure the site structure can accommodate it (using categories, tags, and search so customers can find what they need). Bulk import tools can be used for efficiency.
– Premium eCommerce Features – we can integrate advanced functionalities such as customer accounts with wishlists, product reviews, advanced filtering/search for products, integration with your point-of-sale or inventory system (if available via plugin/API), and other complex features. If you need subscription products, bookings, or other special e-commerce setups, we’ll include the necessary plugins and configuration in this package.
– Performance Optimization – large stores require performance tuning. We include enhanced caching, image optimization, and if needed, a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to ensure your site remains fast even with heavy traffic or large product images. Your customers will have a fast, smooth shopping experience.
– Priority Support & Consultation – you’ll have our highest level of support. If something needs urgent attention, we’re on it. We also provide ongoing consultation to help you get the most out of your online store (e.g., recommending improvements, new e-commerce trends, etc.). It’s like having an e-commerce tech partner on call.
– Managed Hosting & Proactive Maintenance – as always, we host and manage the site. For our premium stores, we keep an extra close eye on uptime and perform more frequent checkups. We’ll also assist with content management more hands-on if you prefer – for example, we can help upload bulk product updates or seasonal promotions when needed.
Not sure which package is right for you? No worries – just contact us for a friendly chat about your needs. We can recommend the best fit, or even customize a plan if you have specific requirements. Remember, you can start small and upgrade later as your business grows. The goal is to get you online in a way that makes sense for you.
Optional Add Ons & Extras
Every business is unique. While our packages cover the essentials, we also offer optional add-ons to further support your online presence. These extras are available à la carte so you can pick what you need (and skip what you don’t):
Custom Domain Email Addresses: Build trust with professional email accounts ([email protected]). We can set up and host your email on your domain or assist with integrating services like Google Workspace. Optional add-on: For example, get up to 5 custom email addresses for a small monthly fee.
Advanced Analytics & SEO: All sites come with basic Google Analytics and SEO setup, but if you want in-depth analytics reports or ongoing SEO optimization, we can provide that as a service. For instance, monthly traffic reports, SEO audits, and keyword tracking can be arranged to help you measure and improve your online performance.
Content Creation & Blogging: Need help writing content or maintaining a blog? We have copywriting resources to produce professional text for your site or regular blog posts. Fresh content can boost your search rankings and engage your customers – we can help deliver it. (This can be on a per-piece or monthly retainer basis, depending on your needs.)
Graphic Design & Branding: If you require a new logo, custom graphics, or even social media banners consistent with your website, our design team can assist. This isn’t included in the core website package, but we’re happy to quote for any design assets you might need to make your brand shine.
Enhanced Support Plans: Our standard service already includes support and small changes. But if you anticipate needing very frequent updates or hands-on support, we can offer a higher-tier support plan (for example, a package that includes a dedicated number of hours per month for content updates, digital marketing advice, or virtual IT support for your website). This is entirely optional – most clients find the included support sufficient – but it’s there for those who want extra peace of mind or faster turnaround on larger changes.
All add-ons are optional and flexible. You can request them at any time – even after your website is live. We’ll always clearly communicate any additional costs upfront and get your approval, so there are no surprise charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
A: No, never. We don’t do lock-in contracts. All our services are on a month-to-month basis – you can cancel any time if you’re not happy or if you no longer need the website. We believe you should stay with Silver Ivy because you want to, not because you’re tied into a contract. Cancel anytime, no penalties. Just let us know before the next billing cycle and that’s it.
Q: How does the R500 deposit work?
A: The R500 is a one-time setup deposit to kick off your project. It’s not a recurring fee and not an extra hidden charge – consider it a small down payment to show your commitment and cover the initial design labor. Once you pay the deposit, we begin work on designing and building your site. The deposit is generally non-refundable (as it covers the work we put in upfront), but it’s a one-off cost – all future payments are just the monthly subscription for your package. Think of it as R500 to get your site professionally built, instead of paying a large design fee in the thousands. Our model spreads the cost out, with just this token amount upfront.
Q: What exactly is included in the monthly fee?
A: Your monthly fee covers everything needed to keep your website running and up-to-date: hosting on our servers, domain management support, security monitoring, software updates (WordPress core, theme, plugins), and routine backups. It also includes our support time for small changes and content updates on your site. In other words, it’s a fully managed service – we don’t just host your site and forget it; we actively keep it healthy and make minor edits whenever you need. You won’t be nickeled-and-dimed for maintenance or little tweaks. The only things it doesn’t cover are major new features or extensive changes (those we’ll quote separately), or any third-party costs (for example, if you later want a premium plugin that has its own license fee, or an email service like Google Workspace – those are not included in our fee, but we’ll always discuss such needs with you in advance).
Q: If I cancel, do I lose my website?
A: You will not lose your website content. If you decide to cancel our service, you have a couple of options:
– We can help migrate your website to another hosting provider of your choice, or
– We can move it to IvyHost, our unmanaged hosting platform, where you take full control.
Either way, since we build your site on WordPress (an open platform), it can be packed up and moved. We’ll assist in providing you with a backup of the site and guidance on how to set it up elsewhere. Keep in mind, if you cancel, our ongoing maintenance and support would stop, and you’d need to handle things (or hire someone) on your end moving forward. Also, note that the R500 deposit or any paid monthly fees aren’t refunded upon cancellation (since those covered the work done and service provided up to that point). But we will never hold your website hostage – it’s your business asset.
Q: What is IvyHost and how is it different?
A: IvyHost is our sister service that provides standard web hosting without the full management. Think of it as a typical hosting account: we give you the keys (full admin access to your WordPress site, control panel access, etc.), and you’re free to manage everything yourself. This is ideal for clients who, after having a site built and running, eventually decide they want to handle updates, or have an in-house IT person or another agency take over maintenance. The beauty is, the transition from our managed service to IvyHost is smooth – the site stays on our servers, just the management role shifts to you. And if you move to IvyHost, the monthly cost is usually lower than our managed package (since we’re no longer doing the maintenance work). In summary: Silver Ivy’s managed service is “we handle everything for you,” whereas IvyHost is “we host it, and you handle it (with full control given to you).”
Q: Can I really make changes any time? How do I request updates?
A: Yes, you can request changes any time – we actually encourage you to keep your site content fresh. To request an update, simply email us or use our support portal (we’ll provide you the contact details when you sign up). Tell us what you need changed (for example, “Please update our business hours on the Contact page” or “Add this new product to the gallery” or “I’d like to post a new blog article”). Our team will take care of it, usually within 1-2 business days. Minor changes and updates are included in your plan, so there’s no extra charge. For bigger changes (say you want a whole new section added to the site, or a redesign of a page layout), we’ll let you know if it goes beyond the “small change” scope and provide a quote if necessary. But in our experience, most typical website updates (text changes, swapping images, adding an event announcement, etc.) are covered and we turn them around quickly. It’s like having a webmaster on call.
Q: Do I get to edit the site myself if I want to?
A: By default, we handle all the edits for you as part of the managed service – which means you don’t have to do anything yourself (a relief for many!). However, if you’re comfortable with tech and want to be able to make simple edits on your own, we can absolutely arrange that. We can create a user account for you in WordPress and even give you a quick training on how to edit pages or post blogs. Many clients prefer to let us handle it (to avoid making unintentional mistakes), but the site is built on WordPress, which is user-friendly if you decide to learn it. And of course, if you want full control of everything, that would be the scenario of moving to an unmanaged IvyHost plan or another host, as mentioned. In short: it’s your site – we’re flexible. We can lock it down and manage it all, or open it up for you to tinker with. Your call.
Q: Is the website really mine if I’m just paying monthly?
A: Yes. Think of our service like hiring a dedicated web team – you’re paying for our service, but the end product (the website, the content, the domain name) is yours. We will usually register the domain in your name or help you do so (so you are the official owner of yourcompany.co.za). All the content you provide (text, images, logo) is yours. The design we create and the website files are for your business’s use. If you ever leave, you take all that with you. The only caveat is if we provided any licensed premium plugins or themes as part of the build – those licenses are tied to us. If you move away, you might need to purchase your own license for those plugins/themes to get updates (or we can help replace them with free equivalents). But we’ll advise you of any such cases. In summary, you’re not renting a website that disappears if you stop paying – you’re subscribing to maintenance and hosting. The website itself is a business asset that you retain.
Q: What about the domain name and email addresses?
A: We will take care of registering a .co.za domain for you (or use one you already have). Domain costs are low – often around R100-R200 per year – and we can include the first year of a .co.za domain registration for free when you sign up. If you prefer a different extension (.com, .org, etc.), or already own a domain, we’ll help configure it to work with your new site. As for email, we offer solutions for professional email addresses. The most robust option (and our recommendation for many clients) is using Gmail/Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for your business email – those have separate fees paid to Google/Microsoft, but we can handle the setup so that, for example, [email protected] delivers to your chosen platform. Alternatively, we can provide basic email hosting on our server for a couple of addresses (this is fine for low-volume use and it’s an add-on we can configure). We’ll discuss your email needs and make sure you have a professional email solution. Many clients choose to stick with their current email setup, and that’s okay too – your website can have a contact form that sends to any email you use.
Q: How long does it take to build and launch my website?
A: It depends on the package and your specific requirements, but generally a Basic website can be designed, built, and live within 2–3 weeks from the time we have all your content and deposit. More complex sites, like a Business or Premium website, might take around 3–5 weeks to ensure we polish all the details. E-commerce sites can vary based on how many products and features you need – a Basic Online Store might be ready in 3–4 weeks, whereas a large Premium Online Store could take 6–8 weeks (mostly due to loading products and configuring advanced features). We’ll give you a timeline after our initial consultation. We prioritize doing it right over rushing it – but we also know you don’t want to wait months. We aim for a sweet spot of quality and efficiency. And of course, we keep you updated throughout the process so you know what’s happening.
Q: I’m not tech-savvy at all. Will that be a problem?
A: Not at all – in fact, that describes many of our clients, and it’s exactly why our service exists. We handle the technical side end-to-end, and we communicate in plain language. We won’t bombard you with jargon. When we need something from you (like some text about your business, or images), we’ll explain it clearly or even draft something for you to tweak. Once the site is live, if something needs to be done, we do it for you. You can think of us as your outsourced web department. If you are tech-savvy and want to be more involved, we can speak “geek” too – but otherwise, rest easy knowing you don’t have to learn any new tools or skills. We’ve got your back.
Q: How is this different from using Wix or a DIY website builder?
A: DIY platforms like Wix, Squarespace, etc., can be tempting, but there are a few key differences with our service:
– Time and Effort: With DIY builders, you have to do all the work – design the site, input all content, figure out how to make it look professional, and solve problems when something isn’t working. This can take many hours (or become an ongoing headache). With Silver Ivy, we do all that for you. You spend near zero time on the website, beyond giving us initial info and feedback.
– Quality and Customization: We build on WordPress, which is far more flexible than most DIY site builders. We’re not constrained by a rigid template – we can customize the site fully to your needs. The result is often more polished and unique. Plus, as your business grows, WordPress can adapt (add an online store, booking system, etc.), whereas many DIY platforms have limitations or charge hefty addons for advanced features.
– Full Management & Support: A DIY service won’t remind you to update your site or fix something if it breaks – but we will. We manage the site continuously. If anything goes wrong, you have a local expert to call. With a DIY platform, you might get customer support on technical issues, but they won’t proactively maintain your site or make content changes for you – that’s all on you.
– Ownership: With us, you own a WordPress site that you can take anywhere. DIY platforms are proprietary – if you cancel your Wix subscription, your site generally goes away; you can’t easily move it to another host. We don’t like that kind of lock-in. We give you freedom.
– Cost: On the surface, DIY builders seem cheap monthly. But by the time you add necessary features (and factor in the value of your time spent), it can cost more than you expect. Our plans are competitively priced for a complete, hands-off solution. For a bit more per month, you save dozens of hours of effort and get a fully managed, high-quality site. Many business owners find that well worth it.
In short, Silver Ivy offers a done-for-you, worry-free experience. It’s like the difference between buying a ready-to-drive car with a maintenance plan, versus buying a kit car that you have to assemble and service yourself. We provide the ready-to-drive car 😀
Q: Do you offer any other digital services?
A: Our core focus is web design and managed hosting (we like to do what we do best). However, we do have partners and in-house expertise in related areas like SEO (search engine optimization), Google Ads, social media management, graphic design, and content marketing. If you need these services, let us know – we can either include them as part of a custom plan or refer you to a trusted specialist. The advantage of working with us is that we already know your website inside-out, so if you later decide to start an online marketing campaign, we’ll ensure your site is ready for it. But we won’t force anything on you. Our initial goal is to get your website launched and serving your needs; any additional digital growth services can be considered when you’re ready.
Have more questions not covered here? Just ask us! We’re an open book and happy to provide any information you need to feel comfortable.
Ready to Get Started?
Your business deserves to shine online without the stress and steep learning curve. Silver Ivy Media is here to make that happen with honesty and reliability. If you’re ready for a professional website with zero headaches, let’s chat.
🎯 Take the next step: Contact us today to schedule a no-pressure consultation or to sign up. For just R500 down, we can start building your website immediately. There’s no long-term risk – if you’re not thrilled with the results, you can cancel anytime. But we’re confident once you experience our service, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.
Elevate your business online, minus the bullshit. Get in touch with Silver Ivy Media and let’s grow your digital presence together!
Click here to get started or drop us a message at [email protected]. We can’t wait to help your business thrive online.*
[1] Why Small to Medium Businesses Need a Website in South Africa in 2025
https://eikon-design.com/why-small-to-medium-businesses-need-a-website-in-south-africa-in-2025/
We Keep Your Shit Running, So You Don’t Have to Stress
Fully Managed WordPress Websites – No Headaches, No Hassles. We build your site, host it, and take care of all the technical stuff. Focus on your business while we handle updates, security, uptime, and everything else behind the scenes. It’s your website, without the stress.
How It Works
Pick Your Package & Tell Us Your Vision. Choose one of our website plans (see below) and let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll have a real conversation about your needs – no jargon, no sales BS.
We Design & Build Your Site. We’ll craft a custom WordPress website that fits your brand and goals. You provide the content and images (we can guide you), and we handle the design, layout, and all the tech setup. If you need an online shop, we’ll set that up too.
We Handle the Hosting & Maintenance. Your site goes live on our secure, fast hosting with an SSL certificate included. We continuously monitor your site’s uptime and performance. All the nerdy upkeep (software updates, backups, security scans) is on us. We keep your site running smoothly 24/7.
You Relax & Run Your Business. That’s it! Update your business, not your website. Need to change some text or add a new photo? Shoot us a message – small updates are included in every plan. Have a question or something not working right? We’re on it. We keep your shit running, you don’t have to worry. Meanwhile, you can focus on doing what you do best.
Packages & Pricing
We offer simple monthly plans for different needs. All packages include hosting, security, backups, and ongoing maintenance. No long-term contracts – stay because you love the service, not because you’re stuck. (Prices are per month, in Rands.)
Website Packages (No E-commerce)
Our Website plans are perfect for informational/business websites (blog, services, portfolio, etc.) that don’t require an online store.
Starter – R799/month
For solo entrepreneurs or small businesses getting online.
Custom WordPress site – up to 5 pages. A professional home page, about page, contact page, and a couple more pages of your choice.
Mobile-friendly & SEO-ready. Modern responsive design that looks great on phones and gets you noticed on Google with basic SEO setup.
Basic features included. Contact form, Google Maps integration, social media links, and a blog section (if you want to publish news or updates).
Fully managed & hosted. Hosting, SSL, daily backups, and security monitoring are part of the package. We handle all WordPress and plugin updates for you.
Support for small updates. Need to change a bit of text or swap an image occasionally? That’s included – just send it over, and we’ll take care of it.
Business – R1,499/month
For growing businesses that need a bit more.
Up to 10 pages of content — great for showcasing multiple services, team pages, galleries, etc. We’ll structure the site to fit your content.
Enhanced features. Need something extra? We can include features like an appointment booking plugin, newsletter sign-up forms, or a photo gallery – we’ll adapt the site to your business needs.
Blog & content support. Full blog capabilities to boost your SEO. We’ll even post your provided blog content for you if needed, or show you how to do it easily.
Speed & SEO boost. We implement additional speed optimization and SEO best practices to help your site load fast and rank better.
Everything in Starter, plus more. Of course, you get hosting, security, backups, maintenance and minor updates included. With the Business plan, you can request content changes a bit more frequently (we’re flexible within reason).
Pro – R2,199/month
For established businesses or projects that need a robust, feature-rich site.
Up to 20 pages (or more, if needed). Whether it’s a detailed service list, case studies, resource libraries, or multiple landing pages, Pro has you covered.
Advanced functionality. We can integrate advanced plugins or features: think multilingual setup, membership areas, complex forms, or other custom functionalities your business requires.
Premium design customization. We’ll spend extra time fine-tuning the design and user experience. More custom graphics, layouts, and tweaks to match your brand perfectly.
Priority support & updates. As a Pro client, your requests go to the front of the line. Got a new page or a bigger change in mind? We’ll handle many tasks in-house (larger projects might incur a fair extra fee, but small stuff is still included).
All Business plan features included. Plus the usual managed hosting, updates, security, backups and ongoing support. This is a white-glove, worry-free service for your website.
Online Shop Packages (E-commerce)
Launching an online store? Our Shop plans include everything from our Website packages plus full e-commerce functionality. We build your store on WordPress + WooCommerce, so you can start selling without a hitch.
Shop Lite – R1,999/month
Perfect for small or new online shops.
Online store setup (WooCommerce) with up to 20 products added for you. We’ll input your first products, set up product categories, and make sure it’s all organized. (You can add more products yourself anytime – we’ll show you how.)
Standard e-commerce pages. Shop homepage, product listings, product detail pages, cart, checkout, and customer account area – all the essentials for selling online.
Payment & shipping ready. We integrate a payment gateway so you can accept credit cards or EFT, etc. We’ll also set up basic shipping options and tax settings as needed for your store.
All the basics from Website plans. You also get up to 5 regular content pages (Home, About, Contact, etc.) as needed, with the same custom design style. Hosting, SSL, security, backups, and maintenance are included, as always.
E-commerce support. We’ll teach you how to manage orders and inventory. Minor tweaks or questions (like “How do I add a new product?”) are covered. We’re here to support you as you get your store going.
Shop Growth – R2,999/month
Great for an expanding online business with a larger catalog.
Up to 100 products uploaded for you. Have a bigger inventory? We’ll handle the initial load of products (including images, descriptions, prices) up to 100 items. Adding new products later is easy – you can do it anytime, or we can assist if needed.
Advanced store features. We’ll set up and configure extras like coupon codes, customer reviews, related products, and advanced shipping rules (for example, different rates by region or free shipping over certain amounts).
Enhanced e-commerce design. Better filtering and search for your products, and a polished shopping experience tailored to convert visitors into customers.
All Shop Lite features included. That means you still get all the regular pages, managed hosting, security, updates, etc. With Shop Growth, we also include a bit more hands-on support — e.g. if you need us to help add a few new products or run a promotion banner occasionally, we’ve got you (within reasonable limits).
Priority support. As your store grows, any urgent issues (like a checkout problem) are addressed ASAP. We know downtime = lost sales, so we’re on it.
Shop Pro – R3,999/month
For serious online stores and high-volume e-commerce.
Up to 500 products setup (or bulk import). Launching a large store? We’ll take care of adding a huge catalog for you. If you have a CSV or supplier feed, we can import it to save time. No hard product limit on the site – you can continue to add as many as you sell.
Premium e-commerce features. We’ll implement advanced capabilities like customer accounts with wishlists, loyalty program or rewards plugins, advanced analytics tracking (so you can see detailed store stats), and integration with marketing tools (newsletter integration, Facebook pixel, etc.). Whatever you need for a pro shop, we’ll make it happen.
Custom functionality. If your store needs special features (maybe a product bundle builder, subscription products, or integration with an ERP), the Pro plan includes development time to get those in place or find the right solution. (If it’s something massive, we’ll discuss a custom project quote – but most typical needs are covered.)
VIP support and maintenance. Your site is mission-critical, and we treat it as such. Expect lightning-fast response to support requests, proactive performance tuning, and uptime monitoring. We keep your shop fast, secure, and open for business at all times.
Complete managed service. Naturally, hosting, backups, security, updates and all the features of Shop Growth are included. You get our highest level of attention. Relax knowing your online shop is in good hands, day in and day out.
Not sure which package fits you? No worries – just get in touch with us. We’re happy to chat about your needs and recommend the best option (or create a custom plan if necessary). Our goal is to get you exactly what you need without overspending.
Ready to get started? Pick a package above or contact us to kick off your new website. We’ll handle everything so you can get back to business. 👍
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns my website, and when do I get full control of it?
You do. All the content and design we create for you is 100% yours from day one. We build on WordPress, which means if you ever decide to leave our service, you can take your site with you – no proprietary builders, no lock-in. We’ll do a full handover whenever you’re ready. Typically, we retain admin access and manage things while you’re with us (so we can keep it running smoothly), but if you want to take over completely, just let us know. We’ll prepare all the files, backups, and transfer whatever’s needed for you to assume control. (If you request a handover very early into your subscription, we might discuss a one-time fee to cover some of the initial build costs – but otherwise, after a few months, handover is free and painless.) Our goal is to make sure you feel confident that your website is your property – we’re just here to keep it in top shape.
What changes or updates are included for free, and what counts as a paid change?
We include small changes and updates in your monthly plan – that’s part of our “you don’t have to stress” promise. Small changes generally mean quick edits that take us a short time: updating text or images, adding a new blog post you’ve written, tweaking a heading, fixing a minor issue, etc. These are handled as part of your plan (no extra charge). If you have a bigger request – say you want a whole new page added, a redesign of a section, a new feature (like integrating a booking system) – that might be considered a paid upgrade or a one-time project. Don’t worry, we’ll always discuss it with you first. There’s no surprise billing. We’ll give you a fair quote or suggest moving to a higher package if it makes sense. The key is that routine maintenance and tiny tweaks are on us; larger scope changes might cost extra. We keep it reasonable and transparent at all times.
How many products are included in the shop packages, and how does product management work?
Each Shop package comes with an initial product upload to get your store started:
Shop Lite: We add up to 20 products for you during the build.
Shop Growth: We handle up to 100 product uploads for launch.
Shop Pro: We’ll load up to 500 products (or import a catalog) for you.
These numbers are about the initial setup so your store is ready to roll. After launch, you can continue to add unlimited products on your own – the store itself doesn’t have a hard cap. We’ll show you how to add products, manage stock, process orders, etc., using the WordPress/WooCommerce dashboard (it’s easier than you think, and no coding needed). If you’re too busy or just don’t want to deal with adding products, we can help with ongoing product management as an optional service or at a nominal per-product rate – just ask. But generally, we empower you to handle your shop day-to-day if you want. And of course, if anything about adding or managing products confuses you, you’ve got our support. We’re not a set-and-forget platform; we’re your web team, here to help whenever you need it.
What kind of access will I have to the website? Do I get admin login?
You will get access to your website, but by default we don’t give out full Administrator privileges on managed plans – and there’s a good reason. We maintain admin access so we can keep your site safe, updated, and stable (and frankly, to prevent well-intentioned accidents that could break things 😅). Instead, you’ll get an Editor or Shop Manager account (for e-commerce) which lets you do everything you’d typically need: edit page content, write blog posts, add products, manage orders, etc. This way you have control over your content and store, but you won’t have to worry about the technical settings. If there’s something you can’t do with that access, just tell us – we’ll take care of it. Now, if you really need full admin rights, you have two options:
Go Unmanaged: We can hand over full admin control and you take over responsibility for the site (not recommended unless you’re tech-savvy or have a developer – because then all maintenance, security, etc., becomes your job).
Leave the Service: If you decide to end our service, we’ll give you the admin credentials and you’ll have full control moving forward.
Our approach might sound strict, but it’s truly about protecting your website. Most clients actually prefer not to deal with the admin stuff. You get to skip the technical headaches, and we ensure nothing breaks. It’s a win-win for keeping your site running reliably.
How does the monthly billing work? Can I cancel any time?
Our billing is straightforward and transparent. You pay the package price monthly, typically at the start of each billing period. We’ll set up a subscription or invoice that recurs every month on the same date. There are no long-term contracts and no hidden fees. You can absolutely cancel whenever you want – it’s month-to-month service. We do ask for a 30-day notice if you plan to cancel, just so we have time to provide you with any final backups or migration assistance and ensure a smooth transition. When you cancel, your service will continue until the end of the paid period, and we won’t bill further. If a payment is missed or declined, we’ll reach out to let you know. We get it, things happen – we’ll give a grace period and try again. If we can’t resolve it or we don’t hear back in a reasonable time, we may have to suspend the site until payment issues are sorted out (we’d rather avoid downtime, so we’ll make every effort to contact you first!). Bottom line: billing is no-nonsense. Pay as you go, cancel anytime. No surprise charges, no guilt-trips for leaving. We want you to stay because we’re doing a damn good job, not because you’re stuck in a contract.
What happens if I want to move my site or stop the service?
If you decide to move on, we’ll be sad to see you go, but we’ll make sure it’s a smooth experience. You won’t be left stranded. Here’s how it works: when you cancel, we’ll prepare a full backup of your website (all the files, images, database, etc.). We can help you migrate the site to your new host or simply hand over the files – whichever you prefer. Since the site is built on standard WordPress, you or any other developer will be able to set it up elsewhere, no problem. We’ll also transfer any relevant accounts or licenses that are tied to the site (for example, if we set up a premium plugin for you, we’ll sort out the details so you’re properly licensed going forward). Essentially, we handover everything needed for you to run the site independently. After that, we’ll remove our copies and involvement, and the site is 100% in your hands. Do note: once you’re not on our hosting/maintenance, you’ll need to handle updates, security and all that good stuff on your own or with another provider. If down the road you want to come back or need help, our door is always open. We built it – we know it inside out, and we’ll happily resume service if you need us again. No hard feelings, ever.
Is this a DIY website builder or a fully managed service?
No DIY on your part – we do everything for you. Silver Ivy Media isn’t a self-service website builder platform (like Wix or Squarespace) where you’re left to figure things out. It’s a concierge-style, fully managed service. That means real people (hi, that’s us 👋) personally design, build, and maintain your website. You won’t be pushing pixels or wrestling with templates – we handle all of that. If you need changes, you’re not opening a site editor and risking messing things up; you just ask us and we make the update for you. Our philosophy: you shouldn’t have to become a web developer to have a great website. We combine the convenience of a do-it-for-me service with the power and flexibility of WordPress. You get a unique, professional site without having to lift a finger in the backend. And unlike typical DIY platforms, there are no limitations on what we can do – WordPress is endlessly flexible, and with us taking care of it, you’re free from the technical burden. In short: You focus on your business, we’ll handle your website. No drag-and-drop by you, no “some assembly required.” We keep it real, we keep it simple, and we keep your site running.
Have other questions or concerns? Just ask! We’re an open book and happy to explain how everything works. Our goal is to build trust and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. With Silver Ivy Media, you’re not just getting a website – you’re gaining a reliable partner to keep your online presence running strong. Let’s keep your shit running, together. 🚀
